Pine Pellet Cat Litter Pros And Cons

Depending on how many fosters I have, I'll have 5 litter boxes with pine litter at the same time. This video will go over pine pellet cat litter pros and cons in under 2 minutes. (4 cons, 4 pros)

As seen in video:

Please consider fostering for a shelter or rescue near you.

[triciajumonville]

Probably not in Manhattan, but we get our pine litter from Tractor Supply in 40 lb. bags sold for horse stall bedding. About $6.00 for 40 lbs. And we've noticed that the pine litter does a BETTER job of controlling odors than anything we've used in 50 years of having cats. If a kitten (we have five right now, plus two adults) does not cover their poop, it's simple to just sprinkle a handful of pellets over it or even use the scoop to cover it with pellets already in the box until you have time to clean the box.

[mr.zardoz]

The health benefits to you and your cats is the best pro.

[solrainha]

I've just started using pine pellets as litter yesterday. It's been 24h since I introduced my cats to it and so far I'm very pleased. It feels a lot more hygienic, since it stays dry all the time, though the cleaning process is indeed a bit more of a hassle.

The cleaning process is a bit more of a hassle but I think I'll take sifting daily over scraping silica/clay litter off the bottom of the boxes and inhaling all that pee smell while doing so. I'm really amazed with pine pellets so far, and if it keeps up like this in the long run, then I'm absolutely in love with it.

[lukas______]

I use a sifting litter box designed for pine litter which I use on the grid. Instead of using the disposable pads underneath which just absorb stinky odor i just buy $6 clumping litter to put in the tray underneath

[lazygardens]

In rural and suburban areas, "pine litter" is either called "stove pellets" or "horse bedding pellets" and can be found in most feed stores, hardware stores and even Walmart. Comes in 40 pound bags OR a 1-ton pallet with 50 bags for the cat ladies among us.

Just don't buy the expensive stuff sold for BBQ with pellet smokers.

[heidisettles]

I'll never go back to clay litter. A youtuber raised the sifting tray with pieces of a pool noodle around the edge of the lower tray so that the sawdust falls through better. I used pipe insulation which worked great. I keep disposable gloves by the box to pick the poop out, it's easier for me and I add a puppy pad also for easy cleanup. (Although it is more landfill waste)

[lynneterry]

I have a condition of super-sensitive nose and have been using pine pellets, for years, because it has NO odor. I have a small apartment and customers come and lots of people remark that there’s no word or it’s just I don’t know the cat. I convinced lots of people to use this for that reason.

[MechaWingZero]

I would say that con #3 that you listed about sifting and scooping can be avoided entirely if you have a pellet specific sifting litter box. I see that you are using sifting litter boxes but there are some that actually have clearance between the sifter and the bottom, meaning all you have to do is stir the litter and the swadust falls between the slots into a liner bag underneath the tray that your pine pellets are on top of. This is the setup I have. I personally am using the Suzzipaws Stainless Steel Sifting Litter Box with 8 inch tall stainless steel boxes as the base for added depth, but there are others that are this same style. These litter boxes are a bit pricey, but considering it is a one time investment and pine pellets themselves are super cheap from Tractor Supply, it is definitely worth it in my opinion.

[Myself-yhrr]

One thing I noticed is it doesn't stick to the bottom of the litter box when it is wet like the clay stuff does. With the clay any clumps that touch the bottom stick and they need a fair bit of "persuasion" to fall out only to still leave sizeable clumps behind. I don't want to hose it out because it will just build up where I do that. I do not recommend washing out clay from a litter box inside either. It will eventually clog your drains. I notice with the pine they don't always cover the fecal matter but I am OK with it considering how much easier it is to clean out of the litter box. Just shop around the local pet stores. Some sell it cheaper.

[amyvowles]

Great video! I have tried every type of litter and ended up with a really expensive cassava and corn litter that works great! Except it tracks so badly, I feel like our house is a sand box! The pine seems like the best choice. Could you maybe do a video on the necessary litter box and scoop for the pellets?

[wralford]

The main problem with the pine pellets is the parts that are not saturated will be picked up by the sifter, while the saturated pellets turn to dust and pass through. Dr. Pol makes a "Pine Cobble" litter, which is the same size as the granules in clay litter.

I have multiple cats and use mostly clay litter with the Pine Cobble mixed in. At 7-10 lbs in each box, it lasts a full week.

[HimMrM]

thanks for the baking soda tip. ive been suffering with bad smells after switching to pine litter, even though i clean it twice a day. heres hoping it works

[beckygonzales]

Just an quick tip on the litter boxes. Each litter box has an high side and a low side, On the high side of the Litter box should be facing the wall.
The low side should be facing out it's easier for your cats/kittens to go into.

[katherinerapp]

I got the breeze pellet system that I use pine pellets with. I scoop the poop every morning and I have literally no odor issue. I only have one cat tho. Will never go back to clay!

[amightysailingman]

I've started to use grass seed litter. There are several different brands including SmartCat, So Phresh (Petco brand) and Exquisicat (Petsmart brand). Seems to work pretty well.

[jupru]

I wouldn't care what is said on this video. The hardwood pellets are WAY better than regular cat litter. I will NEVER go back. Here are some reasons that hardwood pellets are superior in every way: no dust; little odor, except for a woodsy scent; WAY less expensive; lasts WAY longer; the box is easier to clean; very little mess on the surrounding floor (the few pellets that are on the floor are easy to pick up); using hardwood pellets is more environmentally friendly.

[georgen.]

Where did you get your triangular shaped litter box?
I use the breeze one ever since I saw it on Victorias cattery channel, and I like her method because of the depth and puppy pad method but I need something bigger for my two adult cats.

[xXxXxCGPBxXxXx]

I’ve been using wood pellets for wood stoves it’s the same but super cheap. My only gripe is the weight of those 40lb bags.

[BangleWish]

A layer of crystal litter under the pellets catches any liquids and odor. I found on Amazon 1/4 inch sieves for sifting. I'm getting this one for $19 which is large and includes work gloves: Wenses Metal Dirt Sifter, 11 x 9 Inch, Galvanized Steel with 1/4" Wire Mesh . I don't work for them or get anything for referring, just being helpfull:)

[HeronCoyote]

I loved using pine pellets until my cat (probably tricking me) decided his paws were too delicate for the stuff, and would go, standing on the edge of the litter box. I’ve been using PetCo’s own unscented grass seed litter since then.
I would love to go back to pellets…