Comments on: Natural Cat Litter Comparison http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/ Modern designs for living with cats Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:28:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: SoyCatty http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-2/#comment-190773 SoyCatty Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:31:08 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-190773 I use something I get from a feed supply store. To me it seems identical to WBCL but a fraction of the price. It is called chicken crumble or chicken lay crumble and is chicken feed. It does clump when put deep into the litter box, but because I have a large cat population, I just put in about 1/2" and change it daily or more than once a day and always scoop solid waste when I see it. It doesn't track much and is very reasonable, even in my metropolitan area -- a 50# costs about $12. I have also used wood stove pellet fuel which is exactly like Feline Pine. I get it at OSH -- a 40# bag costs under $10. Save money. Spay and neuter your cats. Adopt from rescues and shelters. I use something I get from a feed supply store. To me it seems identical to WBCL but a fraction of the price. It is called chicken crumble or chicken lay crumble and is chicken feed. It does clump when put deep into the litter box, but because I have a large cat population, I just put in about 1/2″ and change it daily or more than once a day and always scoop solid waste when I see it. It doesn’t track much and is very reasonable, even in my metropolitan area — a 50# costs about $12.

I have also used wood stove pellet fuel which is exactly like Feline Pine. I get it at OSH — a 40# bag costs under $10.

Save money. Spay and neuter your cats. Adopt from rescues and shelters.

]]> By: Barbara Lorell http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-2/#comment-169745 Barbara Lorell Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:23:01 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-169745 Hi, I just came across this site. I've been using pine pellets for a few years now. Most cats won't like it if you do a sudden switch. I mixed it in VERY gradually with their clumping clay litter. It was kind of a mess and difficult to scoop for awhile, but eventually the box was just pellets, and, at that point, they were used to it. It seems the author didn't have much luck with her experiment because she tossed out the clay all at once and put out new litter. Just thought people might want to know that it can be done! Also, I use wood stove pellets. I buy the Firemaster brand because they only use pine. Some of the other brands use different wood, and they may not be as safe (chemicals?). I stock up once a year since it is a seasonal item where I live. I pay around $6 for a 40 lb. bag. I also use the Feline Pine litter box with the grate. But I only use it as a sifter. When the pellets are turning to mostly sawdust, I sift them, saving the whole pellets, tossing them back in the box and adding more pellets. I put the sawdust into my yard waste pile. This way I don't waste any pellets, but it is very labor intensive -- I wouldn't recommend it for everyone! Now that I have 4 cats, it takes even more time. I LOVE that we now have so many healthy alternatives! Hi, I just came across this site. I’ve been using pine pellets for a few years now. Most cats won’t like it if you do a sudden switch. I mixed it in VERY gradually with their clumping clay litter. It was kind of a mess and difficult to scoop for awhile, but eventually the box was just pellets, and, at that point, they were used to it. It seems the author didn’t have much luck with her experiment because she tossed out the clay all at once and put out new litter. Just thought people might want to know that it can be done!

Also, I use wood stove pellets. I buy the Firemaster brand because they only use pine. Some of the other brands use different wood, and they may not be as safe (chemicals?). I stock up once a year since it is a seasonal item where I live. I pay around $6 for a 40 lb. bag.

I also use the Feline Pine litter box with the grate. But I only use it as a sifter. When the pellets are turning to mostly sawdust, I sift them, saving the whole pellets, tossing them back in the box and adding more pellets. I put the sawdust into my yard waste pile. This way I don’t waste any pellets, but it is very labor intensive — I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone! Now that I have 4 cats, it takes even more time.

I LOVE that we now have so many healthy alternatives!

]]> By: Al amodeo http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-2/#comment-169625 Al amodeo Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:58:12 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-169625 Safety for my kitties is always my number 1 factor. I gave up on the plant based products like Arm & Hammer Essential and Greatest Cat litter because most corn is GMO (genetically modified organism) and don't want it in me or my kitties. Wheat, which I have never tried, is also GMO. Clay is out for us for many reasons. I use the Feline Pine. It has many downfalls. It tracks like crazy, is dusty, clumps good at first but not so as it wears down, etc. I mix some new in with the old during the duration and when I do change out the litter and clean the boxes about every 10 days or so. I can get it on sale sometimes at my local supermarket for $2.74 for a 4 lb box. That is amazingly cheap. I stock up big time and wait for the next sale. I get rain checks too to extend the sale for me =o_o= Like I said, choices are few and tough but if safety for kittie is your primary worry, I haven't been able to find another and better choice. Let me know if you have. I have 5 kitties that are great with decisions I make for them like switching them all to a homemade raw food diet. Less poop but more pee. Much healthier too beyond my imagination. Safety for my kitties is always my number 1 factor. I gave up on the plant based products like Arm & Hammer Essential and Greatest Cat litter because most corn is GMO (genetically modified organism) and don’t want it in me or my kitties. Wheat, which I have never tried, is also GMO. Clay is out for us for many reasons. I use the Feline Pine. It has many downfalls. It tracks like crazy, is dusty, clumps good at first but not so as it wears down, etc. I mix some new in with the old during the duration and when I do change out the litter and clean the boxes about every 10 days or so. I can get it on sale sometimes at my local supermarket for $2.74 for a 4 lb box. That is amazingly cheap. I stock up big time and wait for the next sale. I get rain checks too to extend the sale for me =o_o=
Like I said, choices are few and tough but if safety for kittie is your primary worry, I haven’t been able to find another and better choice. Let me know if you have. I have 5 kitties that are great with decisions I make for them like switching them all to a homemade raw food diet. Less poop but more pee. Much healthier too beyond my imagination.

]]> By: Patty M http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-2/#comment-112224 Patty M Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:42:42 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-112224 I recently switched from Swheat Scoop to WBCL. The reason I switched is because I saw a couple of fruit (?) flies in the litter. Sooo, I guess from the prior post concerning the same for WBCL, this may be an issue with plant based litter. I thought there was noticably more dust in Swheat Scoop. My observation was based on how much my cat, who is an incredible digger and flinger, sneezed with that brand. I am not noticing any sneezing with WBCL yet, but I was really suprised to see that he had a very noticable two inch high dust mark on each leg. It was a significant amount of dust on each leg, and of coarse he licked his legs clean. By the way, I could detect no odor with the WBCL, but I did not use multi cat as you did. If not for the dust, I love it. It is far far easier to remove clumps and they do not fall apart. Thanks for the article. I recently switched from Swheat Scoop to WBCL. The reason I switched is because I saw a couple of fruit (?) flies in the litter. Sooo, I guess from the prior post concerning the same for WBCL, this may be an issue with plant based litter.

I thought there was noticably more dust in Swheat Scoop. My observation was based on how much my cat, who is an incredible digger and flinger, sneezed with that brand. I am not noticing any sneezing with WBCL yet, but I was really suprised to see that he had a very noticable two inch high dust mark on each leg. It was a significant amount of dust on each leg, and of coarse he licked his legs clean.

By the way, I could detect no odor with the WBCL, but I did not use multi cat as you did. If not for the dust, I love it. It is far far easier to remove clumps and they do not fall apart.

Thanks for the article.

]]> By: Grimm http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-2/#comment-103100 Grimm Sun, 01 Aug 2010 20:12:30 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-103100 We have tried almost everything in our litter boxes for our cats! We used SWeat Scoop for years before switching back to clay. We are now using WBCL multi cat formula. Other than the popcorn type smell drifting through the house it is great! The smell was removed by vacuuming the cats' room once a week. The tracking issues are non existing as we use homemade versions of the CleverCat litter box. We have tried almost everything in our litter boxes for our cats! We used SWeat Scoop for years before switching back to clay. We are now using WBCL multi cat formula. Other than the popcorn type smell drifting through the house it is great! The smell was removed by vacuuming the cats’ room once a week. The tracking issues are non existing as we use homemade versions of the CleverCat litter box.

