Clay Clumping Litter - ExquisiCat

Edit 11/27/2009: This comparison was done for our own use as we searched for a different cat litter. All products were purchased by us and no compensation was received for this review. Please see our Disclaimers and Disclosures for details.

Of course, as part of our clumping cat litter comparison, we also looked at regular clay clumping litter. We used ExquisiCat from Petsmart due to cost and convenience.A 40-pound container of ExquisiCat Clumping Litter is about $12-$13, making it the cheapest of all the clumping litter tested. The clay clumping litter also out-performs the others in the clumping category. But its infamous dust clouds (and potential effect on pets' respiratory system as well as our own) are major drawbacks. Plus, unless fragrance or chemical was added to the litter, it has poor odor neutralizing ability.

One of the reason we moved from the clay clumping litter was the weight. When we transitioned to larger litter containers, it was very difficult to tilt the heavy container to scoop. Plus the dust clouds when we scoop or fill the containers sent all of us (cats and humans) into coughing fits. There are "dust-free" clay litter but it still is very heavy compared to the other clumping litter.

In the four months that we've used Swheat Scoop and WBCL, we realize that we restocked those litter a lot less than when we used ExquisiCat Clumping Litter. Perhaps, those perfect hard urine clumps use a lot more clay litter than the non-clay litter, so the clay litter needs more frequent refills. I am sure ExquisiCat still comes out cheapest on a per pound basis.

ExquisiCat pluses: excellent hard clumps, cheap, easily available.
ExquisiCat minuses: very dusty, potential health/respiratory issues, too heavy, poor odor neutralizing / control, not biodegradable, non-renewable.

We've kept our clumping cat litter comparison focused on the following categories: dust, cost, clumping power, and odor control. Although not considered in this comparison, the following issues are worth mentioning --- and perhaps will be subjects of later reports:
* Clumping vs. non-clumping (to give you an idea of the debate)
* Silica gel litter (crystals)
* Health concerns with clay clumping litter (to be safe, don't use for kittens less than 3 months old)
* Is organic clumping litter really more environmentally friendly than clay litter? It would seem so on the surface and based on the marketing of the organic litter. But we couldn't help but wonder about the (de)forests and cropland needed for these natural resources. Then you have to compare that to the effect of strip mining that is used to produce clay litter. What are the environmental effects of the different processing / manufacturing procedures? Who's to say that if organic litter becomes popular and outsells clay litter, companies won't end up exploiting / destroying these "renewable resources" to meet the demand? And everytime I scoop the corn- wheat- litter, I can't help but wonder if those corn and wheat would be better off as a food source instead of litter for our cats' toilet :)

That's about it for the different clumping cat litter in our comparison. Our next and final post on this comparison will go over why the perfect cat litter for us may not necessarily be the one for you and your cat(s), and vice versa.

Arm & Hammer Essentials and Feline Pine Clumping

Edit 11/27/2009: This comparison was done for our own use as we searched for a different cat litter. All products were purchased by us and no compensation was received for this review. Please see our Disclaimers and Disclosures for details.

This is a continuation of the clumping cat litter comparison, focusing on Arm & Hammer Essentials and Feline Pine Clumping.

Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Clumping Cat Litter is "formulated with a proprietary blend of 100% natural corn fibers that combine with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to effectively absorb urine and eliminate odors instantly." Target has 10.5-pound bags for $12.29 each. Of all the clumping litter tested, Essentials had the least dust when poured. Unfortunately, that was about the only advantage it had over the others. Its clumpability was only fair; the clumps fall apart when scooped. It has an overpowering fragrance ---- almost perfumy so it seems to mask litter box odor more than controlling it. We could only find the small bags, no 34-40# bags, so on a per pound cost, it was more expensive than WBCL and Swheat Scoop.

Essentials pluses: minimal dust, biodegradable and renewable resources
Essentials minuses: overpowering fragrant, fair-poor clumpability, expensive (no large bags)

Feline Pine Clumping Cat Litter is made from renewable Southern Yellow Pine and Natural Guar. Feline Pine Original was the first "alternative" cat litter I used (and liked) when I first got out of veterinary school. I really wanted to like Feline Pine Clumping but had to abandon it early in the trial when it falls short on the 3 main categories: "dust", clumpability, and economy of size.

True, there was no clay dust, but there was sawdust-like particles when poured from the box. Plus, its lightweight made it prone to blowing around when we filled the box. This may not be a problem with a traditional litter box, but we use giant litter boxes and converted Rubbermaid storage containers (more on litter box size later) --- almost felt like working in a sawmill.

Of all the clumping litter tested, Feline Pine Clumping scored the lowest. The litter absorbs the urine but did not form a very firm scoopable clump.

The largest box of Feline Pine Clumping is 10.1-pound, about $13.99, making it the most expensive per pound of clumping litter in our comparison.

