The Trouble with Kitty Litter: What is Safe and What is Not?
July 28, 2008 by Gyvel Young © 2011
Filed under ALL ABOUT CATS, CONSUMER REPORTS, Cat Health Issues, Pet Product Reviews
The more indoor cats you have the more important cat litter becomes.
Finding just the right cat litter brands can be one of the most difficult trials to deal with when owning a cat. And you’ll need to conduct your own test before finally settling on one brand. But there is more to the cat litter question than just what works for you. There is a question of health, not only for you but your cats.
Silicosis and the cat box connection?
When I conducted research on the Dust Bowl for an upcoming book on Route 66, I came across an interesting item. It was a disease that I had never heard of before called Silicosis. Silicosis is caused by the constant inhalation of tiny particles of silica. These particles then embed themselves into the lungs clogging up the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The particles are so small the lungs can not clear themselves out by creating mucous or coughing. In other words, silica dust particles gum up the lungs. The lungs then become congested, filling with fluid, and eventually producing fibrosis and inflammation. The final result is chronic lung problems such as bronchitis (note, any disease ending in “itis” denotes that it is an inflammatory illness), asthma, and lung tumors.
It’s not just harmless dust….
When you pour clay litter (clumping or regular) into a litter pan a puff of dust floats up towards you and streams throughout the room. You are inhaling these particles directly through your nose. The residual litter dust is inhaled indirectly as it travels throughout the room and around your home. However, your cat is under constant exposure to silica dust since each time he uses the box he inhales these particles directly into his lungs. Plus he is also inhaling the indirect dust floating in the home atmosphere.
Clay is a mineral that is very difficult for the body to eliminate. Exposure to clay dust puts people and animals at risk for such diseases called “Farmer’s Lung” and Mesothelioma Lung Cancer. The research is very clear that cats who are already suffering from lung problems have difficulty clearing clay dust from their lungs. It is the clay litter alone that causes these lung problems. Please click on this link for a full report (including images) of this disease: http://www.securepet.biz/wordpress/study-on-silica-dust-in-cats
As responsible pet owners and health conscious people we need to think twice about bringing any clay litter into our homes. Let’s not expose our cats and families to this potential hazard.
The natural alternatives to clay litter are growing.
The alternatives are a natural litter made from wheat, corn or paper. The only clumping ones are made from wheat and corn. These materials are safe for cats of all ages. They are free from perfumes and dyes. And they are safe for the environment. Below you will find a sampling of various clumping products—alternative and traditional clay—along with my personal test results.
Fresh Step clumping clay litter uses perfumes that increase the chance of health risks in cats. Many cats have chronic eye problems due to allergic reaction to scented litter. For humans who are chemical sensitive these heavily scented products only aggravate their condition. In addition, perfumes can produce allergic reactions in humans.
Tidy Cats Scoop Multiple Cats formula contains an odor controlling formula plus perfumes. These chemicals irritate the sensitive lining of a cat’s nostrils. This can further aggravate any allergy problems the cat may have. Furthermore the cat can ingest these chemicals into their system when cleaning their paws. Reviews on this product appear to be good but my personal experience with Tidy Cats was not satisfactory. The heavy scent was annoying, not to mention unhealthy.
About the author:
Gyvel Young is a journalist and a published author of several non-fiction books and magazine articles.
ASPCA 2008 Cat Photo Contest Winners
July 25, 2008 by Editor
Filed under Darling Images, GALLERIES
Courtesy of the ASPCA
Smile—You’re On Candid Catera!
Announcing the winners of the third annual Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month Photo Contest
In honor of Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month this June, we asked you to catch your cat in the act—of being a cat! You know…yawning in the dog’s face, watching the faucet drip, chasing dust bunnies…whatever she does when she thinks no one’s looking. Our inbox was flooded with thousands of entries, leaving our judge, legendary musical artist Michael Feinstein, with the difficult task of selecting the best of the best. We are proud to salute the winners here.
Click on any photograph to enter the ASPCA site to see who the winner was!
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Honorable Mentions
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SecurePet Pet Sitter Services is located in Wimberley, Texas and provides pet sitting care for all types of animals: ranch animals, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles (but not gators!) and amphibians. We specialize in pets with special needs. This full-service pet sitting company will ensure that all your pets receive the best of care while you are away on business or pleasure.
Meet Stan
July 21, 2008 by Gyvel Young © 2011
Filed under Darling Dogs, FEATURED PETS
Meet Stan
Presented by SecurePet Pet Sitter Services of Wimberley, Texas
"Hmmm ... I wonder where that rabbit went to? Ahhh, I see, there it is, way over yonder—Yoddel-lay-e-ooh! Look out rabbit ... here I come! They don't call me a professional tracker for nothing .."
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Name: Stan Age: 2 years
What I am: German Short-Hair Setter Mix
Hometown: Wimberley, Texas
Favorite song: “The Wanderer” by Dion and Belmonts
Favorite movie: Journey of Natty Gann
Favorite actor: Terry-Thomas
Hobbies: Yodeling
Occupation: Professional Tracker
What I hate: Leashes
What I love: Scents
One word description: Motion!
Fashion accessory fav: Lederhosen
Favorite pet sitter: SecurePet Pet Sitter Services, Wimberley, Texas
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SecurePet Pet Sitter Services is located in Wimberley, Texas and provides pet sitting care for all types of animals: ranch animals, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles (but not gators!) and amphibians. We specialize in pets with special needs. This full-service pet sitting company will ensure that all your pets receive the best of care while you are away on business … or pleasure.
