Pet owners are used to regularly spending money on their four-legged friends. And if tailoring, haircuts, veterinary services and even cosmetologists are expenses for a narrow circle of animal lovers, then almost everything is spent on the necessary things: food, vitamins and hygiene products. Many cat owners, for example, are forced to constantly buy litter for toilets, because cats are not trained to walk like dogs. The production of cat litter can become a consistently profitable business, given the consistency of demand and the low cost of raw materials and the production process.
Types of fillers
The main types of cat litters are organic, clumping and gel. The production of the last two types requires more expensive raw materials and equipment, so it is advisable to open it only in large cities.
- The production of cat litter from sawdust (organic) is carried out from natural materials: wood shavings, corn waste and nut shells. The disadvantages of this type of filler include sticking to the paws of animals, which leads to the scattering of granules around the house. Significant advantages: the lowest price and the easiest disposal - the used filler simply crumbles into wood chips.
- To prepare clumping filler, bentonite clay and zeolite minerals are used. The advantage of this product is that the wet part of the filler turns into a lump that can be easily removed with a spatula. The disadvantages include the fact that it spills out of the tray with low edges.
- Silica gel. Very high quality and easy to use. But there is also a drawback - some cats do not perceive it due to the sharp edges of the crystals and the characteristic sound when burying.
In addition, cat lovers claim that most pets are selective in choosing litter: both the material and the size of the granules/crystals can matter.
Features of organic species
The organic fillers contain only environmentally friendly hypoallergenic material. That is why the manufacturer is not required to certify its product. The production of cat litter from sawdust can also be a side activity in the production of fuel pellets. Natural wood and plant materials are safe for four-legged pets, absorb biological fluids well and neutralize odors.
What raw materials to choose to start with?
If you are new to this field of activity, it is better to purchase ready-made wood pellets with a diameter of 6–8 mm. They are made at wood processing plants, usually from spruce and pine. This material has good bactericidal properties and perfectly absorbs moisture. Spruce pellets are the most practical due to their low cost.
Basic rules for using filler
- Spread the product in an even layer at least five centimeters high;
- It is advisable to clean the absorbent woody species every day;
- The absorbent mineral type does not require daily changes. A complete replacement is carried out once every two to five days;
- Absorbent silica gel products need to be completely replaced once every two to four weeks, while regularly removing solid waste and filling up the missing part of the granules. In addition, you need to stir the granules daily so that the moisture is distributed evenly;
- When using the clumping type, after using the tray, immediately remove the formed lumps. Then the missing part of the granules is poured into the container. A complete replacement is carried out every seven to ten days;
- If you use the silica gel version, after use the solid waste is removed and the remaining contents are mixed. A complete replacement is carried out every two to three weeks.
- After completely replacing the product, rinse the tray thoroughly;
- To wash the tray, use water and, if necessary, liquid soap. Do not use special products; due to their chemical composition, they can cause allergies in your pet. In addition, due to the strong smell, cats may refuse to go to the litter box;
- If you are using a tray with a grid, it is best to remove the grid as these containers are designed to be used without any filling. If necessary, the substance can be poured under the grate.
Production technology
The production of organic cat litter consists of the following steps:
- preliminary drying of wood pellets and their crushing;
- additional drying, after which the raw material should have a moisture content of no more than 10%;
- subsequent crushing using a hammer crusher;
- using steam to moisten the raw material, which is necessary for better gluing;
- pressing;
- cooling of granules;
- sifting and packing.
You can purchase additional equipment and make branded bags yourself.
Equipment
To produce from scratch - directly from organic raw materials - you will need to purchase equipment for the production of cat litter. Beginners are recommended to use the OGM-1/5 automated line: raw materials in the form of wood shavings, sawdust and peat are poured into the machine and the process is started. The cost of such equipment is about 2 million rubles.
If you want to purchase cat litter equipment separately, you will need the following:
- chipper (180 thousand rubles);
- dryer (400 thousand - 2.5 million rubles);
- granulator (50 thousand - 1.5 million rubles. As part of OGM-1/5 - about 1 million rubles);
- pellet cooler (RUB 400 thousand);
- installation for the production of packaging (if you are not going to purchase them ready-made from another manufacturer). Cost – 150–200 thousand rubles.
For packaging fillers, it is recommended to use 5, 10, 15 and 30 liter bags. If you are not going to make branded bags yourself, you can purchase simple Zip lock bags (a few rubles per unit), and order only labels with your logo from a printing company.
