Why We Use Pine Litter — And Why Cats (and Owners) Love It
At PetVilla, we care deeply about the comfort and health of your feline family members. That’s why we’ve chosen to use premium PussyDo Pine Litter in most of our cat cabins. It’s natural, safe, and offers a range of benefits that both cats and owners appreciate.
Recently, there have been some claims circulating about pine litter being unsuitable for cats. While we respect differing views, we’d like to clarify a few things based on facts, science, and years of experience caring for cats of all kinds.
Why We Trust Pine Litter – Backed by Independent Testing
The pine litter we use at PetVilla comes from Bosscat’s PussyDo line, which is 100% natural, kiln-dried, and free from harmful additives or perfumes. It’s been independently tested in New Zealand labs for:
- Absorbency (excellent at locking in moisture)
- Ammonia control (outperforms many clay litters)
- Odor reduction (neutralizes smells naturally)
You can review the test results here: Bosscat Litter Testing Results
Kiln-drying is key: it removes naturally occurring oils (phenols) that are found in untreated pine and can be irritating. That’s why high-quality pine litter like PussyDo is completely safe for cats, including kittens and sensitive seniors. Pine litter is also biodegradable, sustainably sourced, and much lighter than clay. It’s less dusty, easier to clean up, and produces less landfill waste. It’s not just better for your cat – it’s better for the planet.
Common Myths – And the Reality
Some people claim pine litter isn’t comfortable for cats, doesn’t clump, or is somehow dangerous. Let’s break that down:
- Comfort: Most cats adjust easily to the light, soft texture of pine pellets. In fact, some prefer it over dusty clay or strong-smelling crystal litters.
- Clumping: Pine litter doesn’t clump like clay, but that’s by design. It breaks down into sawdust on contact with moisture, which makes it easy to scoop and helps reduce the risk of litter box infections.
- Safety: There’s a difference between raw wood shavings and processed, vet-recommended litter. PussyDo Pine Litter is designed specifically for cats and has no chemical binders, silica dust, or added fragrances.
We Offer More Than Just One Litter Type
Just like people, cats have their own preferences. That’s why we offer a range of premium litter options at PetVilla. That said, it’s quite rare that we need to use these alternatives in the main cattery, as most cats prefer our pine litter — but we always keep high-quality options in stock, just in case.
- PussyDo Pine Litter – our default for its eco-friendliness, cleanliness, and odor control
- Clumping Litter – soft, fine-textured, and ideal for cats that prefer the clay feel. Especially useful in the Litter Robot and Fuuroomate Automatic Litter Boxes.
- Crystal Litter – low-dust, long-lasting, and excellent for odor absorption, especially usefull for Cats with Asthma
Special Feature: Health Monitoring Litter in Our Isolation Room
For cats that require closer health monitoring—especially older cats, or those recovering from illness—we use a special imported Health Monitoring Litter in our ISO Room (Isolation Room).
This advanced litter changes color after use to help detect signs of common feline health issues such as:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney disease or dehydration
- Blood in the urine
Changes in urine pH or the presence of blood can indicate serious health concerns well before visible symptoms appear. This makes the products a helpful early warning tool, allowing us to act quickly and consult a vet if needed.
We import the product from overseas, as it’s not widely available in New Zealand. It reflects our commitment to offering the highest standard of care, especially for cats who are elderly, recovering, or prone to urinary issues.
