Cat Litter Conundrum & The Beach Sand Experiment || Sailing Cats in Marquesas, French Polynesia

SERIOUSLY, we ran out of Cat Litter & the only option is a Beach Sand Experiment.
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I’ve had nightmares about this day. Most sailors’ night terrors consist of the perfect storm filled with skyscraper high seas, crew being flung overboard and clogged heads. But not mine.
No, mine reek of nostril stinging cat purrfume.
And if you think the standard household cat urine scent is memorable, add some ... read the rest on the blog gonewiththewyn...
We've officially run out of Cat Litter! Our 2 months supply has been used up and we're attempting to go for the only option available here in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia: Go to the beach, dig up sand and pray the cat's don't revolt.
The first half of the vid is all about collecting sand while the second half is the review of how well free beach sand works as cat litter. Hope you enjoy...it was quite the Traveling Cat experiment.
Shared with LOVE 💕 from all of us here aboard s/v Curiosity,
- Jason, Nikki, Cleo and Singa 😻
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© Gone With the Wynns 2018

[@spkgrl]

In a world where so many people abandon pets as soon as it gets hard, you guys rock!! 😊😺

[@kathrynblodgett1969]

As all cat servants know...as soon as you clean the litter they use the box. They have been waiting " all day" for a clean box.

[@trumpetmano]

Our cats would sit right there while my wife cleans the box and it was like a race to see who could get in there first....Cats are little jerks.

[@rimonagale1625]

@@trumpetmano no they're not. They just like clean facilities.

[@trumpetmano]

I have had cats for my entire life- have 4 now....they're little jerks....LOL

[@kathrynblodgett1969]

@@rimonagale1625 Lol, they have you trained very well. Don't you know the reason the Egyptians thought cats were God's, was because the cats told them they were.

[@rimonagale1625]

@@kathrynblodgett1969 true!

[@awb1213]

Of all the sailing videos that I have enjoyed over the years... Words, words, I'm looking for words... I'm torn between "I can't believe they made a cat litter video" and "brilliant!". Gotta do something different with my next twelve minutes. Love ya, mean it.

[@geraldthomas9253]

It was interesting to listen to the things that people have employed to replace kitty litter. What the stuff is made of commercially is a specific type of clay called bentonite. Bentonite is also used in the construction industry as a waterproofing and can be purchased at any hardware store. The addition of baking soda or charcoal to reduce orders would be much simpler than the rock washing process you employ daily and would only need to be done prior to use. It's also completely optional and I've only mentioned it because you live in a shoe box. I should mention here that literally any type of clay can be used, bentonite is simply the sort that absorbs the most liquid per volume and expands the most as it absorbs the liquid. This is what makes the urine clump and easy to remove by sifting. So, instead of purchasing clay at a store, you can also dig it up on most hillsides or get it at any art supply store that handles pottery. I hope this information helps you and luck with locating your litter options.

[@GardnerOutdoors]

Your cats have you well trained. I’ve always assumed they are the “masterminds” of your operation. Thanks for the videos, they are always a treat!

[@iseeteefilms.4575]

Litter is great for odor control, but really, cats have pooped in sand for millions of years.. Lol. Love the videos..

[@MJSailing]

And the worst part is, the cats have no appreciation for all the hard work you go through just for them! But good to know......if we ever hit the SP, bring a years supply of litter with us, lol.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Right!!! We're going to try and get our hands on some reusable litter. Lots of people have said it works great. If so, we'll report back.

[@brichusi]

Since you guys have limited bandwidth most times, you should download browser add ons that 1) Blocks ads, 2) Text only - so you are not downloading images on pages when exploring just info, you can always click on icon on browser to reload page with images if needed. This saved my sanity when boon-docking using a satellite phone for hotspot for a while.

[@michelleellsworth3886]

I absolutely love the fact that you have cats with you. I'm a huge animal lover. I have a pup, and a cat. They are my world. Love your vlogs. Thanks for sharing your journey. So uplifting. Have a beautiful day and stay safe.

[@Jim.Hummel]

If I didn't know you any better, I'd have to call you crazy! But it almost couldn't get any better watching you collect the base material and follow along with the process! Strangely, it was totally fascinating!! Who knew all those little critters lived in the sand!

[@benbirdsill4709]

As a dog person I can't believe I just sat thru 12 minutes on DIY cat litter and enjoyed it!

[@SteampunkSteve]

I use peat moss with a generous handful of silica beads mixed in to absorb urine. It will track but a through rug outside the litter box catches most of that. I'm sure that coconut fiber would work as well. It worked in your composting toilet in the RV and I think there are coconuts near you.

[@zenseed75]

Teach those cats to use the head.

[@stephaniealex1852]

Bernie Cat i’ve seen videos where you can train them!

[@zenseed75]

Stephanie Alexander oh yes, it's very possible. You can get training kits also.

[@gonewiththewynns]

Except you shouldn't leave the lid up on a rocking boat. At best, the lid keeps closing. At worst, stuff sloshes. And I'm guessing that balancing on a slick toilet seat in rough seas is going to be tough. A couple of bad experiences and your cat may stop trying to use it and pick a corner somewhere... Curious Minion

[@zenseed75]

Gone with the Wynns all very good points. Dang.

[@nancyf52]

@@gonewiththewynns and they may fall in...

[@niclaslinden8608]

Haha! 😂 This was the most unexpected sailing vlog subject I have watched so far on the internet. A whole video about home made cat litter. But I like it. I was smiling the whole time having a good time. And I just love your cats.......just as I love you guys! 💚💙💜

[@LJL98]

“Buddy I just cleaned that” lol yah! That’s why he used it! Who doesn’t want to be the first to use the freshly clean bathroom lol

[@prankishsquire2663]

That is the first video from the Wynns where I have no interest in sharing the full scoop. LOL

[@smokinjim5885]

The thought of how much cat litter you had brought for the ocean voyage had crossed my mind. I'm glad you found a suitable answer for your dilemma, as difficult as it may be on a daily basis. Here's hoping Tahiti has a few cases of Fresh Step (or whatever it is you prefer.)

[@kev64037]

Sad to see so many negative comments. You two are survivors, and prove your ability to adapt to your situation. You look amazing Nikki in your parting comments. Until next time!....

[@nancyf52]

You guys rock!!! Anything for the kitties. Gotta love our fur babies. Thanks guys for sharing it was fun...

[@watergarden77]

Having two cats ourselves on our fulltime RV adventures we can relate. Thanks for the informative video.

[@omlandthegreat]

Use uncooked rice, works very well. I have used it a couple of time when I forgot to buy catlitter.

[@jayeglawe8776]

Great idea! Corn meal or grits even..whatever the market has. Big bulk size bag of rice!

[@terrinadeau8965]

lol, "Honey, you baking corn bread?"... no, it's the litter box in this heat.

[@spunkycat6144]

Also popping corn ...perhaps.

[@happypappy6371]

Popping corn would just be hard kernels and would not absorb anything.

[@arumrunner]

When we were cruising we potty trained our cat. He was perfect at it. The steps are widely known and it takes a few weeks. We eventually made him his own toilet out of a 18"w x 24"l tupperware plastic bin with a removable lid that had a 8" hole cut in the top. We would fill it with about an inch or two of sea water that would be dumped daily over the side.

[@aha200971]

Crazy cat people! :-)

[@linhgobenyt]

Our friends on a custom cat trained their two mau cats to use the head. They rigged up a pad for them to jump down on to flush. So awesome. Cheers guys!

[@thomasbrasse3145]

Least fav video so far, but I can appreciate the work you put into this.

[@rmitch4795]

I read about a cruiser who taught their cats to use a piece of carpet kept on deck as a "litter mat". Whenever it would need cleaned, they would simply toss it overboard attached to a line and let the saltwater clean it off for a couple minutes during a passage. When anchored, they would keep the carpet on the stern somewhere so that the carpet could be easily pushed into the water (still attached to its tether though).

[@dondesormeauxrcadventures7551]

I use the tidy cats no litter system and I love it. The upside, no more heavy litter, no more smells, no litter in paws..... the only downside.... expensive.

