New Savannah daddy...F1 Portia (4 yrs) & F2B Kaya (8 weeks)

[WitchyWoman]

They always used the new litter first. My guys may be unusual in that they readily accepted any litter I bought and I pretty much tried them all. And my guys pee like stallions so that might be why the pellets didn't work too well here. They broke down in 2 days so I was constantly refilling. Not my style, too lazy.

 

[John Hemmerly]

They always used the new litter first. My guys may be unusual in that they readily accepted any litter I bought and I pretty much tried them all. And my guys pee like stallions so that might be why the pellets didn't work too well here. They broke down in 2 days so I was constantly refilling. Not my style, too lazy.

Ha...I am seriously OCD so I am always doing something, but not the biggest fan of changing litter either. I will try Brigitte's method...thanks again guys..

John

 

[DocMac]

You didn't mention what litter you are using now that you wish to transition away from. In general the best tactic is to do this process slowly...so start with the new litter in a layer at the bottom of the litterbox and layer on top about an inch of the old litter type, that they are accustomed to. Then they will somewhat mix it as they use it. Then next time you change the litter you use more of the new type of litter and less of the old until it is just the new litter in the box.

There is a lot less danger using a plant-based clumping litter than the clay clumping litter, which is indeed dangerous to kittens as they are more likely to try eating it. But good for you listening to your breeder's advice! Wonderful!

Swheat is one of the better clumping litters, the only thing I didn't like with it is that it tends to stick like concrete to the bottom of the box...so you kinda may have to chip off the lumps when cleaning the box. I think they recommend spraying the bottom of the box with cooking spray to help with that issue...

we use Swheat because it is completely biodegradable and we can put it on our fields. It does make for nice pasture. It controls the odor and works well for us.

 

[tkymasters]

John, I was just like you when I got my F1... Fortunately mine was a kitten. Wanted him to sprout up and be that gigantic cat.. The one thing I did right... I took him everywhere with me in a pet carrier with wheels. He went with me on all errands, to work, home depot, petsmart.. It's one of the fastest way to create a bond. He's always with you, talk with him like person, eventually he starts talking back. Just make sure he goes to the litter box before you go out. Eventually, as soon as he hears car keys, he will come running and right into his carrier. Just a training method I used to get him in a carrier really easy.

 

[John Hemmerly]

we use Swheat because it is completely biodegradable and we can put it on our fields. It does make for nice pasture. It controls the odor and works well for us.

I don't have any pastures in San Diego....can I get rid of it in the ocean? Just kidding! I already bought some of the Swheat...definitel going to use it....thanks for the tip DocMac...keep you guys posted as to the progress of the litter switch...my 8 weeek old F2B took her 1st poop the other day...on MY side of the bed...I think her mom taught her that...ugh! She has since used the litter box....good girl!

 

[John Hemmerly]

John, I was just like you when I got my F1... Fortunately mine was a kitten. Wanted him to sprout up and be that gigantic cat.. The one thing I did right... I took him everywhere with me in a pet carrier with wheels. He went with me on all errands, to work, home depot, petsmart.. It's one of the fastest way to create a bond. He's always with you, talk with him like person, eventually he starts talking back. Just make sure he goes to the litter box before you go out. Eventually, as soon as he hears car keys, he will come running and right into his carrier. Just a training method I used to get him in a carrier really easy.

Nice....I will do that. I had planned on taking her with me everywhere, but I can barely even pet her, let alone take her with me. Good advice though. Funny, I always talk to my cats like I talk to a human....I seriously think they understand me...ha! My wife say's they love my voice because of the way they look at me. I cannot wait for the time when I can take them both with me....they are both such gorgeous cats, they will get oggled everywhere...I think it is a little of my ego in there too...thanks again!

J