Animal litter

Abstract

An improved odor control animal litter composition comprising a substantially particulate silica gel material with a particle size distribution of about 0.15 to about 4 mm. In additional embodiments, the litter composition also includes at least one of the following components: fixing agent, colorant agent, anti-bacterial agent, fragrance, odor controlling agent, and / or supplemental absorbent materials.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 215,174, filed Aug. 7, 2002, entitled Improved Animal Litter, inventors Roger V. Lee et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to absorbent litters for pets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a silica gel based litter composition that efficiently absorbs urine without permeation to the bottom of the litter container by means of a well-defined particle size. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Domestic, house-broken animals, particularly cats, are typically trained to urinate and defecate in a specially provided litter box. Consequently, pet owners, homeowners, veterinarians and laboratory personnel have added absorbent materials to the litter box to collect the urine and feces (i.e., dross). A major problem with the absorbent materials is that after a relatively short period ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a litter composition that readily agglomera

Problems solved by technology

A major problem with the absorbent materials is that after a relatively short period of time, the dross soiled absorbent emits objectionable odors due to the presence of the urine and fecal matter.

However, physical removal of the feces does not reduce or eliminate odors caused by the urine absorbed into the absorbent.

Therefore, when the odors caused by the absorbed urine become intolerable, the homeowner discards the absorbent material.

These activities are, however, unpleasant, time-consuming and expensive.

Although the noted absorbent materials have the advantage of low cost, each suffers from the disadvantage of merely absorbing and retaining the liquid dross within its porous matrices, or, in the case of sand, absorbing the liquid dross on its surface.

However, the simple change of substrate limits the litter composition to the particular substrate's absorptive capacity.

A further drawback of the litter composition disclosed in the '915. patent, and each of the aforementioned litter compositions, is the permeation of urine through the litter composition, which accumulates at the bottom of the litter box.

After a brief period of time, the accumulated urine decomposes, produces volatile compounds (e.g., ammonia) and, ultimately, emits offensive odors.

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