Conference misery::feline_v1

    I have  seen a timed sprayer in a stable. It was for insectisides, 
    though, not for air freshening.  I have two air purifiers, and they 
    do not do anything for odors.  They do a great job of removing smoke, 
    dust, hair, etc particles from the air, though.  (I am asthmatic).
    We have air freshener sprayers in the ladies room here.  They run
    by a battery, and spray a short burst according to the time setting.
    
    A cheaper idea-purchase some of that rug & room deodorizer in the
    Pot Pourri scents.  I was worried about the same problem (I have
    5 furfaces and 3 litterboxes going!) and this sprinkled lightly
    in the bottom of the litterboxes, plus used throughout the house
    once or twice a week, makes the air smell fine.  Also, get a potpourri
    pot or use an old small metal pot, and buy some ground clove or allspice,
    and let it simmer on the stove. (only when you are home, of course!)
    
    
    L- (Casey, B.K., Pepper, Rusty & Noel) 

    Pat,
    
    I purchased an ozium dispenser that dispenses approximately every 10
    minutes.  I use the ozium refill in it, but you can buy all kinds of
    scented ones too.  I like the ozium because it's also suppose to help
    sanitize the air besides just covering up the odor.
    
    It really works!!!!!  I love it, and don't know how I lived without it
    for so long. 
    
    I purchased mine at the cat show from Haddleigh House.  Haddleigh House
    will also mail order if you want to order one.  207-676-3309   The cost
    was around $35 for the dispenser, and the ozium refills are about $6. 
    The fragrance refils are lower in price, but I like the ozium.  
    
    It is free standing, I have mine sitting on a high shelf in my cattery,
    or can be hung on the wall.  It is battery operated.  You cannot adjust
    the time interval for the spray, it's automatic.  
    
    The refills seem to last around 4-6 weeks.
    
    Pennie has one, and I think Jo does too.  I know Pennie likes hers as
    much as I do.
    
    cin
    

    Is it battery or electric operated? Are their a choice of fragrances
    (including something that isn't overpowering)? Has anyone (feline or
    human) had any allergy problems related to it?

    Deb

    and E.T. will be getting one or two when she gets around to it!
    
    "It's on the List"  They really do work well.
    
    Deb, if you use a scented refill, you could maybe have problems.
    I have severe reactions to potpouri - I can't breathe if I am
    within 20 feet of the smell.  Quite a few breeders I know do
    use the dispenser and really like it.  I haven't heard anything
    but positive about it from anyone I know that uses it.  I know
    at least 5 people using it right now, probably a lot more, I
    just haven't asked.

    It works on 1 D size Battery....maybe 2 D batteries, I don't remember
    for sure.  
    
    They have scented refills, as well as ozium.  The scented refills do
    not kill bacteria or sanitize the air like the ozium does.  I bought
    one Orange scented refill, and didn't like it very much.  The ozium
    just removes the odor and doesn't leave a scent.  
    
    I know they come in Pine, Mint, Floral and Citrus....and probably
    herbal.  The scented ones are about 2/3 the price of the ozium refills.
    
    NDC has at least one too!
    
    cin
    

    Cin and E.T.,

    I also have a similar problem with both potpourri and for that matter, all
    of those scented things, which is why I asked. Also, I doubt that most of
    my cats would go with in 10 feet of the box if there was one in the
    vicinity. I didn't realize that ozium wasn't scented so that sounds
    like a possibility.

    Now for the big question (and don't mistake what I am saying for "I
    like kitty box smell"). I have a couple of FUS cats, and I have a
    problem with bladder infections going through the house. Now, I swear
    that I can foretell a problem when I walk by the box immediately after a
    cat has urinated and it there is almost a "sweet" smell. (Yes, I know,
    I have a *very* sensitive sense of smell, which makes my allergies all
    the more psychosomatic). Anyhow, would one of these little devices
    cover up this early-warning signal (i.e., the sweet smelling urine)?

