An Icelandic Clam, 405 years

A 405 year old clam is the oldest animal ever to be discovered, not really a pet but remarkable none the less, the Clam was discovered by researchers in icy cold waters off Iceland: unfortunately the clam died while researchers were verifying it’s age, by counting it’s rings much like a tree.

Adwaita, Tortoise approx. 255 years

If you want a pet that can be a companion through life, and potentially outlive you, a tortoise could be a good choice. Adwaita was an Aldabra giant tortoise who died in 2006 aged around 255 years; he had originally been a gift to Clive of India. Smaller tortoises also last a long time though if well looked after, 80 years being typical for many species.

Tortoise supplies in our reptile shop.

Charlie, Parrot, 114 years

Some dispute the claims of Charlie’s owners but parrots certainly can live a long time. Charlie is reported to have hatched in 1899, during the reign of Queen Victoria, and is still going strong it seems. The Blue and Yellow Macaw lives at a pet sanctuary in Surrey now but his owner also claims he was a companion to Winston Churchill from 1937 and during both his periods as British Prime Minister.

Parrot food and supplies in our Bird Shop.

Lin Wang, Elephant 86 years

Lin Wang, or Grandpa Lin Wang as he was later known was an Asian Elephant who served in the second world war and lived until 2003. He served with the Chinese Expeditionary forces during the second Sino-Japanese war (which became a part of the second world war after Pearl Harbour) from 1937 until 1945 before moving to Taiwan.

Lin Wang

Crème Puff, Cat 38 years

Crème Puff just made it to her 38^th birthday before her death in 2005. Since then many other cat owners have taken an interest in Crème Puffs unusual diet which included bacon and eggs, and plenty of veggies including broccoli and asparagus. Owner Jake Perry had previously owned Granpa who had lived to 34 and whose record as the oldest cat was beaten by his former companion, Crème Puff.

Cat food and products in our Cat Shop.

Max, Dog 29 years

Mongrels are often thought to have less health issues than pure breeds and Max who was a beagle, dachshund and terrier mix is evidence for this having lived to 29 years. He took the record of the world’s oldest dog in May 2013 but died a few days later.

Dog Food, Toys and more in our Dog Shop.

Rubber Boa, approx. 50-70 years

Having been caught as an adult this Boa lived for another 40 years in captivity, snakes actually often live longer in the wild though with more space to grow and some snakes found when deforesting unexplored areas have been estimated to be over 100.

Snake products in our Reptile Store

Flopsy, Rabbit 18+ years

Another pet to have originally been wild, Flopsy was caught in Tasmania in 1964 and went on to live for another 18 years (this 18 years alone being enough to set this record).

Rabbit Hutches, Food and more in our Small Pets section.

Tish, Goldfish, 43 years

Many who have had goldfish will wonder how one can possibly live for 43 years. Asked to name a pet with a short lifespan a goldfish would be many people’s first answer. It seems though that well cared for they can live for several decades. Tish was won at a funfair and became a treasured part of the Hand family in Yorkshire.

Fish food, aquariums and more in our Aquatics Store

Bouncer, Chinchilla, 28 years

Chinchillas have longer life expectancy than many small mammals and so make good pets for those wanting a long term companion but not wanting a larger animal or a bird. Most Chinchillas will live to 15 years or more but Bouncer managed an impressive 28 years before dying at his home in Birmingham in 2005.

Methuselah, Dove, 38 years

The world’s oldest caged dove, the aptly named Methuselah, is still alive and kicking having been born in 1975.

Snowball, Guinea Pig, 14 years

Listed in the Guinness Book of world records, Snowball lived to nearly 15 years. The average life expectancy of a Guinea Pig is up to 7 years.

Billy, Horse, 62 years

A difficult one to confirm, ‘Old Billy’ is an abiding legend in Woolston, Lancashire where he was born in 1760. Probably a cob, he was a draught horse used for pulling barges and died in 1822, making the papers as the world’s oldest horse. None are yet to surpass his record!

