How to make cat litter. Inexpensive and convenient way to fill cat litter

cat house

and everything that comes with it

In other words, let's look, evaluate, make an interior cat litter box, a dry treat for your pet, and... one more thing

Let's start with crunchy food. Here they suggest using natural tuna, for example, from a can (canned food). They are salt-free and packed in liquid. There is no need to pour out the liquid, it may come in handy. Add a cup to the contents of the jar (for convenience, transferred to a bowl) oatmeal(flour can be easily made in a coffee grinder from oatmeal), a large egg, a tablespoon of olive (sunflower) oil and a heaping tablespoon of crushed dry food for kittens. And... where this kitten treat was invented, they add a little more catnip.It’s better to mix everything in a mixer, but if you don’t have one, you’ll have to mix thoroughly with a spoon and fork. We form small balls, press down with something to flat look. Place on a sheet of baking paper. Heat the oven, place the sheet for 10-15 minutes. Crisps should not be thick and sticky inside. Cool and you can treat the pussies. If the picky pussy doesn’t like it, the dog will be happy to eat the food for her.

Yes, these goodies are stored in glass jar in the refrigerator for 7 days

Found on designsponge.com

But this is an interior house. How do you like? Made from a bedside table, it serves as a toilet. Don't be alarmed, the tray is inside

Found on decoratingyoursmallspace.com

Another view inside.

Found on feedfloyd.com

Well, an adapted version - from a plastic container

Found on buzzfeed.com

As you know, cat litter requires litter. Will do.According to the author of the idea, most cats will accept this new product quite quickly.

And we take gloves for work. And yes, you need to change the filler every week. And about everything else, you know.

We tear newspapers into some container

Soak the paper in warm water, mixed with a small amount of dishwashing liquid. We wet the paper to the consistency of oatmeal.

Drain the water and soak again, without soap.

Sprinkle soda on wet paper and mix.

Cat litter is absorbent and clumping, based on sawdust, minerals and silica gel granules.

The choice depends on the character and age of the cat, the preferences of the owners, financial capabilities; the frequency of cleaning the cat litter box will depend on this decision.

The presence of a cat in the house is a lot of positive emotions, especially when the owners have chosen the right cat litter for the litter box.

It prevents the spread of unpleasant odors and absorbs moisture.

Pet stores offer a wide selection of formulations.

Therefore, it is important to understand their pros and cons and choose the best litter for your pet.

Why use filler

The filler is special composition, which fills the cat's tray.

It is used for both open and .

Today, such mixtures are made on the basis of sawdust and minerals.

They differ in the size and shape of the granules. An important factor when choosing is the price, which varies widely.

Previously, the cat's tray was filled with scraps of newspaper or sawdust.

But such products are hardly beneficial for her health, and they need to be replaced much more often.

It is preferable to use cat litter for both the pets themselves and their owners.

1. When there is enough litter in the tray, the cat always knows where she needs to go to the toilet. Also in view small size granules, it's easy for pussies to bury their waste.
2. Special composition absorbs unpleasant odors and moisture, so the owner will be comfortable, and the tray will not have to be washed daily.

Important! The best filler is selected based on the following characteristics: composition, operating principle, granule size, cost.

How are fillers classified according to their principle of action?

If you pay attention to the structure of the filler, you can distinguish two groups:

• absorbent;
• clumping.

The absorbent composition does not change its structure after getting wet.

As you use it, liquid accumulates in the lower layers, and this affects how you use it.

This type of cat litter requires complete replacement approximately 2 times a week.

If this is not done in a timely manner, an unpleasant odor will begin to emanate from the tray.

It will be necessary to replace the layer of granules more often if there are several cats in the house.

The composition can be purchased relatively cheaply at pet stores.

Mineral filler consists of small granules

Clumping cat litter is different in that when liquid gets on it, it rolls into hard lumps.

To keep it clean, simply remove these clumps from the tray daily and add a fresh layer of granules.

In order for the clumping filler to live up to its name, it should be poured in a layer of at least 8 cm.

However, it is cheap to buy high-quality composition Not sure it's going to happen.

Main types of fillers for trays

Before choosing cat litter, you should pay attention to its composition.

The following varieties are presented:

• woody;
• mineral absorbent;
• clumping;
• silica gel.

Wood filler is quite widespread due to its low price.

It is wood chips compressed into granules.

It is made from natural ingredients, absorbs liquid well and does not generate dust; it can be bought cheaply at any pet store.

Wood filler inhibits the spread of bacteria and unpleasant odors.

Wood filler in the form of granules

The disadvantages include the fact that granules from pressed chips swell greatly.

As a result, they fall apart, and the animal can drag them on their fur and paws throughout the house.

In this case, cleaning around the house with pets will have to be done more often.

At the same time, due to its characteristics, it is suitable for both kittens and adult cats.

Features of mineral fillers

You can also see another filler on the shelf in a pet store - mineral absorbent.

It is made on the basis of minerals with a porous structure.

From the instructions on how to use it, it is clear that it is replaced a little less often than wood - once a week is enough.

The granules absorb liquid well and prevent the spread of unpleasant odors.

They do not stick to paws and do not spread around the house.

As for the downsides, the mineral absorbent filler is dusty.

Important! When cleaning, mineral fillers should not be flushed down the toilet to avoid clogging.

Absorbent filler neutralizes odors

Its second type is clumping filler.

Quartz sand, chalk, and bentonite are used for its production.

It perfectly absorbs moisture and absorbs unpleasant odors.

The difference between clumping compounds is that when liquid gets in, they form a dense lump that is easy to remove from the tray.

The remaining granules will be clean, complete replacement carried out as lumps accumulate.

Particles of granules do not stick to the pet’s paws and do not get stuck between the pads.

It is worth noting that the price of clumping filler is 3-4 times higher than the cost of absorbent filler.

Granules are also prone to dust, which is important to consider when pouring the mixture into a tray.

It is primarily suitable for owners of one cat.

If there are several furry pets in the house, the owners will have to constantly remove the resulting lumps.

Therefore, if the cat has recently had a cat, the choice of filler will have to be reconsidered.

Important! The optimal layer for lump formation is 8 cm.

The most modern formulations

The most modern of those presented in pet stores is silica gel filler, which is the best in terms of moisture absorption.

It is produced on the basis of polysilicic acid and consists of white cloudy balls with colored inclusions.

The substance has the same chemical composition, like sand, but differs in structure and is a dried gel.

It does not swell and does not form a viscous mass. You only need to completely replace the contents of the tray 2-4 times a month.

Silica gel filler granules

Important! To keep the tray clean, you need to remove solid waste from it daily and mix the gel filler so that the moisture is evenly distributed.

As in other cases, there is a drawback here - you can only buy it at a high price.

And although at first glance the gel filler is not affordable for many cat owners, it is economically consumed.

Another point is a specific crunch. It is not easy for some animals (or their owners) to get used to it.

However, as reviews show, it is not expressed in all brands. And all cats are very individual.

When choosing cat litter, you can notice another variety - corn.

It is not often found in pet stores, but has good characteristics.

Corn cobs are used to make it.

This type of composition perfectly absorbs moisture, it also saves the owners’ finances, it can be bought cheaply in comparison with other varieties.

The downside is the lightness of the granules, which is why the filler spreads throughout the house.

It also has a specific smell, so not all pussies will like it.

And to buy it, you will have to go to a lot of pet stores.

Corn filler (above) is not often found in stores

What is known about Japanese tray fillers

In search of an answer to the question of what the best filler should be, some owners pay attention to Japanese brands.

They are made from environmentally friendly pure materials and, according to manufacturers, are economically consumed.

1. Clumping, made from starch and paper, with a color-changing indicator added.
2. Clumping based on crushed wood and starch.
3. Clumping from cellulose and carbon inclusions.
4. Tofu is made from compressed soybean fibers.

These are just some of the items from the range of Japanese fillers.

Due to the characteristics of the composition, they can be removed through the sewer system.

Variety of fillers – which one to choose?

Considering the variety of products available in pet stores, it is not so easy to decide which cat litter is best.

There are three factors to consider before purchasing a package:

• character and characteristics of a furry pet (after all, for , And different compositions are required);
• own preferences;
• financial opportunities.

Important! Speaking about arranging the comfort of a cat, it would also be useful to choose one for your pet.

In fact, these compositions cannot be called universal.

You need to select a mixture for each specific case.