]]> By: laura http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-2/#comment-80843 laura Sat, 15 May 2010 21:37:05 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-80843 I dont know who is doing this comparison but your findings are waaay off, i got high pressured saled from some one selling the corn litter, WBCL worlds best dust cloud me and my sister call it,and sweat scoop by far blows them all away by comparison, very low dust,,, i cant fgure out why you would say very high dust. my bags dont carry much dust at all. try that corn litter on dark furniture see the paw prints on it from the cat that just walked out of the corn litter, you need more open testing. by more peoples than your self I dont know who is doing this comparison but your findings are waaay off, i got high pressured saled from some one selling the corn litter, WBCL worlds best dust cloud me and my sister call it,and sweat scoop by far blows them all away by comparison, very low dust,,, i cant fgure out why you would say very high dust. my bags dont carry much dust at all. try that corn litter on dark furniture see the paw prints on it from the cat that just walked out of the corn litter, you need more open testing. by more peoples than your self

]]> By: c.fisher http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-2/#comment-74634 c.fisher Sat, 03 Apr 2010 22:25:58 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-74634 After reading these reviews , where are we? I do not want BUGS in my condo . Where does the pine scent from Nature's Miracle come from anyway ? I don't need my cat licking the rest of her fur off her legs. Would you switch to NM? After reading these reviews , where are we? I do not want BUGS in my condo . Where does the pine scent from Nature’s Miracle come from anyway ? I don’t need my cat licking the rest of her fur off her legs.
Would you switch to NM?

]]> By: Ellen http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-31746 Ellen Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:13:46 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-31746 I completely disagree with your assessment of Swheat Scoop. It has very little dust, especially when compared to clay litter. I don't mind a little dust, and none of them are entirely dust-free. As far as clumping goes, I think it clumps equally well as WBCL and clay litter. I think your test must be flawed. Maybe you scooped it too soon after the cat peed or something. I find it to clump great. I have three cats and they all use the same large litter box. We have no problems with it, and I find it actually lasts much longer than clay litter. I tried World's Best Cat Litter right before I tried Swheat scoop, and I greatly prefer Swheat Scoop. WBCL totally stinks. At first it has a barn smell, which I don't really mind. But after just a single day it gets smellier and smellier. My whole apartment smelled terrible, like a gamey poop smell. By comparison, swheat scoop has a pleasantly mild, sweet wheaty smell, and it absorbs the urine and poop odors better than any litter I've ever tried, hands down! Also, after about five days WBCL starts to track yellowish powder everywhere. Which is really gross. So yay for Swheat Scoop! I'm so glad I found it. And, by the way, I don't think you should review or promote things when you don't even know what the ingredients are. Not all so-called "natural" products are created equal. I completely disagree with your assessment of Swheat Scoop. It has very little dust, especially when compared to clay litter. I don’t mind a little dust, and none of them are entirely dust-free.

As far as clumping goes, I think it clumps equally well as WBCL and clay litter. I think your test must be flawed. Maybe you scooped it too soon after the cat peed or something. I find it to clump great. I have three cats and they all use the same large litter box. We have no problems with it, and I find it actually lasts much longer than clay litter.

I tried World’s Best Cat Litter right before I tried Swheat scoop, and I greatly prefer Swheat Scoop. WBCL totally stinks. At first it has a barn smell, which I don’t really mind. But after just a single day it gets smellier and smellier. My whole apartment smelled terrible, like a gamey poop smell. By comparison, swheat scoop has a pleasantly mild, sweet wheaty smell, and it absorbs the urine and poop odors better than any litter I’ve ever tried, hands down!

Also, after about five days WBCL starts to track yellowish powder everywhere. Which is really gross.

So yay for Swheat Scoop! I’m so glad I found it. And, by the way, I don’t think you should review or promote things when you don’t even know what the ingredients are. Not all so-called “natural” products are created equal.

]]> By: rhsm http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-31721 rhsm Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:21:01 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-31721 I have used Chicken Lay Crumbles for over 7 years now. I have been very happy with it. It clumps nicely and is easy enough to clean out throughly. It does track a bit but most litters do. I can get it anywhere I go. We are retired military so we moved a lot and we never had to worry about getting litter all we had to do was look for a feed store. And cost is a BIG Plus! It has gone up a lot since I first started using it. I used to buy a 50lb bag for a little over $6 and now I am paying $10 to $14 depending on gas prices I assume as it has gone up and down lately. We have been very happy with it through the years. I have two kittens right now and one doesn't like using the lay crumbles for what ever reason. They both had issues at first but one is coming around already but the other is being a little more hard nosed about it. She is the first I have come across that doesn't like them in all the years we have used them. I recently went to the pet store trying to find a litter she would use and the price on the WBCL and Sweat Scoop almost choked me cause they are the basically the same thing as the chicken lay crumbles. I have gotten her brother to start using the lay crumbles so I am going to work on her next. I have 6 cats right now and I don't have a problem with odors in my house . I find that as long as they cover it the crumbles take care of the odor pretty well. I would highly recommend the lay crumbles. I have found on line where several breeders use it too. I have 8 boxes, 6 cats and I scoop a minimum of 2 times a day and up to 4 times depends on whats going on and whose gone where ect. Sometimes one box gets used more than others as they are spread out for convince to the furries. Anyway saw where someone had posted about the Chicken lay crumbles as litter and wanted to post about it also. I did see a post on one of my list about lay crumbles growning fungus that made a ladys cats sick but there was not follow up post that actually confirmed this and on another post she had started cats were all special needs etc. And even at this I have to question the proper care of the boxes such as how often scooped, where were they kept such as in a bathroom and did they use the lay crumble with medication in it or without? I use with out as I feel the more additives or bells and whistles the more to go wrong. Anyway I just wanted to post this in order to maybe help someone else find a resonably priced litter for their kitties in this economically challenging time. Cheers! rhsm I have used Chicken Lay Crumbles for over 7 years now.
I have been very happy with it.
It clumps nicely and is easy enough to clean out throughly.
It does track a bit but most litters do.
I can get it anywhere I go. We are retired military so we moved a lot and we never had to worry about getting litter all we had to do was look for a feed store.
And cost is a BIG Plus!
It has gone up a lot since I first started using it.
I used to buy a 50lb bag for a little over $6 and now I am paying $10 to $14 depending on gas prices I assume as it has gone up and down lately.

We have been very happy with it through the years.

I have two kittens right now and one doesn’t like using the lay crumbles for what ever reason.
They both had issues at first but one is coming around already but the other is being a little more hard nosed about it.
She is the first I have come across that doesn’t like them in all the years we have used them.

I recently went to the pet store trying to find a litter she would use and the price on the WBCL and Sweat Scoop almost choked me cause they are the basically the same thing as the chicken lay crumbles.

I have gotten her brother to start using the lay crumbles so I am going to work on her next.

I have 6 cats right now and I don’t have a problem with odors in my house . I find that as long as they cover it the crumbles take care of the odor pretty well.

I would highly recommend the lay crumbles.

I have found on line where several breeders use it too.

I have 8 boxes, 6 cats and I scoop a minimum of 2 times a day and up to 4 times depends on whats going on and whose gone where ect. Sometimes one box gets used more than others as they are spread out for convince to the furries.

Anyway saw where someone had posted about the Chicken lay crumbles as litter and wanted to post about it also.

I did see a post on one of my list about lay crumbles growning fungus that made a ladys cats sick but there was not follow up post that actually confirmed this and on another post she had started cats were all special needs etc.

And even at this I have to question the proper care of the boxes such as how often scooped, where were they kept such as in a bathroom and did they use the lay crumble with medication in it or without?

I use with out as I feel the more additives or bells and whistles the more to go wrong.

Anyway I just wanted to post this in order to maybe help someone else find a resonably priced litter for their kitties in this economically challenging time.
Cheers!
rhsm

]]> By: Connie http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-25687 Connie Sat, 01 Aug 2009 23:29:54 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-25687 I've used Arm and Hammer Essentials and the Fresh Results one from Walmart, never had a problem with either one. I have 3 cats and a bag probably lasts me a month. They aren't too expensive, clump pretty good, and I think both smell so fresh and clean out of the bag....I recommend both of them! The Fresh Results is usually a bit cheaper but they both work great :-) I’ve used Arm and Hammer Essentials and the Fresh Results one from Walmart, never had a problem with either one. I have 3 cats and a bag probably lasts me a month. They aren’t too expensive, clump pretty good, and I think both smell so fresh and clean out of the bag….I recommend both of them! The Fresh Results is usually a bit cheaper but they both work great :-)

]]> By: Simone http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-25137 Simone Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:52:52 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-25137 I used clumping clay litter for years until one of my two cats developed a persistent coughing problem. I tried SweatScoop initially and it gave ME allergy problems because of all the dust. I switched to WBCL Extra Strength mixed with a bit of the clumping version of Feline Pine and have had no problems since. I have been using this combination for over a year. No bug sitings nor any issues for me, my older cats, or my two new kittens. I scoop the boxes every day and wash out the litter box occasionally as well. I have to use a high sided, covered box because my kitties really like to dig! WBCL clumps and controls odor very well. I used clumping clay litter for years until one of my two cats developed a persistent coughing problem. I tried SweatScoop initially and it gave ME allergy problems because of all the dust.

