Hi Tracie!
I’m a reporter with Howard Stern’s news department and a cat lover! Thought you could help me out. My cat Lucky is 7 1/2 yrs. old and recently developed a rash around the area where he pees. I think it may be from the cat litter. I think the chemicals in the scented litter are too harsh for him. So I switched from Fresh Step to Tidy Cats… non-clumping.
Is there a litter you can recommend? I figured if anyone knew, it would be you!
Thanks so much.
Lisa G., Reporter for Howard 100 News
Hi Lisa-
Thanks for checking in with Cat Headquarters! I’ve never heard of a condition like your fella is suffering from, but i think your cat litter guess is a good one.
Scented litters are generally a no-no because cats are often put off by them – but if he squats really low or has long hair. the contact with the litter may be irritating him.
I love Dr Elsey’s Cat Attract litters and he has just come out with one for Senior Cats & Long Haired cats that might be perfect for Lucky it’s made of synthetic crystals (but biodegradable!) that are infused with the herbs he invented to attract cats to use the litter. I think you do want clumping litter.
If you want to get the litter easily, go to Pet Food Direct and get a 20% discount as a Cat Chat® listener (put catchat in the coupon code box) They have food & other stuff, it’s really handy dandy
Also, throw out your current litter box and get a new one – not one made as a litter box but an underbed storage box from Sterilite. Put only 2 inches of litter in the bottom. You should know pretty quickly if that was what was causing the problem.
I would certainly take him to the vet, too – since this could be a urinary tract infection or irritation that needs antibiotics.
And if you ever need a dog or cat expert on the air to discuss something topical that comes up in that arena, you know where to find me!
Tracie