1. When several cats live in a house or apartment, it is worth buying absorbent litter. It is not advisable to purchase a clumping one in this situation.
2. Wood filler is considered the safest for cats. It is recommended for animals with skin problems and allergies.
3. The size of the granules is selected according to the age and length of the coat. Small granules are suitable for kittens and those with sensitive skin. Large ones are recommended for long-haired cats.
4. Some manufacturers offer scented litters as they mask odors better. When purchasing them, it is worth considering that the preferences of the owner and the pet may not coincide. If the aroma of citrus fruits seems pleasant to a person, then it may simply repel a cat. A light lavender scent would be more appropriate.
5. For apartments with several cats, silica gel litter is recommended. However, it is not suitable for small kittens.

Interesting! Ultimately, the cat will decide which cat litter is best to use. Her behavior will immediately make it clear whether she approved of the owners’ choice.

Rating of popular brands

To decide which cat litter is best for the owners and the pet, it is worth considering the ratings of Russian and foreign manufacturers.

1. "Katsan" is one of the most common Russian brands. The manufacturer offers an absorbent filler made from processed chalk, quartz sand and mineral components. You can hear different reviews about the quality of this composition. According to the information on the packaging, it should be replaced every 5-6 days.

One of the most famous brands

1. For a long time now Russian market There is a filler called “Clean Paws”. Lines of clumping bentonite and wood compositions in the form of granules are presented.
2. For those who prefer gel fillers, the composition of the Russian brand “Kotyara Magic Balls” is suitable. It perfectly retains unpleasant odors and will do its job for a long time, even if several cats use the tray. But, like other silica gels, it is not recommended if there are small kittens in the house.
3. Of the Russian brands, it is worth noting Pi-Pi-Bent. High quality bentonite clay is used to produce this clumping filler. Separate lines with flavors are presented.

Care should be taken to select flavored litter

What foreign brands are on the market?

1. According to reviews, Ever Clean is the best filler available on the Russian market. The manufacturer offers a clumping clay composition. Although it is more expensive than mixtures of other brands, it is economically consumed. In addition, the composition has antibacterial properties.

High quality filler with antibacterial properties

1. Another American brand is Fresh Step from Clorox. Clay clumping and silica gel mixtures are presented. The brand can be called one of the most popular around the world.

One of the most popular formulations in the world

1. The Canadian Extreme Classic is more affordable. In terms of quality, it has almost the same indicators as Ever Clean; it differs from the best filler in the rating only in its more modest packaging.
2. The German manufacturer presents the Cat`s Best composition, made on the basis of fir sawdust. Perhaps this is the only wood filler that clumps.

Clumping wood filler

1. The next brand is “Cat's Choice”. Compositions based on bentonite with the addition of flavorings and wood are presented.

Choosing the best litter that will please your furry pet and suit the owners can be difficult.

In the end, it is the cat who will make the final choice and decide what will be filled with her tray.

The number of cats in the house also plays a big role.

Considering the characteristics of absorbent and clumping formulations, as well as reviews from other owners, you can make the best choice.

Cat litter: Rating of the best manufacturers

Cat litter is absorbent and clumping, based on sawdust, minerals and silica gel granules. The choice depends on the character and age of the cat, the preferences of the owners, financial capabilities; the frequency of cleaning the cat litter box will depend on this decision.

Cat litter performs several functions at once:
- absorbs moisture (dampness in the tray can cause the cat to stop using it);
- absorbs unpleasant odors;
- allows the animal to realize its natural desire to “bury” excrement;
- simplifies cat care by making litter box cleaning less frequent.

If a cat does not want to “hide” traces of its vital activity, you can do without any filler at all by installing a tray with a grid: all the moisture will drain to the bottom. True, in this case you need to constantly monitor the condition of the tray, try to rinse it after each use and wash it thoroughly at least once a day - otherwise the stench cannot be avoided. If such careful control of the tray is not possible, you will have to resort to one of the “folk” options for fillers.

Sand

Sand absorbs moisture quite well. It copes with the smell somewhat worse: it weakens it, but does not absorb it completely. Therefore, if you use sand as a filler, you will have to come to terms with the fact that the toilet will almost always smell like cat urine. In addition, the grains of sand are very light - therefore, when the animal buries traces of its vital activity, the floor next to the tray will be covered with sand. However, this trouble can be avoided by using high trays with sides. The sand in the cat litter box is replaced every 2-4 days.

