Wood litter for cat litter: how to choose and use it correctly?
Almost every family today has some kind of pet. Most often we are talking about a dog or cat. Many owners of such animals, especially cats, are interested in arranging a place to meet their natural needs. One of the essential elements of a litter box is litter. The most commonly used woody option. Our article is devoted to the features of its selection and use.
What it is?
Wood filler is a special lumpy sanitary pellet. Their production is carried out from sawdust of coniferous trees. The transformation into granules takes place using special technologies. They are usually cylindrical in shape and vary in size. It should be said that this is the most popular and simpler filler option.
The smallest granules are perfect for kittens with very soft and delicate paws. And if there is a large or long-haired cat in the house, then it is recommended to choose large granules.
Many cat owners do not like pine-scented wood litter, in which case you can choose an alternative from beech or oak. A number of manufacturers offer cat litter from these types of wood.
The composition of any wood filler is simple and does not contain any additives, which means that it is absolutely not dangerous for pets.
Varieties?
Now let's look at the types of wood fillers. There are two of them:
- clumping;
- absorbent.
The former is usually made from natural wood fibers and is completely environmentally friendly. Its main task is not to absorb liquid, but to form lumps when moisture gets in. Thanks to this solution, it is easy to remove it from the tray, and the leftovers can be safely used in the future.
The second option can be divided into several types, which differ from each other in the size of the granules. They are usually made from shredded or compressed wood dust. Most often, pine or spruce is the material of manufacture.
There are no allergenic additives or chemicals in this filler. Granules usually absorb moisture very quickly and hold it inside, preventing odor from spreading. Such a composition has excellent antiseptic characteristics and is completely safe for both the animal and others.
Advantages and disadvantages
Now let's look at the strengths and weaknesses of wood litter for cat litter. If we talk about the merits of such a solution, then the following points should be highlighted.
- Manufactured on the basis of environmentally friendly raw materials with excellent antiseptic and absorbent properties.
- The raw materials have a good natural aroma, and the presence of resins in the filler makes it possible to neutralize unpleasant odors.
- Possibility of disposal into compost or sewer.
- Availability due to the sale of packages of various sizes.
- Profitability. The price of such fillers is low, and modern options provide a longer application period, because of which even the high cost will be fully justified.
- Suitable for cats of various ages.
But, like any product, this filler has its drawbacks. The main disadvantage, which, according to most users, is that cats on their paws carry the smallest wood particles around the apartment or house.
Also, users call the disadvantages that this type of filler does not retain odors well, it gets soaked quite quickly, in addition, it must be changed frequently.
Rating of the best fillers
Now let's talk about the best wood fillers and try to figure out which solution is ideal for use. It should be said that products of both foreign and domestic manufacturers are presented on the market today.
If we talk about foreign products, then the German filler of the Cat's Best trademark is considered quite good. Such a granular fine filler is made from spruce and pine sawdust. It smells very strongly of wood, which emphasizes the naturalness of the product. Packaged in packages of various sizes - up to 25 kilograms. There are several types of fillers in the brand's lineup.
- Cat's Best Nature Gold is a clumping type of wood litter for long-haired cats. The fibers of the granules absorb odors well, form large lumps that are easy to clean. Such fibers do not turn into dust if they are in the tray for a long time and are not carried around the house. If the animal accidentally swallows them, then this will not cause problems. And you can flush such a filler down the toilet without any problems.
- Cat´s Best Universal is a versatile litter suitable for small cats and kittens. These granules are excellent at absorbing and retaining moisture and are great for daily use.
- Cat's Best Oko Plus - universal filler of the lumpy type, which is economical. Wood fibers form large lumps that can be easily removed, and the remaining filler in the tray can be used further.
If we talk about domestic producers, then we should name a pretty good filler, which is produced under the brand name "Clean Legs". There are also several varieties here.
- Standard. This option is intended for cats and kittens of various breeds. The filler perfectly absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors.
- Station wagon. This option is recommended for different animals, not just cats.
- Economy It differs from other fillers in that it is sold in a large bag of 15 or 35 kg. Like the options presented above, it is manufactured without adding any chemical components.
Another interesting option that should be mentioned is filler produced under the Kotyara trademark. It has a fairly high quality and is represented by granules of 6 mm in size. They perfectly absorb liquid (they can absorb three times their mass). The granules prevent the spread of bacteria and unpleasant odors. They are very attracted to animals due to the fact that they smell like spruce or pine. Another advantage is that the litter does not stick to the cat's paws.
More affordable can be called a wood filler called "Barsik". This option is classified as cheap. It is safe, practical and as environmentally friendly as possible. It lasts for a long time, and it perfectly absorbs unpleasant odors. A large bag lasts about a month, and the contents of the tray can be changed once a week.
In consistency, this option is more like coarse sand. It does not stick to the animal's fur and paws at all. As the granules become saturated with moisture, it crumbles into sawdust.
Selection recommendations
It should be noted that when choosing a wood litter for a cat, you will have to try various options in practice. Moreover, there may be not two or three, but significantly more. When choosing, you must adhere to the following rules.
- If you are looking for a litter for a kitten, then you should definitely purchase a product that has a quality mark. It should not contain any foreign additives or chemical-based components.
- The selection of litter should be carried out according to the age of the cat, which is usually indicated on the package.
- After the cat first tries to use the litter, you should observe its reaction. If she does not feel any discomfort, then you can leave the filler to teach your pet to it.
- The product must necessarily retain an unpleasant odor, as this is one of its main tasks.
It should be noted that if the wrong selection of wood filler is carried out, then the cat will simply stop walking in the tray and will relieve its natural needs on the floor.
Terms of use
Now let's talk about how to properly use wood filler. The rules of use will depend on whether it is absorbent or lumpy. The recommendations here may be different, but on the issue of disposal, everything is simple - it can be flushed down the toilet and not thrown into the trash can. True, according to user reviews, it is clear that it is better not to do this immediately in a large volume, otherwise a blockage may form. Also, such waste can be disposed of in a compost heap.
Considering that wood litters are most often produced in the form of cylindrical granules, it is quite convenient to pour them over the cat litter grill. Usually a layer is formed no more than three centimeters thick. As moisture appears in the tray, as mentioned above, the granules will crumble into sawdust, which will easily sift to the bottom. Large clumps are also very easy to remove from the tray.
Often there is no need to change the filler. And you can add it additionally as needed, as well as change it.
Reviews
In general, if you look at user reviews, they like wood filler. Many people point out that the granules clump well, they are pleasant and easy to clean. Also, users note that many of these solutions have a pleasant aroma and perfectly neutralize unpleasant odors.And some use already spent wood litter as fertilizer for plants in the garden. Also, users call the strengths of the product its excellent absorbency and the fact that it does not need to be changed very often.
At the same time, buyers are not very happy with some aspects of the use of this category of fillers. Most often, users complain that the cat carries wood pellet particles around the house after use. They are also often unhappy that the filler does not fully absorb unpleasant odors. Some write that the granules are not very convenient to remove, as they crumble.
For wood litter for cat litter, see the next video.