Abstract: Animal litter composed of plural discrete particles, each particle containing both mineral and organic matter. An absorbent artificial granule is made up of absorbent fiber, minerals, and chemicals. The highly absorptive and lightweight litter of this invention substantially reduces litter box malodors, extends usage duration of a given cat litter volume unit, eliminates dust, and increases consumer convenience by substantially reducing the weight of the product in conventionally sized packaging. In one embodiment, an animal litter granule is made up of:: 20-50 weight-% fine absorbent fibers, preferably 25-45 weight-% fine absorbent cellulose fibers; 10-30 weight-% zeolite, preferably 12-30 weight-% zeolite; 10-70 weight-% mineral filler, preferably 16-61 weight-% mineral filler selected from kaolin, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and mixtures thereof; and 0.5-10 weight-% binder, preferably 0.5-3 weight-% acrylic binder.

Abstract: Animal litter composed of plural discrete particles that are dual component granules. Each of the absorbent granules of this invention is made up of an inner core and an external coating complex. The inner core of the granule may be made with natural or artificial fibers, mineral filler, and binder. The coating of the granule may be made with an agglomerating agent and with natural or artificial materials that reduce odors and/or prevent the formation of malodors. The external coating layer may consists essentially of bentonite, zeolite and/or boric acid, and, optionally, fine cellulose fibers. The granules of this invention agglomerate into clumps when wetted. The highly absorptive and lightweight litter of this invention substantially reduces litter box malodors, extends usage duration of a given cat litter volume unit, and increases consumer convenience by substantially reducing the weight of the product in conventionally sized packaging.

Abstract: A process for multi-layer coating of bulk granulated materiel, the process comprising the steps of obtaining a bulk of granulated materiel at a damp state, premixing the granulated materiel with a first coating agent provided at powdered form and then introducing the premixed material into an inlet-end of a spiral winding path within a rotating drum. The dim is rotated at a speed so as to advance the material along the winding path towards an outlet-end thereof, whilst at least a second coating agent is introduced into the drum. Finally, the coated material is dried.