cat litter dust

Question
Aloha,

My wife and live in Hawaii and we picked up a stray kitty over a year ago.  He is in good health and we take him to the vet for check-ups.  I have several questions for you today:

1. We live in a very small 300 square feet apartment and it is set up like a studio, the bedroom is seperate but there is no door.  Because of the size of our place we have to have the litter box in the living room area if you will.  The litter dust is often kicked up into the air and ultimately our lungs.  Is this a danger to have the litter so close to our every moment events when we are home/sleeping/eating etc?
2.  We are moving to Michigan where our family is but would need to get him declawed to keep him, I don't want to do that because of the pain and it does not seem natural.  He is a little over a year.  Is this a bad idea to declaw him?
3. If we don't declaw him we would need to leave him here.  Will that be hard on the cat or will traveling and cold weather be worse?
Thanks for your time,
Mark

Answer
Hello Mark -

1. I recommend changing your litter to an organic source. There is a brand found in most grocery stores that is a pine base. They are tiny pellets that expand as the cat urinates. It is much healthier for the cat and will not expose you to all the litter dust. There is also a brand called "Litter Pearls", these are tiny pearls, no dust and they absorb the urine as well. You only need to change the litter pan once a month because it is so concentrated. It is safe, non-toxic and can be used in the living conditions you described. I understand your living conditions are small but it is really not healthy to be around the litter dust and ammonia constanly as well as it being around food. Although cats are clean creatures of habit, feces and urine are full of bacteria and can cause human health concerns such as skin diseases, respiratory infections and well as a variety of internal bacterial infections. Try looking for the organic litter, it will be healthier for you and your cat.

2. Declawing is a pro and con and more of a personal choice. If you love this pet and want to take him with you then declaw, however, be sure he cannot get out of your new living conditions as he will not have best defenses to defend himself against other animals. You are bringing him to an entirely new world, new smells, new air, new animals, new people and new wild things to see. Please be sure if he is declawed to keep a close eye on him and be sure all windows and doors are shut. I personally do not agree with declawing but the choice is completely up to you. Its a tough choice to make. There is a product you can glue on over the nails. Go to www.doctorsfosterandsmith.com and check them out. They come in all sizes and colors and are a a safe alternative to declawing,if he gets out atleast he will be able to protect himself against predators. It is safe to declaw him at this age but please be sure this is what you really want to do. Look into the nail covers, they work very well and DO stay on the claws.

3. Leaving your pet behind would be far more devastating to him then the cold weather. If he gets sick, there are many natural remedies available to cure him but none that I know of for a broken heart   :>)  Before you travel give him a few drops of Bach's Rescue Remedy to help calm him down before a long flight. This will also help keep him relaxed, defenses down and will allow for his natural body system to adapt. As long as he stays indoors, he should adapt well to his new home, not to worry he will grow from beach cat to mountain cat in no time!

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concern please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com. I ship worldwide and  also offer a catalog of specially formulated herbal remedies which I can send to you as well.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist