Automatic Litterbox Central

OK I now recant my CRScrafts pellets statements. STAY AWAY FROM THEM THEY CLOG THE PUMP CONSTANTLY!

Bah! I just ordered 5# from them.

I guess I'll phase those out and move to the millet seed unless someone has a different recommendation. What are the syptoms/resolution for the pump clogging?

Thanks for the update, Loco.

The CG will complete it's cleaning cycle and leave you with a inch of water above the bowl bottom with out a beep code!
Found this 4 times total this and last week and had to rerun the cleaning cycle. Yesterday afternoon I found it drying with the water still in the bowl ! The fix is to use the drain hose and a faucet to force water in to the CG to clear the clog, it just like they suggest in the CG manual. Then rerun the cleaning cycle. The problem seams to be the CRS pellets are 5mm x 4mm and like to get stuck together over time, so when they poo on a clump of CRS pellets the clump sticks to the poo and clogs the CG. CG pellets are 4mm x 3mm x 1mm and the black pellets from ebay are 4mm x 3mm round $20 for 10 lbs but might be too big also. be cautious on what you use, because the pellets no matter what you use stick to the poo and can cause clogs ! I might have to look in to the walmart seeds!

locomanjim wrote: I might have to look in to the walmart seeds!

Keep us updated on your experiences, locomanjim. I've just got my cats to switch over to the CG, and am somewhat reluctant to go changing things on 'em just yet, but the idea of using something that is really natural appeals to me. However your post also seemed to indicate that the CG is somewhat sensitive to litter size, and ya have to imagine that any kind of 'seed' is going to have a significant variability to it's size...

Thanks --Bill

egads loco - you sound like you have a mess on your hands (j/k). i have been using the CRS beads for over 6 months now without any problems. (2 cats, 2 cleaning cycles per day) i did remove the gray 'munching' ring on my CG back in may, after repeated 3 beep failure notices, and havent had any repercussions as of yet. have recently gotten the opportunity to use my re-setting device with GREAT results. using odo-ban mixed 50/50 with water and 1 teapoon liquid dish soap per container, am on the second one now and things are still looking good. hope the seeds produce better results for you.

egads loco - you sound like you have a mess on your hands. (j/k)

Not kidding, 2 cats 2 cleanings a day same as you. but every time i turn around
i got a CG filled with water, a finished cleaning cycle, (always happens at the midnight cleaning cycle)
Figures it runs fine when I am awake but never when I am asleep!

I say no to seeds, maybe the black pellets next! Still need to go to Micheal's crafts to see what they have.
Still have 2 boxes of regular CG pellets to use in case of an emergency.

Will check back later.
Me

Update:
Below is a picture of the CG pellets compared to the millet seeds. They are the same width round as the length of the pellets are long. I haven't had any issues with them causing a clog and none of them have sprouted or molded over.

I also started using the warm/hot (not scolding) water alternative as well, and no other adverse effects from that either with the seeds.



Anyone else found any other alternatives?

Still using safflower seed. Almost a year now, no problems whatsoever.

My Cat Genie came from a friend of mine that has a long haired cat and used the safflower seeds. They had considerable problems with clogs because the hair would mix with the seeds. I am using the same seeds with my short haired cat and haven't had any clogs.

I have ordered and received 10Lbs of the black PVC sinking pellets from eBaY.
larger then the CVS craft pellets just not a flat side to the pellet and it is black.
I will let you know how they work. but looks like they may clog just as well.

Black = new from ebay =Largest
white = CRS crafts pellets =Medium
gray = CG pellets = Smallest

This might sound crazy, but I am testing out new thing for granules. Popcorn!!.....I was using safflower seeds, they worked good as far and the bowl, but the cats tracked the little white seeds all over the house. I was vacumning daily. Last night I went and got 4 bags of generic Walmart Popcorn, I put 2 Bags in the CG, watched it run thru a cycle. Looked like the arm was straining a bit when it was wet so I took about a cup out to lighten the load and it seems to be working. The cats are using it, I have 2, and this morning they had had done their business. I felt the kernels this morning and they were hard and dry. I will see more tonight when I get home how it holds up. I saw 2 kernel of popcorn on the mat I have in front of the CG....So far, so good.....I am hoping this works on a long term basis.

Anyone tried this?

Well the Popcorn was a flop, one cycle it clogged the CG, I am back to safflower seeds.....Luckily I did not cause any damage to the CG.

Thanks,

Where can I get the millet seeds? I have called several feed stores, pet stores, walmarts and a couple other stores in the south Seattle area and they only have the spray millet seed. I have also seen white millet seed 50# bags on Amazon.com, but want to make sure that is the same type of seed since the previous posts stated it was an orange color. Can any one help we are in need of granuals or seed since our machine is close to empty.

Thanks.

I've been using glass beads (about 1/4 in diam) and they've been working great. Non-absorbent, less surface area (cleans more effectively), only downside is they make noise and can roll if your cat kicks them out (but since they're bigger that happens less often).

I wouldn't use them for a septic tank though, they're not going to degrade very quickly.