Jeffery,
 
I don't think clay litter itself is the problem - I've used clay-based litters
for years.  The problem seems to be in the scoopable litters - which may also
be clay but formulated differently.
 
There is an article circulating now that was written by a cat breeder in CA.
She lost several litters in a row and eventually discovered that the kittens
were licking the scoopable litter off their paws and ingesting it; the litter
formed obstructions in their intestines and killed them.
 
The stool they were passing was funny looking, so she opened it up to take
a look and the inside consisted of the scoopable litter.
 
She stopped using the scoopable stuff and hasn't a recurrence of the problem.
 
Since ferrets sometimes drag their butts thru the litter before hopping out
of the pan, it's probably not a good idea to use the scoopable stuff in view
of this recent finding - my personal feeling anyway.
 
She pointed out in her article that since this type of litter is made to
absorb 400% more than regular litters, it was literally drawing out the
fluids in the stomach and intestines  - poor babies.
 
Debbie Riccio
WNYFLFA
Rochester, NY
[Posted in FML issue 1197]