Sani's litter tips

Litter allergies: how to detect and eliminate them

26 May 2021

Just like us, our feline friends can have allergies. Symptoms like itchy eyes, a runny nose, facial swelling and sneezing are common indicators that your cat may be suffering from an allergic reaction. Something in their immediate environment, such as food, fabrics or cleaning products, could be to blame. 

Unfortunately, animals that are prone to allergies often have more than one, so it’s hard to pinpoint the exact culprit. But if your cat is showing signs of discomfort around their litter box, there may be a problem at hand. Your furry friend’s paws are sensitive and an allergic reaction to the litter could be the issue.

Your cat’s instincts will kick in and they will avoid the litter tray if it makes them feel uncomfortable when nature calls. That’s enough to dampen anyone’s mood, so if you think your cat is having an allergic reaction to their litter, we have a few tips on how to eliminate the problem. 

  • Clean the litter box daily. Sensitive skin and paws can eventually develop allergies to the litter if it is not cleaned regularly. Our Clumping Litter makes clean-up a breeze, while our Classic Litter locks in moisture to keep the tray dry and clean. Cats instinctively like to be clean and good hygiene can make a big difference.
  • Stick to what paws are used to. Once you find a litter that works for your cat, don’t change it. But if you think they are having an allergic reaction and you need to try something new, try one of our Plant Based litters – they’re extra absorbent and soft on paws.
  • Try switching to a ceramic or metal litter box. When you try a new litter, it’s a good idea to try this at the same time. They cut down on excess dust and allergens. 
  • A gentle bath. Cats are notorious for hating baths, but if you gently wipe down their coat with a damp cloth, you can help remove any allergens they’ve kicked up when responding to nature’s call. If your cat is suffering from itchy eyes or ears, help them gently cleanse these sensitive areas with our Sanilove Eyes & Ears Biodegradable Wet Wipes

At Sanicat, we love cats and want to keep ensuring that our furry friends are as happy and well cared for as their owners. So if your cat is still showing signs of an allergic reaction after you’ve tried these tips, it might be time for a visit to the vet.