Can "crystal" cat litter be used? I've never understood if crystals are considered to be clumping litter, but it's all we've ever used. This seems like a great litter box, but I'd hate to switch our 15-year old kitty to a completely different kind of...
1499042
I've never used crystals, so I don't know. Smart sift is designed for the clean litter that hasn't clumped to go into a holding area while the clumps fall into a separate box for disposal. If the crystal litter does not clump, I don't think it will work. For those of you already using this box, I find that the new lightweight littler works extremely well. Before I felt I was using too much litter but now I'm using less then I ever have and it more than makes up for the extra cost of the lightweight litter. Love this box but there is a learning curve. If you put in more litter than you are supposed to do, it will only go to waste and be dumped into the waste pan.
585271
My advice--do NOT buy the Ultra Micro Crystals!!! It is a very dusty litter and after the cats use the litter box, the tiny crystals go everywhere on the floor and the particles are so tiny, it is one big hassle to clean up! Plus, I worried about all that dust going in my lungs and also my cats' lungs. Just go with the Ultra Pearls, which is just fine.
2246634
As long as you use a good clumping litter you should be OK. I usually use Scoop Away because it clumps well and I have 3 cats. The litter box is great. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have through the years.
2129330
I don't know about crystal cat litter. However, I can tell you, from our experience that this litter box was a total waste of money & aggravation. In less than a week, the sifter began to stick and, not long after, got stuck open. Cats wouldn't use it. We tossed in the trash and went back to plain old covered cat litter boxes. I have nothing good to say about the Catit SmartSift.
701005
After some trial and error I found the BEST litter to use is Ultra/LitterPearls microcrystals! (I have 5 cats using this litter box and my visitors can't smell it!!). It absorbs great and they dont get scraped into the disposal hole by the scraper.
32892
I haven't tried anything but the chrystal litter but my guess would be no because the collection container is too small for the clumps. The crystal litter absorbs the urine and only the feces is scooped. It doesn't work as well on the odor either so it needs to be changed more often.
804973
Nope, crystal litter isn't better. It irritates lungs, needs frequent steering and get saturated and starts to smell in 2 days. Yes, I did try this brand of crystals. It's no different from others.
1657265
You will have to use clumping cat litter. I have used brands Tidy Cat and Fresh Step.
125436
Yes. I use clumping litter and it works just fine. As long as the cat doesn't drag out a large chunk of poop or something it will fall through just fine.
323916
Yes, crystal litter only is suggested by the manufacturer and it must be the right size. I buy Fresh step crystals at my local Walmrt and/or Target for $14. I have 2 Scoopfree cat boxes and split one 8lb bag between them each change. Here's a link that helps...http://foreverlittertrays.com/crystal-litter/
468060
I don't think there's a right or wrong kind of cat litter for kittens. I think it's based on their preference. We went thru 4 brands before my cat decided she liked the Arm & hammer clump n seal.
1890689
I use the Nature's Miracle Crystal litter. I get a little over 3 weeks for one cat then throw the whole thing out. I tried using the Swheatscoop clumping that I had used with plastic litter box but it seemed to get the box wet and was hard to scoop out due to the uneven texture of the cardboard. The crystal litter absorbs the urine and changes color so you only have to scoop the poop. It is probably more expensive but I'm in a wheel chair and it's been a lot easier for me. Hope this helps.
323920
You can totally use non-crystal litter, it just needs to medium to big grained. I made the switch because after years of being happy with crystals, my cat suddenly started hating it and refused to do his thing in it. Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract totally works (medium grains) but you do have to clean it more often.
68474
My cats had no problem, Mix the two litters together at first(a little used litter too, so it smells like "bathroom"). Then try using all crystals. If you make the switch gradual they should adapt.
1282456
I think the kitten is on the box just to serve as a cute picture to draw your attention. This is a little for adolescent cats or adult cats, not kittens. YClumping litters should NEVER be used for small kittens. Kittens use their tongues to taste things, just like human babies try to identify things by putting them in their mouths. You don't want to use clumping litters with kittens because you don't want the risk of an intestinal blockage from litter they've tasted. Choose a clay or non-clumping litter for a young kitten.
1658479
If you are using the scoopfree do not use the clumping. It can jam the mechanism and burn out the motor. Walmart carries an inexpensive crystal litter that works great.
477229
This type of litter does not "clump". The liquids fall through the crystals to the bottom and the solids on the top are easy to scoop up. The top of the litter remains drier. You need to use a litter pan liner. I scoop the solids daily and change the entire liner bag about every 7-10 days. I place the entire box in the laundry tub and wash, rinse, dry and refill every other liner bag change. Judy