Cedar Chips & Cats

Cedar chips and cats. Sound like an uncommon match? Not as uncommon as might first be believed. Cedar chips hold a variety of uses for cats and have their own advantages and disadvantages.

  1. Function

    • Cedar chips can be used as a natural cat litter and as a component of stuffing for cat bedding. In addition, cedar chips may have some pest repellent qualities for fleas, although this has not been proven scientifically as Michael Merchant, Ph.D., urban entomologist mentions in his article "Safer Flea Control."

    Significance

    • Cedar chips are a natural material that is safe for cats. Cedar chips also smell fairly good, usually don't contain harsh chemicals and are generally priced competitively.

    Litter

    • To use cedar chips as cat litter, fill the litter box with 3 to 4 inches of chips. The cedar chips will absorb liquid. Scoop out the solids daily and change the chips themselves about every two weeks or more often if needed.

    Warning

    • Some cats may have an allergy to cedar chips. Make sure to watch a cat closely when introducing cedar chips for signs of abnormal behavior. According to PetMD's online article "Allergic Shock in Cats," some symptoms of allergic reaction include problems with breathing and vomiting. If a cat displays these or any other abnormal signs, take away the cedar chips and phone a vet immediately.

    Purchasing

    • Cedar chips and cedar chip bedding can be obtained at most pet stores and online.