Animal Welfare Professionals

I'd really like to revisit this and reinvigorate the conversation. Of all our costs the Litter is by far the one that scares me the most because of the following reasons:

1. Prices are continuously escalating,
2. Litter donations are harder to produce because of the low perceived value.
3. Using the correct kind of litter is essential to pathogen control.
4. Bad litter habits formed in the shelter could negatively impact long-term pet retention by adopters.

To that end we are consuming roughly 90x40 pound bags of clay non-clumping litter a month.  We serve approximately 1300 cats a year. We are required by our veterinarian to dump and sanitize each cat's box at least once per day, with some medical conditions requiring higher frequency. In addition, we consume 48x40 pound boxes of clumping litter each month. This litter is used in our open floor adoption spaces, offices, and other longer duration resident spaces. This one we scoop daily and replace when the box becomes overly soiled or when the cats currently using the box are adopted. 

I can't believe there aren't bulk litter distribution agencies or buy direct from the bagging facilities. Would you all please share ideas on cost reduction or bulk purchasing?

------------------------------
Ryan Simonson
Cat Depot
------------------------------

Our entire shelter switched to pine pellets because of the litter prices. It works fine and people are more likely to donate--even pet stores that sell them, sometimes!

I'd really like to revisit this and reinvigorate the conversation. Of all our costs the Litter is by far the one that scares me the most because of the following reasons:

1. Prices are continuously escalating,
2. Litter donations are harder to produce because of the low perceived value.
3. Using the correct kind of litter is essential to pathogen control.
4. Bad litter habits formed in the shelter could negatively impact long-term pet retention by adopters.

To that end we are consuming roughly 90x40 pound bags of clay non-clumping litter a month.  We serve approximately 1300 cats a year. We are required by our veterinarian to dump and sanitize each cat's box at least once per day, with some medical conditions requiring higher frequency. In addition, we consume 48x40 pound boxes of clumping litter each month. This litter is used in our open floor adoption spaces, offices, and other longer duration resident spaces. This one we scoop daily and replace when the box becomes overly soiled or when the cats currently using the box are adopted. 

I can't believe there aren't bulk litter distribution agencies or buy direct from the bagging facilities. Would you all please share ideas on cost reduction or bulk purchasing?

------------------------------
Ryan Simonson
Cat Depot

Do you get the pine pellets from a local supplier of a national chain? I've been thinking outside the "litter box" recently and trying all kinds of suggested substitutes. I was experimenting with topsoil at my house because I can get 40 pounds of that for $2. It seems to work well...

Our entire shelter switched to pine pellets because of the litter prices. It works fine and people are more likely to donate--even pet stores that sell them, sometimes!

I'd really like to revisit this and reinvigorate the conversation. Of all our costs the Litter is by far the one that scares me the most because of the following reasons:

1. Prices are continuously escalating,
2. Litter donations are harder to produce because of the low perceived value.
3. Using the correct kind of litter is essential to pathogen control.
4. Bad litter habits formed in the shelter could negatively impact long-term pet retention by adopters.

To that end we are consuming roughly 90x40 pound bags of clay non-clumping litter a month.  We serve approximately 1300 cats a year. We are required by our veterinarian to dump and sanitize each cat's box at least once per day, with some medical conditions requiring higher frequency. In addition, we consume 48x40 pound boxes of clumping litter each month. This litter is used in our open floor adoption spaces, offices, and other longer duration resident spaces. This one we scoop daily and replace when the box becomes overly soiled or when the cats currently using the box are adopted. 

I can't believe there aren't bulk litter distribution agencies or buy direct from the bagging facilities. Would you all please share ideas on cost reduction or bulk purchasing?

------------------------------
Ryan Simonson
Cat Depot

Do you get the pine pellets from a local supplier of a national chain? I've been thinking outside the "litter box" recently and trying all kinds of suggested substitutes. I was experimenting with topsoil at my house because I can get 40 pounds of that for $2. It seems to work well...

Our entire shelter switched to pine pellets because of the litter prices. It works fine and people are more likely to donate--even pet stores that sell them, sometimes!

I'd really like to revisit this and reinvigorate the conversation. Of all our costs the Litter is by far the one that scares me the most because of the following reasons:

1. Prices are continuously escalating,
2. Litter donations are harder to produce because of the low perceived value.
3. Using the correct kind of litter is essential to pathogen control.
4. Bad litter habits formed in the shelter could negatively impact long-term pet retention by adopters.

To that end we are consuming roughly 90x40 pound bags of clay non-clumping litter a month.  We serve approximately 1300 cats a year. We are required by our veterinarian to dump and sanitize each cat's box at least once per day, with some medical conditions requiring higher frequency. In addition, we consume 48x40 pound boxes of clumping litter each month. This litter is used in our open floor adoption spaces, offices, and other longer duration resident spaces. This one we scoop daily and replace when the box becomes overly soiled or when the cats currently using the box are adopted. 

I can't believe there aren't bulk litter distribution agencies or buy direct from the bagging facilities. Would you all please share ideas on cost reduction or bulk purchasing?

------------------------------
Ryan Simonson
Cat Depot

I'm very curious about the top soil. In comparison to traditional clumping clay, how did you find the mess/tracking with soil? Did you have any issues with it getting "muddy" and cats stepping in it? How easy was it to scoop? Did it do anything to control odor?

Do you get the pine pellets from a local supplier of a national chain? I've been thinking outside the "litter box" recently and trying all kinds of suggested substitutes. I was experimenting with topsoil at my house because I can get 40 pounds of that for $2. It seems to work well...

Our entire shelter switched to pine pellets because of the litter prices. It works fine and people are more likely to donate--even pet stores that sell them, sometimes!

I'd really like to revisit this and reinvigorate the conversation. Of all our costs the Litter is by far the one that scares me the most because of the following reasons:

1. Prices are continuously escalating,
2. Litter donations are harder to produce because of the low perceived value.
3. Using the correct kind of litter is essential to pathogen control.
4. Bad litter habits formed in the shelter could negatively impact long-term pet retention by adopters.

To that end we are consuming roughly 90x40 pound bags of clay non-clumping litter a month.  We serve approximately 1300 cats a year. We are required by our veterinarian to dump and sanitize each cat's box at least once per day, with some medical conditions requiring higher frequency. In addition, we consume 48x40 pound boxes of clumping litter each month. This litter is used in our open floor adoption spaces, offices, and other longer duration resident spaces. This one we scoop daily and replace when the box becomes overly soiled or when the cats currently using the box are adopted. 

I can't believe there aren't bulk litter distribution agencies or buy direct from the bagging facilities. Would you all please share ideas on cost reduction or bulk purchasing?

------------------------------
Ryan Simonson
Cat Depot

Hi Sam, I use top soil sometimes when I'm getting a street cat used to a litter box (if it is one that I need to keep in for healing after a surgery). It does absolutely nothing for odour and it makes a real mess. What I do is use straight soil the first 1-2 days and if they're using it ok, make the next tray 1/3 clay, then increase to 100% clay by about day 5-7. Then if they are staying longer, I move them to wood pellets.

I'm very curious about the top soil. In comparison to traditional clumping clay, how did you find the mess/tracking with soil? Did you have any issues with it getting "muddy" and cats stepping in it? How easy was it to scoop? Did it do anything to control odor?

Do you get the pine pellets from a local supplier of a national chain? I've been thinking outside the "litter box" recently and trying all kinds of suggested substitutes. I was experimenting with topsoil at my house because I can get 40 pounds of that for $2. It seems to work well...

Our entire shelter switched to pine pellets because of the litter prices. It works fine and people are more likely to donate--even pet stores that sell them, sometimes!

I'd really like to revisit this and reinvigorate the conversation. Of all our costs the Litter is by far the one that scares me the most because of the following reasons:

1. Prices are continuously escalating,
2. Litter donations are harder to produce because of the low perceived value.
3. Using the correct kind of litter is essential to pathogen control.
4. Bad litter habits formed in the shelter could negatively impact long-term pet retention by adopters.

To that end we are consuming roughly 90x40 pound bags of clay non-clumping litter a month.  We serve approximately 1300 cats a year. We are required by our veterinarian to dump and sanitize each cat's box at least once per day, with some medical conditions requiring higher frequency. In addition, we consume 48x40 pound boxes of clumping litter each month. This litter is used in our open floor adoption spaces, offices, and other longer duration resident spaces. This one we scoop daily and replace when the box becomes overly soiled or when the cats currently using the box are adopted. 

I can't believe there aren't bulk litter distribution agencies or buy direct from the bagging facilities. Would you all please share ideas on cost reduction or bulk purchasing?

------------------------------
Ryan Simonson
Cat Depot

Hi Sam,

Try using Pine litter right from the start, instead of dirt. Pine has a natural smell and you can get it crushed or in pellets. I have handled a lot of recovering ferals and usually only have one accident outside of the box. Key if they miss  is to put the poop into the litter they never have a problem after that. 

Hi Sam, I use top soil sometimes when I'm getting a street cat used to a litter box (if it is one that I need to keep in for healing after a surgery). It does absolutely nothing for odour and it makes a real mess. What I do is use straight soil the first 1-2 days and if they're using it ok, make the next tray 1/3 clay, then increase to 100% clay by about day 5-7. Then if they are staying longer, I move them to wood pellets.

I'm very curious about the top soil. In comparison to traditional clumping clay, how did you find the mess/tracking with soil? Did you have any issues with it getting "muddy" and cats stepping in it? How easy was it to scoop? Did it do anything to control odor?

Do you get the pine pellets from a local supplier of a national chain? I've been thinking outside the "litter box" recently and trying all kinds of suggested substitutes. I was experimenting with topsoil at my house because I can get 40 pounds of that for $2. It seems to work well...

Our entire shelter switched to pine pellets because of the litter prices. It works fine and people are more likely to donate--even pet stores that sell them, sometimes!

I'd really like to revisit this and reinvigorate the conversation. Of all our costs the Litter is by far the one that scares me the most because of the following reasons:

1. Prices are continuously escalating,
2. Litter donations are harder to produce because of the low perceived value.
3. Using the correct kind of litter is essential to pathogen control.
4. Bad litter habits formed in the shelter could negatively impact long-term pet retention by adopters.

To that end we are consuming roughly 90x40 pound bags of clay non-clumping litter a month.  We serve approximately 1300 cats a year. We are required by our veterinarian to dump and sanitize each cat's box at least once per day, with some medical conditions requiring higher frequency. In addition, we consume 48x40 pound boxes of clumping litter each month. This litter is used in our open floor adoption spaces, offices, and other longer duration resident spaces. This one we scoop daily and replace when the box becomes overly soiled or when the cats currently using the box are adopted. 

I can't believe there aren't bulk litter distribution agencies or buy direct from the bagging facilities. Would you all please share ideas on cost reduction or bulk purchasing?

------------------------------
Ryan Simonson
Cat Depot

Thanks, I don't use dirt though. I've never used it. I was just curious on how well it worked compared to conventional litter.

Hi Sam,

Try using Pine litter right from the start, instead of dirt. Pine has a natural smell and you can get it crushed or in pellets. I have handled a lot of recovering ferals and usually only have one accident outside of the box. Key if they miss  is to put the poop into the litter they never have a problem after that. 

Hi Sam, I use top soil sometimes when I'm getting a street cat used to a litter box (if it is one that I need to keep in for healing after a surgery). It does absolutely nothing for odour and it makes a real mess. What I do is use straight soil the first 1-2 days and if they're using it ok, make the next tray 1/3 clay, then increase to 100% clay by about day 5-7. Then if they are staying longer, I move them to wood pellets.

I'm very curious about the top soil. In comparison to traditional clumping clay, how did you find the mess/tracking with soil? Did you have any issues with it getting "muddy" and cats stepping in it? How easy was it to scoop? Did it do anything to control odor?

Do you get the pine pellets from a local supplier of a national chain? I've been thinking outside the "litter box" recently and trying all kinds of suggested substitutes. I was experimenting with topsoil at my house because I can get 40 pounds of that for $2. It seems to work well...

Our entire shelter switched to pine pellets because of the litter prices. It works fine and people are more likely to donate--even pet stores that sell them, sometimes!

I'd really like to revisit this and reinvigorate the conversation. Of all our costs the Litter is by far the one that scares me the most because of the following reasons:

1. Prices are continuously escalating,
2. Litter donations are harder to produce because of the low perceived value.
3. Using the correct kind of litter is essential to pathogen control.
4. Bad litter habits formed in the shelter could negatively impact long-term pet retention by adopters.

To that end we are consuming roughly 90x40 pound bags of clay non-clumping litter a month.  We serve approximately 1300 cats a year. We are required by our veterinarian to dump and sanitize each cat's box at least once per day, with some medical conditions requiring higher frequency. In addition, we consume 48x40 pound boxes of clumping litter each month. This litter is used in our open floor adoption spaces, offices, and other longer duration resident spaces. This one we scoop daily and replace when the box becomes overly soiled or when the cats currently using the box are adopted. 

I can't believe there aren't bulk litter distribution agencies or buy direct from the bagging facilities. Would you all please share ideas on cost reduction or bulk purchasing?

------------------------------
Ryan Simonson
Cat Depot

Hello, everyone!

Yesterday, while researching bulk quantities of Kitty Litter and identifying organizations in need of this product, I stumbled upon this forum. After reading through all your comments, I see that many of you are facing a common challenge with the supply of cat litter for your organizations.

I attempted to reach out individually, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to connect directly with some of you. I understand you're incredibly busy, given your roles within your respective organizations.

So, I decided to join this fantastic forum to reach out collectively. I believe this approach might be more effective in sharing information that could benefit as many organizations as possible.

Depending on your organization's demand and usage needs, I can supply bulk amounts of New/Unused Off-Spec Cat Litter on a weekly or monthly basis. Specifically, these are Super Sacks, each containing 3,000lbs to 4,000lbs of a top-name brand in the industry for cat litter.

We have two confirmed locations where this product is available: Southwestern California, with an approximate amount of 40,000lbs/month of cat litter, and Southeastern Pennsylvania, with approximately 20,000lbs/month of cat litter. We're also working on a third location in the state of Ohio, which, once confirmed, will allow us to meet even more demand.

I understand this information can be overwhelming. My goal is to streamline the process and make it as user-friendly as possible. Additionally, I am committed to exploring cost-effective options to ensure that everyone can benefit from this fantastic opportunity without incurring excessive expenses.

My apologies to anyone not tagged on this thread. If interested, you are more than welcome to contact me as well. For those tagged here, please feel free to share my information with anyone you know who might also be interested.

Thank you.

 Braulio Hernandez

  Donations Coordinator

  P: +1(908) 543 7583 x 015  W: happenventures.com

  E: braulio@happenventures.com

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