Pay due attention to the granulator. Complex equipment lines use very bulky models that take up a lot of space, and often even a separate room. You can replace them with a more compact machine, which can be placed at a woodworking plant or in a furniture workshop, producing several types of products at the same time.
A Complete Guide to Choosing Cat Litter
Instinct forces the cat to cover its tracks and not leave waste products in sight. Having buried waste, the animal feels calmer and more confident. Don't deprive your pet of the pleasure of tinkering with the litter by giving him only an empty tray!
How not to miss the mark and choose the right one? Remember that there is nothing better for a cat than dirt or sand. Do not start your selection with exotic options: the animal may decide that the tray is not intended for toileting at all.
Important! The best contents will not force your cat to use a small litter box designed for kittens. The cat litter box should be large.
The ideal filler, according to the pet:
- convenient to dig;
- no foreign odors;
- quickly absorbs liquid.
The ideal filler, according to the owner:
- perfectly neutralizes odor;
- convenient to clean;
- is cheap;
- does not require frequent replacement;
- does not generate dust;
- does not spread throughout the house, sticking to the cat's paws.
Sales market
The main buyers of fillers are supermarkets, pet stores and nurseries. For example, a small pet supply kiosk purchases at least 100 kg of litter per month. But the main problem in forming a sales market is high competition. You can explore the prospects for delivering products to other regions, but experienced entrepreneurs do not recommend delivering less than 20 thousand tons with a delivery price of 18 thousand rubles.
Additional sales
Wood pellets can be used not only to make cat litter, but also for other purposes. If you use larger presses, you will get fuel for fireplaces and barbecues. If the raw materials are crushed into small granules, then the finished product can be sold to gardeners as a means of loosening the soil. By expanding your range, you create new sales channels.
How it works
There are two types of filler, differing in their principle of action. The components either absorb secretions and odors, or form dense structures in the form of lumps with urine, which are easily separated from the main mass.
Absorbent filler
Convenient for cats as it quickly absorbs large amounts of liquid. Manufacturers use natural raw materials that are safe for animal health: special types of clay, corn, sawdust, and pulp.
Most manufacturers do not add flavorings, but the composition may include soda, activated carbon or silver ions - these components significantly improve the characteristics of the absorbent filler.
It is inexpensive, but requires more frequent replacement compared to clumping ones, and regular disinfection of the tray itself. There is an advantage to this - with frequent washing, the risk of pathogenic microorganisms multiplying in the contents of the cat litter is much lower.
Important! Opt for an absorbent one if your pet has access to the outdoors (you walk it on a harness or take it to the dacha). Absorbent litter is the best option when there are several cats living in the house.
clumping
This type of brand is more popular, since the clumping filler is convenient for owners. For its production, bentonite is often used, a clay mineral with excellent absorption properties. Wood, paper and some other materials are also used as raw materials.
Why do cat owners love clumping litter? In addition to the obvious advantages - cost-effectiveness and ease of cleaning, some brands have special additives that change color depending on the composition of the urine. So, if the animal is sick, and there are no external symptoms yet, the unusual color of these additives will allow the owner to seek help from a veterinarian in time.
A number of manufacturers include substances that change color when exposed to urine. The purpose of such additives is to clearly define the boundaries of the lump. Therefore, the pet owner can save money by not throwing away clean litter. Many brands contain a variety of fragrances - components that are useless for cats, but pleasant for owners.
All fillers are divided into several types based on the composition of the raw materials. There is no ideal content for cat litter: choose a brand that is suitable for your pet.
Clay (mineral)
Made from different types of clay rocks. The quality and properties of the filler depend on what minerals are included in the clay used by a particular manufacturer. Absorbent and clumping grades are available.
Business profitability
Despite the relatively low cost of production, the production of cat litter as a business has high profitability rates. A kilogram of finished filler costs 100–200 rubles, and it is packaged in bags of 5–10 kg. Raw materials for production cost about 4 rubles/kg.
Taking into account all costs, the income from each kilogram of filler will be more than 35 rubles. If you purchase wood pellets directly from the manufacturer, the production profitability will be 100–150%. To increase the level of profitability, you can purchase wood shavings and sawdust at bargain prices from wood processing enterprises.
The principle of operation of the filler
Clumping
Modern clumping cat litters are made from environmentally friendly materials. For example, the basis of this product can be quartz sand, natural bentonite clay, and purified chalk particles. These substances are harmless to people and animals, so you can safely use such fillers for adults and small animals.
The main feature of a clumping product is the prohibition of disposal into the sewer through the toilet. The granules completely absorb liquid and eliminate unpleasant odors in the room. The dirty clump can be removed and the untouched particles will remain dry and clean for further use. The granules do not stick to the paws of animals.
A layer of 5 cm is optimal. Cats quickly get used to the filler; they like to dig. Clumping litter is undesirable for kittens. Examples of such filler are Euro Mix, Clean Paws, Fresh Step, Ever Clean and Kotoff Vanilla Gold.
Absorption
The basis of the absorbent filler is specially treated, porous minerals. The material actively absorbs liquids and limits the spread of unpleasant odors. The difference is that the product does not create lumps typical of more expensive clumping litter.
The fragments do not stick to the animal’s paws and dry out hard stool. The contents of the tray must be completely replaced after 3-7 days. In practice, it is clear that you have to clean the tray very often and large volumes of product are consumed.
Absorbent mineral filler is not intended to be disposed of in the toilet, otherwise it will clog. Some products create dust. Examples of absorbent filler are Kotyara, Pi-Pi-Bent, Catsan, Barsik.
fillers are clumping and absorbent
Sales, certification issues, etc.
The main advantage of the production of fillers is the fact that there is no need to rent a large premises. In principle, all equipment for the production of cat litter can easily be placed on 50 square meters. There is also no need for any special storage conditions.
As we already noted at the very beginning of the article, products of this type are not subject to mandatory certification. It can be sold both in specialized pet stores and in retail outlets selling everyday goods. If we talk about wholesale prices, then on average they are 15 rubles per kg.
Rating of the best cat litters
Pretty Cat
Finnish premium litter for domestic cats Pretty Cat can be bought in different variations. There are absorbent, clumping and wood products. Light granulated wood filler has a pleasant smell of pine needles and is disposed of in the toilet.
A good clay filler provides protection from marks and dust. The clumping filler is made of bentonite and has antibacterial and high absorbent properties. The product clumps well and does not contain fragrances.
Pretty Cat
Natures Miracle
Natures Miracle cat litter is designed for cat litter and is made from corn cobs. This is a convenient clumping product. It contains only natural enzymes and crushed corn cobs. Soft material prevents odors.
It is believed that corn absorbs 4 times more than bentonite. The filler instantly clumps and the cat leaves no traces. The optimal level of filler in the tray is 5-8 cm.
Natures Miracle
Barsik
The famous Barsik brand offers cat breeders several options for litter. It is absorbent, silica gel and clumping materials. Fillers are made from natural materials.
High-quality products absorb moisture and retain odors, so the house is clean. And the animal does not get dirty. The filler gives comfort to the cat and its owners.
Barsik
Fresh Step
The American brand Fresh Step produces good materials for excellent hygiene at home. These are clumping materials made of silica gel and clay. The product is used economically, controls odors, protects against the spread of bacteria, immediately absorbs moisture, and will always keep your cat's litter fresh.
The manufacturer recommends filling the tray 2-6 cm for one individual, depending on the type of granules. They can consist of silica gel, bentonite clay, cedar sawdust.
Fresh Step
Kuzya
There are different variations of Kuzya filler. Wood filler has a pleasant smell of wood, it is made from natural material, has an optimal granule size, and does not generate dust at all. Natural material for the tray for long-haired and adult cats, consisting of the largest fractions, is highly absorbent and prevents getting stuck in the paws.
The litter for kittens and adult small short-haired cats has a natural composition and gives the animals pleasure, since they can freely walk on the litter and dig in it.
Kuzya
Clean paws
Clean Paws cat litter has many fans among cat breeders. Users appreciate this product because it does not stick to their paws, does not spread throughout the home, and does not generate dust at all.
The manufacturer uses only natural raw materials to produce fillers. The granules have maximum absorbent properties, eliminating unpleasant odors.
Clean paws
Katsan
The high-quality German litter Katsan is known to everyone; it has convenient and recognizable packaging. The product is suitable for cats of all ages. The filler contains purified chalk, mineral components, and natural quartz sand.
The granules have micropores, this material absorbs no worse than a sponge, so the tray always remains clean. The products contain no bleach or asbestos. The optimal layer is 5 cm. Removing lumps - daily, complete replacement - once a week.
