Zinc Poisoning Linked to Litter.

I was conducting research as to why my rabbit was becoming ill. I've been doing proper care-taking and it was of mystery as to why my rabbit was becoming anemic. Then I decided to do research on the type of bedding that would properly fit the criteria of my rabbit. Then come to find out that the "CareFRESH" bedding product that I was using had "zinc oxide (3%)" which would explain some poisoning suspicion. I further my research as to who distributes the "CareFRESH" bedding and I made some startling findings:

Abbott, an Angora rabbit, was brought to our practice recently, acutely ill with bloody diarrhea. He died soon after he arrived despite an heroic attempt at resuscitation. A necropsy revealed his stomach and cecum were filled with litter material. Histopathology (microscopic examination) showed that Abbott died of zinc toxicity. We determined that eating CatWorks litter was the source of the zinc poisoning. CatWorks is manufactured by Absorption Corporation of Bellingham, Washington. Absorption Corp. also makes CareFRESH bedding, which is used as a bedding for rodents and as a rabbit litter box filler.

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So it turns out that the so called environmentally friendly CareFRESH bedding product was manufactured by Absorption Corporation of Bellingham, Washington, was not living up to its reputation.

"We help make owning a small animal safe, healthy and fun!"

Absorption Corporation

So what is being done about this?
According to Shawn Dooley at Absorption Corp.

Mr. Dooley explained that the product is marketed as a cat litter box filler and never intended to be used by animals that would find it edible. He also claimed that this was the first known case of an animal being poisoned by the product.

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Mr. Dooley also went on to say:

Absorption Corp. will investigate adding an adhesive label to the packaging of CatWorks warning that it should not be used as a litter or bedding for rabbits or rodents.

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Till to this day I have not seen any "adhesive label" added to the packaging. People please be careful on the products you use not just on your animals but think about our children using different products don't wait till the main stream media say's something or if the FDA disapproves the use of product/s. Research and you will be surprised on the chemicals being used today.

More information on litter:

Types of litter. House Rabbit Society recommends organic litters, made from alfalfa, oat, citrus or paper. (Some brands to look for: CareFresh, Citra Fresh, Cat Works, Cat Country, Critter Country) Stay away from litters made from softwoods, like pine or cedar shavings or chips, as these products are thought to cause liver damage in rabbits who use them. Another approach is to place a handful of hay in each box, or to simply use hay as litter. Obviously, you need to change the hay fairly frequently (daily), since your rabbit will be eating it.

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External Links/Other sources:
Safety data for zinc
Zinc poisoning
Supplies info.
Information Pack
Litter article
Absorption Corp.
Rabbit Info.
Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital

[edit on 13-8-2010 by millicake]

reply to post by millicake


I am sorry for the loss of your pet. I lost a prize cat two years ago. I have indoor cats, they use 100% clay kitty litter, non clumping. It is the cheap one at the dollar store and seems to be safe.

I kinda believe that my new cat, Ginger is the reincarnated form of the cat I lost. Generally, I don't believe in reincarnation and have lost pets before and felt bad about it. I did not expect my dead cat to return, since none of my other pets have ever done so.