Cancer in cats
I'm particularly worried about this. Partly because Jandy died of it, partly because I know I could never subject my pet to chemotherapy.
Cancer rates in animals are skyrocketing. Books and books abound on why it is happening. I know that household cleaners play a role, which is why I don't use them (though I can't control my boyfriend's cleaning lady). Today I learned how unhealthy typical cat litter is for cats! I did some internet searching and found all sorts of info on clay & clumping litter--the stuff most of us use! After reading this I couldn't focus and finally just went to the store to buy something else. I'm trying Swheat Scoop Natural Cat Litter. It was $21 for a 40-lb bag of it. At first I thought this was twice as expensive as the Fresh Step stuff I had been getting for $10 at Costco for a 40-lb. container. But with the weight difference between the 2 varieties I actually am not paying more for it, so I'm excited!
After all the disgusting things I've read today, we are switching to this Swheat Scoop stuff at the shelter IMMEDIATELY!!!!!! All other litters donated to us will be used for the ferals during rehab, since they are only with us for a few days.
The clay/clumping is also said to be responsible for upper respiratory problems, gasterointestinal problems, etc. Here is something I found:
Kitty Litter with a Serious Warning
Vets have been reporting more and more kitty illnesses related to litter. Certain litters are actually causing serious problems for our feline friends including asthma, bronchitis, intestinal blockage and possibly even lung cancer.
Most litters are loaded with chemicals to reduce odor and help with absorption. These chemicals are released into the air when your cat digs in the litter box. The dust from the litter gets into the cat's lungs and can wreak havoc on its immune system, putting his or her health in jeopardy. With every visit to the litter box, your cat may be polluting its lungs. Damage can occur in just a short period of time.
Clumping clay litter, which forms a hard ball when it gets wet, is one of the most harmful types on the market. Several brands use this clay to make thier litter easier to scoop. What makes it clump? It's a natural clay ingredient called sodium bentonite. In this case, "natural" is not always safe. Here's the problem: When this clay gets wet it expands and forms a hard mass. So when your cat or kitten digs in the litter box it's stirring up clay dust and breathing it in. Once it gets into their lungs, it expands from the moisture, and in time builds up, causing all sorts of lung problems like
the ones mentioned above.
Some clumping litters actually post a warning right on the bag; "Do Not Let Cat Ingest Litter". It is ridiculous to think that you can stop your cat from breathing while visiting the litter box .You cannot stop your cat from grooming itself with its tongue or stop your new kitten from swatting and nibbling on the litter. Anything their tongue contacts gets ingested. Once the clay litter is inside the cat or kitten and expands, it not only could cause dehydration by absorbing all the body's moisture, it could also form a hard mass in the intestines over a period of time, which could be fatal.
Cancer rates in animals are skyrocketing. Books and books abound on why it is happening. I know that household cleaners play a role, which is why I don't use them (though I can't control my boyfriend's cleaning lady). Today I learned how unhealthy typical cat litter is for cats! I did some internet searching and found all sorts of info on clay & clumping litter--the stuff most of us use! After reading this I couldn't focus and finally just went to the store to buy something else. I'm trying Swheat Scoop Natural Cat Litter. It was $21 for a 40-lb bag of it. At first I thought this was twice as expensive as the Fresh Step stuff I had been getting for $10 at Costco for a 40-lb. container. But with the weight difference between the 2 varieties I actually am not paying more for it, so I'm excited!
After all the disgusting things I've read today, we are switching to this Swheat Scoop stuff at the shelter IMMEDIATELY!!!!!! All other litters donated to us will be used for the ferals during rehab, since they are only with us for a few days.
The clay/clumping is also said to be responsible for upper respiratory problems, gasterointestinal problems, etc. Here is something I found:
Kitty Litter with a Serious Warning
Vets have been reporting more and more kitty illnesses related to litter. Certain litters are actually causing serious problems for our feline friends including asthma, bronchitis, intestinal blockage and possibly even lung cancer.
Most litters are loaded with chemicals to reduce odor and help with absorption. These chemicals are released into the air when your cat digs in the litter box. The dust from the litter gets into the cat's lungs and can wreak havoc on its immune system, putting his or her health in jeopardy. With every visit to the litter box, your cat may be polluting its lungs. Damage can occur in just a short period of time.
Clumping clay litter, which forms a hard ball when it gets wet, is one of the most harmful types on the market. Several brands use this clay to make thier litter easier to scoop. What makes it clump? It's a natural clay ingredient called sodium bentonite. In this case, "natural" is not always safe. Here's the problem: When this clay gets wet it expands and forms a hard mass. So when your cat or kitten digs in the litter box it's stirring up clay dust and breathing it in. Once it gets into their lungs, it expands from the moisture, and in time builds up, causing all sorts of lung problems like
the ones mentioned above.
Some clumping litters actually post a warning right on the bag; "Do Not Let Cat Ingest Litter". It is ridiculous to think that you can stop your cat from breathing while visiting the litter box .You cannot stop your cat from grooming itself with its tongue or stop your new kitten from swatting and nibbling on the litter. Anything their tongue contacts gets ingested. Once the clay litter is inside the cat or kitten and expands, it not only could cause dehydration by absorbing all the body's moisture, it could also form a hard mass in the intestines over a period of time, which could be fatal.
posted by Amy at
4:52 PM
