Comment bien accueillir son chaton à la maison ?
L'arrivée d'un chaton à la maison est un grand moment, pour vous comme pour lui ! C'est une longue histoire d'amour qui débute. Voici quelques conseils pour l'accueillir dans des conditions optimales.
10 erreurs à éviter avec son chaton
Vous allez ou venez d’accueillir un chaton à la maison, ? Félicitations ! Une belle histoire d’amour (et de nuits courtes) commence. Les premières semaines avec un chaton sont magiques… mais elles peuvent aussi réserver quelques surprises. Même avec la meilleure volonté du monde, il est facile de commettre des petites erreurs sans le savoir, des erreurs qui peuvent pourtant avoir un impact sur la santé, le comportement ou le bien-être de votre compagnon. Dans cet article, on vous a listé les 10 erreurs les plus fréquentes quand on adopte un chaton, avec à chaque fois nos conseils pour les éviter.
Top 10 des aliments de fêtes dangereux pour votre chat
Qui dit fêtes de fin d'année dit repas copieux et savoureux ! Mais attention, si votre chat partage les fêtes avec vous et est un peu gourmand voire voleur, certains aliments délicieux pour nous sont toxiques pour nos félins. Si votre chat ingère un aliment toxique, il faudra appeler votre vétérinaire ou celui de garde de toute urgence. Voici une liste de 10 aliments de fêtes dangereux pour votre chat. #1 Le chocolat Le chocolat est un aliment particulièrement toxique pour nos petits compagnons. La substance toxique contenue dans le cacao est la théobromine. La quantité de cette dernière varie selon le type de chocolat. Une intoxication à la théobromine peut entraîner des troubles digestifs, des troubles neurologiques, ainsi que des troubles cardiaques, voire un décès. Pour éviter une intoxication à nos matous, on rangera donc la boîte de chocolats dans le placard (on garde tout pour nous !). #2 Les aliments trop gras en général La nourriture que vous lui donnez au quotidien suffit à satisfaire ses besoins nutritionnels, il n'est donc pas recommandé de lui donner des restes de table par exemple. De plus, les aliments trop gras peuvent provoquer des inflammations du pancréas, qui peuvent être dangereuses pour nos chats. #3 Les desserts Pour le dessert, on oublie la part de bûche pour nos matous, et on lui donne plutôt sa pâtée préférée. Outre le fait qu'ils contiennent souvent du chocolat, les desserts sont très sucrés et peuvent entraîner des pics d'insuline ou à plus long terme des problèmes dentaires. #4 La pomme de terre crue La présence de solanine dans la pomme de terre crue la rend particulièrement toxiques pour nos boules de poils. Elle est aussi néfaste pour les humains. Il est facile de la repérer : ce sont les taches vertes sur la pomme de terre crue. #5 L'oignon La toxicité de l'oignon est liée aux composants soufrés qui détruisent les globules rouges chez nos chats. La consommation d'oignon limitera le transport de l'oxygène dans le sang et pourra provoquer des diarrhées et/ou des vomissements, ainsi qu'une coloration des urines chez votre matou. #6 L'ail Appartenant à la famille des Liliacées, tout comme l'oignon, il peut provoquer de graves intoxications chez nos animaux, même lorsqu'il est cuit. Les symptômes sont les mêmes que pour une intoxication à l'oignon : coloration des urines, diarrhées et/ou vomissements. On ne nourrit donc pas nos matous avec des préparations ou des restes de table qui en contiennent. #7 Les os de volaille Dinde, chapon ou encore poulet, ce qui est dangereux dans la volaille ce sont les os, et notamment les os cuits. Ils peuvent provoquer un étouffement ou encore une occlusion en obstruant les intestins. Et si les os se cassent, ils peuvent provoquer des déchirures de l'appareil digestif. #8 Le raisin Certaines molécules présentes dans le raisin le rendent toxique pour nos chats. Lorsqu'il est avalé et digéré, le raisin cause des dommages profonds dans les reins. Nos chats ne parviennent donc plus à filtrer les déchets qui sont naturellement rejetés par les urines. #9 L'alcool Vous le savez déjà certainement, l'alcool est hautement toxique pour nos chats. Même une petite quantité peut causer de graves dommages au foie et au cerveau, jusqu'à entraîner un coma ou décès. Oui à la coupe de champagne pour vous et vos invités, mais votre chat lui reste à l'eau ! #10 Le café La toxicité du café est due à la caféine, à la théobromine et à la théophylline. Les symptômes de l'intoxication au café sont proches de ceux de l'intoxication au chocolat : troubles digestifs, troubles neurologiques, ou encore troubles cardiaques. Passez de bonnes fêtes et prenez soin de vous et de votre chat !
Christmas 2025: Gift ideas for cats (and those who love them)
The countdown has begun: Christmas 2025 is fast approaching. And this year, there's no question of forgetting your feline friend. They too deserve the most wonderful gift under the tree! But how can you please your cat without resorting to useless gadgets? At Ziggy, we believe our whiskered companions deserve the very best. That's why we've prepared a selection of gifts for your cat, and for cat lovers in general! Whether you're looking for a gift idea for your cat , a designer cat accessory for a "Cat Mom" or a surprise for a doting owner, we've gathered the cream of the crop. Forget the usual lists. Here is our exclusive selection, approved by our experts , to spoil the whole family (two-legged or four-legged) during these end-of-year holidays. Gifts for cats: a gourmet, healthy and irresistible selection Ultra-healthy and delicious cat treats Our Happy and Relax cat treats are the perfect gifts for gourmets of all ages. Affordable and made in France, they are ultra-healthy and delicious: Starch-free, with only 6 ingredients and less than one calorie per bite. A guilt-free treat to give to your little one. Our Christmas cat food This is the gourmet meal that all the cats in the Ziggy Family eagerly await every year: Ziggy's Christmas pâté. A limited edition with turkey, squash, and cranberries for a Christmas Eve filled with purrs! And like all our cat pâtés , it's starch-free, rich in quality animal protein, low in phosphorus, and low in carbohydrates. Pssst: our Christmas pâté was a victim of its own success! 🙀 But check out all our other equally delicious pâtés to delight the love of your life. 🩷 A Ziggy Discovery Box Want to treat your cat? Spoil them with our discovery box , featuring healthy, delicious dry cat food and wet food made in France. Formulated in France by Dr. Géraldine Blanchard, a veterinarian specializing in feline nutrition, all our recipes are grain-free, rich in high-quality animal protein, low in phosphorus to protect your cat's delicate kidneys, and low in carbohydrates. A catnip-flavored cat toy Treat your cat to a moment of play and fun with our "Love, Glory & Catnip" heart-shaped cat toy , ideal for stimulating their hunting instincts and keeping them entertained. Made from 100% cotton, this toy is infused with... High-quality catnip , a natural ingredient that causes a euphoric reaction in most cats. Gifts to delight cat lovers A "Cool Cat Club" sweater Soft and of excellent quality, our Cool Cat Club sweater is a must-have for a warm winter and a style as cool as your cat! Approved by our furry experts, it comes in several sizes and colors, and is scratch-resistant. A Cool Cat Club tote bag Made of cotton, the Ziggy tote bag is the perfect accessory for all cat lovers. Use it for shopping, storing belongings, or for walks with your cat (or not). A brush: for brushing your cat in the direction of its fur. For long-haired cats, short-haired cats, and those who love a good head massage ( a little further to the right, rrrrr ), discover La Brosse Française. A double-headed cat brush made of ash wood from sustainably managed forests, vegan, and manufactured in France in the Oise region, perfect for brushing and enhancing the fur of all our feline friends. A cat bowl and matching mat The essential cat accessory is the food bowl! If you're looking for the perfect cat bowl , Ziggy has created it for you! Height, depth, width—our bowl is designed so our cats can enjoy their healthy and delicious Ziggy cat food in the best possible conditions. Made of ceramic, our bowl is dishwasher-safe and as practical as it is pretty and colorful. Pair it with our non-slip mats for a dining area fit for the coolest cat! We hope this selection of gift ideas for cats and feline lovers has inspired you! Whether you're drawn to a designer accessory, a decorative item for "Cat Mom" or "Cat Dad," or simply the pleasure of giving the gift of healthy food, the most important thing is the moment you share with your whiskered friend. 😻
Chat végétarien : est-ce vraiment possible (et conseillé) ?
