FAQ: Pet Care

Get answers to frequently asked questions about pet care products from ARM & HAMMER®.

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Cat Litter

Where should the product be stored?

Store in a dry place if clumping cat litter comes in contact with water, clumps will form. But it should not be affected by humidity.

Can I use this in animal cages or in litter boxes for pets other than cats?

No, it is not recommended.

Is ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter antibacterial?

No. The litter box is a dirty place. Each time your cat uses the litter box, feces and urine introduce odor-causing bacteria. Although the product is not antibacterial, ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter utilizes genuine ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to eliminate odours caused by bacteria.

Is the carton recyclable?

Yes, the package is made from 100% recycled materials with 35% from post consumer sources. It is recyclable in areas that accept this type of carton. Please check with your local recycling center for details.

Does the product contain animal by-products?

No.

Does ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter contain Baking Soda?

Yes, all ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litters contain pure ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda.

Should I use ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer in conjunction with ARM & HAMMER® Clumping Cat Litter?

It is not necessary to use ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer with ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter but using both will give you an extra boost of freshness.

Why is ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer still needed?

ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer is designed to eliminate litter box odours that ordinary scoopable and clay litters can’t. The powder formula also prevents the litter from sticking to the bottom of the box, making litter box clean up even easier.

Is ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter dust-free?

As the package indicates, all ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litters are 99% dust-free.

Does ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter track?

As with any litter, it is possible some particles may scatter outside the box when the cat uses or leaves the box. However, unlike traditional clay litters, clumping litter should not get muddy in the litter box so your cat should not leave muddy footprints or tracks outside the litter box.

What is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a condition caused by a parasite sometimes found in cat feces. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling used cat litter. Pregnant women and those with suppressed immune systems should be especially careful to always do so. Unused ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter in its original package does not contain these parasites.

What is the pH of ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter?

All ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litters are slightly alkaline.

Is ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter safe for pets including kittens?

We are extremely confident of the safety of ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter, when used as directed. During its development, ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter was used by numerous consumers (and their cats) with no adverse effects. Additionally the safety of baking soda is well known and documented.

Can ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter cause Feline Urinary Syndrome (also known as a urinary tract blockage)?

Feline Urinary Syndrome (FUS) is a common condition that especially affects male cats. Although there are many theories on what causes or contributes to FUS, there is no indication that clumping (or traditional clay) cat litter causes FUS in cats or kittens.

What is the source of ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter ingredients?

The main ingredients in ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter are derived from mineral and plant sources.

Does ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter expire after a period of time? What is the shelf life?

ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter does not lose its effectiveness over time.

How long does a box or bag of ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter last?

The amount used varies depending on the frequency of litter box usage as well as the number of cats in your household.

How often should I change the Cat Litter in the litter box?

The frequency with which your cat uses the litter box and the number of cats that use the litter box will determine how often the litter box should be changed. Some consumers change their litter box on a regular schedule (every few days, or weekly, or on trash day, etc.), others change it when it looks wet or when odour is noticeable.

Remember, as your cat uses the litter box, scoop out soiled clumps and solids. After you remove the odour clumps and solids, replace the discarded litter with a sprinkling of fresh litter, making sure to maintain at least 7.6 cm – 10 cm of litter in the box.

What if my cat eats the litter?

It is not normal for a cat to eat cat litter and it may be a sign of illness. Your veterinarian should be contacted immediately. (Please be assured that should a small amount be ingested during normal grooming, your cat’s intestinal tract should naturally move the material through the cat’s system.)

What if my dog eats the litter?

Although dogs sometimes eat cat litter and other foreign objects, you should remove the litter box from your dog’s reach and contact your veterinarian immediately. Ingestion of litter and foreign objects may indicate illness.

What is Clumping Litter or Scoopable Litter? How does it differ from traditional Clay Litters?

