Parenting-Furkids

Cats => Caring For Your Cat => All About Litter => Topic started by: Shadow on April 26, 2015, 01:18:54 AM

Title: Smart Cat
Post by: Shadow on April 26, 2015, 01:18:54 AM
I have to tell you all, I caved and I tried a small bag of that new litter that is out. Its called Smart cat, it is made with grass, no chemicals.
I was leary, but I had to try it. I am actually amazed with this stuff. I have now bought more. No smell, light as a feather, no dust, clumps well. It does track a little when they jump out of the litter box, but im fine with that. I just keep a broom beside the boxes. I love this stuff and so does that cats. It is a bit more pricey, but its so worth it. :)
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on April 26, 2015, 08:19:55 AM
I tried two different Cats Pride.  I know the first one was something "light."  I hated it.  I know you do also.  The second time, it wasn't a light version  I thought I was buying the kind you use, but I'm 99.9% sure I didn't.  It was VERY VERY fine.  It was horribly dusty.  Makes sense because it WAS dust to start with.  It didn't even pretend to clump worth a carp either.  I'm kinda afraid to try a third time.   


Since you are used to the Precious cat, I would think any regular clumping litter may appear very fine to you, but the Cat's Pride I use is not dusty and clumps well. It has the texture of ocean sand when dry. I've never used any other clumping, so I have no basis for comparison on clumping ability, but it satisfies me.  And the lack of dust is quite obvious.

I have to tell you all, I caved and I tried a small bag of that new litter that is out. Its called Smart cat, it is made with grass, no chemicals.
I was leary, but I had to try it. I am actually amazed with this stuff. I have now bought more. No smell, light as a feather, no dust, clumps well. It does track a little when they jump out of the litter box, but im fine with that. I just keep a broom beside the boxes. I love this stuff and so does that cats. It is a bit more pricey, but its so worth it. :)

http://www.pioneerpet.com/product/6506-smart-cat-all-natural-clumping-litter-by-pioneer-pet-20lb-bag/

Being made from grass I am concerned about two things.  Will the cats want to eat it, and does it smell like..hay?

They say it is chemical free but then...what makes it clump?
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on April 26, 2015, 09:01:31 AM
Follow up.  I went to the Pioneer Pet site linked above.  They sell it direct.  I searched and found a coupon code (spring15).  With $5.00 shipping I paid $29.71 for a 20 pound bag.

Amazon sells it for $41.00.

With Queen Eva's habit of rolling in the litter boxes, I figure this is worth a try.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Shadow on April 26, 2015, 12:37:55 PM
  MC i'm not sure what makes it clump, but it does not clump the way that it shows in the video. They have some secret and will not say. Yes I know that freaks me out a bit, but they say that there is no chemical, so lets hope they are telling the truth. Im sure someone could get it tested and see what they use?? but that costs money. My cats do not eat it, there is a faint smell, but I cant put my finger on it to what that smell is.
When I scoop  I scoop out poop first, then I tilt the box so all the litter falls to one side, then scoop out the pee clumps, easy peasy, and it doesn't stick like cement on the bottom. (This is so any small pieces do not mix in with the cleaner litter), and scoop gently.  You do need to keep about 3 inches of litter in the box I find.
I will pay 40$ for large bag, however I did get it on sale for 10$ off last week. It last longer than regular clumping clay.

P.S I am wondering if they use some kind of gelatin to make it clump? tell me what you think when you get it.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: DeeDee on April 26, 2015, 05:59:49 PM
  MC i'm not sure what makes it clump, but it does not clump the way that it shows in the video. They have some secret and will not say. Yes I know that freaks me out a bit, but they say that there is no chemical, so lets hope they are telling the truth.

I'm not sure they can say it's 100% grass and have anything else in it. (Not the lightweight version with clay coating) It's a mixture of several grasses from what I see at their website.

It looks kind of like paper, so that leads me to believe that it might be part bamboo. They make paper out of bamboo and it's a grass.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on April 26, 2015, 06:42:53 PM
In didn't watch the video but I did e mail them and asked what is making the litter clump. I worry about Queen Eva rolling in the clumping litter constantly, I have no idea how much she ends up ingesting when she washes.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: DeeDee on April 26, 2015, 07:28:35 PM
I just watched the video. The way they're throwing that hard ball of it around, I'd make sure it's not something dogs would eat if I had dogs too. The thought of it is just screaming "blockage and expensively dangerous surgery" at me.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Shadow on April 26, 2015, 08:04:16 PM
There are two formulas, not sure why they made another formula with the clay around it?
That video is weird because I use the original one, not the new formula with clay and it does not do that at all. It is almost gel like but sticks together.  That video scared me too.
If a cat is allergic to grass then I would not use it.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on April 27, 2015, 05:10:22 AM
I sure hope I like this litter.  This company is ANTI-DECLAW!