De plus en plus de parents de chat font le choix d’une alimentation végétarienne, voire végane, pour des raisons éthiques, écologiques ou de santé. Alors, naturellement, certains se demandent : et si mon chat devenait végétarien lui aussi ? Après tout, nos félins partagent nos canapés, nos câlins et parfois même nos convictions. Mais est-il vraiment possible — et surtout sans danger — de nourrir un chat sans protéines animales ? La réponse est non. Explications.
Alimentation Bengal : comment bien nourrir mon chat ?
Affectueux, curieux, vif et joueur, le chat Bengal est un félin qui nous fait complètement craquer. C’est d’ailleurs l’une des races de chat préférées des Français, après le Maine Coon et le Sacré de Birmanie. Si vous venez d’adopter un Bengal, vous vous demandez sûrement quelle alimentation choisir pour votre beau matou, comment bien le nourrir. Ne cherchez pas plus loin, on vous dit tout dans cet article !
How much kibble should I give my cat per day?
A cat that is happy in its paws is a well-fed cat. Its diet must therefore be of quality and above all be adapted to its needs. If you are a little lost on the quantity of kibble to give to your cat , do not worry. Thanks to our advice and our ration table, you will know exactly what to give your beloved cat each day.
Choosing the best litter for your cat: our advice
A litter that doesn't stick to your paws, is effective against odors, is healthy and eco-friendly. Finding the ideal litter for your cat is not easy. In this article, we give you some tips so that you can choose the litter that is best suited for your cat (and for you). The importance of choosing a good litter for your cat As cute as they are, cats are delicate and particularly demanding little beings. In terms of their diet: they need a complete and balanced diet , providing them with all the nutrients essential to their health. But their requirements do not stop at the bowl. They are also particularly sensitive to their litter box . For their well-being Our felines are indeed very attached to their hygiene. They spend their time licking themselves, even after a little caress. And when it comes time to do their business (big or small), they expect to have a toilet worthy of their pedigree, which is at the same time clean, comfortable for their paws and pleasant for their nose. Otherwise, they risk doing their business outside the litter box, or even holding it. Which can be dangerous for their health. And their health Our cats are prone to developing urinary disorders , such as cystitis , a feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). This is an inflammation of the bladder, causing pain and difficulty urinating. There are many causes of cystitis: congenital malformation, kidney stones, tumor, infection. However, it happens (and in the majority) that the origin of cystitis is not precisely identified. In this case, we speak of feline idiopathic cystitis. The mechanisms of this cystitis are still poorly understood but it seems that it can be linked to stress: moving, arrival of a new animal or a child, transport, etc. Stress that can also be caused by the litter box! Important: If your cat has a urinary disorder, contact your veterinarian immediately. To prevent and avoid recurrences, it is advisable to: Favor a wet diet . Rich in water, it allows you to obtain more diluted (or less concentrated) urine and therefore avoid urinary problems; Increase the number of water points; Use appeasing pheromones; Provide high structures for the cat to play and rest. Spend more time with your cat; And of course, provide clean and suitable litter. Using good litter for your cat is therefore important. It contributes to well-being and the prevention of urinary disorders! But as a master, let's not forget our own well-being either. We can also suffer plenty of inconveniences. Some litters do not absorb odors (long live the gas mask), stick to the cat's paws which then disperse them throughout the house. Playing Tom Thumb with the vacuum cleaner, no thanks. The litter box should satisfy both parties, namely the cat and the owner. What type of litter should you choose for your cat? There are a plethora of litters: plant-based, mineral, clumping, non-clumping, silica, scented, etc. It's not easy to make a choice. To see things a little more clearly, let's review the different solutions available. Follow the guide! Mineral litter Its origin dates back to the 1950s. It was the very first litter to be marketed! In the form of small pebbles of varying sizes, it is composed of clay minerals (natural or synthetic) or sand. Among the clays used, we find bentonite (sometimes activated with sodium to increase its absorption power), calcium silicate (naturally white litter), kaolinite, attapulgite and illite (green clay). There are two types of mineral litter: clumping and non-clumping. What is clumping litter? This is a litter whose grains clump together when they come into contact with urine. When the cat pees, compact balls form. This is very practical for removing droppings and liquid waste with a shovel. No need to replace the entire contents of the tray. One small problem: it can stick to the cat's paws! Non-clumping litters do not clump together urine. Whatever its property, mineral litter has a high absorbency but does not retain much of the unpleasant smells of the cat. It is also very dusty. We do not recommend it if your cat and/or you have respiratory problems. Another black point: mineral litters have a strong environmental impact. They consume non-renewable resources (clay extracted from quarries), are not recyclable and biodegradable. Once soiled, they can only be thrown in household waste. The dust and ashes generated during and after their incineration are a source of pollution. They may also contain chemicals (fungicide or pesticide treatment). This is the case for certain bleached or perfumed litters. No need to purr in the litter box! The advantages of mineral litter: Its absorbent power Its texture Its price Disadvantages of mineral litter: Dusty An environmental impact Not very effective against odors Silica litter This is a mineral litter. Presented in the form of transparent and blue crystals, this litter is composed of silica gel, formed from a mixture of sodium silicate (obtained from sand) and sulfuric acid. Its main advantage is its high absorption power. The crystals effectively absorb cat urine and especially odors (urine and excrement). Our nostrils appreciate it. Other advantages: it is easy to maintain. A quick shovel to remove solid waste from the bin, and that's it. It does not stick to the cat's paws and produces little dust. On the other hand, it is very non-clumping (if at all). The urine is simply trapped in the crystals. It is therefore difficult to easily remove the soiled areas. The only possibility: completely clean the contents of the litter box. Although some manufacturers claim that you can change your cat's litter once a month, it's best to do it regularly. Although the crystals appear dry, they will be soaked in urine. And every time your cat goes into the litter box, they will scratch their pee. Great for kitty! Some cats may also not like the texture since the “pebbles” are quite large. Of course, there are very fine grain litters, but they are still quite hard for our cats’ delicate little paws. Silica litters, far from being ecological Finally, the environmental impact of this type of litter is no less. As mentioned above, silica gel is formed from a mixture of sodium silicate (obtained from sand) and sulfuric acid. Sand is a non-renewable resource, and its extraction (now mainly maritime) can cause two major problems: coastal erosion and the destruction of ecosystems. When a boat “sucks up” the sand, it creates eddies that darken the water, which damages the underwater flora. To this impact must also be added that of transport. These litters are mostly manufactured on the other side of the world, very often in China. A manufacturing process that therefore has a cost for the planet. But let's not forget their equally devastating end of life: used, silica litter ends up in household waste. They are neither recyclable nor biodegradable. They are incinerated. Is silica litter harmful to health? This is a question that many cat owners ask themselves. According to the magazine 60 millions de consommateurs, silica litter in the form of quartz presents few health risks: “Handling this litter can lead to levels of exposure to crystalline silica reaching 0.107 µg/m3 over a day. This is a thousand times less than the occupational exposure limit value, currently set at 0.1 mg/m3 in France.” The benefits of silica litter Effective anti-odor Sticks little to the legs The disadvantages: A thorough and regular cleaning of the litter box Not very eco-friendly A high price Plant litter This is a litter made from natural ingredients. It can be made from hemp, wood, corn cob or even fir. 100% natural, this litter has many advantages: in addition to being ecological (biodegradable and compostable), it is absorbent and retains unpleasant odors well. In addition, its texture is particularly appreciated by cats, much softer on the paws than that of other types of litter. Its smell is natural, and it has the advantage of releasing very little dust. Some are clumping and others are not. If you choose clumping, be aware that they are made up of a glue that removes the natural, recyclable and compostable aspect of the litter. Unlike other types of litter, plant-based litter has a very low environmental impact. The raw materials used are revalued, they are not specifically produced. The litter is made up of by-products of the wood industry, corn cobs are unfit for consumption. They are mostly manufactured in Europe (France and Germany). The environmental impact related to transport is therefore reduced. In addition, they are biodegradable and compostable. It is entirely possible to compost them! Be careful, however, with excrement, which may contain very resistant forms of parasites such as toxoplasma gondii oocysts (parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis). In all cases (with or without droppings), do not use compost containing litter for plants intended for consumption, namely your vegetable garden. What type of plant litter should you choose for your cat? There are different types of plant-based litters. Some are fiber-based and others are pellet-based. They are all absorbent, but the fibers tend to stick to your cat's paws. They are very light and can also get stuck in your cat's fur. If you have a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, or British Longhair, you may have them all over your house. Pellets are a better option. Among the different components, the best option is wood: it retains odors perfectly. Whatever solution you choose, choose a litter labeled NF Environnement. This certification guarantees that the products are of quality and that they respect the environment throughout their life cycle. Ziggy's (Happy) Cat Litter At Ziggy, we have chosen a plant-based litter non-clumping but ultra-absorbent (up to 600%), based on crushed softwood pellets. No problem with litter sticking to the cat's paws or hair! And like all our products, it is French. A plant-based litter is no longer really ecological if it is manufactured on the other side of the world, right? And to top it all off, Ziggy litter is NF Environnement certified. The advantages of plant litter: A soft texture for the paws Low environmental impact A sweet and natural scent of pine Absorbent and anti-odor The disadvantages of plant litter: We don't know any (at least for ours 😺 ) Scented litters There are also scented litters that give off a nice smell of vanilla, lavender or that smell like baby powder (yes, it exists!). If the fumes from the litter really bother you, they can be an effective solution. On the other hand, we must not forget that cats remain animals: they mark their territory, go to places where they find their scent. If your litter smells like Provence, your cat will be very upset and will no longer go into its litter box. Don't forget that your cat has 30 times more olfactory sensors than humans! A slight odor for you is an unbreathable odor for him. Which litter should I choose for my kitten? Whether plant-based or mineral, your kitten's litter should not be clumpy. And for good reason: kittens often absorb it, and it risks getting stuck in their digestive tract. How to get your cat used to its new litter box? After reading this article, we hope to have enlightened you on the choice of your litter. Be careful however when you change it. Our four-legged friends are routine-oriented, and the slightest change can disturb them. This applies to their food: to avoid abrupt changes, which could cause diarrhea or vomiting, it is essential to go through a food transition phase. But also for their litter. Some will have no problem switching from one litter to another. For others, it will be more complicated. In this case, we advise you to mix your old litter with the new one for several days, giving your cat time to get used to it. If you have just adopted a kitten, ask the association, foster family or breeder from which you adopted your kitten what litter was used, so that the transition goes smoothly. Can two cats use the same litter box? If you have two pets at home, it will be best to put a litter box for each cat, plus one just in case. That is, three litter boxes. One litter box for two can cause territorial issues. Of course, it all depends on the situation. Two cats can get along perfectly well with a single litter box. It's up to you. If one of your two cats does its business elsewhere, you will need to install its own box.
Troubles digestifs chez le chat : nos conseils pour une digestion au top
Diarrhée, flatulences, constipation, vomissements… Les troubles digestifs chez nos petits chats sont fréquents et souvent causés par une alimentation inadaptée. Comment améliorer la digestion de son chat ? Que faire pour qu’il retrouve une digestion saine ? Retrouvez dans cet article nos conseils et ceux de notre vétérinaire nutritionniste, le Dr Géraldine Blanchard, spécialiste en nutrition clinique vétérinaire, pour que votre chat ait une digestion au top et un ventre en pleine santé.
