The nation’s cat owners could be left with a lingering litter problem due to a shortage at major supermarkets caused by the collapse of a petcare company that manufactured a popular brand of the feline toilet essential.

Bob Martin, producer of Felight cat litter, as well as the Clear and Clear Plus flea, tick and worming treatments, entered administration last November, with pet food manufacturer Pet Choice acquiring parts of the business. But complications in transferring supermarket listings from Bob Martin have resulted in shortages at multiple retailers, according to trade magazine The Grocer.

The manufacturer also supplied supermarkets with their own-brand litter, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s. In recent days, the magazine has been made aware of a branch of Co-Op with no cat litter available, while a Tesco Extra was left stocking just one variety. Sainsburys’ online customers were also left with little or no choice.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Pet Choice all confirmed the shortage.

“We are aware of the shortages of cat litter products across the market and we’re working hard to resolve this and to have full availability again soon,” Tesco said.

Sainsbury’s said: “Some stores are running low on some cat litter lines but we continue to offer a number of options. We’re working to replenish as quickly as possible and are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Pet Choice attributed the shortage to the process during which supermarket listings were transferred from Bob Martin to itself, but that it hoped the situation would be resolved by the end of the month.

“Pets Choice Ltd and Bob Martin brands are now pleased to confirm that the listings have been transferred and deliveries have already restarted, so Bob Martin customers will be able to purchase the Bob Martin products imminently,” it said.

“Production at both UK Bob Martin factories has now recommenced, and normal supply should be available shortly.”

Commercially sold litter has been a staple product for owners since it came on the market a little over 70 years ago, with indoor cats especially reliant on it. Until the middle of the 20th Century, cats either relieved themselves outdoors, or in indoor boxes filled with dirt, sand, sawdust, paper, and ashes. However, these substances did little to disguise the odour.

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In 1947 US businessman Edward Lowe began selling bags of granulated clay, which he named Kitty Litter, to his neighbours and then to pet shops.

Britain is home to some 7.3m cats and in 2013 the UK cat litter market was estimated to be worth up to £120 million.

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