Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Rescue & Rehoming => The Rescue Room => Topic started by: dabs on August 09, 2008, 12:41:24 PM

Title: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: dabs on August 09, 2008, 12:41:24 PM
Strange header I know.  :Crazy:

Anyway my amount of lodgers has increased over the last few weeks, and so therefore the amount of litter I get thru. Up till now it has not been a problem as I have been able to offload it into the domestic refuse for collection on a fortnightly basis.

Due to the increase I have had to bag the litter and today tried to take it down to the local tip. It was promptly refused as a "Biohazard", It took three employees to tell me that all at once for some strange reason! Anyway I got told it goes into my black bins which only get collected once every two weeks. I stated that the bin then gets quite heavy and the councils are bring in a new directive that if the bins are too heavy they will not empty them.

Some bright spark then says reduce the amount of waste in your black bin, totally overlooking the obvious that there would still be considerable weight in the black bin. I recycle everything I can and more, so what goes into the black bin is minimal anyway.

I have emailed the county council and asked as to what I am supposed to do with it.

I use biodegradeable in the house and grey litter in the pens. But Worlds Best is £22 per bag, so I cannot afford to use it for all my trays. I have some cats such as my queen upstairs that prefers the grey anyway and will piddle anywhere, including my plant pots, but in Worlds Best!

So how do you peeps that probably have considerable more litter than me manage?
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on August 09, 2008, 13:09:25 PM
I'm not a rescue or big litter user but was wondering how the local tip is set up?  Mine just has areas with low walls and you place whatever rubbish you have in each area behind the low wall.  It's sectioned off into garden waste, wood, metal and finally general household rubbish which is essentially what the binmen would normally empty from outside your house anyway.  Did you ask them first or did they approach you asking what the rubbsih was?  If it's in a black sack then I'd just throw it in with all the household waste - calling it a biohazard seems ridiculous to me  :Crazy:

Another option could be to use a Worlds Best-alike, lots of us on here use Chick Crumb which is a baby chicken food and looks and behaves in the same way as WB so it's flushable.  It's just crumbs of corn which is what Worlds Best is, a 20kg sack of Chick Crumb is less than £10, the equivalent weight of Worlds Best is well over £45.

I used a pet sitter a week or so ago, when I came back she said to me 'I didn't realise you used World's Best, you didn't mention flushing litter when I went through everything with you so I put it in the bin anyway.' I told her that it wasn't WB but chick crumb and she was really surprised, she uses WB herself and emailed me to ask me where I buy it from so looks like another convert.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 09, 2008, 15:36:04 PM
Do you live in a town? - you could distribute it in various public bins - disguised in carrier bags  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: dabs on August 09, 2008, 16:04:38 PM
Funnily enough in my research for chick crumbs I came across this.

http://www.poultrychat.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6623

The chicken keeping world think we are all mad, how little they know!  :rofl:

Yes Mark, I have seriously considered sauntering past a few waste bins and dropping in the odd ba, suppose I could even use the doggie bin down the road. I was even eyeing up a half filled skip in the next town today!  :evillaugh:

Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 09, 2008, 19:28:14 PM
One more thing - be careful which chick crumb you use as some have an antibiotic in that can cause lameness  :scared:

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,15409.0.html
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Pinkbear (Julie) on August 09, 2008, 23:59:52 PM
I find it hysterical when I find references to "them looking as us looking at them".  :rofl: I've been know to join other forums just to let them know we know they're watching us.  :sneaky: :evillaugh:

Chicken folks, if you are reading this, come and say hello because we are not (really mad) and some of us really like chickens too!  :welcome: :wow:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Angiew on August 10, 2008, 11:53:29 AM
Yes Chicken folk do join in and remember if you are having problems with rats - (as I did when I kept some bantys) don't go down the poison route - I'm sure we can oblige you with a few mousers!

