Chatting Cats: Is Pine A Good Cat Litter

Hey everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. I’s sure hope you all had a pawsum weekend. Things have been a little crazy ‘round here. And not even fur the reasons you might be thinkin’ ‘bout. Let me tell ya’ a little story. It all started a couple months ago when mommy ordered our review items from Chewy. We get asked all the time fur recommendations. Ya’ know the kind, what food is bestest? What litter do you use? And so on. ‘Course, we always tell peeps that we purrfur our natural litter over clay every day of the week and twice on Blest Sundays. Anyways, lots of peeps wanna know why we don’t like clay and even tho’ we don’t, is there one we would recommend over another. So, mommy decided we’d give one of those clay litters a try and she purromptly added it to our normal litter. (Raena shakes her head) Sometimes mommy ain’t the crispest cracker in the box.

 

Dezi looks at Raena from atop the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

          RaenaBelle, what are you meowmblin’ on about? 

 

I’s tryin’ to x’plain what’s been goin’ on ‘round here lately sissy. Ya’ know, with you and the pawtty box? Ya’ know, how you quit usin’ it when mommy added that clay to it.

 

Dezi looks up at Raena atop the Liberty cat tree

 

 

 

          Uh, that might have been the main reason Raena, but it fur sure wasn’t the only reason. Don’t furget to tell everypawdy what a pain you are. Jumpin’ on top of the pawtty box and whappin’ me’s tail while me’s tryin’ to do me’s business. Nopawdy or kitty wants to have your paws unner their hoohaw while they’re goin’ pawtty. Just ask mommy. ‘Member when you tried to stick your paw in the toilet while she was usin’ it? 

 

Frisco pine and corn cat litter,

 

 

 

Anyways sissy, back to mine’s story. (Raena thinks a minute) Actually sissy, ifin ya’ stand at the openin’ with your tail flyin’ ‘round like a flag, you’re just askin’ to get whapped. You know we kitties can’t resist a wavin’ object. Anyways, I’s, bein’ the good girl I’s is, continued to use the pawtty box of course. Even when that nasty stuff ran every where and globbed on mine’s bloomers. I’s could see how frustrated mommy was havin’ to clean your messes several times a day. Fanky fankfully, as soon as mommy got paid this month she bought several jumbo bags of our good litter and completely changed out your favorite box. It took a while, but you furinally started usin’ the pawtty box again. And lo and behold, but what did Chewy offur us this month? More litter. Fanky fankfully, it’s the natural kind we like. You can see that review here. But wait, they also offured another natural litter. See Chewy has their own brand called Frisco. And, they have a natural pine and corn litter that mommy thought we might like, so she ordered a bag. We received a 28 lb. bag of Frisco All Natural Pine and Corn Clumping litter that sells for $20.99, $19.94 ifin it’s on auto ship. Let me tell ya’, it ain’t lightweight in the bag, so be sure ya’ have your muscles ready when it arrives. Let’s see what Chewy has to say ‘bout it.  

 

 

Description

Frisco All Natural Pine & Corn Clumping Cat Litter is made from a 100% corn and pine blend without any chemicals or added fragrances. Natural, biodegradable ingredients, like pine shavings from reclaimed lumber, make this earth-friendly litter a great alternative to standard clay litter. This low dust litter is ideal for multiple-cat households. Formulated to fight the toughest odors, its natural pine scent provides outstanding odor control to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. This ultra-absorbent formula is up to 3 times more absorbent than traditional clay litter and uses the power of natural ingredients to form soft clumps that are easy to scoop, making cleanup simple.

Key Benefits

  • Made with a 100% natural corn and pine blend with no added chemicals, dyes or fragrances.

  • This earth-friendly litter is made with natural, biodegradable ingredients like pine shavings from reclaimed lumber.

  • Low dust and ultra-absorbent formulation is up to 3 times more absorbent than leading clay litter brands.

  • Clumping action that makes for easier scooping and disposal so that keeping the litter box clean is less of a chore.

  • Offers superior odor control for strong ammonia and pet mess smells, creating a more pleasant litter box area. It’s ideal for multi-cat households.