[@sinsarity]

You have probably already found a solution. But when you are about to do another long passage and in fear of running out, why not use this method while in the anchorage and save 1-2 bags for passage use only?

[@moz1953]

loved it when jason said " litter rally " - indeed, can only applaud your amazing application, you are both fabulous

[@dianesilverstein6475]

Laughed out loud! You guys are a hoot! 🐱🐱

[@markduncan6690]

Good thinking Miss Hepburn! You will trick these kitty's!!!

[@ourv9603]

GUYS, No kitty litter ? I can't tell you how many times I have walked into an auto parts store OR a auto repair shop and found kitty litter. It is used to soak up spilled engine oil. Even in a 3rd world nation, the mechanics there will be using some absorbent material to clean up their messes. I once saw RICE HULLS used. What about dried rice ? !

[@BCGray10x]

Works every time, and the bonus is oil spills are a thing of the past....Hey as x RVers this was a must for fluid spills. Cheers

[@EVCarGuy]

AAAAND my Sunday morning has started off right! Good morning you two (and the 4 legged kiddos)!

[@MyMarkn]

I recently heard a commercial for a product called "cat spot litter". They say it's made from 100% real coconuts. You're in the right part of the world to make your own.

[@GOTTshua]

I'd stretch out a dark piece of plastic/garbage bag or tarp and spread the kitty-litter-rocks on it, for maximum air flow, and exposure to the sun, rather than in a confined plastic container/colander. I really like using cedar chips as litter and a big block/bag of it goes a long way since it is compressed.

[@kenbrown6095]

YEAAAAHHHH another sunday morning "church with the Wynns" !!!!!

[@seawaatty]

Hi guys one thing to remember keep it simple. Its environmentally OK to simply dump your beach sand litter overboard when you change it. After all you are returning the sand to the sea where you got it. Merely dig up fine beach sand and place it into a five gallon buck that has small drain holes in the bottom. When you get back on board the boat fill the buck up with clean water and let it drain. After a few days of sitting in the sun the sand will be dry, scoop it into the cat box as needed. When it comes time to change the litter box simply dump it overboard. Its all natural. Yes the cats will track some sand, that's what you have a vacuum cleaner for. This works, I know from experience.

[@eva-britthjalmarsson9811]

I am in awe of how well the cats have transitioned to life on the boat! Has there ever been a close call for falling over board?

[@SootHead]

Admirable dedication to your cats. I can't imagine life without cats and you guys must have those feelings on steroids taking them with you on the adventures. Half the reason I watch is to see the cats ( : < ). Although, I will say... as sailors, you should know the traditional seagoing cat breed is the Manx. Sniff! I say that remembering when we got our Manx onto a boat. She literally leaped into the water to get off.

[@Svernon2k41]

alternatives to cat litter - Paper Litter. Corn Litter. Coconut Cat Litter. Wheat Litter. Walnut Litter. Wood Shavings. Mixture of Chicken Feed, Baking Soda, and Cedar Shavings

[@davidbrown2806]

Just another thought. Seems to me that the last thing you need to worry about, on top of everything else is cat litter. So a recycleable solution, seems to make sense to me. Extending the beach sand idea, what about aquarium stones ????? Something you can assume is clean, bug/bacteria free, and should be easy to wash.

[@casylius]

I love the dramatic announcement at the beginning. 😂

[@christinabcritter8929]

hey guys... i just cut weeds and grasses from the roadside for my cats when i was out of litter. they adapted well and its great to compost

[@mynhardtsaayman1]

I've used sea sand for cat litter before, it STINKS after a day or two. As soon as they pis or shit tos the wet patch immediately. Happy sailing you guys.

[@journey2fifty]

We don’t have cats and we don’t know much about kitty litter... but you’re videos are so amazing that you make kitty litter interesting!

[@juliek.1972]

I admire your dedication to using something reusable, like the little rocks, but just seems sand would have been so much easier and less time consuming.

[@ecleveland1]

Have you checked any mechanics shops. Oil dry comes in 50 bags and it's the same thing minus any deodorants or scents the cats may like.

[@rayray2613]

Love your vacation videos. I’m going to buy a yacht and travel the world like you guys after i win the lottery.

[@HugoHugunin]

My cat *refused* to use sand until I..."donated" some of my own "liquids". After that, I never bought litter again. (It help that I lived on the beach)

[@EatSleepVan]

The best cat litter I've ever used is wood pellets. They absorb the urine, which is the main smell, and dry out the solids. They don't make a mess ((unless they get too much moisture and start disintegrating). You probably can't find them easily though where you are! But anything that absorbs moisture could work.

[@denisebrooks4513]

It looks like you have the Snomaster freezer under the table instead of the Dominik now? Am I seeing that right? I remember you folks were doing a side-by-side test at one point, but I don't remember seeing how it turned out.

[@donjohnston3776]

You poor Wynns! As soon as you reach a more developed area, and are able to find cat litter, collect a stack of used newspapers as well (out of recycle boxes, perhaps). Someone told me of a great system that I used when I had cats. Lay a thin section of the paper down with only a couple of cups of litter on top. Once the litter has been used enough and needs to be changed, remove the section of paper with the litter in it and bag it. Then repeat the process. the benefit is that a LOT LESS litter gets used and the supply lasts much longer. I guess you would also need to keep a supply of bags. Good luck! Kathy. BTW - The number of views/number of subscribers is very healthy when compared to some other vloggers with 2M subscribers/5K views. Congratulations! Don.

[@aridill]

"The full scoop" hahah. Should have been the title of the video

[@Astrotigersteve]

Hahaha, Cleo's attitude is great ("What is this sh#t? Why does it small funny? Did you go to the thrift store for this?" [with a look of offense and disdain] My girl passed about a year ago (failed kidneys at 16 years) and I get so much from the cameos they both make. I was thinking the fine sand would be better than larger pieces. In theory, couldn't the fine sand be scooped and thrown into the composting toilet (to be discarded with all other biological waste)? I'd think a regular sweep or vaccuum is way faster than hours of "recycle" on pebbles. Since you're going to be in sandy areas, it might be worth looking into-- especially since you already know and have a system in place for disposal of your compost stuff. Much love and respect to you for your care and attention to the little CEO and Vice President.

[@dn52n56]

LOL this vid is a great one. glad you like your cats .. I have 2 dogs, one is a mix, border collie\black lab. and this one will not go outside the boat to do any thing. He has to have land. i use to go out and moor up to a bouy for weeks. so i use to row every day 5 x's too the beach. one day i wanted to test him out.. wouldn't go to the beach , he held it for 3 days. finally went, I would put my dingy out, and tied next to the boat. so when he wanted to go he''ll jump in and bark and whine till i took him. Like your opening page too here, you had changed it. better this way. so when you have your cats yellow flagged, do they just stay on board till they say its ok or they have to go ashore and be in quarantined.

[@latitudeash]

Cat litter... Ya living the dream. That cat had to christen the litter......lollol

[@conniewilson7318]

No matter the topic it’s always interesting thx

[@Heselius9]

Before transiting try processing enough sand for the trip. When the sand is dirty dump it overboard and replace with new.

[@itsnotme07]

No kitty litter? Hello Kent? HA! He knows everything else about the boat...figured he's gotta know how to handle this issue..

[@mabutoo]

I heard used coffee grounds are very absorbent and keep the odor down.

[@adammallerman8153]

Cats won't go near coffee grinds. I used it as a deterrent to keep them off a kids sand box.

[@AlFurtado]

Didn't I tell you guys to potty train the cats? OHHHHH wait I didn't LOL

[@teddyjohnson7863]

Sand works well

[@fredflintstone2234]

Gorgeous man. Gorgeous beach.

[@TheNarrowboatExperience]

I loved this. We got our SIL to bring three months supply and that was just to a land locked narrowboat!! It is my worst nightmare.

[@DavidHaney1]

I had to smile at myself for watching to the end. Like, come on .. a cat liter video ? I can't believe I just watched a cat liter video .. but your story telling skills are so good, it was great. Keep uploading. I love starting my Sunday morning with "Gone With Thw Wynn" .. even if it about cat pooh .. LOL

[@2SelfBTrue]

Kudos's to your animals care and love for them. They are work but they are great company. I would do it.

