# Kitty litter recommendations, please? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 15, 2016, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434 "2016-06-15T16:21:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/1 "2016-06-15T16:21:42Z")
Time once again for the cat owners (and the owned-by-cats) to gather together and discuss how best to deal with the litter box. I really need to switch to something better … But what? I used Worlds Best for a while, because the box was right next to the toilet and the label claims it’s ok to flush. I never backed up the toilet, but it flushed sloooooooowly enough, frequently enough, to make me damn nervous. So no more flushable. I switched to Purina Tidy Cats, but the pieces are as round as marbles and roll EVERYWHERE. I cannot keep up with the sweeping, using this brand. (Why so effing round? ☹ ) I’ve tried those blue crystal super-absorbent types, where you don’t scoop clumps and just toss the entire batch after a couple weeks when it’s saturated, but stepping on one of those barefoot is up there with stepping on a LEGO. I’ve used Swheat Scoop, which smells rather pleasantly like a horse barn when peed upon, but it clumps and scoops for shit (ha!) and so I found it messy to keep clean. Has anyone made the perfect litter? Absorbent, scoopable (nice clumps) doesn’t hurt to step on or roll into the far corners of the next room over … Is it out there? Disclaimer: I have an Awesome Kitteh who seems to not notice or care when I switch litter brands or types. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/2 "2016-06-15T16:26:06Z")
I use the bulk litter that PetCo sells. You can refill the bucket and save a dollar I think. It makes nice hard clumps. I step on it sometimes and it has sort of sharp edges but not terrible. It doesn’t roll. I put the litter box in an unused bathtub and the litter tracking is minimized. It’s also affordable. I think the odors are minimal but as the ads say I might be “nose blind” to it. However I did take a poll among my visitors and they all say no smell. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/3 "2016-06-15T22:06:18Z")
I came in to recommend Tidy Cats. The box is on almost-pure white tile, with a room divider wall (4’ high) next to it. I have had no tracking and next to no spillage. What spillage I do get stays where it lands - within 6" of box. Have no idea why you would get spherical granules. Maybe a manufacturing hiccup? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2016, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/4 "2016-06-15T23:11:20Z")
We use [Blue Buffalo](http://bluebuffalo.com/natural-cat-litter/naturally-fresh-quick-clumping-litter/), a walnut-based, clumping and odorless litter that lasts quite a long time with regular scooping. Available online or at pet stores. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/5 "2016-06-16T02:10:18Z")
I just switched from the Sam’s variety bucket litter to one of the Tidy Cats. Sam’s is much cheaper. I like the way Tidy Cats clumps and scoops but haven’t decided on it’s odor control. They make a variety to choose from so I’m watching this thread to see if any of the Tidy Cats are much different. Already purchased the box of liter from Sam’s that is lighter per volume than standard clay. haven’t tried it yet. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/6 "2016-06-16T03:13:26Z")
Also use Petco bulk, or if I don’t bother to stop in, the Target litter. Unscented. But I have a covered box in the basement where I simply vaccuum every three months, I don’t really care how much it tracks. ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/7 "2016-06-16T03:13:58Z")
Arm & Hammer Clump and Seal. It is the best I’ve found for odor control, by far. It’s regular sand-like granules, not round or anything. I can’t recommend it enough, really- once the cat has covered the mess, there is literally no odor, at all. It’s awesome. ---
**Author:** ![starwarsfreek42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@starwarsfreek42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/starwarsfreek42)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/8 "2016-06-16T04:28:36Z")
Tidy Cats Lightweight +[Omega Paw](https://www.amazon.com/Omega-Paw-Self-Cleaning-Litter-Pewter/dp/B005E2S77C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466051280&sr=8-2&keywords=omega+paw) roll-over litter box. Problem pwned. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveroptic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiveroptic/32/8257_2.png) [@Fiveroptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveroptic)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/9 "2016-06-16T04:57:54Z")
Be forewarned of the lightweight litters, though, if you have a fat cat who likes to balance on the edge of the litter box while concentrating on the task at hand. I switched from regular to lightweight and it took poor Arthur by surprise when the pan flipped over and spilled litter all over the floor. Once his adrenaline was done surging he just did his business in the pile on the floor. I switched back to regular litter as soon as he finished up. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/10 "2016-06-16T10:49:33Z")
I use the Target Boots & Barkley brand. switched from Tidy Cats and much prefer the Target brand. Better clumping, easier scooping. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/11 "2016-06-16T11:42:50Z")
We use the generic stuff from Walmart in the 40# green box. It clumps, it doesn’t smell bad, except when the girl cat refuses to bury her business, and it’s cheap enough. The cats do fling it far and wide, but the cat box is on the stairway landing with the broom, foxtail, and dustpan, so we stay on top of it. Not that it matters - I’ve found the occasional piece of litter on my comforter - all the way at the other end of the house. I guess it gets stuck between the cat’s toes. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/12 "2016-06-16T14:58:04Z")
So, I found this stuff that clumps like a dream, Precious Cat (5 stars on Amazon), but it has a somewhat dusty/chalky feel to it, and I prefer the clean feeling of Swheat Scoop even though I agree, it doesn’t clump worth shit. So what do I do? I combine the two, at a ratio of maybe 1:3 Precious Cat vs Swheat Scoop. Clumps like a dream, feels clean and fresh, problem solved. Combine with the Litter Genie and I am like super satisfied with the litter box situation. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/13 "2016-06-16T15:01:15Z")
We tried the Blue Buffalo walnut, but it discolored our light-colored-kitty’s paws and anything they walked on after they exited the box. The Arm and Hammer was good at clumping and almost no odor, but it was SO dusty that I began to fear for my and the kitties’ lungs. We use Cat Attract now, and it’s great. Low dust, clumps amazingly, no odor. A bit more expensive, but it lasts longer. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/14 "2016-06-16T15:03:48Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > So, I found this stuff that clumps like a dream, Precious Cat (5 stars on Amazon), I think this is made by the same folks as Cat Attract. We used Precious cat as well and agree about the chalky feel but fabulous clumping ability. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/15 "2016-06-16T15:28:54Z")
We use the [bulk litter](https://www.scoopaway.com/cat-litter/multi-cat-scented/) sold by Costco. It clumps well and easy to clean. When we trapped and later adopted the kittens we trapped, we used [Integrity cat litter](http://www.integritylitter.com/NaturalCornCob.htm) as recommended by the no kill cat shelter. It doesn’t stick to their fluffy tails and eliminates the possibility the kittens would ingest it, plug up their gut and die. We continued to use it as the kittens got older and began using it with our other cats. Then the revolt started. Hidden poop and pee places. We’ve since eliminated Integrity and use Scoopaway exclusively. No more revolt. And the kittens, being older, prefer it. ---
**Author:** ![starwarsfreek42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@starwarsfreek42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/starwarsfreek42)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2016, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/16 "2016-06-16T18:04:00Z")
> [@Fiveroptic](#): > > Be forewarned of the lightweight litters, though, if you have a fat cat who likes to balance on the edge of the litter box while concentrating on the task at hand. I switched from regular to lightweight and it took poor Arthur by surprise when the pan flipped over and spilled litter all over the floor. Once his adrenaline was done surging he just did his business in the pile on the floor. > > I switched back to regular litter as soon as he finished up. This is why is suggest the rollover litter box, as the box itself is heavy enough to keep it from tipping over. Win and win. ---
**Author:** ![Why\_Child](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b782af/32.png) [@Why\_Child](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Why_Child)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/17 "2016-06-17T00:49:23Z")
I’m going to watch this thread to see what seems to be the consensus. I’ve used Tidy Cats for years. Minor tracking outside the box. My problem with it? It seems in the last year or two, they’ve changed their formula. Instead of the pee clumping up nice, like it used to, it seems more like it … congeals… in the bottom of the box. My cats refuse to cover anything. I have one that scratches the wall, the cabinet, the floor, anything but the litter. (Family joke - she’s illitterate. 😉 ) I clean the litter box, and it’s dry on top. But there is an ooey-gooey mass at the bottom of the box. I have to pry it out of there. It’s like tar. It happens with Tidy Cats “Instant Action” and “Multiple Cats.” Does this happen to anyone else? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/18 "2016-06-17T01:12:15Z")
**purplehorseshoe** , I’m curious why, if you liked World’s Best otherwise, don’t you just not flush it?? It’s what I use and I don’t flush it, just collect it like with any other clumping litter and throw it out with the trash. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/19 "2016-06-17T01:28:14Z")
> [@Why\_Child](#): > > I’m going to watch this thread to see what seems to be the consensus. I’ve used Tidy Cats for years. Minor tracking outside the box. My problem with it? It seems in the last year or two, they’ve changed their formula. Instead of the pee clumping up nice, like it used to, it seems more like it … congeals… in the bottom of the box. My cats refuse to cover anything. I have one that scratches the wall, the cabinet, the floor, anything but the litter. (Family joke - she’s illitterate. 😉 ) > > I clean the litter box, and it’s dry on top. But there is an ooey-gooey mass at the bottom of the box. I have to pry it out of there. It’s like tar. It happens with Tidy Cats “Instant Action” and “Multiple Cats.” > > Does this happen to anyone else? 😕 I had this issue when one of my cats had a medical issue and peed huge amounts of urine. Maybe too many cats are peeing in one box? ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2016, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434/20 "2016-06-17T22:39:50Z")
> [@SeaDragonTattoo](#): > > **purplehorseshoe** , I’m curious why, if you liked World’s Best otherwise, don’t you just not flush it?? It’s what I use and I don’t flush it, just collect it like with any other clumping litter and throw it out with the trash. I didn’t like it THAT much, and it’s a bit of a pain to find sometimes. Why Child, I have an illiterate cat too. 🙂 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitty-litter-recommendations-please/757434.md?page=2)