Catsan
Business benefits
Creating such a project is profitable because:
- Organic filler is very cheap and available to almost all customers.
- The raw materials for its production are easy to find, and the cost of production is quite low.
- Relatively small starting capital is required.
- Profitability is estimated at 100-150%, which looks very attractive.
- No special knowledge or training in production is required.
- When opening a company and completing paperwork, no additional product certification is required, and regulatory authorities rarely inspect such a workshop.
- You can simultaneously produce other goods from the same raw materials, which will significantly expand the range and increase profits.
Advertising and sales
Deciding on what types of fillers there are, choosing your niche and producing the first batches of goods is only half the battle. The profitability of a business is directly affected by its implementation. You can set up the sale of cat litter through the following channels:
- pet stores;
- large shopping centers;
- Internet;
- wholesale centers;
- nurseries.
To stand out among competitors and convey information to the end consumer, you can organize an advertising campaign on local television by creating a short video. Thanks to this, customers will begin to recognize the brand by its logo and name and will want to try the new product. But if you want your product to be purchased on an ongoing basis, then produce only high-quality products.
How to choose a good wood filler
Wood filler is the most budget-friendly and practical option, but it comes in different qualities, so when choosing it you should pay attention to the following points:
- The composition must be free of chemicals. Silicon dioxide and cobalt chloride should be avoided. These substances can accumulate in the lungs and subsequently cause disease.
- No moisture inside the package. Shake it. The granules should be poured into it and make a characteristic rustling sound. This indicates that the filler is fresh and the granules are not damp. The same goes for clumping litter. Sawdust should be easily poured into the packaging.
Top 5 best wood fillers
Nowadays, there are many companies that produce both absorbent and clumping wood fillers. Below are the best wood filler manufacturers. This rating is based on online customer reviews taken from the IRecommend website.
Cat's Best Eko Plus Litter
Clumping wood filler is made from coniferous wood. Its composition is completely natural, so it will not harm either the owner or the pet itself. The advantages include cost-effectiveness and the absence of an unpleasant odor. The disadvantage is that the filler spreads throughout the house. Buyers note excellent clumping properties.
This filler is quite difficult to find in a pet store, but if desired, you can always order it from any online store.
Of course, I recommend this litter to all cat owners! You simply won't find a more economical one!
Shopper Ukraine
https://irecommend.ru/content/kak-zhe-slozhno-naiti-khoroshii-kachestvennyi-napolnitel-no-ne-otchaivaites-takie-sushchestv
What I liked - Cats Best clumps up perfectly! And instantly. The next unpleasant moment awaited me the next morning. The entire floor was covered with sawdust, which the kittens had picked up on their fur and paws. And every time one of my furry friends gets impatient, I have to go get a broom.
akira_yamaoka
https://irecommend.ru/content/napolnitel-cats-best-daleko-ne-best-ya-dazhe-skazala-most-bad-tochno-bolshe-ne-kuplyu
PrettyCat Wood Granules
Absorbent wood filler, made from dry Skandinavika pine. Buyers note the pleasant smell of wood, good absorption and odor retention. The disadvantages are rapid consumption and scattering of granules into sawdust and dust. If your cat loves to play with litter, then you may want to consider other options.
I personally tried this filler and I can say that for me it is the best solution, since, despite the rapid consumption, the filler is inexpensive (about 23 rubles per kg), and the granules themselves smell pleasantly like wood.
The aroma is very pleasant, as if a tree in the forest was recently cut down. Both me and the cats liked the PrettyCat wood litter, I think I will now buy it for my girls.
Kassandra-abiss
https://irecommend.ru/content/drevesnyi-napolnitel-prettycat-ochen-udachnaya-nakhodka
When moisture gets on the granules, they turn into dust, the dust sticks to the cat's paws and fur and spreads throughout the apartment. Trash on the sofa, on the floor, on the carpets. Even the fine absorbent filler, although sticky, was not in such quantities and was not carried outside the bathroom.
Yarshvets
https://irecommend.ru/content/uzhasnyi-napolnitel-3
Pussy-Cat Filler Wooden
Absorbent wood filler made from natural wood sawdust. The advantages of this filler are a pleasant smell, good absorption and cost-effectiveness. Recently, customers have noted the presence of a large amount of dust in packaging. It can only be disposed of in the trash.
