Woody cat litter: how to choose and use correctly?

Virtually every family today has some kind of pet. Most often it is a dog or a cat. Many owners of such animals, especially cats, are interested in the issue of arranging a place to meet natural needs. One of the essential elements of cat litter is a filler. The most commonly used tree option. Our article is devoted to the features of its selection and use.

Woody filler is a special clumping hygienic granules. Their production is carried out from sawdust coniferous trees. The transformation into granules occurs through the use of special technologies. Usually they have the shape of a cylinder and a different size. It should be said that this is the most popular and simple version of the filler.

The smallest granules are perfect for kittens that have very soft and gentle legs. And if the house has a large or long-haired cat, then it is recommended to choose large granules.

Many cat owners do not like needles-like wood filler, in which case you can choose an alternative option from beech or oak. A number of manufacturers offer fillers for cats from these kinds of wood.

Now consider the types of wood fillers. In total there are two of them:

• crumpled up;
• absorbent.

The first is usually made from natural wood fibers and is completely safe from an environmental point of view. Its main task is not the absorption of liquid, but the formation of lumps when moisture enters. Thanks to this solution, it can be easily removed from the tray, and the remnants can be safely used in the future.

The second option can be divided into several types, which differ from each other in the size of the granules. They are usually made of crushed or compressed wood rot. The most common material for manufacturing is pine or spruce.

Now we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the wood cat litter. If we talk about the merits of such a decision, we should highlight the following points.

• Production on the basis of environmentally friendly raw materials with excellent antiseptic and absorbent properties.
• Raw materials have a good natural flavor, and the presence of resins in the composition of the filler makes it possible to neutralize unpleasant odors.
• The possibility of recycling in compost or sewage.
• Availability due to the sale of packages of various sizes.
• Efficiency. The price of such fillers is low, and modern options provide a longer period of use, because of which even the high cost will be fully justified.
• Suitable for cats of various ages.

But, like any product, this filler has its drawbacks. The main disadvantage, which is according to most users, is that the cats on their paws carry the smallest woody particles around the apartment or house.

Now let's talk about the best wood fillers and try to figure out which solution is ideal for use. It should be said that today the products of both foreign and domestic manufacturers are represented on the market.

If we talk about foreign products, then German filler of the Cat's Best brand is considered to be quite good. Such a granular fine filler is made of spruce and pine sawdust. Very strong smell of wood, which emphasizes the naturalness of the product. Packed in bags of various sizes - up to 25 kilograms. In the line of the brand there are several types of fillers.

• Cat´s Best Nature Gold is a lumpy type wood filler for long-haired cats. Fibers of granules well absorb smells, form big lumps which easily clean up. Such fibers do not turn into dust if they are in a tray for a long time and do not spread around the house. If an animal accidentally swallows them, it will not cause problems. Yes, and flush into the toilet such a filler can be no problem.

• Cat´s Best Universal is a versatile filler that is suitable for small cats and kittens. Such granules perfectly absorb and retain moisture and are great for everyday use.

• Cat´s Best Oko Plus - a universal clumping type filler, which is economical. Wood fibers allow you to form lumps of large size, which can be easily removed, and the remaining filler in the tray to use further.

If we talk about domestic manufacturers, then it should be called a pretty good filler, which is produced under the brand name "Clean Feet". There are also several varieties.

• Standard. This option is designed for cats and kittens of various breeds. The filler perfectly absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors.
• Universal. This option is recommended for use for different animals, not just for cats.
• Economy It differs from other fillers in that it is sold in a large bag of 15 or 35 kg. As well as the options presented above, it is made without addition of any chemical components.

Another interesting option to mention is - filler, manufactured under the brand "Kotyara". It has a fairly high quality and is represented by granules of 6 mm. They perfectly absorb the liquid (they can absorb three times more than their mass). Granules prevent bacteria and odor from spreading. They are very attracted to animals because of the smell of spruce or pine. Another advantage is that the filler does not stick to the cat's paws.

More affordable can be called wood filler called "Barsik". This option is classified as cheap. It is safe, practical and most environmentally friendly. It lasts for a long time, and it perfectly absorbs unpleasant odors. A large bag lasts about a month, and the contents of the tray are enough to change once a week.

It should be noted that when choosing a wood filler for a cat, you will have to try various options in practice. And there may be not two or three, but significantly more. When choosing, you must adhere to the following rules.

• If you choose a kitten filler, then you should definitely purchase a product that has a quality mark. It must not contain any extraneous additives or chemical-based components.
• Selection of filler should be carried out according to the age of the cat, which is usually indicated on the package.
• After the cat first tries to use the filler, you should observe its reaction. If she does not experience any discomfort, then you can leave the filler to teach him a pet.
• The product must keep an unpleasant smell, as it is one of its main tasks.

Now let's talk about how to properly use wood filler. Terms of use will depend on whether it is absorbent or crumpled. Recommendations here can be different, but in the matter of disposal everything is simple - you can flush it into the toilet and not throw it into the trash. However, according to user feedback, it is clear that it is better not to do this immediately in a large volume, otherwise a blockage may occur. Also such waste can be taken out in a compost heap.

Considering that wood fillers are most often produced in the form of cylindrical granules, it is quite convenient to pour them on top of the cat litter box. Usually a layer no more than three centimeters thick is formed. As moisture appears in the tray, as already mentioned above, the granules will be scattered into sawdust, which will easily sift to the bottom. Large lumps are also very easy to remove from the tray.

In general, if you look at user reviews, they like wood filler. Many have noted that the granules are perfectly crumpled, they are nice and easy to clean. Users also note that many such solutions have a pleasant aroma and perfectly neutralize unpleasant odors. And some use already spent wood filler as a fertilizer for plants in the garden. Also, the strengths of the product users call excellent absorbency and the fact that it is not too often need to be changed.

At the same time, buyers are not very satisfied with some aspects of using this category of fillers. Most often, users complain that the cat spreads particles of wood pellets around the house after use. They are also often unhappy that the filler does not fully absorb unpleasant odors. Some people write that the granules are not very convenient to clean, as they crumble.

For a cat litter, see the following video.