http://www.pioneerpet.com/product/3817-sky-climber/

Quote
Important Note About Declawing:

Scientific journals refer to declawing as “elective mutilation”. It is an amputation of the cat’s toes comparable to the removal of the human finger at the first knuckle. It handicaps the cat physically, socially and psychologically for the rest of its life, predisposing the cat to certain temperament and behavior problems such as shyness, biting and litter box avoidance. By regularly trimming your cat’s nails and offering a suitable scratching target you are providing a natural outlet for a normal, healthy behavior and you will be rewarded with a content and confident companion.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Shadow on April 27, 2015, 09:40:29 PM
 thumbsup1
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on April 27, 2015, 11:18:12 PM
From what I read, they recommend at LEAST 3 inches of litter.  That makes it pretty costly for me.  I'll wait for more details about what makes it clump.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on April 29, 2015, 06:26:06 AM
No reply to my questions yet. Because they are anti-declaw, I really really want to like this litter, but of course, the cats' needs and safety will come first.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on May 01, 2015, 01:35:12 PM
Quote
Because they are anti-declaw, I really really want to like this litter

For that reason, I am also very interested in their product.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on May 06, 2015, 07:58:52 PM
Any updates? 
Shadow,
Depending on the location and whether a box is covered or not... I put a covered box with the opening facing a wall.  Keeps litter tracking to one corner.  It also keeps the dog from sneak "sampling." There is enough room for a cat to get around, but not Lacy dog. 
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on May 07, 2015, 04:54:40 AM
I put SmartCat in one of the litter boxes this Sunday (it was dump and replace Sunday)  It got used for the first time yesterday, by Queen Eva (I'm sure it was hers I can tell by size and location of clump)  She's a corner pee-er and it stuck to the side of the box, something they claim won't happen  funny2.

Weird....texture when it's wet.  Will take some getting used to. 
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on May 07, 2015, 11:00:03 PM
Thanks for the update.  I think I will stick with Precious Cat.  Although it is still tempting....
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Shadow on May 08, 2015, 01:23:36 AM
Thanks for the tip Lola, I may just have to try that.  It is a different texture isnt it MC. its almost like there is gelatin in it??
but I still love the stuff. I was gonna try a bag of Feline fresh too, has anyone tried that?? its it looks just like the clumping feline pine, but in a bag and not as expensive.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on May 08, 2015, 04:43:34 AM
Gelatin! That's it!  I wonder if that's what they use? (Neither of my e mails have been answered)  Found a poop in it yesterday, I think Queen Eva is the one using it, but not consistently.  Mazy cat avoids it like the plague.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on May 08, 2015, 09:24:43 AM
MC,
Did you mix any of the new litter with the old brand?  For my bunch, if the new litter is a LOT different than what they are used to... I have to mix. 
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: DeeDee on May 08, 2015, 11:25:42 AM
Grass contains cellulose. Cellulose has a gelatinous action, and in fact used as a cheaper replacement for gelatin in some foods. This litter looks like it's processed enough that it would get weird like that.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on May 09, 2015, 03:04:37 PM
Grass contains cellulose. Cellulose has a gelatinous action, and in fact used as a cheaper replacement for gelatin in some foods. This litter looks like it's processed enough that it would get weird like that.

Cellulose is in a lot of pet foods.  Guess that means the cats can safely eat the litter.  /sarcasm
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: DeeDee on May 09, 2015, 03:22:22 PM
Cellulose is in a lot of pet foods.  Guess that means the cats can safely eat the litter.  /sarcasm

The difference between "vegetable" cellulose from plants (like grass) and the pine-tree cellulose used in food is GINORMOUS!
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on May 09, 2015, 03:25:27 PM
Uh oh.  I just opened a can of worms.  I'm out...  :)
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: DeeDee on May 09, 2015, 03:49:06 PM
Uh oh.  I just opened a can of worms.  I'm out...  :)

 
funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2 funny2
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on May 15, 2015, 10:24:33 PM
Anne Jablonski gives Smart Cat 5 stars!

Quote
Sidney-Beans immediately came to investigate and pawed around in the box and gave me instant pee-feedback on the clumping qualities of the litter.  Using a five-star rating system, I'd easily give it five stars.  This stuff is seriously great at clumping.   Light weight.  Not dusty.  Clumps.

http://www.catnutrition.org/blog/the-cat-litter-of-my-dreams
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on May 16, 2015, 07:50:47 AM
MC,
Did you mix any of the new litter with the old brand?  For my bunch, if the new litter is a LOT different than what they are used to... I have to mix. 

