i have a cavy and i use pine litter, because i have read that cedar litter is bad. can someone tell me if it is really bad or do some of you use it without a problem. if it is dangerous, then why is it available at all stores that sell pet litter. thanks for your help.

Both cedar and pine are highly toxic, especially to the respiratory system, and if ingested can cause liver damage.

Of course that's true cedar. What we call 'cedar' (red and yellow) here on the West Coast is actually cypress or arborvitae.

These trees have been found allergenic to some people, both to the respiratory system and the skin.

In general I would think you're safest using a chips from a tree with less oil in the wood.

As to why it's available, maybe the pet store owners don't know it can be harmful. Or maybe the deaths and illnesses are not traced to the litter used. Even products for human use have been sold by manufacturers who know they're harmful but continue to do it as long as the customer is willing to buy.