As a cat litter company, we have sat by and watched a conversation develop, considering whether pine or cedar bedding is problematic for rabbits and other small pets like hamsters or rats.
You know that lovely wood scent in a forest or even the lumbar section of the hardware store? That aroma comes from an organic compound known as a phenol. According to “The Dangers of Softwood Shavings,” by George Flentke, PhD, because softer woods like pine or cedar naturally have more phenols, those compounds can enter the delicate respiratory systems of rabbits and bedding made from pine or cedar is thought to lead to elevated enzyme levels in the livers of rabbits. Harder woods like aspen or fir have lower phenol levels, making them better candidates for small animal bedding.
While researching for this article, I read another article on raising-rabbits.com that pointed me to Corinne Fayo’s article, “The Truth About Pine Shavings.” This article claims that the study referenced in the article above, showed liver enzyme levels in tests are within normal limits, and that the study failed to consider whether the liver damage could have been attributed to other environmental factors.
All of these conversations are scientific and come with decades of experience raising rabbits. It is difficult to know which side is correct. Over the years, we have had some customers ask about whether our litter can be used for small animals. We are always forthright with the fact that our cat litter is made from cypress wood, which is in the soft wood family. Whether or not a customer wants to use our litter for their small pet is at their discretion.
What we do know is our litter is often recommended by veterinarians for cats with asthma or other respiratory issues. Many litter options like clay or paper are very dusty. Because Next Gen Pet’s natural cat litters contain no chemicals, additives or fragrances, it makes our litter a great candidate for kilties who have trouble berating.
lncreased animal thefts have me thinking about the effect this might have on how dogs are raised as pet owners purchase metal anti-theft collars. Continue Reading
Have you ever wondered why we list volume on our packaging in addition to weight? Find out in our latest blog post! Continue Reading
Occasionally we are asked, “Do you test your pet products on animals?” As you can imagine, animal ethics is an important initiative for Next Gen Pet. Your trust and our brand’s integrity of the utmost importance to us, right behind all of our pet’s long term health and wellness. Continue Reading
Next Gen cat litters are available in many local independent retail pet product stores. Refer to the Retailers page on this web site for stores that currently carry our products. If your favorite local pet store does not yet carry Next Gen litters, please suggest they contact us at info@nextgenpet.com. Continue Reading
You may have noticed a note on our cat litter bags that discourages you from flushing cat waste in the toilet. Here’s some background on the best way to dispose of your litter box contents. Continue Reading
Next Gen Pet’s Electronic Flea Trap’s blue color LED attracts insects and traps them on a sticky trap next to the light. Use this trap to track flea and other insect activity in your home to identify infestations sooner! Continue Reading
Did you know pet allergies were the reason Snack21 was founded? All of Snack21’s pet treats are made from single ingredient, wild caught fish. Treating with a single ingredient treat helps pet owners identify potential allergen triggers for their pets. Continue Reading
Depending on your cat, trying to make a change in litter can be anywhere from a slight adjustment to an impossible feat. While potty protests may be inconvenient, another unwanted consequence might be that your kitty holds their urine and ends up with a UTI. Cats have a mind of their own and a set of strong opinions – so what is the best way to convince your cat a change of litter is okay? Continue Reading
Being in close quarters with my litter box has made me so grateful for the super odor control power of Green Tea and Hinoki Cypress. Continue Reading
Have you seen our Electronic Flea Trap? If you have, my guess is your first thought was, “Looks great, but does it work?” To be honest – that was our first question when we discovered the product, too! Continue Reading
Hinoki cypress is a type of tree native to Southern Japan. The Hinoki tree is a full foliage, slow growing tree that grows very straight, making it a great tree to use for lumber to build temples, spas and palaces. This tree’s wood has also long been treasured for its unique ability to control odors,… Continue Reading
Next Gen Pet works hard to source pet products that promote sustainability as well as functionality. Learn more about some of our products and how they are manufactured to see how they fit into our product ecosystem. Continue Reading
Cats and dogs love fish and we love Snack21 Pet treats! All Snack21 treats are made from WILD caught Pacific fish; the one and only ingredient on their ingredients list. That’s right, Snack21 pet treats are SINGLE INGREDIENT treats meaning they are low calorie and high protein. Through natural drying methods, Snack21 is able to… Continue Reading
Green tea isn’t just for drinking. This antioxidant rich drink is useful in many other applications, including odor control. Next Gen Pet harnesses the power of green tea to keep your litter box fresh. Continue Reading
What is it that makes Next Gen Pet cat litters different from other litters on the market? Read our new blog to learn more about our products and industry trends. Continue Reading
What is Next Gen Pet? Who are the people behind the brand? Why are they writing a blog? That’s a lot of questions you have, friend! Come follow our blog to find out more! Continue Reading