Yoda, Mouse, 4 years

Laboratory mouse Yoda’s 4 years may seem modest but that’s twice the average life expectancy for a captive mouse.

Heatstroke can be fatal if the warning signs are ignored. Cats, dogs and small pets can suffer in hot conditions; here are our top tips on spotting the signs and taking preventative measures:

Avoiding heatstroke

Unfortunately the most common cause of heatstroke in dogs is easily the most avoidable. Careless owners leaving their pets in the car is the number 1 cause of heatstroke. Even on an average summer day when the outside temperature is 22°C the temperature in a car can rocket to a stifling 47°C in less than an hour with the sun beating down.

A cracked window and a little water doesn’t make it ok – never leave your pet in the car, even in the shade.

When travelling in the car though heat stroke is still a danger, so follow our top tips for a comfortable journey:

• Regulate the temperature in the car with the air conditioning. Dogs and cats have thick fur which means they retain heat much better than we do.

• Don’t forget often in the boot of your car it will be sunny while the front of the car where you are is in shade. Install sun shades if they do not obstruct the drivers view.

• Use our non-spill bowls to provide a constant water supply.

• Take regular breaks on long journeys to allow your pet to toilet, stretch their legs and get some fresh air.

But it’s not just car journeys which pose a problem. Is your garden providing enough shade? Many pets spend a lot of time enjoying the garden, and so need an area of shade throughout the day. A kennel with a covered patio area can be a good option as are sun protection nets for small pet runs and cat houses.

A summer haircut will help particularly fluffy cats and dogs as well, in the same way sheep are sheered for summer your dogs and cats can be styled and trimmed using our clippers which are easy to use and designed to avoid any nicks or cuts. Use a deshedding tool to thin out and moulting fur regularly.

Spotting signs of Heatstroke

The primary signs of heatstroke are listed below, though you may see one, some or all of these symptoms:
• Excessive panting, or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Bright tongue and pale gums
• Extreme thirst
• Weak and tired
• Collapsing
• Disorientated
• Temperature above 103ºF (39.5ºC)

Treating Heatstroke

With some of the signs of heatstroke you should get your dog seen by a vet as soon as possible, but speed is vital and to provide immediate aid to your pet here are some helpful hints and treatments you can apply yourself, if your pet is only showing early signs such as excessive panting you may want to use these anyway as a precaution:

• Shade – Get them to a cool shady area.

• Prevent – Follow our tips above for travel and garden safety during the summer. If your dog is prone to overheating you may want to get a doggy pool for the garden for them to splash about in and cool off. If you suspect your dog may be starting to suffer from heatstroke get them in the pool.

• Water – Provide a bowl of water and encourage regular drinking to re-hydrate.

• Cool Off– Use towels soaked in water to cool their head, paws and body.  Do not use very cold water or ice as it can shock your pet.

• Hose Down -If your dogs condition is not improving cooling them more quickly is important so if possible use a hose with a steady trickle, first checking the temperature is not too cold.

• Getting your dog to the vet – If you can’t get an emergency vet to come to you try to stabilise your dog first so their condition isn’t getting worse, start up the car and get the air conditioning running and the car cool before moving your dog into the car.

2. Sunburn and Skin Cancer

Dogs and cats get sun burn and skin cancer in the same way as humans, especially those with white fur, thin fur and on exposed areas such as tips of ears and noses. Cats will go out for the day and like us humans will not notice they are burning until it is too late, apply some sun screen before they go out and likewise with your dog if they will be spending time outside.

A shady area of the garden with a outdoor pet bed or Keep Cool dog mat will make a welcome retreat for your pet in the heat of the day.

3. Dehydration and Kidney Damage

Dehydration in cats and dogs is a serious problem, cats especially are prone to kidney damage from drinking too little. Ensure there is always a source of clean and fresh water in your home for your cats and dogs and if your cat is allowed out during the day then leave water outside which they know they can come back for if they are thirsty.

Cats and dogs can be fussy with the water they drink, so why not try a pets’ water fountain?  Fountains work by constantly moving the water through a series of filters, which oxygenates the water and keeps it tasting fresh for a number of days.

Plenty of fresh water will help to keep your dog or cats kidney function high and also helps avoid urinary crystals. If your pets still don’t seem to be drinking enough, especially at meal times, you may also want to consider switching to a wet cat food or wet dog food diet as some pets prefer to get much of the water they need this way.

Your dog may not be too concerned about their beach body but they can be a great help in getting you in shape for the summer! Although your dog may seem unconcerned about a few extra pounds you will want to ensure they are maintaining a good weight to avoid future health problems.

So how can you and your dog start to get fit? Well walking is of course a good start. A healthy amount of daily walking per day for a human and many small dog breeds are about the same, though the dog may well burn more calories in that time running back and forth.

It’s recommended adult humans do 2 and a half hours of moderate intensity exercise a week such as walking briskly – that works out at about 22 minutes a day. For a small dog you should aim for 30 minutes walking a day. For larger and very active dogs, and those who prefer a gentle pace, an hour to an hour and a half would be a better length of walk each day, though this could be a morning and evening walk. Longer walks are also a good idea if on your walks you need to keep your dog on a lead for their safety so they can’t roam as much, so it takes longer for them to cover the same distance, though an extendable lead will help.

Longer than 22 minutes will also help you if you want to lose weight and increase your overall fitness but if you want to supercharge your walk you could add in some other activities along the way. This is especially the case for activities such as throwing a ball or playing tug that also works your upper body, giving you an full body workout. Using a tug toy can be surprisingly exhausting even with a small dog! With a Great Dane for company you’ll be lucky to stay on your feet! Our Bionic Tug-n-Toss toy is ideal for throwing or playing tug.

If longer hikes are your thing then your dog can come along as well and by the end you should both be exhausted. Make sure that you and your dog have plenty to eat and drink en route, though there’s no reason why they can‘t carry their supplies with our Backpack for Dogs.

If you want to up the pace and break into a jog or run your dog will probably happily come along too. We have a special jogging lead to make it easier to jog along while keeping your dog under control or a hands free lead that attaches to your waist.

Cycling is great exercise and great fun. If you have a larger and energetic dog then while walking or running you may find their pace is a little too much, after all they have the advantage of a couple of extra legs! To even things up let them run whilst you cycle using our DogRunner – Cycle Mount.
If you love a cycle but you have a smaller dog whose legs can’t keep up you can of course use them as extra weight to make it more of a challenge using one of our dog cycle baskets or cycling trailers for dogs that are great for larger older dogs too.

The NHS also recommend that you do muscle strengthening exercise on two or more days a week. Now you can’t take your dog with you to the gym or use them as a spotter while you do bench presses but one suggested exercise on the NHS site is ‘heavy gardening’. So what if rather than letting your dog out into the garden and leaving them to it, you went with them and starting working on your borders? On a sunny day time can go much quicker gardening than it would at the gym, plus you achieve something at the end and you have your dog roaming around the garden, keeping you company.

Agility training may seem more exercise for your dog than you, but both you and your dog will need to be fast, though your dog will be doing most of the hard work. If it’s your dog’s health you are most concerned about this may be ideal and agility training can become a hobby with plenty of amateur competitions around the country. A good starting point is setting up an agility course in your garden and seeing how you get on, even if your dog is fairly hopeless it’s a lot of fun and something all the family can enjoy!

Information on recommended physical activity from: NHS Choices

To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is finish this sentence in the comment box below:

Every dog has its _ _ _ !

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Why Purizon?

Purizon dog food, made here in the UK, takes its inspiration from the natural and predominantly carnivorous diet of dogs. This premium dry dog food is made to a unique recipe with 70% meat and fish. It is also completely grain-free and great for dogs with digestive sensitivities. Instead of grains or rice, Purizon contains only top-quality fruit, vegetables and herbs. Careful and gentle preparation protects the vital nutrients and preserves the authentic, natural flavours.

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The competition closes at 11pm on 3^rd May 2013 and the winners will be picked at random and announced on Tuesday 7^th May 2013. * T’s & C’s apply, see below.

By entering this competition you agree to the following Terms & Conditions

• To enter the competition you must be: (a) UK resident; and (b) 18 years old or over at the time of entry.
• Three winners will be chosen at random from all those with the correct answer. Our decision is final.
• The competition closes at 11pm on 3^rd May 2013 and the winners will be announced on Tuesday 7^th May 2013.
• Three winners will be sent 1x 13.5kg bag of Purizon dry dog food. Please let us know which flavour you would like when we contact you via email (Adult Chicken & Fish or Adult Fish). Please refer to the feeding recommendations on the packaging, and introduce the new food gradually over a few days.
• To enter this competition a valid email address must be submitted in the relevant field of the comments section. This email address will be used to contact the winners and for no other purposes. This email address will not be visible to other participants, please read our Privacy & Security standards for more information on how we treat your personal data.
• A winner will be chosen after 11pm 03.05.2013 and contacted the following Tuesday. The winner will need to provide zooplus with a UK mainland address. The food will be sent by ParcelForce.
• This competition is run by zooplus Services Ltd.

Dental problems can lead to pain, infections which spread elsewhere in the body, and the loss of your pet’s ability to chew or eat properly. As a side effect, your pet also won’t look or smell as attractive! And no, whiffy cat or dog breath is not normal.

Prevention is much, much better than cure when it comes to dental disease. The good news is that with regular care you can pretty much guarantee your pet continues to sport a very clean and healthy set of gnashers, right into their old age.

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Lift the Lip Campaign!

Many owners do not think to check their pet’s mouths until it is too late and the symptoms of dental disease are severe and obvious. All owners should get into the habit of ‘lifting the lip’ of their pets regularly to check for problems with teeth and gums.  Other symptoms to look for include lethargy, eating difficulties or a change in eating behaviours (sometimes leading to anorexia), drooling, a change in character to become less sociable or even aggressive.

The main types of dental disease are Periodontal disease, which affects the supporting structure (gums) around the teeth, and endodontic disease which affects the teeth themselves. Pets can also suffer from orthodontic problems which are caused by bad jaw and or teeth alignment.

80% of pets over 3 years have Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is very common and the nasty effects of this disease are in no way limited to the cosmetic (e.g. smelly breath and brown teeth).

It begins when plaque (salivary proteins and bacteria that have thickened to form a bio-film over the tooth) builds up and is allowed to calcify and form into tartar. This tartar is not in itself harmful but it harbours and protects plaque in its casing.

Early signs are indicated by a thin red line along the gum line and the appearance of blood when brushing. This inflammation along the gumline is known as gingivitis. If you see these signs you should act quickly to prevent it developing into full-blown periodontal disease.

If nothing is done, periodontitis can eventually lead to a loss of gums and the supporting bone structure around the teeth. This damage is irreversible and the damaged areas create a perfect home for harbouring bacteria.

At the advanced stages, periodontal disease is a silent killer, spreading infections elsewhere around the body causing heart disease, liver disease, and kidney diseases. Other problems include jaw fractures, a hole in the nose and inevitably a lot of pain for your pet.

Prevention & care at home

So now we know how common and damaging dental disease is but how do we act to prevent this happening to our pets?

Regular, routine dental care is the key to preventing dental disease. Daily brushing with a pet toothbrush or finger brush is the only way to make a serious impact on the formation of plaque and tartar.  You should not use human toothpastes as these contain fluoride. Instead use a special pet toothpaste with a meaty flavour to entice your pet.

When you are brushing, push the paste down into the bristles and ensure you target the gum margins. Start at the back of the mouth on the molars where decay is more likely. If your pet tires of the activity and runs off you will at least get this higher risk area clean.  If the gums do bleed a little don’t be put off as this should reduce with time as you brush more regularly.

If your pet is new to brushing or nervous about the toothbrush then start gradually. Gently get them used to you having a finger near their mouths and gradually increase the amount of time you rub your finger on their outer teeth. Once they accept your finger, try adding tying a piece of clean gauze or bandage material around your finger and introduce a small amount of paste as you rub the teeth.

Always reward your pet after a brushing session, either with petting or a treat so they get a good feeling about the experience and don’t start to dread it.

Other home dental care options

Many dog chew toys are designed to help clean some of the plaque from teeth and massage gums. Of course, this is not a substitute for daily brushing but every little bit helps and dogs also get psychological benefits from having safe chews available at home.  Rawhide chews can also fulfil this function.

Health Problems from Grains and Cereals

Some cats and dogs have real problems with foods that contain grains. Constant tummy problems may develop as well as other problems related to allergies or intolerance such as skin irritation, dental problems and a poor quality coat. Even while your dog or cat may be perfectly happy with a food that contains grains this can suddenly change as foods with a lot of grain are often linked to dental decay and obesity, even when there is no specific allergy or intolerance.

With many cheaper pet foods, fillers are used to bulk out the food without offering any real nutrition to your pet. These fillers are usually cheap cereals such as corn and wheat and in quantities that can cause serious problems, this includes obesity as your dog or cat is consuming empty calories so they have to eat a lot to feel full and to get the amount of protein, vitamins and minerals they need.

Hypo-Allergenic Pet Food

Which grain you feed your pet can be important. Hypo-allergenic pet foods often contain no cereals like wheat or corn, which cause most common problems. These are often made with another grain, like rice, or even grains like spelt, that are more similar to grasses dogs and cats would have come across in the wild and so have evolved to eat, though still only in relatively small quantities.

Grain Free Pet Food

With a grain-free dog food or cat food, you should find even less chance of problems although most of these still contain some carbohydrates, which your pets do need in certain quantities. Look out for hypo-allergenic dog food and cat food with potatoes, carrot, parsnip and other fruits and vegetables instead of grains. Think about what would closely match what a dog or cat would eat in the wild. These should be included alongside a good proportion of meat with some 75% meat dog foods available.

Using fruit and vegetables instead of grains also means a much better variety of the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs. Like with human food, the wider the variety of different fruit and vegetables, the better. A food such as Applaws Dry Dog Food, for example, contains Peas, Potato, Carrot, Tomatoes, Seaweed, Beetroot, Ginger and several different herbs and spices. You can also get grain-free dog biscuits and other dog and cat treats made using ingredients such as potato, carrot and other vegetables to completely remove problem foods from your cat or dog’s diet.

Is Grain-Free good value?

As we mentioned earlier, many cheaper brands of pet food contain unhealthy amounts of filler and can leave your animals feeling hungry so they eat more and put on weight. With a good quality, grain-free cat food or dog food you’ll find that once your pet gets used to it they will be happy to eat less and get a much better diet of what they really need. This means your pets are happier, healthier and more energetic while you may actually save money because the grain-free food you are buying them lasts much longer.

With a little forethought you can ensure your cats stay away from home is as stress-free as possible. Read on to find out how to choose the very best quality of care for your cat and also how to prepare everything in advance to make the transition from home to cattery as seamless as possible.

Choosing the right cattery

Take your time when choosing a cattery and make sure you visit the ones on your shortlist beforehand so you can be reassured that the setup is suitable for your pet.  A well run cattery will ensure your cat has all her daily needs met and should oblige in providing your cat with the same meals at the same frequency she has at home. They will also groom your cat as needed and provide some social or playtime for them each day.

