Rating of clumping cat litter: manufacturers, composition, application features, reviews

Classification of fillers

With the right choice, you can achieve the following advantages: the pet will not spread feces on its paws throughout the apartment, and the smell will be securely hidden inside the granules. All fillers are classified according to the following criteria:

• Absorption method: clumping and absorbent. In the first case, when moisture gets in, a lump is formed, which is thrown out, and in the second, moisture turns it into a loose mass.
• A composition that may contain silica gel - a synthetic material, minerals - clay, zeolite, flask and pressed materials - sawdust or grain waste.
• The size of the granules: small - from 1 to 2 mm, medium 2-6 mm and large from 6 to 10 mm.
• Weight of granules: light, medium and heavy.
• Additional properties: presence or absence of fragrances, ability to decompose, antibacterial properties, odor control, possibility of use for special breeds of cats.

It is common for one litter to combine several characteristics, for example, Cat's Best clumping cat litter is biodegradable and consists of compressed sawdust.

Production technology

The technology for the production of cat litter is represented by the following production operations:

• Pre-drying of plant materials.
• Additional drying to bring the moisture percentage to 7-10 units.
• Grinding of prepared raw materials.
• Steam treatment of sawdust for moistening and better further gluing of particles.
• Pressing.
• Cooling of the resulting granules.
• Sieve analysis and packaging of material of the required fraction into containers with different capacities.

Equipment used

The line for the production of organic filler helps to automatically obtain the finished packaged product. The line includes: a grinder, drying and cooling chambers, a granulator, and filling and packaging equipment.

Equipment for the production of hygienic filler can be purchased separately, taking into account the required characteristics, productivity, and cost. When purchasing prepared raw materials, some pieces of equipment can be abandoned.

Advantages and disadvantages of clumping filler

Due to their unique composition, such fillers are capable of turning into a solid lump when liquid gets on them. The lumps are subsequently easily removed, while the remaining mass does not need to be replaced; you only need to slightly supplement the contents of the tray.

Bentonite clays or sawdust are usually used as raw materials. Bentonite undergoes special treatment, as a result of which the hygroscopicity of the material increases. The appearance of the filler sometimes resembles sand or porous granules of various sizes. The advantages of clumping cat litter include:

• Natural – made on the basis of natural ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions in pets and are completely safe for animals.
• Economical - when cat urine gets into the contents of the tray, only the formed solid lumps are thrown out, and the rest of the filler does not need to be changed. It can last for several more days without producing an unpleasant odor.
• Convenient to use - no liquid forms in the tray, so the contents are always dry. Cleaning is simple and pleasant.

Even with a high rating, clumping cat litters can have disadvantages:

• Inconvenient to use when keeping several cats in an apartment. The lumps do not have time to set, and pets spread them throughout the room.
• Inconvenient for disposal. Used litter must be disposed of in trash containers.

Equipment, its cost

Of course, you will need the appropriate equipment to do this. We recommend using a ready-made OGM 1/5 line at first. Sawdust, shavings and dry peat can be used as raw materials. The latter, by the way, makes the production of cat litter even cheaper.

The cost of this type of line is about two million rubles. The most important element of the entire production is the granulator, but it will still not be possible to do without other equipment.

Let's consider all the components of the line separately:

• Chip grinder - costs about 180 thousand rubles.
• A dryer for raw materials (depending on power and volume) can cost anywhere from 400 thousand to 2.5 million rubles.
• The simplest granulator costs about 50 thousand, but the most reliable and functional models are sold for around 1.5 million. In the OGM-1/5 we reviewed, this structural part costs about one million.
• The pellet cooler will cost 400 thousand.

Note that it is still worth paying special attention to the granulator. The fact is that this line uses a fairly large and cumbersome model. In principle, you can purchase a more compact and lighter version, which can be installed directly in the workshop of a wood processing plant. In addition, such equipment can be installed in a furniture workshop, simultaneously producing another type of product.

As for packaging, it is best to take bags of 5, 10, 15 and 30 liters. We have already mentioned that you can produce them yourself.

The cost of equipment for this is about 150-200 thousand rubles. If you order packaging from third-party manufacturers, and even with the requirement to print your company’s logo on it, it will ultimately cost much more.

In principle, a small production of wood fillers can successfully use simple Zip Lock bags (within a couple of rubles apiece). In this case, it is much cheaper to order labels with the company logo from a third-party printing company.

Rules for use and disposal

When using clumping litters, manufacturers recommend following the following rules:

• Filler about 7 cm thick is poured into a well-washed and dry tray. To fill an average-sized cat litter box, you will need about five kilograms.
• The contents of the tray must be sifted daily to remove solid waste and then dispose of it.
• After cleaning, the tray is filled to its original volume. Regardless of the rating of clumping cat litter, a complete replacement is carried out a month after the start of use.

We should not forget that this type of filler is disposed of only in a container; it is not recommended to flush it down the drain.

How much do you need to invest?

The initial investment for equipment, workshop rental, purchase of raw materials for production, Zip lock bags, advertising will amount to about 2 million rubles. But despite the low cost of products, profitability indicators are quite high.

One kilogram of cat litter costs about 100-200 rubles. Taking into account all costs, the profit per kilogram will be approximately 35 rubles. When purchasing wood pellets directly from the manufacturer, the production profitability will be 100-150%.

Choosing clumping litter

Choosing cat litter is not as easy a task as it seems. A large number of domestic and foreign companies engaged in the production and distribution of clumping sorbents have filled the market with a variety of products.

Therefore, it is recommended to look at products from well-known companies that guarantee high quality and environmental friendliness. You need to be careful when choosing fillers with various aromatic additives. An unusual smell can scare your pet away from the litter box. Cat Step clumping cat litters are considered the best. They are made on the basis of bentonite, are hypoallergenic, have antibacterial properties, provide excellent odor protection, and are packaged in 5 and 6 kg packs. Well suited for litter box training for small kittens. If the animal likes to dig, then the filler will always be scattered near the tray. In this case, it is better to purchase a toilet in the form of a house or place the tray on an artificial grass mat so that the filler particles are retained in the pile.

Wood fillers

Wood litter for cat litter boxes are considered classic. Over time, technology has undergone significant changes, and in addition to absorbent materials, manufacturers began to produce wood clumping litters for cat litter. If cats are allergic to the smell of pine needles, you can find hygienic litters made of beech and oak on sale. Clumping wood fillers have the following advantages:

• The environmentally friendly base has natural antiseptic and absorbent properties.
• Natural aroma. The resins contained in the composition neutralize unpleasant odors.
• Dispose of into compost and sewer.
• Availability. Reasonable price, convenient packaging of different volumes.
• Possibility of use for all ages.

According to consumer reviews, clumping cat litter has the following disadvantages:

• frequent replacement of tray contents;
• quick soaking;
• poor neutralization of odors.

Wood clumping granules are poured directly into the tray. The layer size depends on the specific manufacturer. Lumps are removed with a special scoop, after which granules are added to the original volume. Their complete replacement is carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

HOW TO POUR FILLER INTO THE TRAY

• Regardless of the type of filler, in an open tray its layer should be at least two centimeters, preferably three. The depth of the layer matters for the cat - after all, he has to dig around there!
• Absorbent fillers must be changed by completely emptying the tray. The tray should be washed with an antibacterial cleaner, dried, and only then filled with a new portion of filler.
• Clumping fillers are renewed gradually. As the resulting lumps are removed, fresh filler can be added. However, the tray must be washed and dried at intervals of one to three weeks (this depends on the properties of the filler and is determined experimentally).
• Pour a thin layer of filler into trays with grids so that the grid does not rest against it. It should be kept in mind that cats like to relieve themselves at the same point in the tray. Therefore, it is important to regularly remove the grate, remove any lumps that have formed and mix the remaining filler, adding fresh filler if necessary.

