From:
sprite@ksu.edu
Date: 2003-07-10 20:12:02 UTC
Subject: Re: Clumping litter
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <4101534.1057867922343.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I used clumping litter for awhile years ago until I read an article about a litter of kittens dying due to clumping litter. I searched for more info and decided that it wasn't worth the risk.
A couple years ago, a friend that works at a vet clinic said a cat was brought in constipated. To make a long story short (and to leave out the yucky details), the cause was large clumps of clumping litter.
Having clumping litter stick to little bottoms isn't the only concern. My understanding is that clumping litter contains a very fine dust and when the dust is inhaled it can be drawn into the lungs and other areas of the body. Clumping litter clumps so when the dust is inhaled, it may also form a clump. The clumping we see on their little bottoms is not good, but the clumping that may occur from inhalation of the clumping dust could be much worse.
Another concern was brought to light when a friend got a new kit and she was put in a cage with clumping litter. As kits do she played in her water. Then the kit played in the clumping litter. When she scooted her face through the clumping litter she ended up with clumped litter in her mouth and eyes and in between her little toes. It was not easy to remove as it had been there for a time.
It's a personal decision on whether to use any type of litter. Please take into account health risks that aren't seen as well as those that are.
tle
www.ferretfamilyservices.org