I switched to WBCL Extra Strength mixed with a bit of the clumping version of Feline Pine and have had no problems since. I have been using this combination for over a year. No bug sitings nor any issues for me, my older cats, or my two new kittens.

I scoop the boxes every day and wash out the litter box occasionally as well. I have to use a high sided, covered box because my kitties really like to dig! WBCL clumps and controls odor very well.

]]> By: Randall Flagg http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-25133 Randall Flagg Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:13:37 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-25133 With five cats, I prefer World's Best Extra Strength. It clumps well and I NEVER have to change it--just add more to it. There's no objectionable odor from the cats using it. We tried SwheatScoop and after a few days' use, it smelled awful. It must be changed frequently. I used to use wood stove pellets--very cheap. Instead of clumping, it changes to sawdust. The odor wasn't too bad, but it must be changed--weekly for me. I liked it, but didn't like the frequent changes, soooo . . . World's Best really is . . . Best, that is. With five cats, I prefer World’s Best Extra Strength. It clumps well and I NEVER have to change it–just add more to it. There’s no objectionable odor from the cats using it.

We tried SwheatScoop and after a few days’ use, it smelled awful. It must be changed frequently.

I used to use wood stove pellets–very cheap. Instead of clumping, it changes to sawdust. The odor wasn’t too bad, but it must be changed–weekly for me. I liked it, but didn’t like the frequent changes, soooo . . .

World’s Best really is . . . Best, that is.

]]> By: Help, There Are Bugs In My Kitty Litter! [Infestations] | Unit1 http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-25128 Help, There Are Bugs In My Kitty Litter! [Infestations] | Unit1 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:44:38 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-25128 [...] page at moderncat compares four different natural cat litter products, including the one Dawn is using, and it’s filled with comments from cat owners talking about [...] [...] page at moderncat compares four different natural cat litter products, including the one Dawn is using, and it’s filled with comments from cat owners talking about [...]

]]> By: Help, There Are Bugs In My Kitty Litter! [Infestations] | Gizmart.com http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-25124 Help, There Are Bugs In My Kitty Litter! [Infestations] | Gizmart.com Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:01:27 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-25124 [...] page at moderncat compares four different natural cat litter products, including the one Dawn is using, and it’s filled with comments from cat owners talking about [...] [...] page at moderncat compares four different natural cat litter products, including the one Dawn is using, and it’s filled with comments from cat owners talking about [...]

]]> By: Liz http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-23263 Liz Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:04:12 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-23263 I had an opposite problem with the Swheat Scoop original formula actually. Urine would become glued to the bottom of the litterbox! It was literally painful to scratch and scrape it all off. I went through about 5 or 6 boxes of the stuff and every one was the same. Then I tried the SS multi-cat formula and it was MUCH better. Clumped very well and did not adhere to the bottom of the pan! The smell is worse though. Overall I would recommend it. I had an opposite problem with the Swheat Scoop original formula actually. Urine would become glued to the bottom of the litterbox! It was literally painful to scratch and scrape it all off. I went through about 5 or 6 boxes of the stuff and every one was the same. Then I tried the SS multi-cat formula and it was MUCH better. Clumped very well and did not adhere to the bottom of the pan! The smell is worse though. Overall I would recommend it.

]]> By: Mercedes http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-6645 Mercedes Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:59:32 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-6645 We have two cats who share a box who have an "issue" with covering up their stuff although they seem to take their time in there. I have been using the unscented Arm & Hammer, but the cat's end up stinking of it when they leave the box. Although it is "unscented" I still find it is quite fragrant. Thanks for all your posts - I will be sure to make my next purchase based on your comments. We have two cats who share a box who have an “issue” with covering up their stuff although they seem to take their time in there. I have been using the unscented Arm & Hammer, but the cat’s end up stinking of it when they leave the box. Although it is “unscented” I still find it is quite fragrant. Thanks for all your posts – I will be sure to make my next purchase based on your comments.

