Bye bye 2023! Hello New Year! I just wanted to make a little series of posts to let people know some things I’ve learned, a few tips, and our wish list/goals for 2024! This post is all about the “ick” and what we are leaving in 2023!
•Pine Pellets as Litter:
Pine pellets are easy to get, biodegradable, easy to clean up and cheap! I actually love the idea of using pine pellets as litter, but after using them exclusively for 2 years, we just couldn't get past the smell in the house. It also tracks everywhere and the pellets themselves have a smell that I don't care for (not pine scented as one would think). We have since switched to crystal litter, but more on that in the next post!
•Bad Toothbrushes:
Yes, it's true... Maine coons in particular are notorious for having gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper tooth cleaning but, if untreated, may lead to periodontitis. I brush our cats teeth regularly and they have healthy gums as a result! I recommend that all my kitten owners do the same. I have spent a lot of money trying out different toothbrushes over the years, only to find that 99% of them are too big for a cat's mouth. I haven't had any luck with the rubber finger brushes either. But, I'm happy to say that I have finally found something that works! The RYERCAT toothbrush! More about this in the next post!
•Royal Canin & most commercial brands:
When I first got into breeding, I noticed a lot of breeders talking about feeding their cats Royal Canin products, so I thought it must be a good brand. I experienced first hand that my cats didn't keep weight on, they vomited (sometimes daily) and had really stinky poops! I also really don't like the ingredients which included a lot of animal byproducts and corn. The more I looked into it, the more I found people experiencing the same problems. I have sinced switched brands to Nulo and now my cats are a healthy weight, they rarely vomit, and they love the taste! More about that in my next post!
•Water Fountains:
Cat drinking fountains are a fairly new invention, but are they really good for your cat? The dripping sound the fountain makes might entice your cat to drink more water, and they come with a filter for large particles, but it circulates the same water you put in 3 days ago (or did you fill it up last week??) Everytime I have cleaned out my fountain, I have found scum on the bottom, floaties, the water is luke warm and it just looks gross! I wouldn't want to drink that, and I don't want my cats to either. Not to mention, the device itself is expensive and the replacement filters can be costly. A much better solution is to purchase several stainless steel water dishes, replace daily and sanitize in between. That way, you know your cat is getting fresh, clean water!
•Mopping:
Okay, okay I am not telling you to stop cleaning up after your cat! I have just found a different, more effective way to clean my cattery that does not involve mopping! Well, actually it does, but it's not what you think!
Stay tuned for the next blog post where I discuss what products and habits I have switched out for the ones above!
Stay warm and safe!
-Steph Mayo
Maine Coon Mayo
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