Range of wood fillers

Below is a rating of clumping wood litter for cat litter; from the brands presented, you can always choose the right one.

1. Pretty cat is one of the best wood fillers. Manufactured in Russia using Finnish technologies. Only dried pine is used for raw materials. The natural scent lasts for a very long time.
2. Cat's Best is environmentally friendly, made from fir sawdust. The filler is biodegradable, can be washed down the drain, provides excellent odor protection, has a pleasant aroma, and is available in various packaging.
3. Clean Cat is not inferior in quality to Cat's Best, but at a much lower price. When poured into the tray, it does not generate dust, retains a pleasant aroma for a long time, looks aesthetically pleasing, clumps well, cats are happy to visit the tray.
4. “Happy Paws” is a litter from a Russian manufacturer, consists of wood pellets, has an antibacterial effect, retains odor well, is washed down the drain, and has a reasonable price.

When choosing a litter, special attention should be paid to the preferences of the animal so that it enjoys visiting the tray.

Errors and tips

At the starting stage, it is better to purchase ready-made wood pellets, the fraction size of which is 6-8 mm. They are made from spruce and pine at wood processing plants. The material does not require drying, has bactericidal properties, and is low cost.

Experienced entrepreneurs recommend selling from 20 thousand tons with a delivery price of 18 thousand rubles. Wood pellets can be used to make briquettes for fireplaces and barbecues. It is advisable to use the fine fraction for sale to gardeners as a means of loosening the soil.

When operating equipment, it is recommended to provide for ongoing costs associated with its maintenance and replacement of spare parts. To make the filler, it is better to use fine coniferous wood sawdust, the moisture content of which does not exceed 16%.

For uninterrupted operation, it will be necessary to arrange the supply of raw materials. When making filler from sawdust, you will have to establish contacts and cooperation with nearby sawmills and furniture shops.

It is more convenient to deliver raw materials for processing and deliver goods to stores using your own truck. In the absence of such a car and insufficient starting capital, this can be done using rented vehicles.

Equipment for equipping the line can be purchased as a complete set or separately. In order to save money, you can use used equipment or an inexpensive domestic production line.

The work of producing filler does not require special qualifications, which should be taken into account when selecting personnel. Separately, the issue of hiring an accountant and manager should be resolved. In order to reduce accounting costs, you can use the services of an outsourcing company.

When starting a business, you should not invest a large amount in order to get a quick payback. Organizing work in several shifts and maximizing the range of goods will increase the economic effect and achieve profit.

To organize the production of organic filler, you will need to purchase a basic automated line OGM-1/5. This device, worth 2 million rubles, is designed to work in difficult conditions.

Discussions 5 messages A lady named Kay Dreper, a resident of the village of Cassopolis in Michigan, always had a supply of sand on hand for her cat. But in the winter of 1948, during a severe frost, the unexpected happened - the sand froze, and the woman went for help to her neighbors named Lowe, unsuccessful entrepreneurs who had established the production of dried clay in the village and unsuccessfully tried to sell their goods to surrounding poultry farms under the guise of " advanced nesting material."

The cunning neighbors gave the neighbor a bag of clay granules, assuring her that it was “advanced cat litter,” although they themselves had never tested their clay in such quality.

To the owner's surprise, the dry clay granules completely charmed the cat. Businessmen found their luck where they did not expect to find it. Of course, modern sorbents for cat litter boxes are made not only from clay.

Filler rating

The ranking of the best clumping cat litters is as follows:

• Even Clean is a very high quality filler from an American company and occupies one of the first places in the world market. Creates maximum comfort for pets and owners. It has a unique ability to absorb, is economical, one package lasts for two months.