ARTICLES À LA UNE
Choosing the best litter for your cat: our advice
A litter that doesn't stick to your paws, is effective against odors, is healthy and eco-friendly. Finding the ideal litter for your cat is not easy. In this article, we give you some tips so that you can choose the litter that is best suited for your cat (and for you). The importance of choosing a good litter for your cat As cute as they are, cats are delicate and particularly demanding little beings. In terms of their diet: they need a complete and balanced diet , providing them with all the nutrients essential to their health. But their requirements do not stop at the bowl. They are also particularly sensitive to their litter box . For their well-being Our felines are indeed very attached to their hygiene. They spend their time licking themselves, even after a little caress. And when it comes time to do their business (big or small), they expect to have a toilet worthy of their pedigree, which is at the same time clean, comfortable for their paws and pleasant for their nose. Otherwise, they risk doing their business outside the litter box, or even holding it. Which can be dangerous for their health. And their health Our cats are prone to developing urinary disorders , such as cystitis , a feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). This is an inflammation of the bladder, causing pain and difficulty urinating. There are many causes of cystitis: congenital malformation, kidney stones, tumor, infection. However, it happens (and in the majority) that the origin of cystitis is not precisely identified. In this case, we speak of feline idiopathic cystitis. The mechanisms of this cystitis are still poorly understood but it seems that it can be linked to stress: moving, arrival of a new animal or a child, transport, etc. Stress that can also be caused by the litter box! Important: If your cat has a urinary disorder, contact your veterinarian immediately. To prevent and avoid recurrences, it is advisable to: Favor a wet diet . Rich in water, it allows you to obtain more diluted (or less concentrated) urine and therefore avoid urinary problems; Increase the number of water points; Use appeasing pheromones; Provide high structures for the cat to play and rest. Spend more time with your cat; And of course, provide clean and suitable litter. Using good litter for your cat is therefore important. It contributes to well-being and the prevention of urinary disorders! But as a master, let's not forget our own well-being either. We can also suffer plenty of inconveniences. Some litters do not absorb odors (long live the gas mask), stick to the cat's paws which then disperse them throughout the house. Playing Tom Thumb with the vacuum cleaner, no thanks. The litter box should satisfy both parties, namely the cat and the owner. What type of litter should you choose for your cat? There are a plethora of litters: plant-based, mineral, clumping, non-clumping, silica, scented, etc. It's not easy to make a choice. To see things a little more clearly, let's review the different solutions available. Follow the guide! Mineral litter Its origin dates back to the 1950s. It was the very first litter to be marketed! In the form of small pebbles of varying sizes, it is composed of clay minerals (natural or synthetic) or sand. Among the clays used, we find bentonite (sometimes activated with sodium to increase its absorption power), calcium silicate (naturally white litter), kaolinite, attapulgite and illite (green clay). There are two types of mineral litter: clumping and non-clumping. What is clumping litter? This is a litter whose grains clump together when they come into contact with urine. When the cat pees, compact balls form. This is very practical for removing droppings and liquid waste with a shovel. No need to replace the entire contents of the tray. One small problem: it can stick to the cat's paws! Non-clumping litters do not clump together urine. Whatever its property, mineral litter has a high absorbency but does not retain much of the unpleasant smells of the cat. It is also very dusty. We do not recommend it if your cat and/or you have respiratory problems. Another black point: mineral litters have a strong environmental impact. They consume non-renewable resources (clay extracted from quarries), are not recyclable and biodegradable. Once soiled, they can only be thrown in household waste. The dust and ashes generated during and after their incineration are a source of pollution. They may also contain chemicals (fungicide or pesticide treatment). This is the case for certain bleached or perfumed litters. No need to purr in the litter box! The advantages of mineral litter: Its absorbent power Its texture Its price Disadvantages of mineral litter: Dusty An environmental impact Not very