]]> By: Lauren http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-6017 Lauren Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:48:58 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-6017 I have been trying out the World's Best corn litter, and I think we have attracted mice--I am seeing droppings, but have not caught a mouse in the act yet. So I think I will check out some of the other litters like Papurr that do not have a food-based component. I was wondering why there were droppings near the litterbox, but not many near the birdseed... Now if only my cats would fix the problem for me! : ) I have been trying out the World’s Best corn litter, and I think we have attracted mice–I am seeing droppings, but have not caught a mouse in the act yet. So I think I will check out some of the other litters like Papurr that do not have a food-based component.
I was wondering why there were droppings near the litterbox, but not many near the birdseed…
Now if only my cats would fix the problem for me! : )

]]> By: Elaine http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-5607 Elaine Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:23:02 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-5607 Right now I am trying the Nature's Miracle, I am wondering about the scent though. I thought it was fairly strong, when the bag was opened, does seem to calm down some in the box. I know it is made from corncob, seems to work pretty good, but, is the scent from chemicals ,perfumes or anything else that I really wouldn't want my kitty to be so close to on a very regular basis? Right now I am trying the Nature’s Miracle, I am wondering about the scent though. I thought it was fairly strong, when the bag was opened, does seem to calm down some in the box. I know it is made from corncob, seems to work pretty good, but, is the scent from chemicals ,perfumes or anything else that I really wouldn’t want my kitty to be so close to on a very regular basis?

]]> By: Susan http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-4555 Susan Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:39:36 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-4555 I have discovered that I am terribly allergic to the Swheatscoop. I have a wheat/gluten sensitivity, and the dust from it is killing me. Thanks to your review, I will try the others. Thank you! I have discovered that I am terribly allergic to the Swheatscoop. I have a wheat/gluten sensitivity, and the dust from it is killing me. Thanks to your review, I will try the others. Thank you!

]]> By: Laurie http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-4381 Laurie Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:07:10 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-4381 I am a cat lover and currently the owner of 4 cats. I have had cats all of my life and have used many different cat litter products over the years. More recently, I switched from Natures Miracle to A & H Essentials (formerly called High Performance). I do prefer the A & H Essentials but have found it difficult to find. It is a superior product for odor control, dust is zilch, tracking is minimal, clumping is sufficient. However, in reading through these posts, I came across an interesting comment which explains something I couldn't quite undestand - until now. Over the last 2 months of using this product, I suddenly had water bugs (large flying roaches) coming into the house - and I usually saw them hanging around the litter box area. In 20 years of living here, I'm lucky if I saw 5 in my house (we live in a humid area where these bugs are quite common). It seems this litter attracts them - go figure! What is odd though, is that I did not seem to have this problem when using the Natures Miracle product, which is very similar to the A & H Essentials product. Maybe it's the PINE scent in Natures Miracle that keeps from attracting these bugs like the A & H does. I must say the A & H Essentials does have an odd perfumey scent that takes getting used to, but it does control the cat odors exceptionally well. Not sure what to do, now, but with the mystery explained, I think I will return to Natures Miracle to avoid any more run-ins with these unwelcome and unsightly creatures - YUCK! I am a cat lover and currently the owner of 4 cats. I have had cats all of my life and have used many different cat litter products over the years. More recently, I switched from Natures Miracle to A & H Essentials (formerly called High Performance). I do prefer the A & H Essentials but have found it difficult to find. It is a superior product for odor control, dust is zilch, tracking is minimal, clumping is sufficient. However, in reading through these posts, I came across an interesting comment which explains something I couldn’t quite undestand – until now. Over the last 2 months of using this product, I suddenly had water bugs (large flying roaches) coming into the house – and I usually saw them hanging around the litter box area. In 20 years of living here, I’m lucky if I saw 5 in my house (we live in a humid area where these bugs are quite common). It seems this litter attracts them – go figure! What is odd though, is that I did not seem to have this problem when using the Natures Miracle product, which is very similar to the A & H Essentials product. Maybe it’s the PINE scent in Natures Miracle that keeps from attracting these bugs like the A & H does. I must say the A & H Essentials does have an odd perfumey scent that takes getting used to, but it does control the cat odors exceptionally well. Not sure what to do, now, but with the mystery explained, I think I will return to Natures Miracle to avoid any more run-ins with these unwelcome and unsightly creatures – YUCK!

]]> By: Lisa http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-3996 Lisa Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:08:55 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-3996 I used to use WBCL, but just switched over to chicken feed (Purina Layena). It works just as well as WBCL and the cats haven't noticed a difference. I was worried about rodents with chicken feed (litter boxes are in the garage), but I bought a galvanized steel can to hold the litter and with 4 cats to patrol the garage, we should be OK. I'm saving 73 cents a pound on cat litter. The chicken feed clumps almost as well as WBCL and I'm very happy with it. I highly recommend it. I used to use WBCL, but just switched over to chicken feed (Purina Layena). It works just as well as WBCL and the cats haven’t noticed a difference. I was worried about rodents with chicken feed (litter boxes are in the garage), but I bought a galvanized steel can to hold the litter and with 4 cats to patrol the garage, we should be OK. I’m saving 73 cents a pound on cat litter. The chicken feed clumps almost as well as WBCL and I’m very happy with it. I highly recommend it.

]]> By: Jeannette http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-2453 Jeannette Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:45:02 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-2453 My search for a "natural" litter that my two cats will use had dwindled to two: Cat's Pride (approved by the ASPCA) & Tidy Cats (blue). Low dust, no strong perfume, and clumping. Over two weeks ago I bought a bag at Target of Arm & Hammer's High Performance (now called Essentials) kitty litter. I put half the bag in just one of my three litter boxes. My two cats will "hold it in" as long as possible if they don't like the litter or the box is dirty; not good for their health. I have been surprised at the number of clumps & stools I have found in the Essentials box. Essentials had no dust to bother my allergic nose; the scent seemed citrus-based, it was not unbearable. It is better that the smell of corn or wheat. The clumps are not super hard but they hold together in the scoop. Clumps & stools are also well covered with litter; isn't this sign that cat likes the litter? My poor back didn't hurt from lugging a heavy bag of kitty litter. I have yet to see signs of bugs. When I tried World's Best litter, I saw critters growing in it after a while and dust got me sniffling. So far so good with Essentials; I went back to Target today & bought two more bags. The shelf was empty; they had to get my bags from the storeroom. My search for a “natural” litter that my two cats will use had dwindled to two: Cat’s Pride (approved by the ASPCA) & Tidy Cats (blue). Low dust, no strong perfume, and clumping. Over two weeks ago I bought a bag at Target of Arm & Hammer’s High Performance (now called Essentials) kitty litter. I put half the bag in just one of my three litter boxes. My two cats will “hold it in” as long as possible if they don’t like the litter or the box is dirty; not good for their health. I have been surprised at the number of clumps & stools I have found in the Essentials box. Essentials had no dust to bother my allergic nose; the scent seemed citrus-based, it was not unbearable. It is better that the smell of corn or wheat. The clumps are not super hard but they hold together in the scoop. Clumps & stools are also well covered with litter; isn’t this sign that cat likes the litter? My poor back didn’t hurt from lugging a heavy bag of kitty litter. I have yet to see signs of bugs. When I tried World’s Best litter, I saw critters growing in it after a while and dust got me sniffling. So far so good with Essentials; I went back to Target today & bought two more bags. The shelf was empty; they had to get my bags from the storeroom.