• Fresh Step - manufactured by the American company Clorox, is presented on the market with clay and silica gel fillers. They are practical, comfortable and very popular all over the world.
• Extreme Classic - manufactured by a Canadian company. The quality is not inferior to Even Clean, but has more modest packaging and therefore a slightly lower cost.
• "Kotyara: Magic Balls" - a domestic manufacturer. Perfect for those who use silica gel fillers. It has special resistance to destruction upon contact with moisture, is free from dust, absorbs odors well, is economical to use, and conveniently packaged.
• Pi-Pi-Bent – ​​made in Russia based on bentonite. Maintains comfort and cleanliness in the house. Many pets enjoy visiting a tray with environmentally friendly bentonite clay. Fillers are also available with pleasant aromas.

Which clumping cat litter to choose depends on the owners and the fluffiest pet. By comparing all the characteristics, you can choose the one that suits you in terms of price and quality.

Cost of wood pellet production

It would be incorrect to name any standard cost for this product. It largely depends on whether you buy raw materials, get them for free, or use your own, as well as transportation costs.

A survey on the website budetteplo.ru in 2016 showed that 70% of manufacturers spend from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles to produce one ton. On average, a ton of wood pellets costs manufacturers 2,250 rubles. If we consider that free raw materials are often used for cat litter, the cost can be an order of magnitude lower.

So, the cost of 1 kg of sawdust pellets is about 2.25 rubles.

There is a wide range of prices in retail chains: from approximately 7 to 35 rubles per 1 kg of granules. For example, the cheapest filler in a large retail chain costs 52 rubles for 5 liters, that is, approximately 15 rubles per kilogram. Of course, stores make their own markups, but you can quite count on selling goods at a price 2-3 times higher than cost.

Clumping filler "Zoonik"

is one of the largest manufacturers of pet accessories and cat litter. In 2000, the trademark “Zoonik” was registered, under which more than 1000 types of high-quality products are produced. One of which is “Zoonik” clumping cat litter. Using advanced technologies and the best European experience, the company produces high-quality and competitive Zoonic fillers. The basis is an environmentally friendly mineral product - bentonite clay. The filler does not generate dust or crumble when used, so the animal’s paws remain clean, as does the floor around the tray. Possessing high hygroscopicity, the filler absorbs odor well. Lumps that form when moisture is absorbed can be easily removed with a special scoop. The filler is economical, it does not need to be replaced daily, you just need to add it to the required volume. The price is quite reasonable.

Sales of finished products

A manufacturer can give the first impetus to sales and make its brand recognizable with the help of an organized advertising campaign. In the future, high-quality products will themselves attract new customers.

Target and potential sales channels for the filler:

• shopping centers;
• specialized stores of zoological goods;
• supermarkets;
• market stalls;
• wholesale warehouse complexes;
• animal nurseries.

It is profitable for manufacturing companies with high-performance equipment to send wholesale quantities of organic filler to the regions. The entrepreneur himself decides how to organize the sale of the finished product and with whom to cooperate.

Katty filler

Katty clumping cat litter is produced in the city of Bryansk by Glinopererabotka LLC, which is a large Russian manufacturer of high-quality cat litter. For production, we use an environmentally friendly product - bentonite clay, which is mined from our own deposits. The company sells litter under the brands Kotyara, Sea Sea Cat, Pi-Pi-Bent and Kotoff.

Clumping filler forms lumps very well, which set quickly and are easy to remove. In addition, odors are quickly absorbed. The cats' litter box looks clean and pleasant. Regular customers note in their reviews that sometimes they come across fillers from another manufacturer with the same name, which are significantly inferior in quality. Therefore, you need to be careful when purchasing.

Price

The price of fillers varies widely and depends mainly on the material used and the production technology used by the manufacturer.

The cheapest fillers are made from sawdust, paper and grain industry waste.

Mineral fillers belong to the middle price category - they are made from natural minerals and their mixtures.

The most expensive and modern ones are silica gel fillers. Silica gel is a mineral synthetic sorbent obtained by the interaction of sodium silicate (liquid glass) and sulfuric acid.

