Testing a sustainable coconut coir cat litter: Cat versus owner

Effective management of indoor cats’ elimination needs is necessary to prevent the development of behavioural and physiological problems that can result in their relinquishment by owners. Feline toileting is based upon a series of complex behaviours, which, if not completed adequately, result in persistence of behaviours associated with toileting, such as scratching and sniffing in the litter box. In a cattery environment, a new sustainable coconut coir litter of dirt consistency, and pelletised wood litter were offered to individually housed cats over a four-day period. The coconut coir litter was found to promote appropriate toileting behaviour by reducing inappropriate elimination behaviours such as perseveration in interacting (scratching at the litter and surrounding areas), lingering (sniffing in and around the litter), and defecation or urination outside the box within a few days. In comparison, inappropriate behaviour continued with the use of basic pelletised wood litter, indicating it may not provide an ideal toileting environment. While the coir improved the opportunity for appropriate cat behaviour, as it is similar to the substrate they use when eliminating outdoors, it also increased the mess and maintenance workload for cattery staff. Convenience in managing the waste of indoor cats tends to be more important to owners than the capacity for a litter to fulfil cats’ toileting needs. Accordingly, to promote positive relationships between owners and cats, future experimentation will focus on both how to minimise inconvenience for owners and on identifying a product that gives cats the opportunity to perform appropriate toileting behaviours.