]]> By: Sylvia Percy http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-2135 Sylvia Percy Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:42:30 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-2135 I was really glad to see these articles in Modern Cat. I am retired now, we have 7 cats that are indoors all of the time, and I maintain 9 regular litter boxes. Our kitties like the uncovered boxes the best, but they do use the 3 covered ones some. I tried the pine pellet litter a few months ago, and I really liked the odor control. However, the cats did not approve of it generally. Some of them would urinate in the pine, but none of them would deficate in it at all. I tried increasing the number of pine litter boxes, and they over used the other clay boxes. I talked to our vet about this, and she did not think they would switch to the pine pellets. I recently started a new trial with Swheat Scoop, but I do not remember seeing the Multi Cat type in the store. I tried this one because the texture appeared to be similar to the clay litter, and they are using it much better than they did the pine pellets. So far I have it mixed with the clay in only one litter box, but it is the one in the kitchen that they tend to use a lot. I was delighted to read all of the suggestions and comments above, and I actually took notes while reading so I can try other types of litter if the SS does not work out. The SS clumps do tend to fall apart, and it does not neutralize the urine odor as well as the pine. I liked the idea of mixing it with the scoopable pine litter, and I may eventually try that. Cats are not very open to change in some areas, and all of ours have used clay litters all of their lives. Our oldest will be 9 years old in January, and the youngest is about 18 months now. None of them have any litter box issues, and I am extremely grateful for that. I wanted to get away from clay litter after reading several articles and opinions of cat breeders about various health problems related to its use. We love our kitties very much, and occasionally I ask my husband if he thinks we spoil our cats. He always says, no, we just cater to their every whim. Thank you Modern Cat for all of the information that you provide us, and I am really glad I found your website. Retired Stay at Home Kitty Mom I was really glad to see these articles in Modern Cat. I am retired now, we have 7 cats that are indoors all of the time, and I maintain 9 regular litter boxes. Our kitties like the uncovered boxes the best, but they do use the 3 covered ones some. I tried the pine pellet litter a few months ago, and I really liked the odor control. However, the cats did not approve of it generally. Some of them would urinate in the pine, but none of them would deficate in it at all. I tried increasing the number of pine litter boxes, and they over used the other clay boxes. I talked to our vet about this, and she did not think they would switch to the pine pellets. I recently started a new trial with Swheat Scoop, but I do not remember seeing the Multi Cat type in the store. I tried this one because the texture appeared to be similar to the clay litter, and they are using it much better than they did the pine pellets. So far I have it mixed with the clay in only one litter box, but it is the one in the kitchen that they tend to use a lot. I was delighted to read all of the suggestions and comments above, and I actually took notes while reading so I can try other types of litter if the SS does not work out. The SS clumps do tend to fall apart, and it does not neutralize the urine odor as well as the pine. I liked the idea of mixing it with the scoopable pine litter, and I may eventually try that. Cats are not very open to change in some areas, and all of ours have used clay litters all of their lives. Our oldest will be 9 years old in January, and the youngest is about 18 months now. None of them have any litter box issues, and I am extremely grateful for that. I wanted to get away from clay litter after reading several articles and opinions of cat breeders about various health problems related to its use. We love our kitties very much, and occasionally I ask my husband if he thinks we spoil our cats. He always says, no, we just cater to their every whim. Thank you Modern Cat for all of the information that you provide us, and I am really glad I found your website.

Retired Stay at Home Kitty Mom

]]> By: Jessica http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-2134 Jessica Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:04:28 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-2134 Swheat Scoop is NOT for us! While it's a great cat litter, using this is how I found out that my cat has a wheat allergy. I no longer have anything wheat in my house that Noodle can be exposed to. We now use WBCL and sometimes rotate through a variety of natural cat litters depending on what's on sale. PROS: Great litter, low odor, clumps fairly well, eco friendly CONS: Contains a top pet allergen, Clumps can sometimes be a little too soupy, very high dust Swheat Scoop is NOT for us! While it’s a great cat litter, using this is how I found out that my cat has a wheat allergy. I no longer have anything wheat in my house that Noodle can be exposed to. We now use WBCL and sometimes rotate through a variety of natural cat litters depending on what’s on sale.

PROS: Great litter, low odor, clumps fairly well, eco friendly
CONS: Contains a top pet allergen, Clumps can sometimes be a little too soupy, very high dust

]]> By: lcq http://www.moderncat.net/2008/04/27/natural-cat-litter-comparison/comment-page-1/#comment-2048 lcq Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:40:43 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=380#comment-2048 We use Swheat Scoop and as someone else mentioned it clumps much better if you maintain about 3 inches in the box. I am anxious to try the new multi-cat formula, though, since with two cats we still get large clumps that reach the bottom of the pan and turn soggy. Odor control is great, except when one of the cats doesn't cover his #2. There IS a lot of dust. We have a utility shelf in the room, and you can see the dust all over it. There's a fair bit of tracking too. But I tried WBCL and didn't like the smell either so SS seems like the best option. We use Swheat Scoop and as someone else mentioned it clumps much better if you maintain about 3 inches in the box. I am anxious to try the new multi-cat formula, though, since with two cats we still get large clumps that reach the bottom of the pan and turn soggy. Odor control is great, except when one of the cats doesn’t cover his #2. There IS a lot of dust. We have a utility shelf in the room, and you can see the dust all over it. There’s a fair bit of tracking too. But I tried WBCL and didn’t like the smell either so SS seems like the best option.

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