The kitten eats filler for the toilet: how harmful is it and what to do in such a situation?
With the appearance of a small mewing glomerulus in the apartment, a lot of joyful emotions arise. At the same time, a frisky minx will bring the owner no less worries. For example, a common situation often arises - the kitten begins to eat filler for the tray. Let's figure out what to do in a similar situation.
Causes
The reasons for a cat eating toilet filler can be different. Experts say that the pet is interested in this "food" in several cases.
- Feels the need for vitamins and minerals. The cat's growing body needs the necessary supplements to strengthen its teeth and claws. If the animal feels a lack of calcium or phosphorus, then (by intuition) he begins to look for solid food. For example, a cat litter made of bentonite clay becomes an excellent option for him. In order to avoid such situations, the breeder should add dairy and meat products to the pet’s diet or use dry food in which the necessary amounts of vitamins and minerals are present.
- Sharpening teeth. Cats, in essence, are miniature predators, so grinding their fangs and claws is "in the blood." Thus, a solid toilet filler instantly attracts his attention. The animal is trying to grind its teeth and claws on its granules. In this case, the owner needs to purchase special devices (for example, calcite stone) or offer the kitten a hard treat in the form of bones (pork or beef). It is better to refuse small chicken: the baby may choke and die.
- Nervous and anxious. A fluffy kitten that has only recently appeared in the owner’s apartment may experience emotional shock. Therefore, the mixture for the toilet is for him a kind of "stress seizing." The breeder needs to distract the pet from a bad habit with the help of a new toy or a tasty treat.
- Is playing. Sometimes curious kittens try to understand what constitutes the filler of their tray. Another reason is the smell of the toilet mixture. Special flavors of the filler attract the cat. In rare cases, pets exhibit behavioral abnormalities, as a result of which he eats inedible objects for no apparent reason. In this case, specialist assistance is required.
What is the danger?
Eating a filler from a tray is not the best thing for a pet. First of all, the granules of the mixture stick to the tongue, the palate of the animal, and it is difficult for him to spit this lump. Thus, a cat can "earn" indigestion.
Note that most cat litter mixtures do not contain toxic substances. However, silicone gel fillers pose the greatest danger to the kitten. They have good absorbent properties. Once in the animal’s stomach, the granules swell and cause discomfort. In addition, lumps are very harmful for him. If a large amount of toilet mixture gets into the cat’s mouth and starts to clump under the influence of saliva, the animal may choke.
And if the ill-fated lumps "get" to the stomach, then there may be a "malfunction" in the digestive system of the animal, which will require the intervention of a surgeon.
The safest are fillers, which are wood pellets. They are quite large, and the pet will not be able to choke on them. Also, they do not become lumps, but under the influence of moisture turn into dust - they can be easily washed off to the toilet. Another safe cat litter formula is corn backfill. It is made from environmentally friendly waste. It is absolutely harmless, but its cost is quite high. Also in pet stores you can find special fillers marked "for kittens." Such mixtures are the safest.
How to wean?
As we already found out, it is extremely undesirable for a cat to eat filler for a tray. The owner’s action in this case is one of two things.
- Try talking to your pet. Take it in your hands, caress and calmly explain to him that you can not eat from the tray. The cat must understand that otherwise he will be punished. Naturally, with a playful kitten it will be more difficult to "agree".
- Purchase a special double-bottom tray or cover the cat’s toilet. This will close the backfill of the kitten. But at the same time, the pet's vital products will not be hidden, which will provoke the appearance of an unpleasant smell in the apartment. This problem is solved by frequent cleaning and washing the tray.
Undoubtedly, if the pet does not want to give up the harmful “goodies” in any way, it is best for the breeder to completely remove all the fillers and buy a tray with a wire rack. Such a product will greatly facilitate the life of the owner of the cat and save money. In addition, the pet's paws will be clean, as it will cease to "spread" the filler granules throughout the apartment.
The only minus of the trays with the grate is their frequent cleaning, that is, leaving a similar toilet after visiting your pet for a couple of hours, you will immediately feel an unpleasant, pungent smell.
First aid
If a fluffy pet ate a large amount of silica gel or bentonite filler, then Your actions should be as follows:
- promptly rinse the cat's mouth;
- take the animal to the veterinarian;
- inform the specialist about the type of filler.
Note that kittens have a much higher risk of death than an adult cat. A baby who is full of silicone granules can die within two days.If there is no opportunity to visit a doctor, then try to induce vomiting in the animal with a small amount of salt water. To prevent the kitten from choking, use a small syringe. Until the pet's condition improves, feed him with “delicate” foods with lots of fiber. In addition, bran helps to improve bowel function.
The following video is about which filler is safer.