LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Cats

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Hi Frank,

Cats are usually very easy to litter train, but it can be a bit harder when they are outside. I would place the litter box in the spot where they've been going and move the basket. Take each cat and set him or her inside the litter box for a moment. Also, with multiple cats, you really should have more than one box and they should be scooped daily and changed once or twice a week.

Personally, I do not use the scoopable litters because there has been some concern over cats ingesting ingredients and dust from the scoopable litters. You have to decide which brand is best for you and your cats. There are many choices available.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I wrote last week about a cat I adopted with a new house and the two kittens she brought and thanks for the reply.

I have another questions. As they are outside cats I hadnt thought about litter but it seems they are doing their business behind they basket they sleep in.

If I buy a litter tray and leave it outside will they start to use it??

Thanks again Frank

-- Contributed by: Frank

Hi Nikki,

It really depend upon the preferences of your cats, although since they are so young you can likely get them to prefer what you prefer.

Clumping litters have the advantage of being easy to scoop and keep clean, however I personally haven't liked them while owning multiple cats. I find that I go through way too much costly litter and it seems to always smell. Others swear by these litters, though.

I have had as many as five cats at one time and we used Tidy Cats multiple cats formula (the regular litter, not clumping). I have had the best luck as far as controlling odors with this, although I still have to scoop every day.

There are some concerns with bacteria buildup with non-clumping litters, so if you choose that option remember to regularly clean out the box and use bleach or other disinfectant to get rid of any bacteria.

Have fun with those two kittens! They sound adorable.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

hi i have 2 female 3 month old kittens whats a good litter to use for them?

-- Contributed by: nikki

Hi Jessica,

Yes, I think you should. My elderly dog recently had a bladder infection and the antibiotics began to clear up the symptoms within a few days. She didn't even have a shot, just pills. After nine days, you really should be seeing a marked improvement. Because of her age, I am concerned about other issues with her organs and kidneys, so think you should have them run more tests and find out what's going on. It may just turn out to be a raging infection, but at least you'll have the peace of mind of knowing this.

Please let us know if she's okay.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi about a week ago my cat was yowling in the middle of the night, (the vet has since told me she is about 16years old). She was also bleeding so quickly arranged an emergency visit to the vet. He said he thought it was a bladder inefection and gave her injection of antibiotics which he said would act over 14 days plus injection of painkiller, and told me to take her back the next day if no better. Although she is somewhat better I have had to go back for more painkiller for her which I administer myself. This was 9 days ago and although the bleeding has stopped she still cries when in her litter tray (she indoor cat) do you think I should take her back to vets and ask for tests ie blood and urine and whatever else the vet can suggest.

Thanks Jessica.

-- Contributed by: Coreen Styring

Hi Jessica,

We did two things to solve this problem in our household. The first thing we did was to buy a new litter box with built in steps. I love this new hooded box. It looks like an igloo and the smell of the cat litter is never noticeable. I change the litter about every three or four days and scoop once a day with two cats.

The second thing is a mat that goes in front of the box. They sell these at your local pet supply store and they are made to knock the litter and dust off the cat's feet as she exits. The combination of the steps and the mat has reduced litter tracking to a minimum in our household.

You may have to experiment some to find the best solution for your household. Remember if you change the litter to do so gradually in 25 percent increments.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi,

My husband and I recently adopted our first cat. We were using clumping litter to start her off with. However I could not keep up with all the litter particles we would find all around our house. So I switched to regular clay litter, because it had bigger pellets. She still seems to track it, however not as much...but now I find paw prints from the dust on our furniture. We really want to solve this problem. Any solutions?

Thanks Jessica

-- Contributed by: Jessica

Erin,

This is good advice. I switched all my pets to a high quality, organic food after the cat food scares and they've all done wonderfully on it. An added benefit is how much nicer their coats look and my fifteen-year-old cat has much more pep than previously. I think it does make a huge difference. Our babies are worth the little extra cost :)

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Kelly, your issue is directly related to the food that you feed your kittens. Many lower-cost catfoods have a lot of filler ingredients (like corn) that cats do not digest well, and as a result, they tend to leave more (and smellier) waste. I feed my four-year-old female 1/8 cup of a high-quality catfood three times a day. (The food doesn't contain any corn ingredients; the main grain is brown rice.) She usually leaves about 2 well-formed clumps a day, and she is maintaining a steady weight. And remember, even though higher quality catfood is more expensive, check the servings per bag, and it may not be as bad as you think. As well, higher quality food will make your cats healthier overall, meaning fewer vet bills.

As an aside, I use a pine litter that was recommended by the breeder I got my cat from, and my cat and I are happy with it, though most litters have their downsides and issues, but you can find all that information online.

-- Contributed by: Erin

Hi, Kelly. It does sound like a lot, but cats tend to defecate several times a day. First, you really need a separate litter box for each cat. This will help you see if they are both defecating about the same or if one cat seems to have a problem of some sort.

Once you separate the cats and know which stool belongs to which cat, I would recommend taking a sample to your veterinarian and having it tested. They can rule out any problems, such as worms and recommend a course of treatment.

I really don't think this is anything to worry over though.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, I recently became a first time cat owner. I adopted a 3 month old and a 6 month old kitten. I love the both of them. One thing puzzles me. I feed them 1/3 cup of food in the am and 1/3 cup of food at dinner time. Between the two of them, I am cleaning 6-8 piles of poop daily from the litter box. The 6 month old is about 5 pounds and the tiny, frail 3 month old can't be more than 2 pounds. How could so much waste come from these two tiny little creatures on a daily basis? I am completely baffled as to why this is happening. Please let me know what is going on, if you can. Thanks!!!!

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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