Experiences with silicate cat litter?
Kajsa and Tessa have 2 litter trays. I’m about replacing one of them, but I thought I could use the time with 3 boxes for some experiments. So for now they’ve 2 trays with their normal litter and a third with silica gel litter.
To make sure that I know what they like / dislike, the new litter is in a familiar box and location.
They’ve ignored the box for over a week now. They only use the two trays with their normal litter, although one of the boxes is now on a new spot. So I’m pretty sure that they don’t like the new litter (since box and location are familiar).
How long would you keep trying? Is one week long enough? I’ve one more litter I’d like to test, so I’m thinking of putting the silicate litter away. (I’m happy that I don’t have to trash it: my friend’s cat likes silicate litter, so he’ll get it). Do you have experiences with silica gel litter?
September 16, 2017 @ 20:46
I bought a walnut-based cat litter and placed it in a box between two boxes of normal litter. It was not touched in a week so I threw it out.
September 16, 2017 @ 22:04
Walnut litter sounds interesting! I’m actually about testing some biodegrated litter after this one! (Not too optimistic though).
September 16, 2017 @ 21:13
“Seeding” the new litter with a bit of “cat stuff” from one of the others sometimes works.
September 16, 2017 @ 22:08
That’s a very good idea! Thank you for reminding me – I’ve read this advice before, but totally forgot about it.
Hm. Not sure though if I’ll do that. They don’t “have to” get used to the new litter, and I wonder how much effort I want to spend on getting them used to it. More “take it or leave it”. If I mix old litter with new litter, I can’t give the litter to my friend’s cat anymore – and I hate to throw things away. Then again – stupid to not try.
Gnarg.
September 17, 2017 @ 00:19
We are not sure what the solution is, but that is good advice from Molly Hunt.
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
September 17, 2017 @ 10:39
Thank you! I suspect that my solution is “go back to the old litter” 😀 /The human
September 17, 2017 @ 00:54
We never tried that kind of litter. But, just like with switching foods, you should introduce the new litter slowly, adding a little bit to the older litter so the cats get used to it. First week, 1/4 new to 3/4 old, then a little bit more new….until finally all you have is new litter in the box.
September 17, 2017 @ 10:41
Thank you for your advice! Gnarg. I know that you and Molly are right, that’s how I should do it if I really want to give the new litter a chance. Not sure if I really want to get my will through though.
And as far as Kajsa’s concerned, I suspect that the litter is too corny for her delicate feet. She’s denied other groove litter forms earlier even when I introduced them slowly. /the human
September 17, 2017 @ 01:32
I would try it another week. We tried it and it tracks everywhere.
September 17, 2017 @ 10:38
Oh, interesting! I partly bought it because I hoped it wouldn’t track everywhere. The litter tray is close to the shower. Ordinary sand mixes up with water and becomes a very disgusting-looking mud, so I thought I’d try something completly different there. /the human
September 17, 2017 @ 02:38
We’ve not tried that kind but we’ve switched a lot lately and it was all at once, out with the old, in with the new!
September 17, 2017 @ 10:35
Hmmm. I really like the “slow approach” and would definitely do it if they HAD TO use it. (Like special allergy food or something). But as this is more an experiment, I think I’ll also stick with “all in”. If they don’t like it, well, then they don’t have to. /the human
September 17, 2017 @ 17:53
I’ve never tried silica gel type litter. If there is no need to use it for particular reason, I would just give away, especially knowing your friend’s kitty would use it. I think it was interesting experiment 🙂
September 17, 2017 @ 22:55
…. Of course Tessa used the box today. And of course she didn’t pee for real, but only left some drops. And of course I’m confused now. 😀
September 17, 2017 @ 22:26
I have used it for a while, it worked okay, but not as well as it was advertised to. But I got stressed by using sand imported from China, that is not really ecological. And clay versions don’t burn (all general trash is burnt in a power plant in Helsinki) and are imported as well. 🙁
Nowadays I use wood pellets, there is a Finnish version made out of spruce(?), which we have a lot of here. It’s pretty cheap and works quite well. It’s not clumping, which actually is better for the long haired cat. https://www.mustijamirri.fi/compact-care-puupelletti-20-l-033796
As others have said, you need to mix it in with the old one and fase out the old slowly. Cats are pretty conservative… But both our cats now use wood pellets without problem.
September 17, 2017 @ 22:57
Hej och tack för din fina kommentar! Jag svarar i morgon kväll (och på engelska så att andra kan förstå svaret är lite trött och då fungerar svenskan bättre. Ska fundera på din kommentar och titta i lugn o ro på länken)
September 19, 2017 @ 16:47
Sadly can’t offer any advice! We have stayed for the clumping for years! Good luck!
September 20, 2017 @ 11:33
Psst – just wanted to let you know I’ve awarded you the Pet Blogger Spotlight Award! 🙂 You’re featured here: https://kittyclysm.com/supawstars-award-sept-2017/ (along with the reason why I love your blog! xo).
October 11, 2017 @ 18:25
We tried the walnut stuff once but Raz tried to EAT it!!
Thank you for the thoughtful and kind comment you made on our post about our Daddy. We know he’s an Angel smiling down on us but we are heartbroken.
The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon