Automatic Litterbox Central

I just bought the scoop free and have it set up with the one included litter cartridge with the fresh step crystals. I am weary of crystal litter...my cat is a loyal WBCL user (world's best cat litter) and licks the litter off his feet. He stepped in the crystal litter and I could tell that he hated the way it felt, and I could actually see that it got stuck in between his toes! I know he will lick it off, and I am afraid it might be unsafe! (I have read other posts on this forum about cats getting sick from the crystals...mainly blood in urine because crystals passed through!)

Is there any other type of litter that you can use with scoopfree? Can you use WBCL or other clumping litters with scoopfree? If not, can you use regular non-clumping litters? (such as non-clumping clay litter). What about feline pine? Has anyone tried non-crystal litters with this machine? (btw, I would love to use feline pine with the scoopfree!)

I also bought some of the Dr. Elsey's crystal litter, which comes in very extra fine crystal particles, and the bag claims that it is non-toxic to cats, whether inhaled or eaten, however, I am still skeptical as my cat licks all the litter off himself, and I truly don't see how the crystal litter could be completely harmless. If anyone knows a bunch about the safety of crystal litter, please let me know!

Thanks!

For several months I have been using non-crystal litter in my ScoopFree unit. It was a cost thing. I lost almost everything in the sub-market crash. I'm still experimenting but it is definitely a viable alternative. Slightly more attention is required but the ScoopFree mechanism stills reduces oder and makes clean out much easier. Here's what I've learned: Fine grained clumping "clay" litter just gums up the system. Course grain clumping litter works fine but requires more frequent clean out, which is easy and unoffensive especially if a sent controlling litter is being used.

The big advantage is that "regular" litter can be bought in bulk at Costco, Sams, Petco, or, my favorite, PetSmart (I still own some of their shares!!) at a huge savings over crystals. Other advantages appear to be less difficulty cleaning the tray, the urine is mostly absorbed and doesn't make it to the tray floor, better look should company inspect your tray and order control.

Try to look for granules as large as the crystal granules since the smaller ones gum up the tines of the rake and clump and clog the holding bin. They also have a tendency to stick to the side of the tray. The large yellow plastic pail from Petco worked well (convenience suppressed my vested interest in PetSmart!!). Sorry I've forgotten the name as I'm testing larger bags now. But, it has a lid that only partially opens. The smaller yellow plastic pail from Petco, where the lid totally removes is way too fine and not recommended.

As I learn more, I'll try to update this site.

Dino

Just a follow up note: You cat licking the litter off itself is not an argument against silica. People take silica as a food supplement, few take clay as a supplement. I used silica with three cats for some time and saw no ill effects whatsoever. I expect your cat will not ingest anything harmful to it. They aren't stupid.

Right now Amazon is selling silica in 27 pound jugs for 21+. Less than a dollar a pound and less than "regular" litter at most places!!

Dino