The current feline residents should look healthy and relaxed and the enclosures should be clean, large and well ventilated with an interesting view or some stimulating toys or climbing frames available.  Pens should have private runs and a full-height solid wall between them to act as a sneeze barrier that will prevent the spread of any infection.

Most cats are better off at a ‘cats only’ cattery as opposed to a mixed kennel facility with dogs. Constant barking is not relaxing for anyone, let alone a cat away from home trying to settle into a new environment.   Try the Feline Advisory Board’s listings of approved Catteries for centres which will offer guaranteed top notch care.  Personal recommendations from cat owning friends or your local vet surgery is also a good way to find a quality cattery.

Be prepared!

If your cat is likely to make frequent visits to the cattery over their lifetime, it’s wise to get them used to the process as early as possible and when they are still young enough to take things in their stride.

It is absolutely essential that your cat’s vaccinations are all up to date before you book in as a cattery cannot accept a cat without proof of this from your veterinarian. For the journey to the cattery you will need a secure plastic, metal or nylon cat carrier. You must secure your cat in the car as a loose pet can cause a distraction while driving.

Take some familiar items with your cat as having the scent of home around will help them settle into their pen much quicker. A well-used cat bed, their favourite toys and an item of your clothing are ideal. If your cat is of a sensitive nature you may also want to spray her carrier and other items with Feliway spray. Feliway mimics a pheromone cats produce naturally when they are at peace in their surroundings, and helps your cat to feel calm and content.

Travelling with your dog by Car:

Safety First

Wherever your dog is placed in the car, they should be secure and separated from the driver sufficiently so that they are unable to interfere with their ability to drive. The best place for larger dogs may well be in the very rear of the car, although the rear seat with a harness may be ok for a well-behaved dog. Wherever they are, you should try to minimise any obstruction your dog may have of your vision through the rear view mirror if they are going to be moving around.

In case you do have an accident, or even just have to break or change direction quickly, your dog needs to be secure, first of all, for the safety of you and your family, secondly, for their own. If your dog will sit and have a dog seat belt harness put on them, this is ideal and is the safest way for them to travel. This isn’t always possible though, many dogs can’t help but get excited when going on a ride in the car and will move around.

Therefore, they usually will be happier in the back of the car, this could be just straight in or in a cage. A dog car cage will usually need to be secured down for safety if it isn’t a tight fit, a cage also limits how far your dog can move in an accident while allowing them enough movement that they should be comfortable.

With a small boot a cage may not be needed but a car safety guard on top of the rear seats probably will be to ensure they don’t fly forwards in an accident for your safety and theirs.

Keep it Clean

Keeping your car clean is one more consideration, especially if you use it for work or other tasks where a clean and smart car is important. In the boot, a cage with a plastic, lipped floor will keep any mess in, including any accidents.

You can also buy separate boot protectors, including this one which folds out to protect your bumper as your dogs get in and out. If your dog is going to be in the rear seat a seat protector is the answer, either covering one side or both sides.

Comfort

While on short journeys, your dog may be excited about the journey and happy to stare out the window. On longer journeys they may like to sleep along the way. For dogs who don’t like travelling, sleeping can make the experience much less traumatic and so a travel dog bed is well worth having, designed to stay put, not slip around and be a safe refuge for them. If your dogs also suffer from motion sickness travelling may be more pleasant for them with Anti-Motion sickness paste.

Older dogs may need a bed, too, to be comfortable and for those with creaky joints who are less agile than they once were, a dog car ramp or dog steps to get into the car can be a real help.

On long journeys your dog will also need to eat and drink along the way, the Trixie Dog On Tour Travel Set includes a nylon food carry bag and a folding travel bowl which also helps to save space on holidays where your family already seem to have packed in everything but the kitchen sink.

Travelling with your Dog by Public Transport:

You may think that if you’re travelling with dogs that driving is the only real option but in many ways public transport could be better.

