Post by weloveourweasels on Aug 6, 2008 2:23:19 GMT -5
There are many misconceptions about what kinds of litter should be used with ferrets . The biggest thing to consider when deciding on a litter is the health of your ferret(s). Any litter that has clay in it (e.g. traditional cat litter) is not recommended for ferrets because it can harm your ferret in two ways . First, clay litter is sticky! This can cause the clay to stick to your ferret's feet, coat or behind as it scoots after doing its business . The litter can then be ingested as the ferret cleans him or herself or may work its way into the anal opening and cause a block or prolapsed rectum . It can also get into the ferrets eyes, nose and ears if you ferret decides to go snorkeling in it. When you mix clay with any liquid – including urine, saliva, tears, etc – cement is formed. These chunks of cemented clay can cause a wide variety of health problems for your ferret including an intestinal blockage (see Blockages/Hairballs). Second, clay litter produces dust. Ferrets have very sensitive respiratory systems and this dust can cause damage to the throat and lungs over a period of years. Other types of litter that are dusty are “scoopable" kitty litters and some wood shavings. There are also other types of litter that can cause respiratory damage over time, not because they are dusty, but because they contain “essential oils”. Cedar, pine and other wood shavings have not been processed in a way to remove the oil that occurs naturally in all wood. These oils release vapors, which then can cause the respiratory damage mentioned above.
There are many forms of litter on the market that are acceptable including corncob litter, newspaper, recycled paper litter ( in various forms either in a pellet form or a granulated form ), and wood pellets. One word to the wise, corncob litter and plain newspaper are not very absorbent and therefore will not absorb odor well either. Really, the goal of any litter should be absorbency, which recycled paper litters and wood pellets seem to do fairly well and in a manner that is safe for your fuzzbutt ! ! Although the most cost effective litter is wood pellets, hands down.
www.mdferretpaws.org/care/litter_training.html
There are many forms of litter on the market that are acceptable including corncob litter, newspaper, recycled paper litter ( in various forms either in a pellet form or a granulated form ), and wood pellets. One word to the wise, corncob litter and plain newspaper are not very absorbent and therefore will not absorb odor well either. Really, the goal of any litter should be absorbency, which recycled paper litters and wood pellets seem to do fairly well and in a manner that is safe for your fuzzbutt ! ! Although the most cost effective litter is wood pellets, hands down.
www.mdferretpaws.org/care/litter_training.html