[@WebberAerialImaging]

Coir maybe? It's pretty absorbent and maybe adding to the sand? Probably more accessible to you guys in the tropics.

[@brigittecrawley2957]

Wow what an ordeal for cat litter. You guys are quite resourceful great job!

[@MattmanCDN]

Not the topic i was expecting but nice to see you !

[@Singapore1942]

Hi I am a chemist and have 3 cats live in the house. I looked into this a while ago and the simple vinegar you use for mould also will react with cat pee to destroy the odour...but smells of fish n chips. Also suggest you try and source zeolite which is natural skeleton formed by coral (google it) which is a natural filter and is used in swimming pool filters.I tried using the white crystals and washing them but missed out the vinegar stage and like you said the smell stays. You make be able to get the crystals which absorb the urine and use it in batches some in use , and another being cleaned soaked in vinegar after being dangled or dragged through the sea behind you (old sea dog washing trick). Just and idea.

[@rainman7992]

everything you wanted to know about cat liter but was afraid to ask....LOL Most liter has good clay content...so spread it out under the drip line of the trees and as it melts into the ground...the ground will hold more moisture.

[@ddpresearch07]

Pirates, hurricanes, tropical diseases, nothing is as exciting as the hunt for cat litter! Seriously, we love those kitties! The only thing is cats really do like to bury their poopy. So I think litter has to have some level of thickness

[@jenniferyates4969]

Guys the best thing ive found that i use that is also eco friendly and seriously cuts down on smells is using wood pellets!! like tge kind you get for animal bedding or use to bbq. Its great because when your cats pee on it it literally just disenigrates into sawdust but the absolute best thing is you wont smell cat urine but instead it will smell more like tge wood department at home depot as long as you replace as needed. SOOO much cheaper than cat litter, i get a 40 lb bag for around $6 here in Texas! Hope this helps!!

[@Only1Jenda]

I’m so glad you made this video. I was wondering if beach sand can be used as cat litter or not but I m 2-3 hours away from the beach to even test it out

[@tronalpha2552]

I used to owen cats when i was younger the last one was an simeas cocllit tiped eras and blue eyes and we used simply garden drit from uder trees, and had no problems with simple dirt. Gerard on readybaron.

[@Onewild1]

Love the new intro and your devotion to the cats! Anyone who knows you guys, knows that the cats are worth the effort!

[@secondstartotheright]

If you use the rocks then put holes in the bottem of the litter box and then put the box inside another box so the solids stay on the rocks and the liquid drains through into the bottom container, you could also clean the rocks in the litter box this way too

[@ExpeditionNomadicAdventures]

Sand and a box of baking soda, serves the purpose, and I’m sure the cats will adjust. Many kitty litter manufacturers will bulk at your solutions since their sales maybe impacted. Keep a damp towel down around the kitty litter box which aids in cleaning the cats paws when leaving the box.

[@spunkycat6144]

I was wondering how fun that must be....getting that little area clean. Great idea!

[@wellDunn1]

ThNjs for sharing. Between the litter / waste and quarantine you’ve successfully convinced me that cruising with animals are not worth the pleasure a pet brings.

[@kevbjork1]

If you can find an automotive parts store you can use "oil dry" used for soaking up oil spills. Pretty much the same stuff as cat litter.

[@crashk6]

Meanwhile the locals just grabbed the dry sand and then throw it out when gets fouled with urine.. sun and time is a great sterilizer. Also, for more in a pinch litter options; one can use dry oats or oatmeal, rice, dry beans, dry lentils, coconut coir, dry corn kernels (aka bulk popcorn.. not very absorbent), whole wheat, coffee bean husks, un-ground coffee beans (the cheap undrinkable coffee obviously, but it smells nice), whole buckwheat, buck wheat hulls (messy but functional), wood shavings and/or saw dust from sawmills or furniture makers. The list goes on, some are messier than others. The dry grains work well, as does the sawdust. My complaint with saw dust was that it was well sawdust.. I found mixing it with something less absorbent like bulk pop corn made a pretty passable litter with absorbent qualities. I've used every one of the things in this list while traveling or at home.

