A Cat Lover's Lament: The Perils of New Litter Choices
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Chapter 1: The Dilemma of Cat Care
As a devoted cat parent, I strive to provide the best for my feline friend. From top-notch health care to gourmet dry food—once I even splurged on a can of chunk light tuna for him, which he promptly rejected in favor of his usual kibble.
While shopping at the supermarket recently, I found myself influenced by another enthusiastic cat owner who enthusiastically recommended a new cat litter.
The pet aisle is, without a doubt, my favorite section of the store. I often save it for last, much like dessert—a little treat for myself. Sure, I enjoy browsing through the produce and deli sections, but nothing compares to the joy of exploring the pet area. Searching for new treats and toys fills me with happiness, knowing it contributes to a joyful home for my companion, Bijou.
It's common for fellow cat lovers to strike up conversations about our beloved pets while I'm there.
As I wrestled a 25-pound bag of unscented Tidy Cat into my already full shopping cart, a woman beside me exclaimed, "Sir! Sir! You really should try Fresh Step; it’s the latest in cat litter! I used to buy Tidy Cat for my cats, but they much prefer Fresh Step. It's significantly more absorbent and cleaner than those old clumpy clay types."
Her credentials? "I have eight tuxedos at home," she added, as if that made her an authority on cat litter.
She had a point—who was I to argue with someone who has cared for nearly as many cats as I've owned throughout my life?
Reluctantly, I decided to give it a shot. I managed to return the hefty Tidy Cat bag to the shelf, nearly injuring myself in the process, and opted for the much lighter eight-pound bag of Fresh Step instead.
"I know your cat will love it!" the woman beamed, pleased with her recommendation.
Disaster Strikes at Home
Following online advice, I gradually introduced Bijou to the new litter, mixing it with the remaining Tidy Cat. The transition seemed seamless for both of us.
The litter box was conveniently located in the bathroom, close to the toilet for easy scooping, while my shower was situated on the opposite wall. Bijou was diligent about using the box, and I was diligent with the scooper, managing to spill only a few tiny blue crystals on the floor.
However, after a week of this new arrangement, disaster struck. Upon stepping out of the shower, I was jolted by a stinging pain in the sole of my foot.
Hobbling out of the bathroom, I sat down on the bed and examined my foot, hoping to find only a minor injury. To my dismay, a fully formed blue crystal was the culprit. Removing it with my fingers alleviated the pain, but I was left concerned about potential long-term foot issues.
Checking the remaining bag of Fresh Step, I found warnings primarily concerning pregnant women and the risk of toxoplasmosis from cat feces. It appeared the litter itself was innocent—this was merely an unfortunate consequence of nature.
I then visited Fresh Step's website, where I found the cheeky disclaimer: "Crystal cat litter can be a bit harsh on human feet."
No kidding!
Big business indeed—there ought to be regulations around these things!
Chapter 2: Litter Tracking Woes
In this video, learn how to create DIY fire starters from materials you might find in a kitty litter box. It’s a surprising and creative use for litter-related items!
Discover life-changing tips to prevent litter tracking around your home, making clean-up a breeze while keeping your space tidy and your feline happy.