Kitty litter alternatives

Regarding the letter about cat litter ... for the last 10 years we have been using pellet stove wood pellets as kitty litter. It has a nice fresh smell, the cats use it, and best of all, it's 100% biodegradable. We just dump it around the blueberries. All it is is compressed sawdust and glue. Make sure you don't buy pellets with anything flammable added. In Western Washington a 40-pound bag costs $3.79, a heck of a deal.

Countryside readers always seem to be looking for soap recipes, especially without lye. This is an old-time recipe, very similar to what my grandmother made in the 1920s-1940s. It's easy to make, turns out right every time. Just scoop it into your washer. I've made it many times. Make sure you keep it in something covered--away from children and pets.

• Fels-Naptha Laundry Soap Half bar Fels-Naptha soap 3/4 cup borax 3/4 cup washing soda (Washing soda is found in the detergent aisle of your supermarket) 

• For a 2-gallon plastic pail, heat 3 pints of water, grate the half bar of Fels-Naptha soap into it and dissolve it. 

• Remove from heat and stir in the 3/4 cup borax and 3/4 cup washing soda. Mix well. Mixture will thicken. 

• Pour I quart hot water into a 2-gallon plastic pail. 

• Add Fels-Naptha solution, stirring well. Fill pail with cold water. Stir occasionally. 

• Ready to use in 24 hours. Use 1/2 to 3/4 cup per load of laundry.

•  Makes enough for 48-64 loads. 

• For a 5-gallon plastic bucket use 1-1/4 bars of Fels-Naptha, 1-7/8 cups borax and 1-7/8 cups washing soda. 

• We are enjoying.the woodcarving series, it is well done.

First of all, I must express my deep gratitude for having found you--thanks to a trial offer that came by mail. I used to think there were few people who cherished, or even understood the homesteading lifestyle that I love dearly. Thankfully, I was wrong, and have I ever been enlightened! What a delight to discover so many. I now think of fellow Countrysiders as my extended family. I have learned so much from the wisdom of thoughtful folks who have taken the time to write and share their experiences and knowledge. If I were going to subscribe to only one magazine, this would be it.

Regarding Michele Rae Padgett's question about recycling kitty litter (Nov/Dec 2005): because of multiple coyote packs in our area (not to mention foxes, badgers, eagles, and a pack of feral dogs that run 'amuck), my three cats reside indoors. Thankfully they express no desire to venture outside.

Three years ago I switched from traditional clay litter to cedar shavings. I purchase a 40-pound bale (compressed bag) at the local feed and farm for $8, which lasts me 2-1/2 to three months. This by-product of the lumber industry is easy to recycle on a homestead, is exceptional at absorbing odors, is soft on paws (the kind I buy is not coarse to the touch), and is so much cheaper than clay. Instead of picking out the "used" shavings each day, I completely empty and refill the litter box every second day, which seems to be a perfect schedule for my three cats.

An easy way to make the transition is to sprinkle a handful of cedar into the existing lay litter and mix it around. Because cedar is very aromatic, cats need time to adjust to the new scent. Each time I changed my litter box, I added another handful of cedar, until I worked up to a 50% clay and 50% cedar mix. When I used up the rest of the clay, I switched over to 100% cedar. My cats made the transition very smoothly. A word of caution though, I have heard that pine has a certain toxicity level to cats, so I would first consult with your veterinarian about using pine shavings if cedar was unavailable.

Some years ago I used clumping litter because it was easier to maintain than traditional clay, and less wasteful. My veterinarian (a feline specialist) warned me about clumping litter. He said that some cats climb out of the box and lick the granules off their paws, which he has seen lead to digestive upsets and even blockages. That's when I stopped using it. I suppose this depends on the cat and its cleaning habits. I'm sure there are plenty of folks who use clumping litter with no problems. It's something to be aware of though.

I've also used compressed newspaper pellets, but my cats seemed to find them "ouchy" to step on. For me, I don't see myself ever switching from cedar. Friends of mine who own cats have been so impressed that they, too, have made the switch from clay to shavings. This certainly may not be the answer for everyone, but it's a wonderful option.