Newspapers

Newspapers torn into small pieces are an old “folk” way of arranging a cat’s litter box, very popular, but at the same time quite troublesome. To make it convenient for your cat to use the tray, you need to tear the paper quite finely, but it gets wet very quickly. You have to change the paper in the tray every day, or at most every other day, and it doesn’t cope with the smell very well.

You can buy a tray with a grid - then the moisture will flow down and the newspapers will get wet more slowly. To avoid odor, such a tray should be emptied several times a day.

Sawdust

Sawdust is a good alternative to factory-made fillers. They are easy to dig, they retain both moisture and smell well - such a tray begins to smell only when all the sawdust becomes wet. Therefore, sawdust is one of the best views"folk" fillers. If you use a tray with high sides and sprinkle sawdust in a layer of 8-10 centimeters, you can clean the cat litter box every 5-7 days. True, there are also some inconveniences: sawdust generates dust, in addition, the smallest particles of wood “stick” to the cat’s paws and are spread throughout the apartment.

You can place a thin layer of pieces of newspaper on top of the sawdust - then there will be less dirt on the floor. Wet paper should be changed daily.

Fuel granules (pellets)

Wood pellets intended for solid fuel boilers are wood processing waste pressed into granules and are practically no different from wood fillers for cat litter. When wet, they crumble into small sawdust and absorb moisture and odor just as effectively. The pellets are poured into the tray in a thin layer; as they are used, their volume increases 4-5 times. If you use pellets, you can clean the tray once every 7-10 days.

One of the main problems of cat owners is how to arrange a toilet for their pet. What should I put in the tray and should I put it at all? Here's what our forum members think:

• I take pressed sawdust (Siberian cat "Forest", for example). You can change it every 3-4 days. There are many advantages: cheap, environmentally friendly, smells of wood, convenient to use, can be thrown into the toilet.
• Silica gels are distinguished by the fact that they retain 100% odor and can not be changed for 3-4 weeks, removing only solid waste. In addition, silica gel does not stick to the paws and, due to the shape of the granules, is easily thrown out of the tray. A five-liter bag is enough for a month and a half.
• And we’ve been using “Clean Paws” for about 4 years now, it’s clumping. Like.
• My favorite filler is pine sawdust. Cheap and there is no cat smell at all. I change the tray every two days. There is enough sawdust. They absorb and smell only of wood. I have a cat and four kittens who wore them. And it doesn't smell.
• I am allergic to any fillers that contain even the slightest bit of dust. Therefore, there are two options: either silica gel or wood pellets. Because cats have arrived in the regiment, we’ll go broke on silica gel. That leaves "Ephedra". Use with grill. Only the filler is on top of the grate, which is why the sawdust falls down perfectly, from where it is removed (into the toilet).
• We used Pee Pee Bend before, the smell started after a week. Now we use WC cats silica gel - there is no smell even after a month.
• And we do it simply. A handful of sawdust under the grate. The cat's paws are always clean and there is no smell. We change it every 2-3 days, flushing the swollen sawdust into the toilet. What's on top is big, easy toilet paper collect and into the toilet. And most importantly, they cost pennies!
• I bought a 5 liter bag of sawdust and couldn’t be happier. I pour it in an even, thin layer and don’t remove it for several days, the sawdust increases three times in size, there is no smell and it absorbs everything. However, we remove solid waste immediately.
• I use Siberian Cat - super clumping, in my opinion, it is better than pee-pee-bent, absorbs odor better and 5 liters last for a month. package.
• Kittens often try to eat litter, so it’s worth buying mineral litter without additives (there are special ones for kittens).
• We use CAT SAN, the cat is very happy, there is no smell at all for the first 5-7 days, then it needs to be changed. When we bought a deeper pot, the cat began to dig much less and more quietly. I am very pleased with kat san!
• I tried silica gel cat step, but it didn’t last for a month. Two weeks maximum. It became all yellow and the cat refused to go into it. From what I liked: the cat is clumping; I didn’t like it: it’s a Siberian cat, but the tree one has to be changed often.
• I really like “Kotyara” - it lasts quite well for 3-4 weeks (I empty a full 3L package at once). I tried other silica gels and didn’t like them.
• I use wood filler - pressed sawdust. There is no smell from the tray; there is enough filler from morning to evening. I tried many fillers. The worst was the one that clumped with clay.
• After a long search for a suitable filler, I found optimal scheme for my cats (I have two). Under the grate I pour compressed wood (for example, kitkat), and on top of the grate - Brava mineral for long-haired cats (although I have both short-haired cats, but the granules do not fall into the grate). In general, the woody smell lingers, and in Brava they dig and row. Everyone is happy.