The most famous and popular fillers in the domestic market are the following brands : “Pretty Cat”, “Barsik”, “Kotyara”, “Kuzya”, “Zoonik”, “Siberian Cat”, “Pi-Pi-Bent”, “Brava” Clean Paws”, “C.C. Cat” and others.

Popular imported ones : “Catsan”, “Cat's Best”, “Cats Choice”, “Silicat”, “Super Cat”, “Fresh step”, “Kat Step”, “CleanyKat”, “Ever Clean”, “Ultra Lite” and etc.

Clumping fillers "Kat"

Consider the following clumping cat litter “Kat”:

• “Pussy-Kat” is produced in Russia using all the latest developments and sanitary standards. Created on the basis of bentonite clay and the natural mineral zeolite. It does not stick to the fur and paws of the animal, does not spread around the apartment, is easy to care for and is hygienic.
• “Sea Sea Cat” is a Russian filler in Bryansk. It is made from natural raw materials – blue clay, which is used for medicinal purposes. The product is environmentally friendly, clumps well, does not produce an unpleasant odor, and is easy to use.
• "Pretty Kat" is made from the best mixtures of bentonite clays. It clumps well into perfectly even balls, perfectly absorbs liquid, eliminates odors, and does not generate dust. The filler is antibacterial, and the small size of the granules is suitable for the delicate paws of kittens.

All litters are easy to use, and to make sure they suit your cat, you need to try which one she likes best.

Clumping cat litter, reviews

Here are some reviews about clumping litters:

• Even Clean. The filler has a pleasant fresh aroma that does not disappear within a month. Lumps must be removed daily and topped up once a week. Even after a month of use, the contents of the tray look decent and do not emit an unpleasant odor. Reviews note that this is the best cat litter, but also the most expensive.
• Extreme Classic. Many people like that the light, almost white powder copes well with odors, spreading a light aroma. The filler does not generate dust, clumps well, and is economical, since it does not require complete replacement for a long time. It does not stick to the animal’s dry paws, so the area around the tray is always clean. The requirements of consumers are fully satisfied.
• "Zoonik". Everyone notes the reasonable price, lack of odor and environmental friendliness, but at the same time, reviews talk about instability of quality. In some packages the contents are completely satisfactory to users, in others the lumps become loose when wet and crumble when cleaned.

• "Pretty Kat." In general, consumers respond positively: they note good clumping, lack of odor and dust, and ease of emptying the tray. There are dissatisfaction with the packaging of the product. Some people don't like the position of the zip-lock, as it makes it difficult to spill the contents from the bag.

Fillers make the life together of people and animals much more comfortable. They eliminate unpleasant odors and make cleaning easier. In addition, the cat uses the litter tray to determine where to go to the toilet. This article and the ratings of clumping cat litter presented in it will help you in choosing a litter.

Official registration

Sales of products through retail outlets require the issuance of accompanying documentation. Official activities are carried out by individual entrepreneurs or legal entities. When registering with the tax service, you should decide on the taxation system.

Forming an LLC has a number of advantages:

• low personal responsibility;
• legally regulated distribution of income between the founders;
• a moderate amount of documentation submitted for verification.

With this form of business organization, the company's authorized capital is divided into shares, within which the participants bear responsibility. There are 5 tax regimes for small businesses, so the choice of system is important when registering.

The general option is not beneficial for a start-up business; it requires accounting and payment of all types of taxes. The simplified system is convenient at the start and involves paying the simplified tax system once a quarter. To register an LLC, you will need to collect a package of documents and pay a state fee.

Opening an individual entrepreneur involves submitting an application, a copy of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and a passport. The list of required documents may differ for each region. You can take documents to the tax service yourself, using a notarized power of attorney, by sending them by mail.

After registration, registration as an insurer with the territorial office of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation and the Social Insurance Fund is required. Notification from Rosstat about statistics codes can be obtained from the territorial authority. To carry out non-cash payments, you need to open a current account with a bank.