When choosing a litter for a pet's toilet, you have to take into account many nuances. What matters is not only the type of animal and the cost of the filler, but also how often it needs to be changed, whether it retains the smell well, and whether it is convenient to dispose of it. Incorrectly selected litter can cause allergies in the animal or its owners, and cause the pet to refuse from the litter box.
Instructions
Step 1
Cat litter can be used successfully for small dogs as well as rodents (chinchillas, guinea pigs), rabbits and ferrets. You can purchase a special litter for your pet or choose the most convenient type of feline - there are many options in pet stores that can satisfy even the most fastidious lover of cleanliness.
Step 2
“Traditional” fillers such as sand or newspapers are not recommended. Newspapers do not retain odor well, in addition, it is dangerous to use them as bedding for rodents - the animal can gorge itself on scraps of newspapers and die from poisoning with toxic printing ink. Street sand can be infected with helminth eggs, it is inconvenient to change it, in addition, the animal can scatter it all over the apartment.
Step 3
For cats and other animals, you can choose wood litter in the form of granules - it does not form irritating dust, its prices are relatively low. However, when wet, such fillers can crumble into fine dust, and therefore poorly retain odor. Cats and dogs can carry dust around the house on their paws, which is not conducive to maintaining cleanliness.
Step 4
Fillers made of cellulose or grain waste (corn cobs, wheat husks) are only gaining popularity in the Russian market, although they are considered the most environmentally friendly material due to their ease of disposal and absorb moisture well. These toilet litters are great for rodents. The disadvantage is the lightness of the material - when moving in a tray or cage, animals can scatter it on the floor.
Step 5
Mineral fillers absorb liquids well and are inexpensive, but can generate a lot of dust that is harmful to allergic animals and humans. When choosing a mineral filler, pay attention to clumping varieties - then there will be no need to change the entire tray every time. These fillers are not suitable for rodents, as a rabbit or guinea pig may try to eat it and seriously harm themselves. In addition, hard mineral particles can injure the paws of the animal.
Step 6
Silica gel fillers are expensive, but very convenient - they perfectly retain moisture and odor, and do not require frequent replacement. It is enough to remove solid waste in time, while the bulk of the filler can remain in the tray for several days. When poured, such a filler can emit a loud rustle, which animals do not always like. For cats and dogs, this is almost an ideal option; it is not recommended to use it for rodents for the same reason as mineral.
