CRITTER LITTER
How do your find the perfect litter for your critter?
Which litter to use and how much all depends on the animal. Some animals, such as rabbits and ferrets, may only need litter in the litter boxes. Others may be less discriminating about where they eliminate and need litter over the entire bottom of their cage. Guinea pigs and rabbits must drink lots of water to help their bodies eliminate excess calcium, thus they must eliminate lots of urine. Their litter must be absorbent, plentiful and spot cleaned daily. However, desert animals like gerbils only produce small amounts of very concentrated urine, requiring fewer litter changes.
The wide variety of litter and bedding products available all have their advantages and disadvantages, including absorption, texture, appearance, odor control, messiness and price.
Shredded paper products rate high on absorption, texture and appearance but can be messy and rate low for odor control. Paper pellets are less messy and often have odor control properties added.
Small animal litters can also pose some health concerns:
- Dust can irritate eyes and respiratory tract
- Harsh textures may cause sore feet
- Ingestion of inedible products can cause blockages
- Aromatic oils can cause respiratory problems and allergies
If the aromatic oils in pine and cedar shavings are a concern, try aspen, which does not contain these oils. Often times, mixing litters is a good alternative. A layer of pellets at the bottom can be topped with a shredded product for added softness. Have a little fun by adding a touch of color with a brightly colored paper product, changing colors for different seasons and holidays.
Again, specific animals will respond differently to specific litters, so watch your pet and try different litters until you find the right match.
