What kind? | Litter | Ragdoll Cat Forum

Hiya

Most pine shavings (and cedar) are very strong smelling, from my experience (in the past with smaller critters before I learned about the dangers of them). The pine pellets I've used don't smell like pine in the way that shavings do. It smells like wood, but not aromatic like pine. Even when it's broken down into the sawdust after they pee on it, it still doesn't smell like pine. It's hard to describe, but it just smells like wood! I actually found Feline Pine to smell more like pine than ExquisiCat but in fact, the America's Choice horse bedding we are now using smells the least. I suspect because this company produces on a much larger scale and produces many other products, that it just has the financial means to have more stringent and rigorous kiln drying and phenol elimination processes.

I tried to include links last time and the first post I had written was a huge, awesome descriptive post full of helpful links but for some reason it rejected when I tried to submit it. So I lost the post. Then I retyped as much as I could remember, removing a few links… and lost it again. LOL so by the third time I was like "ok. bare minimum for this post". Anyway I'll try to include links again. You will have to copy and paste the links so they'll work – sorry!

thelighthouseonline.com/articles/natural.html

pineisfine.com

This is from an article about pine litter dangers (ehow.com):

"Could the Oils Present in Pine Litter Poison My Cat?
Most likely the answer to this question is no. Pellets manufactured for pine cat litter are kiln dried, a process that bakes out potentially harmful oils, phenols and hydrocarbons. Any compounds missed by the drying process are captured and squeezed out by pressurization, pretty much eliminating the threat of toxic chemicals."

Of course, take it all with a grain of salt. I personally believe there is enough evidence to give me peace of mind that pine litters are sufficiently processed to remove phenols so that it's at a "safe" level (as safe as can be anyway).

I've always wanted to try the Dr. Elsey's litter. You're right though, it's a bit expensive but I'll get the coupon that Jenny mentioned (thanks Jenny!) and give it a shot.

calico said:

Just wondering, do any of these litters have a pine smell?  If they do, I would assume they still have phenols in them to some degree.  If there are more phenols present in shavings, then that is kind of saying there still are phenols in the pellets to some degree.  I don't use them and my cats like unscented litter.  I do use clumping litter which has it's dangers too.  The Dr. Elsey litter is very good, but expensive and is much less dusty.  I have eight cats to buy litter for so cost does count.  I'm not saying I know what is the best thing to do is, I don't.  I think I've tried almost all types they make and each has it's flaws.  

 

Can I ask where you found the info on kiln-dried vs air-dried pine pellets?

 

Thanks,

calico 

 

 

GourmetPens said:

In case anyone is following this thread, I did some research to verify the safety of pine pellet litters.

The article you referred to is talking about shavings, which are air-dried, not pellets, which are kiln-dried. Kiln drying requires a temperature of at the very least 220 degrees Celcius, and this method gets rid of the majority of the phenols present in pine (if not completely). Air drying obviously cannot meet this standard so it makes sense that there are more phenols present in shavings, thus presenting a danger to critters.

If anyone is seeking a cheaper alternative to pine pellets, we found America's Choice Superior Bedding Pellets in 40 pound bags for $5.50 at McCoy's Building Supply. You can get a similar product (maybe different brand) at other building supply or farm supply stores in your local area. A search on their website confirms these pellets are kiln dried, just like Feline Pine/ExquisiCat, therefore they meet the same standards and are just as safe for kitty litter use. It is significantly cheaper than Feline Pine ($20 for a 40 pound bag), ExquisiCat ($15 for a 40 pound bag), or Planet Petco Pine Litter ($25 for two 20 pound bags). Especially if you have multiple cats and you need to save where you can!

I hope this helps anyone else who may be wondering about their pine pellets!