PetTech

PETTECH NEWS FLASH:- FEDS RAID PETCO

2008-06-20T09:18:00.004-04:00

Pettech Report:- Feds raid Petco 06/20/08

Federal marshals today raided the Joliet Il distribution center of Petco and seized allegedly contaminated pet food.

This follows April and May inspections by the FDA that found dead rodents and birds, on or around the pet food containers. Rodent and bird droppings were also found throughout the warehouse. Holes in the walls of the warehouse allowing both rodents and birds entry were also found.

The government filed a lawsuit yesterday that resulted in a search warrant which was executed today, and led to the seizures. The lawsuit alleges that foods kept at the warehouse were stored
under unsanitary condititons.

PETCO has "acted aggressively to address each and every concern that was raised," since the last food inspection said Kevin Whalen, PETCO vice president of corporate communications.
The company is "committed" to fully complying with recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration, and continues to discuss any ongoing concerns with them, Whalen said.

The warehouse is the source of foods distributed to Illinois, Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin, the US attorney Patrick Fitzgerald stated.

The attorneys office also said that no human or animal illnesses have been traced to the products there were no known public health risks associated with the products to date.

Pettech Note
See previous post on pet food

Pettech Petfood

2008-06-05T18:00:00.002-04:00

Pettech Pet Food

This pet food post will be short and to the point.
What kind of pet food should you buy?
DON’T.
I have posted @ 100 cat and dog recipes each, at the Pettech Free Recipes link, for commercial pet food alternatives .

Pet Food Secrets
1) Pet food is not regulated by the FDA or USDA but by the AAFCO which has no regulatory authority.
2) Pet food is composed of all waste products from poultry, pigs, cows, fish that are not used by humans. This includes bones, fat trimmings, innards, fetuses, feet, fins, tails hooves, heads reproductive organs- any parts of human diet animals that are discarded.
3) Pet food companies laboratories have been cited by PETA for cruelty to animals. (See Peta website for more info.)
4) “4D” animals are in petfood. Dead, Dying, Diseased and Disabled. Euthanised and sick animals (including dead pets) are in pet food as well as the drugs used to euthanize and/or treat them.
5) Agricultural produce condemned by the USDA are used in pet foods along with their harmful pesticide, fertilizers, etc.
6) Preservatives and additives used in pet foods are harmful and potentially cause cancer.
7) Cats and dogs are naturally carnivores. Dry foods protein is predominantly from vegetables.
8) The preparation process for foods (especially dry), alters the chemical composition and degrades the nutrients of the foods.

Pet Food and Disease
Urinary Tract Disease:- Dry pet foods cause stones and crystals in cat and dog urine due to concentrated urine and dehydration they cause.
Dental :- Pets do not clean their teeth or floss. Dry pet foods are not good for the teeth contrary to popular belief.
Feline diabetes:- Principle cause now believed to be dry pet foods.
Obesity:- High carb high calorie foods and labeling cause obesity in pets. This leads to other health complications such as arthritis and heart disease.
Taurine. Taurine is lacking in pet foods. Taurine is an amino acid without which, cats go blind (central retina degeneration), experience heart disease, are prone to tooth decay and hair loss. Some breeds of dogs are also vulnerable to taurine deficiency.
Hyperthyroidism:- This condition in cats has been linked to the additives used for flavors, and excess iodine in pet food.
Digestive conditions:- Pets are documented as having developed allergies to pet foods resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and intestinal disorders. My cat got sick with certain types of pet foods and would not eat others! She is the one whom inspired this research and post!!!

Pet Food Recalls
1995:- Vomiting pets results in Nature’s Recipe recalling a million lbs of dry dog and cat food due to fungus contamination.
1999:- 25 dogs died from aflatoxin in dry food. Doane Pet Care recalled more than a million bags.
2000:- ¼ million lbs dry dog food recalled by Iams due to excess DL-Methionine Amino Acid.
2003:- Liver disease in dogs prompts recall by Petcurean “Go! Natural” pet food.
2004:- Recall of pet food throughout Asia by Mars Inc due to renal failure and kidney disease in @ 8000 cats and dogs due to melamine- a precursor to 2007.
2005:- 100 dogs died from aflatoxin (again, see 1999) resulting in recall by Diamond Foods.
2005:- Salmonella contamination results in recall of 125,000 lbs of of cat and dog treats.
2006:- Flaking pet food cans results in recall of 5 million cans of Simmons Pet Food.
2006:- Excess vitamin D in 4 prescription canned dog and cat foods results in blanket recall by Royal Canin.
2007:- 18000 sick pets and FDA received reports of 8500 pet deaths results in recall of more than 100 brands. Melamine is the culprit similar to 2004.
2008:- March. “ The Hartz Mountain Corp. of Secaucus, N.J., is voluntarily recalling a second specific lot of Hartz Vitamin Care for Cats due to concerns that bottles within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella.” Article from Veterinary Practise News.

Pettech Pet Doors

2008-05-28T15:48:00.003-04:00

Pettech Pet Doors

Pet doors were introduced commercially in the US approx. 30 years ago.

The functional benefit of pet doors is that pets can come and go as they please. This has accruing benefits to both pets and their owners.

Benefits to Pet
The pet can use the bathroom at will which is healthier than "storing" for your return
The pet can protect and mark its territory from other pets and critters.
The pets gets curiosity satisfaction for outside sounds and smells
The pet has a wider area to roam which reduces boredom and apathy, provides more exercise, freedom and independence
The pet has unfettered access to the house during inclement weather eg. too hot, too cold, wet etc.

Benefits to Pet owner
The pet door is a time saver. You no longer have to get up, rush home, or interrupt activity to let the pet out or in
The pet door enables the pet to be left alone for longer periods of time, and lessens pet sitter needs.
The pet door enables protection against trespassers (both critters and human).
The reduction in boredom results in less accidents, or damage and soiling in the home.
The noise factor is reduced, especially for dogs which can go outside to bark or investigate the cause of bark.

Types of pet doors
There are several different types of doors that are distinguishable by their operating mechanism, and their installation location.

Pet door mechanism types

Manual pet doors
These doors function through the pet exerting force on the aperture barrier. These are pet flaps or conventional pet doors . They can be flexible for example rubber, or rigid (plexiglass/plastic).

“Hybrid” pet doors
These doors are a hybrid of fully automated and manual pet doors .They function on a signal emitted from a collar the pet is wearing, called the “key” . They can be electromagnetic, electronic, infra red signals. The signal unlocks the door and then permits the pet to enter by pushing on the aperture.

Power Pet doors
These are fully automated pet doors that function with a key and have a motor that raises and lowers the door to allow passage of the pet.

Pet door location types.

Indoor pet doors
These are normally flaps and are predominantly used for cats. They can be installed on interior doors or walls and gives the cat access to self contained areas such as closets or basements or garages

Window Pet doors
These are as the name implies, pet doors in windows. They can be either vertical or horizontally sliding doors. These doors, are also for cats. They fit into already existing window frames and as such are temporary and suited to rented dwellings.

Sliding Glass and patio pet doors and panels.
These doors come prefabricated like the window pet doors and fit into the sliding door track. They are also temporary.

Wall Pet doors
These doors are installed through walls and have tunneling to adapt to the width of the walls. These are permanent doors

Conventional Pet Doors
These are doors that are installed in doors and also have tunneling to adapt to door width.

The Pettech Ideal Pet Door

The right pet door choice is determined by three main factors. Pet size, security and control, and fitting.

Pet door sizes

The ideal pet door size should be a little wider than your pet, and a little higher than the shoulder. The pet should be able to comfrotably walk through the door and not leap. Below is a chart for pet door sizes.

Small 5 1/2" X 7 1/2 Small to normal sized cats; very small dogs
Small Medium 6 1/2" X 9 1/2" Large cats - small dogs (10 to 15 pounds)
Medium 8 1/2" X 12 1/2" Dogs 20 to 40 pounds
Tall Medium 8 1/2" X 16" Tall dogs 30 to 40 pounds
Large 11" X 16" Dogs 35 to 60 pounds
Tall Large 11" X 19" Taller dogs 45 to 90 pounds
Tall Large Plus 11" X 23 1/2" Tall, slender dogs up to 100 pounds
Extra Tall Large 11" X 27 1/2" Very tall, slender dogs up to 120 pounds
Extra Large 14" X 19 1/2" Large dogs up to 120 pounds
Extra Large Plus 14" X 23 1/2" Larger dogs up to 180 pounds
Giant 15 1/2" X 27 1/2" Giant dogs up to 180 pounds
Custom Door Any Size Custom made door for any size pet

Pet Door Security

The security of the pet door is the next decision.
This will affect the choice of materials and mechanism of door. For example, security would not be a factor with an indoor pet door, and a manual flap would suffice. For exterior pet doors, choices might include a security barrier made out of tough material, for a manual pet flap. Hybrid and power doors come with keys, that will not permit strays, the neighbors pet, or wildlife like raccoons from using the door. If you have a multi-pet home, keys can also regulate which pets will have access to the door.
Different models also have further options such as a 4 way locking option;- 1)opened, 2) in only, 3) out only, and 4)locked. These options come in handy when you do not wish to permit the pet back in the house, or do not want to let it back out.
Key efficiency and door warranties should also be considered. How long is the keys battery life, and is it water proof? How obtrusive is it and can it be damaged by running through bushes or a hedge?

Pet Door Fitting

This deals with the pet door location. The decision of whether to place the door in a door, window or wall, will affect the type of models available to you. This will also determine the installation required.
Self installation is possible with all models, however glaziers are recommended with doors that are to be installed through glass and are mot prefabricated. If you are not the handy type you can also get a somebody to install the door for you.

In addition to these three major factors, the pet door decision is also a determination of budgets. Pet doors range from $30.00 to $400.00.

Pet Door Training

The same training techniques apply for both cats and dogs.
After installing the door, leave it open for the first day. Call the pet from both sides of the door to show that it is passable and use treats to encourage passage. Install the barrier, and repeat the exercise, this time helping to lift the barrier. Help the pet through the door either by poking or lifting the pet through. With repetition the pet will become used to the door and will start using it. A pettech word of caution, some pet doors make a noise that will require the pet adjusting to.

Pettech Automatic Pet Water Dispensers and Pet Fountains

2008-05-22T08:40:00.007-04:00

Pet Water Dispensers and Pet Fountains

Automatic pet water dispensers and pet fountains serve the same purpose as automatic pet feeders.

Pets, just like humans, are composed of 80% water. They therefore need to rehydrate often, and even more so in hot weather. Very often pet owners will not be available to refill the water dish as needed. This might be due to work, travel or vacation etc. This is where automatic pet water dispensers and pet water fountains are useful.

Pet Water Dispensers fall into two categories. Mechanical pet water dispensers, and automatic pet water dispensers.

Mechanical pet water dispensers.

Mechanical pet water dispensers are composed of two parts. The water storage unit, and the dispensing unit which is the dish. These dispensers work on the laws of gravity. If the water in the dish is below a certain level, water from the storage unit will flow into the dish.

There are portable or travel models that consist of a compact dish and a water bottle. These models require the bottle to be squeezed into the retractable or foldable dish, for the pet to have a drink . These models are adapted to walking or hiking with pets (they can be easily stored on your belt), or for travelling in a vehicle. These cost anywhere from $4.00 to $15.00 depending on the model and store.

Home models of the mechancal pet dispenser generally have a larger water storage tower or container, usually from 3 quarts to 2 gallons or more. Few come with filters. There are no electronic components to this type of dish, so no power source is needed.

Automatic pet water dispensers

Automatic pet water dispensers are compossed of the water storage unit the dish, and a water pump. Most are also equipped with water filters. These models basically have an electronic sensor that is triggered by the low level of water, at which time more water is pumped into the dish. They are configured for the home and require an electric outlet. They come in different sizes ranging from small to large, and range from $50.00 to $100.00 or more for some models.

Pet water fountains.

Pet water fountains are of two types. The faucet water fountains and the self contained water fountains.

The faucet pet fountains as the name implies, are attached to a faucet and are meant for outdoor use. The mechanical version has a lever that will require a pet to nudge for water to come out. The electronic version is equipped with a sensor that is triggered by the proximity of the pet. Some have water filters.

The self contained pet fountains have their own water storage unit which is filled up by the pet owner. They are also composed of a pump , filter and a spout , out of which water continuously flows into the dish. One model has a little seed pod to the side of the dish in which to grow a grass treat for your pet. Thes fountains range in size from 50oz to 2 gallons and above. The price range is from $30.00 to $100.00.

Considerations.
The size, age, type, and number of pets, needs to be considered. You might require more than one unit, with differing specs, depending on the pets you have.

The materials and configuration of the unit must also be borne in mind.
Some pet fountains are noisy and have a rubber smell , and by extension water taste.
Noisy fountains will require some adjustment by the pet.
The unit should also be tip proof and splatter proof as much as possible.
Durability is another factor. Most units come with a 90 day labor and parts guarantee and a one year warranty.
The unit shoull also be easy to assemble, dissassemble, and to wash.
Filters are going to need changing sometimes as much as once every week, to once every three weeks, depending on usage.
The weather patterns of your home area is another factor. Any place with an extended and severe winter would not be apt for the outdoor faucet pet fountains.
It should also be safe and low wattage. Remember you are combining water and electricity.

Recommended pet water fountain and water dispenser features.

Veterinarians recommend aerated filtered water for pets. They also recommend running water as pets tend to drink more water from a flowing source. The aeration, filteration and recirculation of the water combine to result in a healthier pet. Debris, bacteria, mold or saliva which is present in stagnant water is removed. The increased intake of water by the pet also reduces risk of UTIs and kidney disease. This is especially notable in cats. In conclusion, the right pet water dispenser or fountain choice, will result in a healthier pet.

PetTech - Automatic Pet Food Dispensers and Pet Feeders

2008-05-14T15:29:00.012-04:00

Automatic Pet Food Dispenser and Pet Feeders

What is the value of automatic pet food dispensers and pet feeders?

Has this ever happened to you? You are delayed at the office, or by traffic on your way home. Immediately you walk through the door, you are greeted by a cacophony of meowls, chirps and or woofs. The dog or cat leads you to its empty food dish looking over its shoulder at you accusingly. "You forgot about me," says the look.

You are travelling either for a couple of days or an extended period of time. How will your pet get fed? You have somebody whom has committed to house sit or check up on your pet every so often. (Watch this blog for a post on pet sitters ). However you dont sleep well because of the possibiltiy of human error or omission.

The last time you left extra food and water (next post will be on automatic pet water dispensers and pet fountains) out, your pet thought this was a food bonanza, and gobbled everything up.

Pets, just like humans, require timely and measured nutrition. This is where automatic pet food dispensers and feeders come in.

Pet feeders are available in two general variations.

The first, which I will term a mechanical feeder, is comprised of two components. The hopper (this is the container where the pet food is stored), and the bowl. This simple pet feeder operates on the laws of gravity. When the pet food level drops, more food drops down into the bowl from the hopper. As such these are free flow feeders These pet food dispensers are relatively cheap and run from $1.00 and up for birds, to $7.00 and up for larger pets like cats and dogs.

The second variation is the true "automatic" or electronic pet food dispenser. These pet feeders can be divided into automatic pet dishes, and automatic pet dispensers.

The automatic pet dishes available, are comprised of two to eight covered compartments, and a timer. Feeding times can be set to eight times a day, or once every day for eight days. When the scheduled pre-set time for feeding arrives, the dish either revolves or opens the cover, on one of the compartments to reveal food. With this type of feeder, the pet owner is responsible for measuring the amount of food and filling the compartments. The power source is mostly batteries. These range from $20.00 and up for the two compartments, to $70.00 and up for the eight compartments

The automatic food dispensers are composed of a hopper, a measuring mechanism, a timer, and a bowl or dish. They measure the pre-set quantity of food, and actually dispense it to the bowl, on the set schedule. Some models have upto four dishes for several pets. These feeders range from $50.00 and up and some models are $200.00 and above. Some operate on batteries and some are plug in.

