Abstract: An absorbent composition is manufactured and used in cat litter. The composition includes: a particulate inorganic mineral, one or more superabsorbent polymers (SAP) dispersed between the particles of the mineral, and a hydrophilic binder capable of binding the mineral and the SAP into discrete granules. The granular material produced has water absorbency characteristics comparable to that of more expensive bentonite-products. The mineral may be waste quarry fines that would otherwise have to be disposed of. Such fines are widely available, in contrast to bentonite that must be shipped from a restricted number of locations, which is environmentally damaging and associated with excessive product miles. The granules can be made by mixing the mineral and the super absorbent polymer to form a slurry, draining the water from the slurry and optionally pressing the resulting filter cake, mixing the binder with the wet filter cake and granulating the resulting composition.

Abstract: A process for making parasite repellent absorbent material, including: a). dosing an absorbent material with a solution or suspension, the solution or suspension comprising at least one primary solvent and at least one parasite repellent to achieve a desired loading of the at least one parasite repellent; b). drying the dosed absorbent material so that the at least one primary solvent evaporates; and c). storing the dried absorbent material away from direct sunlight for at least 12 hours to form parasite repellent absorbent material. The solution or suspension sprayed onto the absorbent material may additionally include at least one secondary solvent that is less volatile than the at least one primary solvent. The parasite repellent absorbent material produced by this process may be used to make a parasite repellent product, such as a parasite repellent collar or a parasite repellent bed liner.

Abstract: A process for making parasite repellent absorbent material, comprising: a). spraying an absorbent material with a solution or suspension, said solution or suspension comprising at least one solvent and at least one parasite repellent to achieve a desired loading of the at least one parasite repellent; b). drying the sprayed absorbent material so that the solvent present evaporates; and c). storing the dried absorbent material away from direct sunlight for at least 24 hours to form parasite repellent absorbent material. The parasite repellent absorbent material produced by this process may be used to make a parasite repellent collar.