After recent events, mommy decided not to place this is both of our pawtty boxes right off. 

 

          At least she learned from her mistakes, Raena. After all, me might be a little purrticular, but me does purrfur to do me’s business in the appropriate place.

 

Frisco Pine and corn cat litter

lightweight with some sharp edges

 

 

 

Sure sissy, whatever you meow. I’s heard stories ‘bout when you were a baby kitten and tried to… 

 

          RaenaBelle!!! Just get back to the Frisco pine and corn litter. Nopawdy wants to hear your so called stories.

 

Frisco pine and corn cat litter,

Mommy poured 1/4 cup water in the middle of the bowl. As you

can see, the water ran from the middle and only stopped

because it ran into the sides of the bowl.

 

 

 

I’s bet they do sissy. Wanna bet? Why don’t we ask ‘em?  Anyways, I’s gettin’ off track here. Where was I’s? Oh yeah, after openin’ the bag, which by the way has no way to reseal any unused pawtion, mommy decided not to put the litter in any of our pawtty boxes. It smells kind’a moldy and funky, altho’ we didn’t see any mold and I’s not sure what funk looks like. So, mommy placed some in our handy dandy bowl so we could purrform some tests. You know the ones, what’s the texture, does it make a good clump and is it easy and clean to scoop?.

So, what were the results you ask? Well, it’s dusty as a construction site and has some pointy sticky pieces that might be a little rough on tender paw pads. When mommy poured the 1/4 cup of water over the top, it ran everywhere, kind’a like the clay did. That means it would’a been stickin’ to mine’s bloomers. Not a good thing let me tell ya’. So, we had a clump and some fur mommy to scoop. The main clump started breakn’ apawrt the minute mommy tried to scoop it. You can kind’a see it in the fotos. Mommy overfilled the bowl and it’s really fluffy and lightweight so it kind’a scattered everywhere when she tried to scoop it. 

 

Frisco pine and corn cat litter,

The center clump started breaking the minute it was lifted out of the bowl.

 

 

 

          Yep Raena, mommy made a real mess with this one. Me’s sure you were no help bein’ right unner her feet tryin’ to see everythin’. You know, you don’t have to be a pawrt of every little thing that happens. 

 

Frisco pine and corn cat litter,

The dust is so lightweight, it spilled over the top of the bowl during the scooping process.

It’s also a bit staticky and some stuck to the edges of the bowl. Based

on prior experience we know that it would also cling to fur.

 

 

 

Yes I’s do sissy. You never know when mommy might need me. I’s just bein’ a good girl and lettin’ mommy know I’s there to help her any time, any way she needs me. Mommy shouldn’t have to holler fur us and wonder where we are. You know how much she hates that. Mommy’s always sayin’ she likes fur us to be where she can see us and hear us and touch us ifin she wants. I’s just doin’ what mommy wants me to do. She’d like you to do it too, but noooooooo, you were too busy bathin’ on the scratchin’ pad. 

 

Dezi lays on scratcher and licks paw

 

 

 

          So what Raena. Me’s sure some of that litter dust got on me. Me didn’t wanna stink like that so me had to hurry and get it off. Mommy could still see me. Ifin she had needed me, me would’a been right there. But, me knew she didn’t need both of us t’ween her legs. Sometimes, your help ain’t very helpful. You just oughtta be glad you’re not the reason mommy falls so much. You know she ain’t no ballerina. Grace ain’t her middle name.

 

You better be nice sissy. I’s gonna tell mommy that you’re makin’ fun of her. Anyways, we need to wrap this up. We can’t speak fur odor control cuz we think the fresh outta the bag litter already stinks. It might not smell like cat pee, but it ain’t purretty let me tell ya’. And, we kitties actually purrfur unscented litter. Since I’s didn’t actually use the stuffs, I’s can’t meow to how it feels, but based on our tests, I’s can tell ya’ I’s wouldn’t like it. 

 

          Well Raena, me fur sure wouldn’t like it. Me doesn’t like it when me’s business runs all over the place and gets me dirty. That’s why me quit usin’ the pawtty box when that clay stuff was in there. Besides, all that dust and stench, is totally unacceptable fur any self respectin’ kitty’s pawtty box.

 

Mommy was quite disappointed sissy. She had really hoped this would be a good alternative to our regular litter. Ya’ know, in case she wanted or needed to add it to our rotation. She says ya’ never know what might happen and when ya’ might need an alternative. The size and purrice are right up there with other quality natural products and it’s made in the USA. We give it one paw fur bein’ made here at home, but we think they need to go back to the drawin’ board. It could fur sure use some upgrades. Our idea of a soft clump isn’t somethin’ that breaks apart the minute ya’ touch it. Can you ‘magine the mess you’d have with it breakin’ apawrt all the way to the trash or toilet to dispose of it? We’ve tried other Frisco purroducts that are top notch, but this one’s a miss in our opinion.

 

Dezi sits in chewy box

 

 

 

          But we still luv Chewy. They’ve got great customer service that’s available 24/7, and purroducts fur the whole family, furred, feathered, scaled, finned and skinned. And, they offur speedy free shippin’ on all orders $49.00 and over and speedy flat rate shippin’ fur all other orders. They even offur a great auto ship program that allows you to save an extra 5% off your orders and makes sure you never run outta your pet’s faves. Don’t worry, you can skip, cancel or delay anytime.

 

 

Disclaimer: We received the Frisco Pine and Corn litter in exchange for our honest review. As always we tell it like we see it. Chewy is not responsible for the opinions expressed here unless otherwise stated. We only bring products we use or have tried and feel would be of interest to you, our readers and friends.

 

Raena looking over her shoulders.

 

 

 

Don’t furget the great boxes you get with your orders sissy. Chewy has great boxes. We get a new toy every month with our auto ship. Ifin ya’ wanna check out other reviews this month, check out the Chewy blog hop here. C’mon sissy, let’s go play. 

 

Till the next time………………………………………………….Be Blest!!!

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Blest Sunday: Mini Tigers Major Blessings

Dezi:  MeOW  RaenaBelle, hurry up, it’s time fur Blest Sunday and me thinks me hears the sky rumblin’. Me might have to go searchin’ fur intruders soon.

 

Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

 

 

          Raena:  I’s don’t get why you don’t just admit you’re hidin’ sissy. There’s nuffin’ to be ashamed of; lots of our furiends are scared of thunder boomers and storms. 

 

Dezi plays on scratcher

 

 

 

DeziMe’s not scared Raena. How many times does me have to tell ya’ that? Y, Ifin not fur me, you might wind up sleepin’ with some pawful intruder one night. 

 

Tiger jumps at you from the screen

 

 

 

          Okay sissy, whatever you meow. Hey, did you see on the catputer that today is International Tiger Day? You know they’re our cousins, right? Maybe some day, we can meet one. That would be so cool. 

 

Dezi's face merged with a Tiger face frame

Can you see me?

 

 

 

RaenaBelle, sometimes, me wonders how you ever survived long enuff fur mommy to save you. Tigers might be our cousins, but trust me, you don’t want to meet ‘em up close and purrsonal. Y, They’d have us fur a snack. Anyways… 

 

          Don’t worry sissy, I‘s would purrtect you. I’s a mini Tigress after all.

 

Sure Raena. As me was meowin’ befur you so rudely innerupted me, we have so much to be fankful fur this week. Fanks to awnty Susan, mommy was able to buy gas to go to her dentist ‘pointment fur the last of the wax try ins. She’s gettin’ so close to furinally havin’ teeth again. She said they looked great, even tho’ they were still in wax.

 

          (From the perch at the door) Yep sissy, I’s can’t wait. I’s know mommy can’t either, she’s so x’cited.

 

Is there anythin’ x’citin’ goin’ on outside Raena? 

 

Raena stands on small perch and leans front paws on the liberty cat tree

 

 

 

          Not a thing sissy. I’s haven’t even seen any birdies today. I’s can hear all kinds of things, but they must be hidin’ somehwere. Maybe they’re lookin’ fur intruders too sissy. What do you think? 

 

Me thinks you’re bein’ a real smarty pants Raena, and it isn’t cute. Now, let’s get to countin’ our Blessings. Even tho’ you can be a real pain in me’s behind, me is fankful that you’re me’s sisfur. 

 

          Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw Sissy, that’s so sweet of you. 

 

Yeah well, don’t let it go to your head. Me’s fankful fur trash bags too and ya’ don’t see them gettin’ all beside themselves. 

 

          Oh Sissy, I’s know you like to act all snooty and mean, but you’re really just a big old softy.

 

Dezi sits on box in bathrrom in recurrsion frame

Look into me’s eyes…you’re gettin’ sleepier…MOL

 

 

 

Anyways, we’re so Blest to have each other. Me’s not sure anypawdy else would put up with us. MOL 

 

 

Raena lays on the bed next to mommy A sleeping

 

 

 

          We’re also Blest to have such great furiends. And it’s even cooled off some. The temps fur the last couple of days have been in the low 90’s. We won’t meow ‘bout that humidity stuffs. Mommy says it’s so thick ya’ can’t even breathe. She even waited till 3 this meownin’ to take the trash out. She was hopin’ it would be a bit cooler. Fanky fankfully, she came to bed shortly after and I’s got mine’s nightly mommy and me cuddle time. I’s also fanky fankful our wild cousins decided to take up with humans so we could live the nice cushy life we have these days.

 

Dezi lays in mommy's lap and gets loving

 

 

 

Good one Raena. We’re also Blest to have mommy’s lap and her luv. Yep, we are so very Blest indeed. As always, we’d like to remind you all to take a minute today and every day to give Thanks fur the Blessings in your lives. 

 

Raena sleeping selfie in lap

 

 

 

          And, like we do every Sunday, we’re linkin’ up with the Kitties Blue fur Sunday Selfies

 

C’mon Raena, let’s go play while me’s in the mood.  

 

Till the next time……………………………………………..Be Blest!!! 

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle

Service Cats: How To Beat The Heat And Treat Overheating In Cats

The followin’ post will be written in human English fur reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Trainin’ Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal trainin’, cats in purrticular. And to offur insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, Training is all ‘bout Repetition and Rewards.

Raena sits posing in her tiger harness

 

 

 

MeOW  Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. We’re runnin’ low on questions from ya’ll, so purrlease let us know what you’d like to see here on Furidays. You can do so by leavin’ your questions and/or topic suggestions in the comments below or by sendin’ us an email via our Contact page. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series you can check them out by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page from our menu. With all the hot weather we’ve been havin’ lately, this seems like the purrfect time to talk about how to Beat The Heat. 

 

Dezi laying in cat tree in new harness

 

 

 

Stay inside

     Sounds kind of silly, but Staying inside out of the heat is the best way to beat it. We have recently learned that some of our friends around the world don’t have air conditioning. We were shocked, but we do understand that certain areas don’t actually get as hot as others and humidity doesn’t affect everybody, so a/c’s aren’t needed items. However, we’re pretty sure that most people have fans. To make the air the fan blows a bit cooler, you can fill a bowl with cold water and place it in front of the fan; replace the water as needed. Keep all unscreened windows and doors closed.

 

     Fresh water should be available at all times. Fountains tend to keep water cooler thru circulation. You can also add ice cubes which some cats enjoy. You can also make a little nip tea to freeze into cubes and add to kitty’s water as a little treat during the heat wave; or anytime for that matter.

 

Dezi looks full on at the camera while sitting ion the stroller outside

 

 

 

Stay Cool Outside 

     If you must be outside, or you’re caring for stray or feral kitties, there are steps you can take to keep everybody safe during the heat of summer. Shelter from the heat is a must. Shade trees, shrubs, dog/cat houses, even boxes placed in shady areas can be useful.

 

     Fresh water is a must. And remember when putting the water bowl out, to place it in a shady area so that it will stay cool longer and kitty/doggy won’t have to stand on hot surfaces to get a drink. Ice cubes can be placed in the water, but remember to add water to the bowl. The ice cubes may not melt as quickly as you expect them to alone.

 

     Remember cement, asphalt and dirt/sand can reach temperatures hot enough to burn, so make sure kitty can access food and water without having to walk or sit on those surfaces. Paw pads can burn very easily. If you’re taking kitty/doggy for a walk, avoid walking on those surfaces for long periods of time. You have shoes, kitty/doggy is basically walking barefoot. 

 

     NEVER leave kitty/doggy locked/shut in a car, non climate controlled shed, storage room or garage. Temperatures in these areas can be deadly in a short amount of time. Don’t let kitty/doggy ride around in the bed of your pickup truck. The metal bed can and will burn.

 

     Kitties and doggies with lots of fur might enjoy a small haircut. However, Do Not shave them to the skin. That skin has been protected by fur and exposure to extreme temps can be dangerous. Watch out for hot spots and treat any skin conditions as soon as possible. Short nosed breeds, such as Persians, Bulldogs, etc., have more difficulty breathing, especially as temperatures rise. Keep a close eye on them and know the signs of overheating in pets.

 

Raena sits in stroller while outside

 

 

 

Symptoms of Overheating

     Know the signs of Overheating in pets and if you see it, get your pet to the VET as soon as possible.

Excessive panting,

Difficulty breathing,

Increased heart and respiratory rate,

Drooling,

Weakness,

Stupor,

Collapse,

Seizures,

Bloody Diarrhea,

Vomiting,

Elevated Temperatures over 104°F (ASPCA.org). 

 

Dezi lays on the table at the vet's office

 

 

 

Immediate Treatment

     If you find kitty unconscious or in a stupor, soak him/her in cool, but not ice cold water, keeping the nose and mouth clear. You can also try placing a bag of frozen vegetables or an ice pack between their legs and go straight to your VET.  

     If kitty is still conscious, get him/her inside cooler temps immediately. Let him/her drink as much water as he/she wants and get to the VET ASAP.

     If kitty is just beginning to show signs of overheating, get them inside a cool area and place a cool wet towel over them. Make sure there is plenty of cold water available to drink. Keep a close eye on kitty and see the VET if needed.

 

Raena sits on the table at the Vet's office

There will be no temp takin’ here, fanky fank you.

 

 

 

     If you can safely take kitties temperature, do so. Make note of the temperature and take appropriate actions. Rectal temps as follows:

100° – 103°F = normal to slightly elevated 

103° – 104°F = slightly elevated and should be seen be a VET as soon as possible. 

105°F and above could be fatal and should be seen by a VET Immediately.

 

     Remember, prevention is always the best cure. With just a few steps everybody can survive the heat. Another tip is not to over play your pet during the hottest parts of the day. While it may be fun to play fetch at the beach with your dog or chase the wand bird in the yard with kitty, to much fun in the sun can lead to the dangers of overheating. You might also want to wrap a bandana that has been soaked in cool water around your pets neck to help keep them cool. And make sure everybody including the humans are drinking plenty to avoid dehydration. 

 

Blooper- Dezi's head while she lays on scratcher.

This is fur sure a blooper. Mommy was trying to take a foto of me while me slept

on the scratcher beside her chair. Alas, she cut off me’s face and body

and only got the tippy top of me’s head. Hmmmpht

 

 

 

Well, we’re gonna wrap it up fur today. We do hope this helps you to survive the summer hots. We’re doin’ all we can to enjoy the wonderful a/c in the house. Mommy once lived in an apartment where she had no control over her own a/c. Temps in her apartment were in the low 100’s at night, mid 100’s in the day, and even brought out the media to repurrt on the situation. She swore then and there, she would never allow her babies (then, sis Lexi and Lucky) to have to endure anything like that again, so she’s really good about makin’ sure Raena and me are comfy regardless of what’s goin’ on. ‘Member, you can ketch up on any posts you may have missed in this series by clickin’ Training Tips and Everything Feline from our menu. And, be sure and leave your questions and/or topic suggestions in the comments below or via our Contact page in our menu. 

 

Blooper-Raena lays in lap and reaches for the camera phone

Mine’s blooper submission. Mine’s selfie didn’t quite turn out. Guess

I’s zigged when I’s should’a zagged. MOL

 

 

 

We’re linkin’ up with Comedy Plus fur Feline Furidays and we’re also joinin’ our furiends the Cuddlywumps fur Pet foto fails and bloopers.

 

Do you have any tips for surviving the hots?  

 

Till the next time………………………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle     

Chatting Cats: Raena’s At It Again

Raena:  Hey everypawdy, it’s me, RaenaBelle. How are ya’ll doin’? ‘Member a while back when we were tryin’ to sign mommy up to marry a total stranger?

 

Dezi sits on shower chair looking up

 

 

 

          Dezi: Wait a minute RaenaBelle, don’t lump me into that. That was all you. Me had nuffin’ to do with that. You’re the one that watches all the teevee ‘round here. 

 

Raena lays on toilet in bathroom looking up

 

 

 

RaenaSure sissy, whatever you meow. (Raena meows under her breath) I’s seem to ‘member you were all fur gettin’ us a daddy at the time too. Anyways, the new season just started and OMC the day after the weddin’, one of those peeps was arrested. Sure nuff, there they were at the airpurrt fixin’ to go away on their honeymoon, when the pawlice showed up and whisked one of ‘em away. Looks like we dodged a bullet so to meow. 

 

          You’re right ‘bout that Raena. Altho’, to be fair, we don’t yet know the whole story. Now don’t get me wrong, we’re all ‘bout criminals bein’ punished fur their crimes, but teevee always makes things look worse than they are. Still, me’s glad we didn’t get mommy involved in all that. Like we don’t have enuff purroblems already. Hmmmpht 

 

Raena lays on cat tree looking back

 

 

 

I’s seem to ‘member the only reason we didn’t get mommy signed up was cuz she’s too old, sissy. I’s think mommy still has a lot of good years left in her, but ‘pawrently anypawdy over 30 shouldn’t x’pect to find their special somepawdy. 

 

Dezi lays on scratching pad

 

 

 

          RaenaBelle, you’re meowin’ ‘bout mommy like she’s a racehorse or somethin’. She’s got a lot of good years left in her (Dezi shakes her head)…Where did you even come up with that? Another teevee show no doubt. 

 

 

Raena sits on top of the scratching post watching tv

 

 

 

Well sissy, ifin mommy was a racehorse, she wouldn’t be just some filly, she’d be a thoroughbred fur sure. 

 

          Me agrees Raena. Me’s just not sure mommy would ‘purreciate bein’ refurred to as a horse.

 

Raena lays on cat tree looking out the door

 

 

 

Well at least me isn’t callin’ her a pig or somethin’. Anyways, enuff ‘bout all that. Can you believe how fast this year has flown by? I’s was thinkin’ we should have a pawrty or somethin’. You know, a just cuz celebration. We could invite all our furiends and pawrty the night away. 

 

          That does sound like fun Raena, but, me’s not sure now is the right time fur a pawrty. Why don’t we start with somethin’ small, like a play date? A while back we meowed that once things settled down a bit ‘round here we’d have our furiends from Feline Opines over to meow ‘bout their book. Me’s thinkin’ we should plan that fur next month.

 

Oh sissy, that sounds like a great idea. I’s can’t hardly wait. I’s gonna go call Alberto right now. 

 

Dezi lays sleeping on cat scratcher

 

 

 

          You do that Raena. Me’s just gonna take a short nap. 

 

Raena lays on liberty cat tree looking out door

 

 

 

Okay sissy, you rest up cuz we’re gonna have loads of fun when our furiends get here. Maybe we can go fur a stroll, and play with the jitter bug, and zoom thru the ‘pawrtment, and…(Raena looks out the door while meowing about all the fun things to do when the friends come over, while Dezi dreams about the rest she’ll get when Raena has someone else to chase and play with.

 

Till the next time……………………………………………………Be Blest!!! 

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee