Cat litter crisis: Coles shelves stripped bare as rail bridge damage halts deliveries
By Jo Abi|
Coles shoppers are facing empty shelves this week as cat litter disappears from locations across New South Wales.
This is due to recent issues with rail freight lines between Western Australia and the East Coast.
A Customer Notice at Coles in Castle Hill, Sydney, reads: "We regret to advise we are currently experiencing stock issues with Cat Litter due to the current rail network disruptions.
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"We are working hard to have these back in stock as soon as possible.
"Thank you for your patience and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."?
Several brands of cat litter were missing from the Castle Hill store including Breeder's Choice and Coles brand.
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Nine.com.au contacted Coles and was told this issue is not widespread.
We were told availability of this product has been temporarily impacted by recent flooding, which affected rail freight lines between Western Australia and the East Coast.
As the product is supplied from Western Australia, the disruption delayed supply coming into the East Coast.
The problem was reportedly isolated to a single product line จC cat litter จC and customers have been assured they can access a range of alternative options in store.
Cat litter supplies when ordering online via the Coles website don't appear to be impacted.?
A quick trip to the nearest Woolworths store at Baulkham Hills, just one suburb over from Castle Hill, showed some cat litter brands were also missing from shelves.
Woolworths has been contacted for comment.
Cat litter shortages have also been reported at Coles Wyoming and Woolworths in Gosford and Erina in New South Wales.
Aldi shoppers have also reported missing cat litter, with one customer taking to Reddit to say they haven't been able to find it it there for "almost a month now".
Aldi has been contacted for comment.
"I went to 2 stores in one region and also the only store an hour away in another region and none had any!" another Aldi shopper reported.
"This product has empty shelves most times I go to get some, and I try stock up each time because it's constant.
"I have big trays and multiple cats so I can't afford any other options, ridiculous how expensive litter is.?"
Conversations on social media about the missing product evolved into discussions about recent cat litter price increases, with many supermarket shoppers reporting they are struggling to afford to buy the popular product.
One Costco customer claimed on Reddit the price of cat litter at the bulk discount retailer has "nearly doubled in price in 2 months".
"They really are. This is one of the most flagrant and audacious price hikes I've seen for almost any basic consumer good. And it's especially disappointing coming from Costco, too. They were a last bastion of reasonable prices," one Costco customer added.
Australian cat owners spend an average of at least $120 to over $500 per year on cat litter per cat, depending on the type of litter and the number of cats, according to Choosi.
The price of most cat litter brands has increased by 20-25 per cent over the past two years, with customers keeping an eye out for specials to keep up with the continued cost of caring for their pets.
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