When a kitten appeared in the house, the issue with the filler is resolved on the first day. As soon as a new family member arrives at the apartment, the pellet bin should be ready. True, sometimes the baby refuses to go into the pot, and the reason for this may be the wrong filler. To make the baby accustomed to the tray faster, try using bentonite.
Composition and properties
Bentonite filler is clay, 70% consisting of a layered highly dispersed mineral montmorillonite. The composition includes the natural additive E 558 from the group of emulsifiers. When liquid enters the granules, they coalesce and turn into a gel-like slurry with thixotropic properties.
The resulting lump is easily removed with a spatula, and the remaining granules, not touched by moisture, remain in the container, which makes such a filler very economical.
The structure of the product is grains similar to gravel. Shops offer both odorless and flavored fillers, for example, with the scent of lavender or forest strawberries.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the bentonite filler:
- bentonite - a natural element that effectively absorbs water and odor;
- the cost of the filler is quite democratic for any social class;
- pellets curled from moisture into a lump are very easily removed;
- solid waste buried by a cat does not emit unpleasant odors for a long time;
- the natural origin of the clay-based filler does not adversely affect the skin and coat of the pet.
Before purchasing bentonite granules from a pet store, you should familiarize yourself with some of the disadvantages of the product.
- Bentonite cannot be disposed of through the toilet. As already mentioned, it hardens upon contact with water and turns into cement, which can clog the sewer pipes. Flushing into the toilet is allowed only lumps formed from a single visit to the animal toilet.
- Many curious kittens do not mind trying friable pebbles to taste, and this can be dangerous for their fragile intestines.
- This filler causes inconvenience if the tray is in the bathroom or toilet. The substance adhered to the ceramic tile, which the kitten can carry on its paws, is difficult to remove.
- Despite the ability to absorb odor well, when a kitten visits the tray repeatedly, an unpleasant odor will still spread throughout the apartment. Therefore, lumps arranged from liquid waste should be cleaned after each cat's trip to the toilet, and not wait until the entire contents of the container turn into cement.
- If you do not change the clumping filler for a long time and clean the kitten, then cleaning the pot will be quite problematic.
How to choose?
Before you buy cat bentonite filler, Use some product selection tips.
- Choose finer bentonite. So the pot will be more efficient. At the same time, very small grains stick easier to the paws of a kitten and spread throughout the apartment.
- Stores offer a product without smell or aroma - for example, with sea fragrances, powder, lavender, peanut products. Flavored filler absorbs odor better, however, not all cats like it.
- Learn the composition of the product. Check if it contains allergens.
- Do not be afraid to take options that include wood inclusions. They absorb the smell better, but need more frequent cleaning.
- Most owners of cats appreciate the bentonite filler from the manufacturers Biokat`s, Fussie Cat, Pi-Pi-Bent Classic, CC Sea, Clean Paws, PrettyCat.
What to do if a kitten eats bentonite?
Quite often, a situation arises when a kitten begins to eat bentonite granules. Do not allow these actions, grains can provoke a blockage of the intestine. After seeing that the kitten has become lethargic, sleepy, he has lost his appetite and other signs of poisoning have appeared, immediately bring your pet to the veterinarian and be sure to bring a handful of filler and packaging from it to show the specialist what caused the kitten to be in such a state.
To avoid this situation in the future, try to teach a kitten to go to the toilet on the grill. That is, pour bentonite to the bottom, and put the grate on top. Thus, dangerous pebbles will be hidden from a feline child. In addition, this method will save the apartment from the spread of grains, because now the kitten will not touch the filler with its paws.
The only negative is that solid waste will not be buried, but the responsible owner already cleans the tray of feces in time.
The reason for this behavior of the kitten may be its improper feeding. The diet of the pet should be balanced and supplemented with vitamins. It is best to consult a veterinarian. Let the specialist recommend how to properly feed a particular animal, depending on its age, complexion, breed, and health status. If the kitten does not lack any substances in its body, then, most likely, bentonite granules will not interest him.
An overview of the clumping Mafin bentonite cat litter is given below.