Feline Pine Clumping pluses: very pleasant pine smell, renewable resources, biodegradable, chemical-free, light weight, educational site without being overwhelming, Pine Perks and rebates.
Feline Pine Clumping minuses: more dusty than the other non-clay clumping litter, too lightweight, poor clumping, not available in larger volume, more expensive on a per pound basis.

Then there was the traditional clay clumping litter....

Swheat Scoop & World's Best Cat Litter

Edit 11/27/2009: This comparison was done for our own use as we searched for a different cat litter. All products were purchased by us and no compensation was received for this review. Please see our Disclaimers and Disclosures for details.

This is one of several posts on clumping cat litter comparison. The comparison is divided into sections for a more blog-friendly format. A later post will tie everything together with our conclusions / selection.

Over the past 4 months, we've used the following clumping cat litters for our seven cats:

Swheat Scoop, Arm & Hammer Essentials, Feline Pine Clumping, and ExquisiCat Clumping
World's Best Cat Litter was a late entrant (mainly due to cost) and not pictured above.

Arm & Hammer Essentials was purchased from Target. The other litters were all purchased from the local Petsmart.


Swheat Scoop is made from naturally processed wheat. Go to the link for more information. We initially got the original formula (in photo above) but switched to the multi-cat formula for the comparison trial. The multi-cat formula is more expensive at about $32 for 40-pounds (Original Swheat Scoop is $25 for 40-pounds; clumping clay ExquisiCat is about $13 for 40-pounds) but appears to clump better than the original and better odor control.

Clay-free does not mean dust-free. The fine powdery cloud when we poured the Swheat Scoop is not as bad as the clay dust (and did not worsen allergies in our cats compared to the clay litter).

Swheat Scoop has a pleasant wheat smell --- not overpowering. It does a good job of odor control. But note, we scoop the boxes everyday so did not test if the odor control is due to removal of wastes or some property of Swheat Scoop.

Natural wheat starches transform the litter into solid clumps when wet (urine). The starches sometimes can make a sticky dough ball in box corners but can still be easily scooped and cleaned. Make sure you have enough litter in your box (3 inches deep) or you will end up with a doughy litter mess.

Swheat Scoop pluses: good clumpability, minimal dust, pleasant smell, good odor control, biodegradable, renewable resources, weighs less than clumping clay litter.

Swheat Scoop minuses: costs more up front compared to regular clumping clay litter, makes doughy mess if litter depth is too shallow (though this applies to most clumping litter), availability (the multi-cat large 40-pounder is not always in stock at the local pet store).

World's Best Cat Litter (WBCL) is made from whole-kernel corn --- it is milled so the actual litter is a ground coarser than the regular clumping clay litter, not actual whole kernels! The website has a lot of information, it's actually overwhelming. We did not include WBCL in the initial selection because of its price tag of $34.99 for a 34-pounds bag. As it turns out, WBCL did live up to its name.

As with the Swheat Scoop, there is a multi-cat formula which we used for the trial. WBCL has a fine powder cloud when poured. After scooping the boxes, my forearm is covered with a fine dust (as with Swheat Scoop) but I (my breathing) did not notice this "dust cloud" while scooping so maybe the dust does not get in the air as much as the clay dust. This powdery layer is not unexpected considering the processing needed to get the fine texture.

WBCL forms excellent clumps, second only to the clumping clay litter in our comparison. Exellent odor control. However, WBCL has a corn smell that is not as pleasant as the wheat from Swheat Scoop. WBCL corn smell reminds me of the cow barns at feeding time --- not bad but not exactly pleasant.

WBCL lasts longer in the litter box than the others in our trial; we did not have to refill the box with fresh litter as often. My theory is that WBCL uses less litter to form the clumps; hence, each urine clump removes less litter from the box. It also kept the litter box cleaner since the urine clumps before it collects at the bottom.

WBCL pluses: excellent clumpability and odor control, biodegradable, renewable resources, lasts longer, septic-safe (though we don't recommend flushing it), weighs less than clumping clay litter, minimal dust.

WBCL minuses: costs more up front compared to regular clumping clay litter, availability often limited to the major pet stores.


Next Up: Arm & Hammer Essentials and Feline Pine Clumping Litter

Maneki Neko

If you're like me, walking into any house or business and seeing a Maneki Neko will bring an immediate smile to your face, no matter what kind of day you may be having.

There's just something appealing about the white or gold cat sitting there and swinging its paw, beckoning and welcoming you.

The Maneki Neko originates in Japan ("Maneki" means "Beckoning," and "Neko" means "Cat" in Japanase), but a more precise origin is unclear. One legend of the cat's origin that I find fascinating and particularly interesting is explained in Wikipedia's entry:

The Temple Cat: This story goes that a wealthy feudal lord was taking shelter under a tree near Gotoku-ji temple (in Western Tokyo) during a thunderstorm. The lord saw the temple priest's cat beckoning to him and followed; a moment later the tree was struck by lightning. The wealthy man became friends with the poor priest and the temple became prosperous. When the cat died, supposedly the first Maneki Neko was made in his honor.

(My cat Cyber and Our 2 Maneki Nekos - I'll leave it up to you to decide which is which.)

A recent Animal Planet show exploring animal myths and legends discussed and analyzed the Temple Cat Theory. According to their analysis, it is conceivable that higher ambient electricity signaling lightning could cause a cat's hair and coat to get more static. In turn, a cat may try to reduce the static by washing itself by licking its paw frequently, thereby giving the appearance of "waving." The experts then called the myth's veracity plausible.

Though thunderstorms are rare here in Southern California, I know our Maneki's have brought us many good fortunes, not to mention countless smiles, and I hope yours have as well.

Artwork

We took advantage of the clean-up after last week's fumigation to mount up more artwork. These were all gifts from our generous clients. Note: Click on images to enlarge.

In the lobby, we have the two works from Julita Jones' early days: Flights of Fancy (above left) and The Great Escape (above right and below).

Julita Jones "The Great Escape"

Karla Davison has been a client of ours for many, many years. We have been a beneficiary of her fine artwork over the years in the form of cards and such. We are glad that we are able to display one of her larger work in one of our rooms (above). My photography skills (or lack thereof) and glare are not doing it justice. Karla is a local artist with a studio in Long Beach. Contact her for more information on her work.

In the same room, we have a D.A. Simpkins work in acrylic titled "All God's Creatures Go to Heaven" (above). A close-up look is needed to truly appreciate the texture and details of this work. The piece was generously gifted to us by Ms. Simpkins several years ago.

In addition to these larger artwork, we rotate photos of our patients along the display counter, walls, and digital photo frame.

Pet photos are always welcomed.

Your artwork and photos help create the warm environment of The Family Vet. Thank you!

Clinic Fumigation

All the hospital pets are finally out and the clinic building is closed up for fumigation. Some of you may remember we were supposed to do this tenting last year (almost to the date) but a clerical error (the gas company turned off the gas to the wrong building) by the fumigating company nixed the plan. So, Clinic Fumigation Part Deux, was scheduled for today. And it looks like it will get done this time.

We will be closed until Saturday 8/15/09.
We cannot return to the clinic until late Wednesday and anticipate at least a couple of days to unpack and set everything back up in working order.

As previously advised, the best way to contact us during this time is via email: staff@thefamilyvet.net
We will reply to emails within 24 hours.

You may leave a message at the office number 562-435-6331 but we may not be able to return calls until Saturday.

For all patients currently under treatment, you were provided with my cell number. Please call or send me text messages as needed.

As always, if it is an emergency requiring immediate care, please contact an emergency clinic:
http://www.animalemergencyreferral.com in Torrance (310) 325-3000
http://www.accim.net in Tustin (949) 654-8950

Changes for August

As some of you know, I was in an accident on the 405 Fwy this past Friday night. A motorcyclist rammed into the rear end of my car at quite a high speed, sustaining injuries that tragically ended his life. I did not know who/what hit me or how he hit me until I heard from the eyewitnesses in the vehicles behind me. CHP officers are still investigating the accident. Regardless of the reasons or causes that lead the motorcyclist to lose control of his bike, a life was lost and many lives were touched and changed that night. My heart goes out to his family.

I spent Saturday and Sunday in hospital, undergoing numerous tests for the weakness in my left arm and leg, presumed from the trauma to my neck and shoulder. Long term prognosis is good, yet uncertain as we do not have a definitive diagnosis for my profound weakness. I am improving quite rapidly and have regained most of my strength in the past couple of days. However, extended use of my left arm / hand still weakens it and leave it quite fatigued for the day. I have no problem with routine daily uses, it is the prolonged use that I am not quite capable of yet.

Until I am confident that I have good strength back in my left hand / arm, I will have to temporarily stop performing certain surgeries. We have contacted those of you who may be affected this coming week and have already made arrangements with you. I have a follow-up with the neurologist next week and will update all of you of any changes.

We are making every effort to ensure that our clients and patients are cared for during this period. We are fortunate to have excellent referral facilities and other local practices that will be able to perform those surgeries or procedures that cannot wait for my recovery.

Other than the limitation on certain surgeries, I do not anticipate any other major changes in our services --- except for a delay on some client communication as I catch up the next couple of days.

We will be open for our usual office hours this week (Aug. 5 - 9):
Wednesday to Friday: 7 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7 am - 2 pm

Please note, our clinic building is being fumigated and will be closed from Monday Aug. 1o to Friday Aug. 14. We will re-open for appointments on Saturday Aug. 15. We will post reminders of how to contact us for that week.

We received many well-wishes and inquiries to my health the past several days. Elias tried to reply to them while I was hospitalized. Our apologies if we missed anyone.

Communication is essential to the trust we have developed with you over the years. Please do not hesitate to voice your concerns or questions about any aspect of our services.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding this past weekend.
Thank you.