age for clumping litter for kittens
Many who use non-clumping cat litter find that they need to be replaced the litter and clean the litter box at least once a week. Non-clumping litter is typically made of clay, though there are other types available such as plant-based alternatives (e.g., pine, corn, wheat, beet pulp, and wood). Some people prefer non-clumping litter because it is often less expensive than clumping litter, and others choose it because their cats prefer it. My all-time favorite cat litter is the aptly named World’s Best Cat Litter. Recommended by many veterinarians, it’s made from whole kernel corn, and it’s a safe and natural alternative. It’s silica free, naturally clumping (no sodium bentonite), biodegradable and flushable. Because the time when the kitten is taken home, it’s already past when litter training is best started. That is, kittens are normally brought home at age of 10 to 12 weeks (unless it comes from a terrible breeder, or it’s a rescue kitten). However, litter training should be started somewhat close to four weeks of age. Clumping Cat Litters A Dangerous Snack. I have a problem with a kitten who apparently ate litter. She was taken to a pet emergency facility, many tests were performed and X-rays revealed a blockage. She spiked a fever, was given fluids, an enema and monitored through the night. She has avoided surgery and we may be able to bring her home today. Certain types of clay create hard clumping litters while other are absorbant but non-clumping such as attapulgite and montmorillonite. The natural properties of sodium bentonite (highly absorbent, odour controlling, and hard clumping) make it ideal for cat litters and many other uses. Clumping cat litters are those that are designed so that urine and feces can be removed easily from the box without having to empty the entire box. Most contain a material known as bentonite that allows the litter to form a nice solid clump as the litter absorbs liquid. Many litters contain a compound known as sodium bentonite as the clumping agent, which expands to 15 to 18 times its dry size when wet. Cats lick their paws, especially after being in the litter box, and can get internal blockages from the dust alone. Many cats and kittens eat litter. I just want to warn everyone about the use of clumping cat litter, both for kittens and older cats. Never use clumping cat litter for kittens under 8-10 weeks of age or even for those kittens over 8 weeks of age that are just beginning litter training. Kittens can ingest the litter and it will cause major blockages. Every training (be it litter, behavior training or math) is much better when started as soon as possible, but earlier than four weeks would not make sense for litter training. Kittens start walking at age of two weeks. Before that, they are not able to get even close to the litter box. What is sodium bentonite? In the cat litter market there are five main types of naturally occurring clays; sodium bentonite, attapulgite, montmorillonite, sepiolite and calcium bentonite. Sodium bentonite deposits were created many years ago as a result of the release of volcanic ash.
After 8-10 weeks of age.