effective against odors Silica litter This is a mineral litter. Presented in the form of transparent and blue crystals, this litter is composed of silica gel, formed from a mixture of sodium silicate (obtained from sand) and sulfuric acid. Its main advantage is its high absorption power. The crystals effectively absorb cat urine and especially odors (urine and excrement). Our nostrils appreciate it. Other advantages: it is easy to maintain. A quick shovel to remove solid waste from the bin, and that's it. It does not stick to the cat's paws and produces little dust. On the other hand, it is very non-clumping (if at all). The urine is simply trapped in the crystals. It is therefore difficult to easily remove the soiled areas. The only possibility: completely clean the contents of the litter box. Although some manufacturers claim that you can change your cat's litter once a month, it's best to do it regularly. Although the crystals appear dry, they will be soaked in urine. And every time your cat goes into the litter box, they will scratch their pee. Great for kitty! Some cats may also not like the texture since the “pebbles” are quite large. Of course, there are very fine grain litters, but they are still quite hard for our cats’ delicate little paws. Silica litters, far from being ecological Finally, the environmental impact of this type of litter is no less. As mentioned above, silica gel is formed from a mixture of sodium silicate (obtained from sand) and sulfuric acid. Sand is a non-renewable resource, and its extraction (now mainly maritime) can cause two major problems: coastal erosion and the destruction of ecosystems. When a boat “sucks up” the sand, it creates eddies that darken the water, which damages the underwater flora. To this impact must also be added that of transport. These litters are mostly manufactured on the other side of the world, very often in China. A manufacturing process that therefore has a cost for the planet. But let's not forget their equally devastating end of life: used, silica litter ends up in household waste. They are neither recyclable nor biodegradable. They are incinerated. Is silica litter harmful to health? This is a question that many cat owners ask themselves. According to the magazine 60 millions de consommateurs, silica litter in the form of quartz presents few health risks: “Handling this litter can lead to levels of exposure to crystalline silica reaching 0.107 µg/m3 over a day. This is a thousand times less than the occupational exposure limit value, currently set at 0.1 mg/m3 in France.” The benefits of silica litter Effective anti-odor Sticks little to the legs The disadvantages: A thorough and regular cleaning of the litter box Not very eco-friendly A high price Plant litter This is a litter made from natural ingredients. It can be made from hemp, wood, corn cob or even fir. 100% natural, this litter has many advantages: in addition to being ecological (biodegradable and compostable), it is absorbent and retains unpleasant odors well. In addition, its texture is particularly appreciated by cats, much softer on the paws than that of other types of litter. Its smell is natural, and it has the advantage of releasing very little dust. Some are clumping and others are not. If you choose clumping, be aware that they are made up of a glue that removes the natural, recyclable and compostable aspect of the litter. Unlike other types of litter, plant-based litter has a very low environmental impact. The raw materials used are revalued, they are not specifically produced. The litter is made up of by-products of the wood industry, corn cobs are unfit for consumption. They are mostly manufactured in Europe (France and Germany). The environmental impact related to transport is therefore reduced. In addition, they are biodegradable and compostable. It is entirely possible to compost them! Be careful, however, with excrement, which may contain very resistant forms of parasites such as toxoplasma gondii oocysts (parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis). In all cases (with or without droppings), do not use compost containing litter for plants intended for consumption, namely your vegetable garden. What type of plant litter should you choose for your cat? There are different types of plant-based litters. Some are fiber-based and others are pellet-based. They are all absorbent, but the fibers tend to stick to your cat's paws. They are very light and can also get stuck in your cat's fur. If you have a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, or British Longhair, you may have them all over your house. Pellets are a better option. Among the different components, the best option is wood: it retains odors perfectly. Whatever solution you choose, choose a litter labeled NF Environnement. This