    Deb

    I have two ozium dispensers.  One stays in the isolation room.
    The Ozium DEFINITELY has an odor.  For the one that is in the
    stairway for most of the house, I only notice the odor immediately
    after it sprays, but for the one in the isolation room there is
    a definite odor - and it definitely is NOT the cat box (thank
    goodness).  The odor reminds me a bit of ivory soap - an odor of
    which I am not at all fond - but after smelling it for a bit I
    developed a liking for it.  
      Try one - if you don't like it let me know and I'll buy it from
    you.  I'm considering a third dispenser anyway as we have a two
    story house and one really isn't sufficient.
      Nancy DC

    Nancy,
    
    Maybe it depends on just how hard it has to work!!!  ;-)  I have 3
    whole males, remember!!!
    
    I can notice a slight smell when it first spritzes, but it disappears
    really fast.  And I can't imagine I'ld notice it if it was in a more
    open area of the house.  I don't think the ozium should bother your
    allergies, but Pennie should know....she's got asthma.  
    
    Deb, the ozimatic (which is what this device is called) doesn't change
    the odor of the box.  It just takes care of drifting odors!!!  ;-)
    
    cin
    

    The Ozium I use is near the stud pen, where the spraying occurs.
    Makes a BIG difference.   I don't use one in the house, so I can't
    say for sure how it might affect my asthma...and other allergies
    may be different anyway.
    
    	Pennie

    What's ozium?  How big and obtrusive is the dispenser?  Do you hear
    it when it sprays, or get damp if you're in the vicinity?
    

    Ozium is a product that removes odors from the air...it doesn't cover
    them up, it eliminates them.  
    
    The dispenser isn't that big or obtrusive, it looks like a small brown
    box.  If your in the room, you can hear it when it sprays, but it's
    like a 1 second spritz.  You won't get damp, or get any on you, unless
    your directly in front of it, even then I'm not sure you'ld get damp. 
    It spritzes like a pressured can would.  I find I can smell the ozium
    for the first 10 seconds after it sprays, if that.  
    
      
    
    

    Uh, what does it smell like, then? Sort of like a spark, i.e., ozone?
    
    (sorry for all the questions)
    Deb

    Like I said - I think it bears a resemblence to the smell of Ivory
    soap with a bit of citrus thrown in.  Hard to describe, but  its a
    clean smell anyway.
    
    re: size - about 8-10 inches by about 6 inchest by about 4.5 inches.
    Its about the size of a door-bell chime and is imitation wood (plastic)
    brown.

    Ozium smells better than cats!!!!!  ;-)
    
    

    Add my name to the list of happy buyers.  I bought one for Kalliste's
    stud room.  Big improvement.  Since I have to leave the window closed
    in there at all times, it tends to get "musty", ahemm.  I have had
    mine for over a month, and it is still going strong.  I wonder how
    long it will last before needing a refill.
    
    Jo

    just a quick question about ozium- do you think it could be harmful
    to caged birds? I have a pair of finch who are almost 7 years old.
    Even tho they have passed their normal lifespan - I'd hate to do
    them in with a spray. I think ozium actually would be okay tho.
    Pat
    

    Maybe someone could enter the info from the ozium label that tells what
    ozium is composed of?
    
    Deb

    Since I just happen to be working from home today.....
    
    Active ingredients:  Triethylene Glycol, 4.4%
                         Propylene Glycol, 4.4%
                         Essential Oils, 3.5%
                         Inert Ingredientl: 87.7%
    
    Specified for use in Hospitals, Schools, Factories, Offices, Hotels,
    Public Buildings.
    
    Directions for Manual Operation:
    For Smoke and odor control - press the valve twice for the average size
    room (10' x 14' x 8').  If possible, remove source of odor.
    
    To reduce airborne bacteria -- Close doors and windows, fill average
    size room with mist (approx 15 sprays).  Repeat application several
    times daily.  This will temporarily reduce the number of airborne
    bacteria.
    
    AUTOMATIC DISPENSER OPERATION:
    
    Read the directions included with the automatic dispenser for proper
    installation of unit and refill.
    
    For smoke and odor control -- Insert can in automatic dispenser which
    will spray automatically at regular intervals.
    
    To reduce airborne bacteria -- Follow directions above - keep room
    closed for 15 mintues.  Place can of ozium in automatic dispenser.  A 
    measured amount of Ozium will spray into the room at intervals to
    reduce the level of airborne bacteria.
    