Several factors need to be considered when purchasing a pet feeder.

The feeder is for the pet, so the pets convenience, based on its individual characteristics, come first.

What are your pet's feeding habits? If you have a pet that will basically "wolf" down anything available, then you would want to go with the automatic pet food dispenser where measured portions are given. If your pet is more disciplined in its feeding habits, then a mechanical pet feeder would sufice.

What are your pets' socialization habits? if you have two or more pets, is there a pecking order when it comes to feeding time? If so you would want to get more than one pet food dispenser. If your pets are used to sharing, one pet feeder with multipe dishes would be the option.

What is the pets size and age? Pets nutrition depends on their size and age. The pet bowl component of the food dispenser, needs to be of a sufficient size to meet the pets nutritional needs. It must also be easily accesible and comfortable for the pet. For older and bigger pets, elevated automatic pet feeders are recommended.

To digress for a minute, it is recommended for all pets, big and small, to eat with a level head. When a pet has to lower its head for food, it will tend to suck the food up into its mouth with a quantity of air which it will swallow. This will cause indigestion and often painful gas. It can also lead to a condition which can be life threatening, called GDV or stomach bloating.

Is the pet frisky or playful? This will also be impacted by age. A playful or rambunctious pet would be liable to knock over or even unplug a bulky feeder.

Other factors to be considered in purchasing an automatic pet food dispenser, have more to do with the pet owner.

What is your budget? This will impact the type of feeder purchased as well as consideration for maintenance and operating costs. Warranties and replacement part availability and costs will also be a factor here.

How easy is the feeder to clean? Does it have hard to reach nooks and crannies and are the various components amenable to a dish washer? Does the feeder have inbuilt spill or tip over prevention?

What is the design of the pet feeder and what materials is it composed of ? The automatic food dispenser should be durable, and lightweight. Its design should enhance simplicity in operation and maintenance. It should also be pet proof as far as the food storage goes.

Please note that an automatic pet food dispenser is not an alternative to human contact. I have a friend that left his Chow Chow in the house with a feeder for the weekend. When he returned, the dog had decimated the front door (Pet door post coming soon) and neighbors reported it had been howling at night. Pets get lonely and are affecte by changes in their environment. Despite its usefulness, an automatic pet feeder is no substitute for companionship.

PetTech - Pet GPS

2008-05-02T13:24:00.010-04:00

Why a pet GPS

Last week my niece asked me for a pet GPS for her birthday. The previous day she had come home from school and could not find Charlie, her pomeranian puppy. We canvassed the neighborhood calling his name and whistling. We even tried to see if Bosco, the other dog of the household (a lab) would be able to sniff him out. We could not find him and started thinking he had been stolen. All sorts of suggestions came up, call the police, call the shelters, put out flyers, offer a reward...... Finally, one of our neighbors whom was not at home during our search, returned the pup. She had found him running around earlier in the day and kept him till we got home. Without thinking I blurted out "that dog needs a lojack". I was then obliged to explain to my niece what a lojack is, and equated it to a GPS. In her eyes, since I mentioned it, it is now my mission to ensure that we get Charlie a GPS.

Though exact figures are difficult to come by, approximately 2 million pets are stolen or lost every year in the US. There is therefore a need for identification and tracking devices. With the advent of GPS technology, there have emerged are a few pet GPS that are now available on the market.

Identification and tracking devices.

Microchips vs Pet GPS

Historical animal loss prevention techniques included practices such as branding. Identification devices started out with collars, and tags and have now developed to microchips.

Identification tags are your pets first line of recovery in case of loss. Your address and/or telephone number and that of a friend or neighbor is sufficient. All pets should have tags as a fundamental and backup, in case any other device fails.

Microchips are implanted subcutaneously. They operate through radio frequency identification. On the chip is a unique number. This number is recorded as well as the owners contact information, and the description and name of the pet. Different services offer different information levels, for example, secondary contact, vet contact, etc. This information is entered in a recovery services database.

Unlike pet GPS, microchips cannot be removed without surgery. They are relatively safe and inexpensive and do not need a power source to function. They are also viable for a cross section of pets due to their small size which varies from a grain of rice to a pin. They generally last on average 25 years, which is the lifetime of most pets. Obviously, challenges arise in the case of pets with a longer lifespan, for example tortoises, or elephants. Lastly they are weather/terrain proof and are thus adaptable for aquatic pets.

The drawback with microchips is that they are not universal. Different manufacturers of chips also produced the scanners to read them with. We therefore have a situation where chips and scanners are incompatible. There is therefore no guarantee that the chip you purchase will be readable by the neighborhood shelter or veterinarian's scanner.

Secondly the coverage of the support services is important. Is the service available and in widespread usage in all states? In most cases, overseas relocations would require microchips in use in that region.
Lastly, microchips are passive, in that the pet has to be recovered and find its way to a scanner, in order for the unique identification to be read.

It is interesting to note that microchips are mandated by law for certain classifications of pet in certain domiciles at the local and/or national level.

Tracking systems vs Pet GPS.

Electronic tracking systems were originally used on animals in the wild for research purposes. They were then applied to sport, as hunters would try to locate where their hunting hounds had ground their quarry.

Tracking systems are made up of two components. Attached to the animal is a transmitter that emits radio frequency signals. (With pets this is on a collar or harness.). The second component is a directional antenna and receiver, that picks up the signal. When the antenna is pointed in the direction of the transmitter, the signal becomes louder.

Tracking systems are expensive , the more so with the more powerful and commercial units. Each system is independent and therefore can be used anywhere on the planet. (not too sure about in space.). Latest developments have resulted in some powerful long range units weighing as little as 35 grams. However this is cutting edge technology and is geared towards well funded wildlife research rather than a household budget. Due to the small size of transmitters vis a vis pet GPS, cat collars are now available using this technology. These transmitters weigh 10grams and have an advertised range of 2 blocks to a mile in open country. The batteries for the transmitters last @ a month. The receivers are handheld and can track upto 30 different transmitters. Some learning is required to use this system optimally. The total cost of receiver and transmitter is @ $250.00 to $300.00. The manufacturer states that they are water resistant, not water proof . As such they might not work if the pet went for a swim, and this effectively eliminates aquatic pets. In addition as like the current available pet GPS, they are detachable.

Pet GPS.

Pet GPS are of two main different types. They are what I will call the conventional pet GPS, which are closest to what we are familiar with in our vehicles, and the non-conventional pet GPS.

Conventional pet GPS.

What I have termed conventional pet GPS are basically global positioning system enabled pet tracking devices. Essentially, they are composed of two components. The hand held receiver and the collar receiver. Radio communication is used between the pet receiver and the hand held receiver. Global postitioning technology can be on the collar receiver, the hand held receiver, or a combination of both.

The hand held receiver will display the location, velocity and direction of the collar receiver. Some devices (both conventional and non-conventional) support a virtual fence. When your pet leaves this designated area, an alert is given and the pet is tracked. The receiver has the ability to track from 3 to 10 transmitters from a range of 1 to 5 miles, depending on the type of device. Some have optional street maps and points of interes similar to vehicle GPS. These conventional models do not require additional communications

Non-conventional pet GPS.

Non- conventional GPS generally use a combination of GPS and GSM or cell phone technologies. The receiver on the pet is tracked using either GPS or GSM triangulation. It then transmits its location via GSM to a service center. The center will then alert the pet owner via SMS, email, website or pager as to the location of the pet.

Pet GPS are advantageous in that they pin point your pet with relative accuracy.

Both conventional and non-conventional pet GPS, are expensive ranging from $300.00 to $700.00. In the case of the non-conventional, monthly service charges also accrue. They operate on batteries and battery life therefore becomes an issue. Most are classified as "water resistant" with only one advertised as water proof. They are large and therefore are restricted in their uses for pet species. (Most of them are actually called dog GPS.) They are restricted to areas that have satellite or GSM coverage, and are limited in range.

Conclusion

Pet GPS still need some development to be affordable and utilitarian. A GPS enabled microchip would be the ideal device, and though not yet on the market, is the next frontier of the pet GPS.

