Cat sand litter as substrate?

[kristersIDlv]

Can I use cat sand litter as substrate for Russian tortoise?

 

[Tom]

I would highly recommend against it. All the fragrances and clumping agents would not be good. I don't recommend any sand of any kind as it is an impaction risk, and it can sometimes irritate their eyes and skin.

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Very bad idea! Impaction can kill your tort!

 

[Kristina]

No, please do not. Just use dirt if you can't find a proper bedding. No sand or gravel.

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

An excellent (and very inexpensive) substrata that is tort-friendly is Cypress Mulch...about $3-4 for a couple of cubic feet at most hardware stores (Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.) and garden centers/nurseries.

 

[ascott]

No...

 

[kristersIDlv]

Ok, I dont use them, because I want long life for my tortoise. About Cypress Mulch... doenst it bite into tortoises legs?

 

[coreyc]

Cypress will work I use it for my leo's it does not bother them at all

 

[SulcataSquirt]

Im sorry not to be mean, But why in the world would you want to use cat litter when their are tons of other natural amazing substates to use? Was their a pet shop in your area that is using cat litter?

 

[dmmj]

Im sorry not to be mean, But why in the world would you want to use cat litter when their are tons of other natural amazing substates to use? Was their a pet shop in your area that is using cat litter?

I think it is better to ask the question and get an answer then just do it and hurt your tortoise. As said above cat litter is not a good choice, I image it might be painful to walk on, I assume you are in another country and may not have access to most substrates, if you can' find cypress mulch, check a home improvement store rather than a pet store, the home improvement store will be cheaper, you can use just plain dirt if nothing else is available.

 

[zesty_17]

Even if you were able to find a litter that has no chemicals, the dust alone would present significant respiratory distress for your tortoise. Don't use it.

 

[Kristina]

Please remember folks that the OP is from Latvia, not the US, and does not have access to the same stores.

 

[zesty_17]

LLLReptile ships international. Here is the site. http://lllreptile.com/