I tried wood filler (I also noted all of the above advantages for myself) and with clay (you can’t throw it down the toilet), but in both cases, the kitten, when burying it, dumps a third of the contents over the side and spreads it all over the place ((I’ll try silica gel, although of course it’s a bit expensive..

And we have two pots (with and without a grate). We use the Siberian cat. I don’t really like it because... It doesn't absorb well, but at least you can flush it down the toilet. And I clean the pots every day. We have a neat cat. If it's dirty, he'll shit on our bed :))

According to many experienced cat owners, wood litter for cat litter is the market leader in terms of price-quality-convenience ratio. Interesting facts Igor Stus, the owner of eight cats, shared with our website about this type of filler and his experience of using it.

– I have been using wood tray fillers for a long time and am very pleased with them, although we have tried the most different types. All the shelters and shelters I know also give preference to wood filler. I was curious how and who came up with the idea of ​​using sawdust in such an original way.

History of sawdust, or "pellets"

A short search on the Internet led me to Germany back in 1947. A sawmill manager named Rudolf Gunnerman came up with the idea of ​​pressing sawdust in order to... throw it away. The problem was that transporting sawdust to a landfill turned out to be expensive - it is very bulky and light.

The trucks had to make many trips and the movers had to shovel for a long time, and, ultimately, the cost of removing sawdust became very high. Rudolf Gunnerman began to press them so that more would fit into the body, and such briquettes or sawdust granules were called “pellets.”

A few years later, after emigrating to the United States, Gunnerman proposed using his invention as fuel. And, by the way, this method is very effective: pressed sawdust gives more heat than wood, if calculated by weight, and burns almost completely. In the 1970s, Gunnerman filed a patent for his invention, but exactly when pellets began to be used as wood filler for cat litter is unknown.

There are more forests in Russia than in any other country in the world. Of course, we have already thought of pressing sawdust - this is not Newton’s binomial, but animal lovers in our country still use an imported invention, and all because most Russian wood litter for cats is made from waste or from deciduous wood, while imported ones - from coniferous species. The latter absorb and “hold” the smell much better.

How wood litter for cats is now produced

Modern pellet production is a high-tech process that does not rely on sawdust pressing alone. They are sorted by different categories, grind to a dust state, use special mechanical devices for molding, cool, and dry. During production, temperature, humidity, and composition of raw materials are taken into account.

But the ingredients of this “dish” remained the same - only natural wood, no chemical additives. This is why pellets are ideal for the hygiene needs of animals. In addition, “cat” wood filler remains one of the cheapest. The cost in pet stores, at least in Moscow, starts from 20 rubles per kilogram.

Here it is important not to confuse kilograms and liters: despite pressing and granulation, pellets remain a very light and voluminous substance. And, most importantly, for cat needs there is no point in buying more expensive, high-quality pellets - the absorbent properties do not differ very much, and three kilograms of wood filler in the tray absorbs up to 12 liters of liquid.

For me personally, as a very lazy cat owner, pellets have a very important quality. After a portion of pellets has been used by cats, you can simply pour it completely into a garbage bag, without sorting it. The tray remains clean and dry and smells like sawdust.

Well, this is of course a matter of personal preference. Wood filler causes allergies in some people, which may be due to essential oils, contained in the sawdust of coniferous trees used for its manufacture.

But in any case, wood cat litter is a very useful invention and an excellent alternative for those who prefer natural and clean products for themselves and their animals.

Igor Stus

What canned food tastes best for cats?

RESEARCH ATTENTION! You and your cat can take part in it! If you live in Moscow or the Moscow region and are ready to regularly observe how and how much your cat eats, and also remember to write it all down, they will bring you FREE WET FOOD SETS.

Project for 3–4 months. Organizer - Petkorm LLC.