Had to laugh at the city waste bins. I have visions of ?the great escape? with loads of cat owners shuffling around city streets with used litter dribbling from the bottom of their trousers  :rofl:

I knew a lady who would use the wood pellets (minus solids) as a path in a wooded area of her garden - seems like a good idea.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: dabs on August 10, 2008, 13:50:42 PM
So which chick crumb is recommended then?
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: hOrZa on August 10, 2008, 16:17:29 PM
pretty much any brand is safe but try to get a one which is ok for organic farming, the one I get is safe and the same price anyway
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Liz on August 10, 2008, 16:43:37 PM
We take our swadust and clumping litter to the tip and it oges in the gardening waste skip - we remove all the number 2's and flush them, we also add it to our composters and to our pile of grass in the woods and it is composting nicely so try that as it is wood in our case! :shocked:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: sheryl on August 11, 2008, 12:21:36 PM
I was concerned about the chick crumb content so phoned Dodson & Horrell and they explianed that you only get chick crumb containing antibiotics if you specifically ask for it. 

TBH I dont think I could use anything else now - with 4 Benglies and 2 moggies I would rather spend the money on them and not on cat litter so what I save (it costs me £16-£20 a month now instead of £60) buys them lost of toys and treats.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 11, 2008, 12:33:30 PM
I agree Sheryl, I've been buying this talc scented one to put upstairs outside mils room while she stays with us for 5 weeks, it doesn't clump as well or hold smells in half as well as good old crumb, I'll be going back to it asap
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 11, 2008, 12:54:57 PM
I was interested to see on that chicken forum that one person used compressed sawdust - pellets? for cat litter - does she just mean the bags of sawdust you buy for rabbit hutches etc? Wouldnt sawdust stick to the coats (especially longhairs!) and track all round the house?
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 11, 2008, 16:15:32 PM
I agree Sheryl, I've been buying this talc scented one to put upstairs outside mils room while she stays with us for 5 weeks, it doesn't clump as well or hold smells in half as well as good old crumb, I'll be going back to it asap

I would give another clumping a go - I agree tigerino smells nice but clumps badly  :tired: the PAH stuff is much better. I will be ordering odourlock next time. Honestly, Tigerino isn't a good example of clumping litter - I still have about 2 bags to get through - Annoying as I got it because it was on offer but it's working out more expensive than others as I have to do a complete change once a week at least  :tired:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 11, 2008, 16:17:19 PM
I'm changing it every week as well (well the first week it was three days because of the heat!) I've got classy cat coming from zooplus any day now I'll let you know how that goes
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Millys Mum on August 11, 2008, 19:25:01 PM
Odourlock good  :ok: :ok: :ok:

I only had a small bag of nuggies and didnt like the experience  >:(
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 12, 2008, 10:22:55 AM
Annoyingly, I had 4 big bags of tigerino  :tired: - I'll be glad when it's gone. The PAH one is great and sets like concrete  :evillaugh: - I read somewhere (wish I bookmarked it) that you can smear Thyme oil or peppermint oil on the tray as it kills germs and stops it sticking + smells nice  :). I will check they are safe to use before I try it. Thyme oil sounds good.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 12, 2008, 10:37:20 AM
the classy cat arrived yestereday, doesn't look as fine but won't be changing trays until the weekend I hope so will know about clumping then
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 12, 2008, 13:59:06 PM
I am going to put a review of Tigerino on Zooplus - it won't be good!

I looked into oils and basically none are safe for cats as some contain phenols that will accumulate in the liver and poison, attack the neurological system or cause breathing problems. I am looking into buying some plant Hydrosols and hope they are greasy enough to stop the litter sticking to the tray. It's incredible how much conflicting info there is on the net. I had almost made my mind up to buy thyme oil and as there is a herbalist directly opposite I so easily could have bought some  :scared:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 12, 2008, 14:35:44 PM
the worst thing is in my corner tray for some reason I can't explain the designer made the bottom textured????  you should see me with my scrubbing brush!

