I need help with litter suggestions ...

[Cleo]

Once the kittens were finally of age, everyone was using Tidy Cats scoopable. I like the easy maintenance factor of the scoopable litter but the dust is starting to affect my asthma tremendously. And if it's doing this to my lungs, I would imagine it's worse for the cats whose lungs are a lot smaller.

I just did a litter box clean and change and used regular Tidy Cats clay but I doubt that's going to do the trick. Anyone use this?

I saw something called Yesterday's News that is recycled newspaper pellets. While it's clayless, I can't see it doing an effective job.

What's up with Feline Pine? Anyone use it? Good/bad experiences?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[Tambrey]

I used Feline Pine for a while, and might again one day...as long as you clean it OFTEN, it is okay...but I was sick for a few days and DH and DS did NOT scoop the boxes...what was an inch of pine pellets when I put them in had turned into a MOUNTAIN of sawdust overflowing the litterbox I STILL am sweeping pine dust from the edges of the basement steps...hahaha

but I did like that it did not smell...even the mountain had a nice piney scent...and all I had to do was toss it out into the side yard (we have three acres of yard!) as it will just disintegrate into the ground...

I have been using the Arm & Hammer Flushable in the bathroom and we just scoop a couple of poops every time one of us uses the bathroom, and that is working out very well...but I do notice a fine layer of dust on the shelf above the box...
Downstairs I use SPecial Kitty WalMart brand in the green box, also clumpable...and it is over by the garbage can, and I have a Litter Locker there...every time we toss something in the garbage, again we scoop through the litter, spray some (WalMart brand) lysol into the Locker, and igve the wheel a bit of a turn...

I just have the two boxes...they are Sterlite underbed storage boxes that are abou 16x24 or so...and even with the ten cats, there is no smell, they are fine with just the two...I have been doing this for two months now and no issues...you just have to remember to get into the habit to scoop every time you go by a box!

[Cleo]

I have 4 boxes spread throughout my apartment and scoop each one 3 times a day ... in the morning, before I leave the house and again at night. I also scoop if I'm present after someone has used it. It's not so much the smell because I've got that under control; it's just that fine particle dust that I need to control.

My sister uses Johnny Cat unscented clay litter for her cat and she feels it's contributing to her asthma as well. Short of teaching them how to use the toilet, I'm not sure what we can do. Also, it's not just from the box. I notice that if one of my cats has used the box and jumps on my lap shortly thereafter, the litter dust is in their fur.

Thanks for the suggestions Tambrey.

[Tambrey]

This is true too about the litter dust...

hhmmm....I have read online about how to go about teaching them to use the toilet and I have seriously thought of doing so...trying with one or two at a time, and hope the rest follow their lead...

http://www.karawynn.net/mishacat/toilet.html

[Traci]

Unfortunately, when using either clay or scoopable, you'll have dust. One thing you can try is having a water bottle on hand and 'mist' the litter on top as you're scooping. I know, alittle inconvenient, but it will work.

I will not use pine litter or pellets of any kind (but that's just me). They are sawdust in a short amount of time and I don't fathom a "pine" scent for the cats. Some cats may not like the texture either and may avoid using it.

If worse comes to worse with your asthma flareups, pick up a pack of lightweight face masks (used for remodelling and painting) and keep them nearby, then just put one on as you clean the litterbox and toss when you're through.

[Tambrey]

that is a great idea about the spray bottle to mist...and I keep a few around anyways for when they get somewhere, or into something that they do not belong...or if a tussle gets a little too out of hand!