Little questions.

[Sadachara]

I put a small plastic container in an 8 weeks case, she started using it immediately for her business.

However, I caught her nibbling the clumping unscented litter. So I pulled the little immediately, assuming this was not a good thing. However, it was in there for a few hours and I am not entirely sure how much she nibbled on.. My question now is - would a small amount be harmful? What should I watch for if there are any problems?

Also, she appears ready immediately to use a litter, what should I put in it if not unscented normal litter? Any specific brand/recommendations?

I'm in a bit of a panic mode right now because she was nibbling the litter. :(

Thanks in advance!

[Sadachara]

I meant litter, not little.. Sorry!

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

I put a small plastic container in an 8 weeks case, she started using it immediately for her business.

However, I caught her nibbling the clumping unscented litter. So I pulled the little immediately, assuming this was not a good thing. However, it was in there for a few hours and I am not entirely sure how much she nibbled on.. My question now is - would a small amount be harmful? What should I watch for if there are any problems?

Also, she appears ready immediately to use a litter, what should I put in it if not unscented normal litter? Any specific brand/recommendations?

I'm in a bit of a panic mode right now because she was nibbling the litter. :(

Thanks in advance!

Hi Sadachara:
The good news is that the stuff that is added to Cat Litter to make it clump is simply a particularly hydrophilic (easily absorbs water!) clay and it absorbs the water in the urine and forms the clump. The clay itself (I believe it is called Bentonite but not positive) is not toxic! Unfortunately that does not imply that there are no potential problems if clumping liter is ingested as there is a risk of the potentially very serious condition of an intestinal blockage developing. This is much more likely with a relatively large amount of the litter ingested! I would recommend that you monitor your Squirrel for the next 48-72 hours for signs of obstruction which would include distention (full appearing) of the abdomen, decreased appetite, obvious discomfort and decreased or lack of stooling. My opinion would be that from what you have described, there is little true risk but still a possibility.

I would recommend not using litter within the cage itself and just let the Squirrels pee and poop through the bars at the bottom of the cage. You can put some litter below and outside th cage to collect the "stuff."
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Sadachara]

Hi Sadachara:
The good news is that the stuff that is added to Cat Litter to make it clump is simply a particularly hydrophilic (easily absorbs water!) clay and it absorbs the water in the urine and forms the clump. The clay itself (I believe it is called Bentonite but not positive) is not toxic! Unfortunately that does not imply that there are no potential problems if clumping liter is ingested as there is a risk of the potentially very serious condition of an intestinal blockage developing. This is much more likely with a relatively large amount of the litter ingested! I would recommend that you monitor your Squirrel for the next 48-72 hours for signs of obstruction which would include distention (full appearing) of the abdomen, decreased appetite, obvious discomfort and decreased or lack of stooling. My opinion would be that from what you have described, there is little true risk but still a possibility.

I would recommend not using litter within the cage itself and just let the Squirrels pee and poop through the bars at the bottom of the cage. You can put some litter below and outside th cage to collect the "stuff."
Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Thanks Sam!

I did a little experiment based on your suggestion that it takes 'quite a bit'. What I did was approximate how much she could have ingested, then I ground it up to what I would guess would be the size after she chopped with her nibbles. Then I placed that amount in a small test tube, and added a tiny bit of water to simulate a stomach of her size. You are correct - it would not likely be enough to cause any issue as there just was not enough surface area to absorb the water and clump.

That was a relief, but boy am I done with that litter, even though she was basically litter trained in one night with it. It's not worth the risk, as you say. I am monitoring her closely just in case, and no more litter of course.