[@Expendible1971]

Try to find bentonite, most likely at a hardware store, it is a clay used for sealing ponds, deep mineral exploration drill holes, and in the production of cat litter. Might have the same result as your search for cat litter, but it is a product that has many uses and might be used in Polynesia.

[@spunkycat6144]

Layer it...baking soda, bentonite, coconut things, silica beads, and some of those pebbles, which I thought was ingenious, given the lack of options.

[@HopeOfJoe]

WOW !! 1 min into the vlog and WOW, Jason has a haircut and a nice shave !! Bravo !! ♥️💯

[@parishm]

hardware or auto supply stores should have "oil dry" which is basically old school clay cat litter. it's used for absorbing oil spills

[@brichusi]

This is hazardous to breath and will kill you cats. - read the label.

[@vxnova1]

They probably use sand for oil clean up there too,

[@larrytillick952]

@@brichusi This is not true. Oil dry IS kitty litter without the deodorants and perfumes. It is no more hazardous (this means they share the same hazards) than kitty litter since they are the same thing. It is simply a straight, granular zeolite (a family of earthy minerals). If there is auto repair place you two may be in luck. But...in a remote location, it would be a shot in the dark.

[@peterengel7885]

Oil dry is the original cat litter.

[@murph914]

This maybe mixed with rock is what i expected. I never used speedydry for cats, but have used litter for oil spills, and for traction on ice.

[@joethecomputerguy1]

Look at all the joy the kitties have brought you. Good use of a colander. Hope there was no pasta on the menu later that day :o

[@patwest1815]

More shore leave Please!

[@tareefaires4766]

have you tried coconut husks shredded? It works for composting toilets... hmm cute vid... love the cats..

[@SeanC571]

I read the dried coconut husk works well

[@timfrost4291]

Oil dry available from auto parts store? Don't have many cat stories. I once had an African grey. My cat and bird we're good friends. Cat loved to lay on top of bird's Cage, casually reach down and swipe the bird upside her head. Bird got mad. Said something in French I won't repeat. Bird finally had enough and bit the cat's paw. New found respect. End of story. Lol

[@billhanna8838]

plastic grass mat , tied to a lanyard & dipped over the side to clean it , works a treat.

[@nautiquecowboynautiquecowb5317]

Always glad to see your videos just to know ya'll are safe

[@dick923]

When I was growing up we had a neighbor that used sawdust. Hope you have good luck in finding more litter for your furry children.

[@littlepaperscollection5515]

What a lucky cat!

[@shippen2010]

Use vinegar to neutralize the urine spread the sand out over cardboard to dry... You can even spray the card board with the vinegar let it dry and put it on the bottom of the kitty box.. Works wonder for the smell.

[@lorenmarie4437]

I use play sand from our local warehouse. I'd suggest you just use some dry sand from the beach and don't worry too much about washing it? 😂 The sand we use comes slightly damp as is pre-washed and bagged up, I just dump it in the litter box and go. I would think beach sand would be relatively clean and that if it's your only option I wouldn't be bothered washing it and drying it out haha - that's amazing how much time you put in just so your cats can poop! 😂❤

[@Kavack]

Sand works better than rocks. Still going to track it but works better on smell especially with baking soda. There was a time before cat litter....

[@fsoileau]

Made me feel old, before modern cat litter we used sand in litter boxes. I would not filter the fine sediment out of it, just let it dry out. The fine sediment will absorb more urine. If there is any dirt around that will form a dirt clod you can smash it into a power add it to the mixture as a binder, instant clumping liter.

[@tankneverfull3931]

Back when I had cats, I experimented with this a lot. One of the best tricks I found was to mix in a little bit of aquarium charcoal with the litter, it helped a lot with suppressing odors. Although, aquarium charcoal might not be any easier to find than anything else you're looking for. I wonder if you could make your own charcoal with a little cleverness and a beach fire?

[@nieljohnson7943]

take the dingy and do throwaway sand litter, that couple hours it takes to collect more sand you can throw away will save you many more hours on passage

[@gerrycooper56]

I heard of someone who bought a boat complete with cat, named cooking fat. The cat was taught to use a bowl of glass marbles as the litter. The litter could then be washed.