Clumping or scoopable litters utilize the “clumping” properties of sodium bentonite, a naturally derived special type of clay, to control litter box odours. This special type of clay uses the moisture it absorbs to bond soiled litter particles into clumps for easy removal and disposal. Litter boxes using clumping litters can be cleaned by removing only the soiled litter and sprinkling a new layer of clumping litter in the box. The box is fresh for use without the unpleasant task of emptying, washing and drying!

Ordinary clay litters can absorb moisture, but cannot isolate it for easy removal. Since soiled litter is a source of odour-causing bacteria, clay litter must be completely changed frequently to prevent odour build-up. This involves discarding the entire contents of the litter box, washing and drying the box, and replacing the litter-a messy and smelly task…

Cats love a clean litter box and nothing is cleaner than fresh clumping litter. Cats think clumping litter is the best thing since catnip…we think you’ll agree!

Can ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter be used for traction during icy conditions?

No. ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter, as well as other clumpable or scoopable litters, should not be utilized for ice traction.

ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter

Why is ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter in a bag vs. a box?

Natural litters have historically been sold in bags and we wanted to ensure that the consumer visually understood that this is a natural litter.

What is the source for ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter ingredients?

The main ingredient in ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter is a specially formulated blend of natural plant based cellulose substrate components. This blend absorbs urine and aids in deodorization. Smaller amounts of natural guar gum and mineral oil aid in clumping. Finally, we use ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda and a proprietary deodorization technology to absorb and eliminate odours.

How does it deodorize?

ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter uses the world famous deodorization of ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to absorb and eliminate odours. The specially formulated blend also dries out urine to eliminate any odours caused by bacterial growth. Finally, we add advanced deodorization technology to eliminate any remaining odours.

Why do people want a litter with natural ingredients?

There are a variety of reasons people are interested in a litter with natural ingredients. Unlike clay litters, sources of these litters are renewable. More plants grow every year, whereas the supply of sodium bentonite clay is finite.

Why are the weights lower than clumping litters?

ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter weighs less than clay and clumping litters. You only use as much as you need to fill the litter box, so while the weight is lower, the number of uses are the same. This has a number of benefits. First, you will find ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter much easier to carry and pour than heavier litters. Second, it feels softer on the paws of all cats, and especially kittens. Finally, it’s easier to handle in the store and at check out.

How absorbent is ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter?

It absorbs 2x the liquid vs. regular clay litters. This is far in excess of clay-based litters. ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter absorbs from the top down and clumps do not adhere to the litter tray bottom, eliminating sticking to the litter pan. This is a problem common to clay based litters, which makes it to more difficult to manage the litter box.

Does ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter contain an antibacterial ingredient?

No. However, the cat litter box is a dirty place. Each time the litter box is used, feces and urine introduce odour-causing bacteria. Although ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter does not contain an antibacterial ingredient, it utilizes the highly absorbent properties of corncob to help trap and contain odours caused by the bacteria.

What is the pH of ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter?

ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter has a neutral pH, so it is neither acidic nor basic.

Will ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter damage floors or carpets?

No. It will not damage floors or carpets. It is naturally lightweight, which makes cleanup easy. Unlike clay litters that can fall deep into the nap of the carpet, ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter sits on top of the nap and can be easily vacuumed. Plus soft, pliable ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter is gentle on a tile or linoleum floor.

What is the size and UPC information for ARM & HAMMER Essentials® Cat Litter?

4.8 KG bag – 065333 0432209

ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert®

What is ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® Clumping Cat Litter?

This advanced technology litter combines the benefits of scoopable, clumping litter with colour-changing Crystals that turn blue on contact with urine – helping you to easily find and remove even the tiny odour causing pieces.

What are the crystals made of?

They are compacted baking soda crystals with a soluble, food safe grade blue dye. When exposed to moisture, the blue dye on the surface of the baking soda crystals is dissolved and turns blue.

What is the role/benefit of crystals in the product?

The crystals are designed to turn blue on contact with urine – to help you easily find and remove all clumps. Now even the small odour-causing pieces can’t hide. Also, as blue indicators builds up, it alerts you to change the litter.

Can ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® Cat Litter be disposed of by flushing down the toilet?

ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® should not be flushed or put into drains. Please put used litter into the trash.

Is it available in scented and unscented formulas?

At this time it is only available in a clean fresh scented formula.

What are the ingredients in ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® Cat Litter and how do they work?

ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® Cat Litter contains a base of premium grade bentonite clay blended with powerful Baking Soda and a unique long lasting deodorization technology. ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® is 99% dust free.

ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® Cat Litter is the only litter with colour-changing crystals that turn blue on contact with urine and form hard clumps. So finding and removing blue clumps is easy! Your litter box stays fresher longer. These pre-odour indicators are made in a special process that combines soluble food grade dye with baking soda crystals. It’s a safe colour changing technology.

ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® Cat Litter also has more ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to destroy odour instantly.

What is the size and UPC information for ARM & HAMMER® Odour Alert® Cat Litter?

5.4KG – 065333 044107
11.8KG – 065333 044206

ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Clumping Litter

What are the ingredients in ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Litter?

The product contains ingredients to aid in odour control and clumping. To form rock solid clumps,
ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Litter contains premium grade sodium bentonite, a special type of clay. To eliminate odours, the product contains an Ammonia Odour Block formula with powerful crystals. The Fresh Scent version also contains a moisture activated fragrance.

How much Baking Soda does ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Litter contain and what is its role?

Although the exact amount of baking soda is proprietary, the product does contain sufficient levels of baking soda to effectively absorb and eliminate litter box odours.

Is ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Litter antibacterial?

No. The litter box is a dirty place. Each time your cat uses the litter box, feces and urine introduce odour-causing bacteria. Although the product does not contain an antibacterial ingredient, ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Litter utilizes genuine ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to eliminate odours caused by these germs.

Can ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Litter be flushed?

ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Litter should not be flushed. As a scoopable product, Multi-Cat Strength Litter forms clumps when exposed to direct moisture. Consequently, we do not recommend flushing the product since it can interfere with pipes or a septic system. Dispose of clumps in the trash.

Is it available in scented and unscented formulas?

It is now available in both scented and unscented formulas.

What is the size and UPC information for ARM & HAMMER® Multi-Cat Strength Litter?

6.4KG 065333 042103
12.7KG 065333 041182

ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop® Cat Litter

What are the ingredients in ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop® Cat Litter?

The product contains ingredients to aid in odour control. To form rock solid clumps, ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop® contains premium grade sodium bentonite, a special type of clay. To eliminate odours, the product contains an Ammonia Odour Block formula with powerful crystals. The Fresh Scent version also contains a moisture activated fragrance.

Can ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop® Cat Litter be flushed?

Super Scoop® should not be flushed. As a scoopable product, Super Scoop® forms clumps when exposed to direct moisture. Consequently, do not flush the product since it can interfere with pipes or a septic system. Dispose of clumps in the trash.

How do I use ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop®?

When using ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop® for the first time begin with a clean, empty litter box. Fill the litter box with at least 3-4 inches of ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop®.

As your cat uses the litter box, scoop out soiled clumps and solids. The quick, hard clumping action of ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop® locks odours inside and helps prevent crumbling so the rest of the litter stays first day fresh longer.

After you groom the litter box by removing the odour clumps and solids, replace the discarded litter with a sprinkling of fresh litter. Please be sure to maintain at least a 3-4 inch layer in the box.

What is the size and UPC information for ARM & HAMMER® Super Scoop® Litter?

Fresh Scent 6.4KG 065333 041105
Fresh Scent 12.7KG 065333 041168
Unscented 12.7KG 065333 041175

ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder

What are the ingredients in ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder?

ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder contains odour-fighting ingredients including genuine ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda as well as a specially formulated moisture-activated fragrance. Also included is an ingredient to help keep litter from sticking to the box, making clean-up easier.

Should I use ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder in conjunction with ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litters?

It is not necessary to use ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder with ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter but using both will give you an extra boost of freshness.

What is the pH of ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder?

ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder is slightly alkaline.

Does ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder expire after a period of time?

The package for ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder was designed to retain the quality of the product and fragrance. Once the package is opened, the fragrance could become weaker over time.

How should ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder be stored?

ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder should be stored in a cool dry place with the top closed.

Can I use ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder to deodorize cat bedding, pet cages or carpets?

ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder is specifically designed for cat litter boxes and therefore should only be used there. Try ARM & HAMMER® Carpet Odour Eliminator to deodorize pet bedding and carpets.

What is the size and UPC information for ARM & HAMMER® Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder?

500 g 065333 002107

Dog Pads

What are ARM & HAMMER® Puppy Pads?

Puppy Pads help simplify training. They are treated with natural attractants that help draw pets to the pad. They also have 3 layers to provide superior floor protection.

How do I get my puppy to use Puppy Pads?

The pads are treated with pheromones to give off a scent only a dog can detect. The scent is designed to help attract dogs to the pads. We suggest keeping the pad away from the puppy’s bed and food. Place the pad on the floor with the plastic side down. Place the puppy on the pad so s/he will recognize the scent. Be sure to keep a clean pad on the floor continuously so your puppy will know where to go. If your puppy relieves itself elsewhere, bring it back to the pad right away.

How absorbent are Puppy Pads?

The super absorbent pads are designed to handle the daily waste output of an adult dog. The proprietary technology in ARM & HAMMER® pads make them 50% more absorbent than other fluff pads.

Will Puppy Pads leak?

The pads are designed with an absorbent capacity to handle the daily waste output of an adult dog. They also contain a plastic backing with sealed edges to help prevent leaking and help protect floors.

Are the pads scented?

Yes, the pads contain a pleasant fragrance to help deodorize waste odours.

Are the pads available in unscented?

At this time, unscented pads are not available.

What is the special scent attractant in your pads?

The special scents are pheromones. Pheromones are attractants that imitate natural scents and help the dog/puppy to identify the pad as an appropriate place to relieve itself.

Will only puppies and dogs be attracted to the pheromones and the pad? I have cats as well as dogs.

Only puppies and dogs should be attracted to the pads.

Will only the puppy/dog I am trying to train be attracted to the pheromones and the pad? I have a multiple dog household.

It is possible that other dogs in the household will be attracted to the pads.

Will my puppy get sick if he smells the pheromones?

No, your puppy/dog should not become ill if the pad is sniffed. The pheromone is specially formulated for puppies and adult dogs.

Can I smell or be affected by the pheromones?

No, the pheromones can only be detected by the puppy/dog. The light scent that you may smell is a light fragrance that has been added to help provide odour protection.

If my puppy consumes some of the padding or plastic will he get sick?

Eating small amounts of the padding/plastic will pass through the puppy’s digestive system. However, you want to prevent your puppy or dog from chewing or eating any portion of these pads. Please check with your vet for further information.

What size packages do your Pads come in?

50 counts 065333 049102

Can the pads be used to line crates and carriers?

Yes. Additionally, the pads can be used in dog carriers or purses, on long car trips, as indoor relief on cold or rainy days.

Can the pads be used for animals other than puppies & dogs - like ferrets, rabbits, hamster, potbelly pigs, etc.?

The pads have been specifically designed for dogs so we do not recommend their use with any animal other than puppies and dogs.

How long is a puppy considered a puppy?

Depending on the breed, it can be anywhere from 1 – 2 years before the puppy stops growing.

How long does the process normally take to housebreak a puppy?

It depends on you, your training technique and your puppy, but housebreaking typically takes anywhere between 2 weeks to 4 months or longer. However, some small dog owners choose to housetrain their dog meaning that their dog uses a pad all the time and never relieves itself outside. Other owners chose a combination of indoor and outdoor relief. The method that your dog learns to use is based on your training.