If you have your own garden or vegetable garden, then the waste can be used as fertilizer if your cat does not have any diseases.
I recommend it for purchase, for such a ridiculous price it’s just a find! Perhaps this is just an ordinary high-quality filler, nothing extraordinary; but at this price for 4.5 liters, I consider this a very good purchase! So this cheap filler fully justifies the stated phrase “Freshness, cleanliness, comfort.”
Mysterious Flower
https://irecommend.ru/content/kruche-koshki-zverya-net-koshka-khodit-v-tualet-tualet-ei-nravitsya-koshka-ulybaetsya-nu-if
Previously it was in pieces and did not generate dust, but now the filler generally consists of dust.
Juliet212
https://irecommend.ru/content/v-poslednee-vremya-kachestvo-ukhudshilos
Filler “Clean Paws” Wood
Absorbent wood filler, made from coniferous wood. This filler is environmentally friendly, budget-friendly, easy to use and dispose of. The granules are very well compressed, therefore, despite prolonged exposure to moisture, they do not crumble into sawdust. Some buyers report the presence of a chemical smell, although there are no chemicals in the composition.
- good absorbency. - complete absence of unpleasant odor. — a portion of the filler poured into the tray is enough for a week, then I change it completely, but purely for hygienic purposes, there is still no smell. — used filler can be flushed down the toilet. So I recommend purchasing “Clean Paws” wood filler.
Kassandra-abiss
https://irecommend.ru/content/drevesnyi-napolnitel-chistye-lapki-ekologichnyi-nedorogoi-udobnyi-v-ispolzovanii-i-utilizats
Clean paws, it has a chemical smell of glue or varnish. It doesn't smell like sawdust, but like new furniture.
MalInna
https://irecommend.ru/content/khoroshii-no-ne-idealnyi-49
Filler Homecat Wood
Absorbent filler made from pine wood. Does not contain harmful chemical flavors, dyes or allergens. Some online shoppers note that the granules are inconvenient to remove after use, as they crumble a lot.
From personal experience I can say that the granules of this filler swell very quickly and strongly, but at the same time they perfectly retain unpleasant odors. Since the price of this filler ranges from 20 to 24 rubles per kg, even with frequent replacement it is inexpensive. Moreover, this Homecat litter can be easily found in any pet store.
The filler absorbs moisture very well. It lasts for 5-7 days, absorbs the smell very well, even if the filler is completely wet, there is no cat smell. I change it when it is already dry, which means it absorbs. An excellent filler - there is no cat smell in the house.
TATYANA RU
https://irecommend.ru/content/v-dome-koshka-zapakha-net
What's wrong with the filler: it is NOT convenient to clean. When used, it crumbles, in short - sawdust. There are these crumbs all over the toilet, and sometimes the kitten plays with the litter. But for the sake of all of the above, it’s still my favorite so far.
NastyaNya
https://irecommend.ru/content/zavodya-kotenka-boyalas-aromata-chto-zhe-iz-etogo-vyshloopisanie-tovarafoto-i-kiskiny-tozhe
Photo gallery: popular types of wood fillers
Cat`sBest clumping wood filler is an environmentally friendly product, so it will not harm either the owner or the pet itself. PrettyCats absorbent wood filler is made from dry Skandinavika pine, which ensures antibacterial properties. Pussy-cat absorbent wood filler has a pleasant smell. , good absorption and cost-effectiveness Absorbent wood filler has well-compressed granules Homecat absorbent wood filler granules swell very quickly and strongly, but at the same time they perfectly retain unpleasant odors
What a quality wood filler should look like
High-quality products have certain characteristics:
- Granules of high-quality wood filler must be intact, and there should be no sawdust or dust in the packaging (unless it is a clumping option).
- The granules should quickly absorb moisture that falls on them.
- After absorption, the granules should not crumble into sawdust.
Equipment
A full-fledged automated line consists of the following elements:
- chopper;
- Dryer;
- granulator;
- cooler;
- packaging machine.
You can purchase equipment either as a ready-made kit or separately. To save money, use used equipment or find inexpensive lines from a domestic manufacturer.
Experienced entrepreneurs advise paying special attention to granulators. They provide a convenient granular form to the material. This equipment can be bulky and occupy almost the entire workshop, or it can be compact in size. The second option can be installed immediately at a woodworking enterprise and receive finished goods.