Pettech - Cat Litter Boxes

2008-04-28T13:09:00.007-04:00

Cat Litter Boxes
Being a cat owner (Ginger and China), it is only right that pet tech, pet toys, first post is on a topic that concerns every cat owner;- cat litter boxes.

How many Litter Boxes?

I had noticed recently that any time China would go to use the litter box, Ginger would pounce and attack her.
So how many litter boxes does a cat need?
Some cat owners use the formula, " X cats + 1 = minimum no. of litter boxes."
Cats are finicky creatures and some don't mind sharing as long as the litter box is kept clean. Some cats require one litter box for liquid waste and one for solid waste. What has worked for me is two separate litter boxes, one for each cat. In conclusion there is no hard and fast rule for the no. of boxes you should have as it will depend on your cats temperament. You might also want to bear in mind that senior cats have memory and mobility problems that will necessitate additional litter boxes. The size and structure of your home will also be a factor (multilevel, etc.)

Litter box positioning
Cats like a quiet, secluded protected area to use their litter box. Most of us place litter boxes in places that are convenient for us rather than for the cat. Do not place the litter box in the laundry room, as it is too noisy and hectic. Cats would prefer low traffic areas, like in the rear of a closet, in a bathroom (depending on # in the household # bathrooms etc), or in a guest room.

The litter box should not be near the cat food. (How would you like it?). Bear in mind the condition of the cat and house size, as mentioned under "How many litter boxes". Young , or "scaredy cats" will probably require the litter box to be in the same room they are kept in due to memory/learning curve, and timidity.

Types of litter boxes.
There are three types of litter boxes. The unhooded litter box, the hooded litter box, and the self cleaning litter box.
The unhooded box.
Plain open litter boxes are the most widespread. These originated as wooden sand boxes and have developed to the plastic tray-like boxes of today. Some cat owners use plastic storage containers for this purpose. The main points to remember is that they cannot be to large or too small for your cat(s). Age and size will be the main determining factor in how tall or deep you wish it too be , and of course for Garfield, how wide!
Pros. Cheap, versatile.
Cons. Odor, messy.

The hooded box.

Hooded cat litter boxes are essentially conventional boxes with a cover. Some will have apertures or doors for the cat to gain access to them.
Pros. Odor control (for humans). Limited Litter spills. Litter and waste out of view.
Cons. Space;- a)this can be a tactical trap if there is more than one cat; b)cats movement is restricted and often will end up stepping in own mess; c)takes up more volume than unhooded box. The next two, while being pros for us can be cons for the cat. Odor, and dust will be entrapped and may lead to an unhappy cat. As the litter and waste is out of view, there is a tendency for hooded litters to be cleaned less often.

Self - cleaning or automatic litter box.
Self cleaning litter boxes are litter boxes equiped with a self cleaning mechanism. This mechanism will vary from device. Generally, the litter box has sensors to detect when a cat has used the box. It will then either flush, comb out or sift the litter into disposable containers.
Pros. Similar to hooded box. Clean litter everytime for cat. Less labor intensive (some need cleaning once in two weeks).
Cons. Space. Initial cost expensive which can be prohibitive, if you have more than one cats. Recurring costs, whether special granules, disposable containers, filters etc. Adjustability to particular cat (mechanism noise). Initial setup can take upto an hour or more.

New technologies.
The alternative to cat litter boxes is the toilet trained cat. There are a couple of products available that do this. The bottom line is that after a period of time, your cat will be using the toilet. If you have several cats, this should be an interesting process to watch! Once done however, no more cleaning; no more odors; no more cat litter purchases; (disclaimer:-in a perfect world). This alternative holds particular interest for me as Ginger will only drink water out of one receptacle;- the toilet!!

Pet technologies and toys will be reviewing individual cat litter boxes and their alternatives
in the future.

Pettech and Petwares

2008-04-24T14:58:00.008-04:00

Welcome to Pettech. This website blog reviews and analyses the latest in pettech, petwares, pet appliances, pet devices, and pet gadgets. Pettech also reviews the service industries that are geared to catering fot pet needs. Please leave a comment or questions on your visit.