certification guarantees that the products are of quality and that they respect the environment throughout their life cycle. Ziggy's (Happy) Cat Litter At Ziggy, we have chosen a plant-based litter non-clumping but ultra-absorbent (up to 600%), based on crushed softwood pellets. No problem with litter sticking to the cat's paws or hair! And like all our products, it is French. A plant-based litter is no longer really ecological if it is manufactured on the other side of the world, right? And to top it all off, Ziggy litter is NF Environnement certified. The advantages of plant litter: A soft texture for the paws Low environmental impact A sweet and natural scent of pine Absorbent and anti-odor The disadvantages of plant litter: We don't know any (at least for ours 😺 ) Scented litters There are also scented litters that give off a nice smell of vanilla, lavender or that smell like baby powder (yes, it exists!). If the fumes from the litter really bother you, they can be an effective solution. On the other hand, we must not forget that cats remain animals: they mark their territory, go to places where they find their scent. If your litter smells like Provence, your cat will be very upset and will no longer go into its litter box. Don't forget that your cat has 30 times more olfactory sensors than humans! A slight odor for you is an unbreathable odor for him. Which litter should I choose for my kitten? Whether plant-based or mineral, your kitten's litter should not be clumpy. And for good reason: kittens often absorb it, and it risks getting stuck in their digestive tract. How to get your cat used to its new litter box? After reading this article, we hope to have enlightened you on the choice of your litter. Be careful however when you change it. Our four-legged friends are routine-oriented, and the slightest change can disturb them. This applies to their food: to avoid abrupt changes, which could cause diarrhea or vomiting, it is essential to go through a food transition phase. But also for their litter. Some will have no problem switching from one litter to another. For others, it will be more complicated. In this case, we advise you to mix your old litter with the new one for several days, giving your cat time to get used to it. If you have just adopted a kitten, ask the association, foster family or breeder from which you adopted your kitten what litter was used, so that the transition goes smoothly. Can two cats use the same litter box? If you have two pets at home, it will be best to put a litter box for each cat, plus one just in case. That is, three litter boxes. One litter box for two can cause territorial issues. Of course, it all depends on the situation. Two cats can get along perfectly well with a single litter box. It's up to you. If one of your two cats does its business elsewhere, you will need to install its own box.
Troubles digestifs chez le chat : nos conseils pour une digestion au top
Diarrhée, flatulences, constipation, vomissements… Les troubles digestifs chez nos petits chats sont fréquents et souvent causés par une alimentation inadaptée. Comment améliorer la digestion de son chat ? Que faire pour qu’il retrouve une digestion saine ? Retrouvez dans cet article nos conseils et ceux de notre vétérinaire nutritionniste, le Dr Géraldine Blanchard, spécialiste en nutrition clinique vétérinaire, pour que votre chat ait une digestion au top et un ventre en pleine santé.
Donner des croquettes adultes à un chaton : sans danger ?
Mon chaton mange les croquettes de mon autre chat, est-ce mauvais ? Je me suis trompé, j'ai acheté des croquettes pour chats adultes à mon chaton, est-ce dangereux pour lui ? Mon chaton préfère les croquettes pour chat adulte, puis-je continuer à lui en donner ? Vous êtes nombreux à vous poser ces questions. Et en tant qu’experts du bien-être et de la santé de tous nos matous, nous ne pouvions pas vous laisser la tête dans la gamelle.
10 signes d’un chat en bonne santé
Comment savoir si mon chat est en bonne santé ? Pelage, selles, comportement, voici 10 signes qui montrent que votre chat est heureux et bien dans ses pattes. À noter que ces signes sont aussi les mêmes pour les chatons.
L'accompagnement personnalisé
Chez Ziggy, le bien-être de votre chat est une priorité.
Notre mission ne s'arrête pas à proposer des recettes ultra saines et gourmandes : nous mettons aussi un point d'honneur à vous accompagner au quotidien.
Derrière chaque message, chaque appel, chaque conseil, se cachent trois adorables cat moms : de vraies amoureuses des chats, formées à la nutrition féline pour répondre au mieux à toutes vos questions.
Nos cat moms sont à votre écoute du lundi au vendredi.
Les rendez-vous téléphoniques sont dédiés à l'accompagnement personnalisé : nutrition, transition alimentaire ou conseils sur votre abonnement 💛