Tigerino isn't one I'd recommend, it does clump but try and pick it up in once piece, no chance
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 12, 2008, 14:56:58 PM
Exactly  >:( - I see Classy cat is on offer now. I did try it but can't remember if it was as good as golden grey?  :Crazy:

It looks like they have stopped selling odourlock  :( - I really wanted to try it  >:(

I have submitted a review for tigerino giving it 2/5 - I don't know if they will pass my review.


I did one for Whiskas dry last week and got an email saying that the moderators decided not to use it as it left me and them open to legal action from the maker  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 12, 2008, 14:58:34 PM
omg what did you say!!!
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 12, 2008, 15:53:13 PM
Just along the line of Smells nice, nice & fine, rubbish at clumping. I said I bought it as it was on offer but it's working out more expensive than others as I have to keep changing the trays completelty. I said I wouldn't buy it again  :tired:

Going to see if anywhere else sells odourlock online. I hate the fake baby talc smell of most of them  :sick: - tigerino smelt OK
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 12, 2008, 15:57:18 PM
they shouldn't have a problem with that, must admit I do like the smell!!!  probably why I get so irritated when it starts smelling of pee!
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 12, 2008, 16:00:56 PM
Exactly, the whole idea is this you remove all the soiling so really it doesn't do its job  >:(
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Millys Mum on August 12, 2008, 18:45:05 PM
Golden grey comes 2nd to odour lock, not tried the classy
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 12, 2008, 19:06:38 PM
I tried golden grey and it was fine but I wanted odourlock as it is unscented?
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Millys Mum on August 12, 2008, 19:13:18 PM
Golden grey is the least scented of the lot, rapidly fades. Think the odour lock was limited which is a shame, got a free tin of food on the side too  :wow:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 12, 2008, 19:22:26 PM
I saw a link to it but it was a dead one  :( - I think I will order the classy cat or whichever is on offer next - unless gg works out the same. I still have a fair bit of tigerino left - but the amount I am using is silly - I am barely making it last a week with it crumbling like an oxo  :tired:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 13, 2008, 08:09:21 AM
well I could smell the hall tray last night while watching tv (fully changed on Sunday) so I've put the classy cat down, I can't smell any baby talc but it is supposed to be there, I'll let you know how it clumps, it can't be worse might try extreme classic -  omg I'm a litter junkie!!!!
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 13, 2008, 16:11:21 PM
Mark what did you make of extreme classic??
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 13, 2008, 17:44:17 PM
This seller "Oscars" sells 20kg of unbranded Bentonite litter for £6.95 - most clumping litters are made from bentonite

I am having doubt now though. If you google bentonite litter, there are loads of sites that advise against clumping litter saying if it is ingested, it can be dangerous. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 13, 2008, 17:45:00 PM
Mark what did you make of extreme classic??

From what I remember, there wasn't a great deal of difference between it and Golden Grey.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Millys Mum on August 13, 2008, 17:45:57 PM
It smells very much like grannies/babies/talc  :sick: clumped ok tho  ;D

Ingesting is more likely in kittens that are weaning so worlds best is better for them.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 13, 2008, 18:10:08 PM
Maybe this is the cheapest clumping - about 1/2 way down page. They do free delivery as well when you spend a certain amount - 20kg is a heavy bag!
http://www.oscars.co.uk/productselection.ikml?id=5&range=87
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Millys Mum on August 13, 2008, 18:15:34 PM
Its large grain tho, i can get normal fullers earth type very cheaply locally, just not the extra fine stuff  :(
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 13, 2008, 22:04:09 PM
I am having doubt now though. If you google bentonite litter, there are loads of sites that advise against clumping litter saying if it is ingested, it can be dangerous. Any ideas?

Theres also the thought that it can be a contributing factor in hyperthyroidism - don't know how, but I read it today.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 14, 2008, 08:29:29 AM
well the classy cat clumps ok but does crumble a bit - seems to hold in smells ok though - I will be trying the granny/baby smelling one and then probably go back to chick crumb
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 14, 2008, 09:31:45 AM
I wish Zooplus sold one that clumps as well as PAH as it is excellent and no perfume.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 14, 2008, 09:38:47 AM
I thought the pah one didn't smell, I want a talc one  :shy:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 14, 2008, 10:21:58 AM
You can always add some litter freshener? - I would rather no smell as the talc perfume smells like it is covering up something nasty  :sick:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Cheesecat on August 14, 2008, 12:38:02 PM
Does anyone use Cats Best? I love that one (If it is possible to love a Cat litter!!) as it clumps really well and doesn't track too badly either.
Its £6.49 a bag from PAH but it lasts alot longer cause you only have to scoop the clumps rather than complete changes etc.

I feel mental talking to anyone except you lot passionately about something like Cat Litter!!!   :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 14, 2008, 13:36:46 PM
I think cats best is like chick crumb - I'm going a bit nutty myself here I should be ashamed of myself searching for talc scented cat litter!
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 14, 2008, 16:33:13 PM
The Petfood Warehouse are selling it 4 for the price of 3 at the moment

http://petfoodwarehouse.co.uk/
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 14, 2008, 16:33:48 PM
I think cats best is like chick crumb - I'm going a bit nutty myself here I should be ashamed of myself searching for talc scented cat litter!

Golden grey is talc scented  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 14, 2008, 16:35:19 PM
that is probably the only one I haven't tried, order for extreme classic went in today - i really must stop this :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Millys Mum on August 14, 2008, 18:07:08 PM
Cats best is clumping wood so not like worlds best/chick crumb really. I use it in one tray but its not their favourite.  >:(

Cheesy Dawn, zooplus often put it on special and discount codes float about so may save you a bit on PAH prices  ;D

Those litter freshening powders should be banned, poor cats having to use something thats smells that strong  :sick:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Gillian Harvey on August 14, 2008, 18:50:18 PM
Don't you find Cats best tracks like mad?!! I used it several years ago, but it was ok where I used to live because I had 'oatmeal' coloured carpets - exactly the same colour as the cats best, so it wasnt so obvious LOL! but when I moved here, with darker colour carpets..... :omg: - shame, as it IS a good litter.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Millys Mum on August 15, 2008, 16:24:43 PM
I find it doesnt track any worse than other types!

My most worst litters are clean paws and waitrose clumping closely followed by fullers earth, rubbish if they dig as it all mixes up  :sick:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on August 18, 2008, 10:33:49 AM
I dont' normally come in here but have stumbled upon this thread ( :rofl: at the chicky peeps).  Glad I'm not the only one not overly impressed with Tigerino litter.  I was thinking it doesn't clump very well but was wondering whether it was because mine often pee at the edge of the tray and the clumps disintergrate when I try to scrape them off the sides.  Golden grey is much better and I prefer lightly scented to unscented.  I've got a few more bags of tigerino to use up but then it will be back to golden grey for me.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Mark on August 18, 2008, 10:37:05 AM
Ditto  :evillaugh:

Zooplus haven't added my review so the reviews are biased if they don't include bad ones  :shify:
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Dawn F on August 18, 2008, 10:44:02 AM
the classy cat is definately better, holds clumps and smells but I've got two bags of extreme something on the way maybe I'll try golden grey next - no cat stuff buying until October for me now!
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on August 18, 2008, 10:45:41 AM
I've just been and added a review too  ;D  If I can see a clump in the middle of the litter and can get the scoop completely under it, it will come out in one piece.  But if they cover it up, you don't always know where they are!   And that's when they just crumble.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Fire Fox on October 07, 2009, 16:54:15 PM
Has anyone tried the cat litters which are based on hemp (from Zooplus) or on straw (Friendly Natural)? These are supposed to be more absorbent than most other substrates, and obviously more sustainable than clay. I am surprised not to find a litter based on bamboo as it's very absorbent, soft and naturally anti-bacterial.
Title: Re: Cat Litter disposal
Post by: Purrrrfect (Shelly) on October 07, 2009, 18:33:16 PM
We recently had this problem so we eventually asked for an industrial waste bin. We have to pay for it but its worth it to keep the mound of cat litter down. And with up to 25 cats in residence thats a lot of litter. lol