No. I am too tired to do that :(.  I just put one box with the new and the rest with the old.  Queen Eva is using the new, but not every time. I will continue to just keep the one box with the new and the other boxes with the clay clumping for now. I'm not sure if I like it or not, anyway.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on May 16, 2015, 10:28:04 AM
Poo!  If YOU don't like it, I'm wondering if I should bother trying it. 
The light weight, no chemicals, anti-declaw stance... it has a lot going for it.  Hmmmm
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Shadow on May 16, 2015, 01:18:03 PM
I still love the litter, I just don't like the price :(
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on May 16, 2015, 04:54:38 PM
Lola it may just be a matter of getting used to it, for me.  I was taken aback by the...gelatin ...texture of the clumps.

Queen Eva has rolled in it though, and it didn't stick to her fur at all, like the clay clumping does.  THAT is a very good thing.

A 20 pound bag is expensive but it is a LOT of litter. If Queen Eva will roll only in that, I may just keep one box of it going all the time. :)
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on May 31, 2015, 05:58:59 PM
Well the draw back of this litter is it really starts to stink after awhile.  I've got only one cat using it, she pees in it once or twice a day, but not every day (she uses the other boxes too) and uses it for pooping maybe twice a week.  I, like always, scoop it as soon as I find anything in it.

The litter is extremely efficient, even after one month I have not had to add any fresh litter to the box.  However, even though it seems to clump well and scoop clean, it is starting to stink. Not like pee, but an icky smell all the same.

I do like that Queen Eva rolls in it and is not covered in dust after, but the smell is bothersome. I hate the idea of dumping out what appears to be an entire box full of what appears to be perfectly good litter.  but what the heck is that smell?

By the way, mixing clay litter with the grass litter is useless.  The clay clumping litter is so heavy compared to the Smartcat it simply drops straight to the bottom of the box, there is no mixing of the two at all.  funny2
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Pookie on June 01, 2015, 03:10:34 PM
I wonder if adding some baking soda to the litter would help get rid of the smell?   :-\
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on June 02, 2015, 04:57:04 PM
When I first got cats, I put baking soda in the litter.  Then I read something why that shouldn't be done, so I stopped. Of course, I don't remember NOW what it was that I read... 
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: DeeDee on June 02, 2015, 06:26:59 PM
High in sodium content and they lick their paws that get in it--probably.

That along with removing potassium and lowering acidity of blood and urine. Why I rejected it as a natural option for the heartburn I used to have.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Pookie on June 02, 2015, 07:52:56 PM
High in sodium content and they lick their paws that get in it--probably.

That along with removing potassium and lowering acidity of blood and urine. Why I rejected it as a natural option for the heartburn I used to have.

 :o  Good to know, thanks!
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Middle Child on June 03, 2015, 07:15:18 PM
When I first got cats, I put baking soda in the litter.  Then I read something why that shouldn't be done, so I stopped. Of course, I don't remember NOW what it was that I read... 

Almost word for word what I was going to say, haha!

High in sodium content and they lick their paws that get in it--probably.

That along with removing potassium and lowering acidity of blood and urine. Why I rejected it as a natural option for the heartburn I used to have.

I thought it had to do with breathing in the dust, but this makes a lot of sense too.  thanks Dee.

The good news is, Queen Eva is rolling in the grass litter instead of the clay clumping, which relieves my mind a little.  When I wipe her down after she's rolled in the clay, her fur is slick, slippery, yucky.  Nothing like that with the SmartCat.

Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on June 04, 2015, 05:49:06 PM
Our only one that rolls in litter is Arrows.  He never rolls in any box that contains any "deposits."  It still SO grosses me out. 
I read (one opinion) that they do it to leave their scent and "claim" the litter box.  I don't know about that theory.  He isn't consistent with how often or a particular box...whether he is rolling or using.
If Queen Eva ever tells you what her reason is... let me know.  I will consider Smart Cat just for the rolling.  :)
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Shadow on June 06, 2015, 05:19:25 PM
So I bought some Dr. Elseys.. because of the price of smart cat.....its going back. After trying the Smart Cat, its just way easier than the Dr. elseys. I just cannot scoop that heavy stuff anymore.
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Lola on June 08, 2015, 01:37:31 PM
So I bought some Dr. Elseys.. because of the price of smart cat.....its going back. After trying the Smart Cat, its just way easier than the Dr. elseys. I just cannot scoop that heavy stuff anymore.

I don't find scooping to be an issue.  It is the 40 pound bags that are a killer! 
Title: Re: Smart Cat
Post by: Shadow on June 08, 2015, 05:30:10 PM
^  that too!!