    FLAMMABLE: Contents under pressure. Keep away from heat, sparks and
    open flame.  do not puncture or incinerate container.  Exposure to
    emperature over 130 degrees may cause bursting.
    
    Caution: Avoid inhalation of spray mist.  Avoid contact with skin or
    eyes.  Do NOT spray on painted or lacquered surfaces.
    
    That's what it says.......

    
    re: inert ingredients: 87.7%
    
    what is the opposite of "inert"?  "ert"???
    
    inquiring minds in atlanta want to know
    

re: .19

The opposite of "inert" is "active".  The inert ingredients are usually the 
propellents (the stuff that makes it spray), and diluents (the stuff that 
make it a uniform strength).

Ray

    ray...
    
    yes!!! after saving msg., noticed it had no  ;-)  in it...
    
    ratz!
    
    feline publically humiliated is *****, alias "dumb human owned by
    stella & stanley"
    
    

    re: .21 and no  ;-)
    
    Well, it was implied and I got it.  But then again, I'm slightly
    unbalanced myself.
       ;-)

    thanks for (all) the info. I think I'm going to order one of these
    things.
    
    Deb

    I also want to thank everyone for the information.
    I plan to go out and get one too- you all have been VERY 
    helpful. I really was getting worried about that "cat
    odor" happening when I move to a smaller place, but
    I'm feeling okay now. I think that Ozimatic will do the
    trick.
    
    Thanks again.
    Pat  

    a testimonial to the product's effectiveness.
    
    Last night a couple came over to see Mimosa.  There said, "all these
    cats, and your house doesn't smell at all!"  She then related a
    story of going to a lady's house that fostered cats for a local
    no-kill shelter, and not being able to stand the smell.  Made me
    feel good since I always worry about our house smelling bad.
    
    Jo

	At the risk of sounding paranoic, I'd like to caution everybody about 
using anything chemical in kitty areas.  Whatever is in the air winds up on the 
floor (or other surfaces), and whatever is on the floor winds up on the kitty's 
pads and from there into their mouths.  Also, they will probably breathe some 
of the spray stuff too, especially if the spritzer goes off automatically (when 
you aren't around).  Recall that the label says:

> Caution: Avoid inhalation of spray mist.  Avoid contact with skin or
>    eyes.

	You know how sensitives their little systems are to things that we 
don't even notice.  I have no idea if my cautionary note is appropriate in this 
case or not, but we should all be more aware of the chemical hazards to kitties 
in our own homes.  I've heard of people that rinse their floors twice after 
washing to keep the amonia off the floor.  Rinsing is especially important after 
cleaning the litter box.

	Maybe cleaning the box more frequently would help the smell for 
people who don't have loads furries?

	Mark

    In the case of those of us with stud males, more frequent cleaning
    of the boxes is not going to keep the smell down.  When you have
    a whole male, all it takes is one trip to the litter box, or one 
    spray to cause some major odor.
    
    Ozium has long been used by the cat fancy, in show halls, in the
    judging rings.  So far, no adverse affects have been noted.  If
    there had been any reactions or illnesses caused by Ozium, the news
    of it would have spread throught the cat fancy like wild fire.
    
    My automatic sprayer is mounted just below the ceiling level, about
    nine feet off the ground.  The auto spray last about a split second,
    and dissipates very quickly.  I have been using it for several months,
    and haven't noticed any ill effects to my stud cat, his visiting
    queens, or to myself.  I spend a lot of time in the stud room too.
    
    The product is apparently safe, but like many things, we may some
    day learn that it is carcinogenic.  For now, I will continue to
    use it cause I haven't seen any ill effects.
                               
    Jo

    Just another thought, the "avoid inhalation" warning could be because
    of the propensity of some people to get high from the propellants
    in aerosol sprays.
    
    Jo

	thanks.  I'm glad to know that all's safe.  I have always been
paranoid about the health of my kitties.  Is there a term for someone who
is a hypocondriac for their beasts?

	I have not suffered from this disorder for the 4 years that I 
have been without "friends".  Finally, I am ready to have a new friend in my
home again.  In "shopping" for a new kitty I have been reading up on various 
breeds over the last 2 months.  I had it narrowed down to abys, and two other 
breeds.  Last weekend I went to the Boston show and saw my first Abys 
"in person" and as many of you have experienced, that was all it took!  I 
also met a breeder that I feel great about!  I've fallen in LOVE with a tiny
ruddy girl she has and am PSYCH'D to say it looks like she will be coming to 
live with me next weekend!

	another victim of the Aby charm!
	Mark

    Mark,
    
    Hypo-cat-driac = someone who is overly worried about illnesses in
    their beasts (my vet calls me this).
    
    Congratulations on your new addition.  I am sure that your new rudy
    girl will keep you on your toes (literally).
    
    Jo

    I just pickup one of these timed fragrance emitters and a couple of cans
    of ozium this weekend. I want to say that I am very pleased with it. The
    house now smells like ivory soap, which took about a day to get used
    to, but overall I have to say I am very happy with it. The woman that
    waited on me (not Martha, someone else) told me that each can lasts
    just a month. Is that about right?

    Deb

    I think that mine last about two months, almost three.  I got it
    in early December, and it ran out just a couple of weeks ago.  I
    need to get some more Ozium refills, guess I will have to order
    from Martha again and have her ship them, can't seem to find them
    around here.
    
    Jo

    I think mine last about 6 weeks or so.  I haven't been able to find
    another vender who stocks the Ozium.  Even the catalogs have other
    refills, but not the Ozium.  I used the orange stuff from the Foster &
    Smith Catalog, but the cattery smelled more like an orange grove....I
    really didn't like it, besides, I like the fact that Ozium is suppose
    to sanitize the air.
    
    cin
    

    Foster & Smith does sell a mint fragrance refill that is supposed
    to kill airborn bacteria.
    
    And I think my ozium lasts around 1.5 - 2 months.
      Its certainly a good deal whatever it is.
    

    Anyone find a cheaper place for the Ozium refills than HH?

    Nancy,
    
    I can't find anyone else that even has Ozium refills other than HH!  I
    was considering calling the company to see if I could order them
    directly.  
    
    I have found other refills from several of the catalogs that fit the
    dispenser, most of them have pretty scents, but none of them are actual
    air sanitizers.  They don't really do anything to help with airborne
    bacteria.
    
    cin
    

    Okay, I am falling into the twilight zone here.  Deb, please help
    me!!
    
    I put in a note after Nancy's.  It was numbered 3331.36.  When I
    was purusing the notes, I came to Cin's note and wondered if it
    was after mine.  I looked, and mine wasn't there.  So, I put it
    in again, and made a comment about the earlier one being missing.
    So, I go on reading notes and I am popped back to my first answer
    in this topic 3331.36.  I hit the return and the next note, .37,
    is my reply wondering where my .36 went.  So, I delete .37, and
    now my .36 is gone too!!  What is going on?  Am I losing my mind?
    
    Jo

    Imagine if you will, the unsuspecting noter who cannot get her 
    notes to stay put in the file.   
    
    
    Dee Dee         Dee Dee 
            Dee Dee         Dee Dee ...
    
               Jo Ann, you have now entered ...
    
                              THE TWILIGHT ZONE !!   Da Da
                                                          Da Da
            *        *       *                                 Dum
                   *    *       *         
             *       *     *
                  *            *
    Rod       *         *     *     *
    Serling        *
    
    (ok, it's really me...Jan) 

    HaHaHaHa, chuckle, chuckle, snort, snort... I really enjoyed that
    one Jan!
    
    Jo

    Something strange is happening, I don't know what, but I suspect that
    either an RMS pointer got munged or someone was running SDA on our
    live cluster (and poked something that effected the lock manager).
    
    I'm going to try to straighten things out this weekend. If anyone else
    has problems, please send me mail.
    
    Deb

    I did find an antibacterial spray from Foster & Smith with a mint
    scent for about 3.50 each plus shipping.  However, I don't like the
    scent.
      If you decide to call the company let me know.  Maybe we can put
    together a BIG order and save $$.

    Jo...your kitties are getting back at you for calling them Poo-heads
    and telling the world they "stink".  They must have ganged up and
    said "let's make mommy think she is crazy".
    
    Sandy

    We've been getting a "virtual address already in use error" that
    Jack insists is cat-spit on the virtual memory.  Maybe that's what's
    wrong here too!  Kitties in the Komputer!