Trains have advantages for dogs; they are generally a lot smoother for a start and much bigger, your dog is going to be less aware they are travelling so if they don’t like going in the car this may be an advantage. Also, you don’t need to worry about a cage or seat belt harness on the train and your dog can move around and stretch its legs.

Of course you’ll need a good lead, or better still a strong dog harness and maybe a muzzle, even if just to set other passenger’s minds at rest. Your dog will need to be well trained and able to hold its business, not so easy on a long journey. Also, on a long journey if your dog is too large to sit on your lap or under a seat you may need to spend much of the trip in the vestibule: lots of space for your dog to stretch out but maybe not so comfortable for you and your family, hopefully they’ll be willing to take it in turns.

Depending on your ticket, you may be able to take a break and continue on the next train. Another advantage of most modern trains in summer is air conditioning and large thick coated dogs who struggle with long car journeys on hot days may be happier on the train, though maybe not London Underground during rush hour.

Q) What is the best cat litter available?

Lots of people ask this question but unfortunately there is no simple answer! All cats are unique and have very different preferences when it comes to toileting surface.  Some cats really hate strong smelling, perfumed litter (felines have a much better sense of smell than humans) and will avoid it at all costs while others don’t seem to mind.  Brands such as Exreme Classic offer scented and non-scented options. Many cats dislike the feel of large grain litter on their paws and will only walk on the very finest, soft litter clay.

It may well take some trial and error to find your cat’s perfect match so try to buy small bags at first so you do not end up wasting the litter and your hard earned cash!

Q) How does clumping litter work?

This is the most popular and generally most effective type of cat litter. Clumping litter is made from expanding clay particles which form solid lumps as soon as they come into contact with liquid.  The resulting masses are easy to sift out of the clean litter and dispose of. One of the best clumping litters available is Extreme Classic Cat Litter (just read the reviews if you’re not sure!) It clumps quickly and locks away odours. It’s also rather good value for money – a 15KG bag will only set you back £13.99!

Q) Will clumping litter be harmful to my kitten?

Traditional, non-clumping clay litter is recommended for kittens while a question mark remains over the harmful effects of clumping litter to kittens. The concern is that curious kittens may ingest grains into their tiny digestive tracts, causing blockages.

A popular choice of traditional clay cat litter is Catsan Hygiene Cat Litter. This non-clumping litter is made from grains of fine chalk and natural quartz sand which soak up fluid like a sponge, ensuring a pleasant and dry cat tray.

Q) What’s so special about silica gel litter?

A relatively new invention, silica gel litter absorbs urine and the odours completely and does not need to be scooped out. It does need to be stirred a couple of times a day and of course the  poop needs to be removed regularly so there is still a bit of work to do! If stirred regularly, silica gel litter can last a single cat up to a month before needing to be changed completely.

Silica gel litter tends to be  more expensive than other types but we often have great offers over in our cat litter shop.  Right now you can get 3 bags for the price of two on Tigerino Crystals Silicate Litter!

Q) Can I get a litter that is good for the environment?

Yes you can! Biodegradable cat litter is normally made from waste plant or wood material. It can even be flushed down the loo.

One of our most popular bio-degradable cat litters is Cats Best Öko Plus. The natural plant fibre capillary system is extremely good at retaining fluids so a bag of Öko will last a lot longer than regular clay cat litters. Another bonus is that you know you’re doing your bit for the planet as well!

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Q) Is there a litter which won’t get tracked all over the house?

Some litters are better than others for not clinging to cat’s paws and spreading around the home. Cat and Clean Brilliant Plus is one we recommened for minimal tracking. It’s also a rather special blend of clumping clay plus silica granules which absorb urine and odour.

With any litter we recommened using some sort of litter mat to protect the floor area around the toilet from litter mess. Our Booda Clean Step Litter Boxes are also designed to minimise tracking by cleaning paws on the steps as the cat leaves the box.

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