Litter: Clumping vs Standard (house, shelter, natural, stray)

[attrapereves]

Do you use clumping or non-clumping litter? Why do you use one over the other?

I started with non-clumping, switched to clumping, and am back to non-clumping. Clumping is more convenient, but the dust gets EVERYWHERE. It's like a huge cloud of smoke everywhere.

[CSD610]

We just started using a brand new litter on the market made by Arm & Hammer called Clump and Seal.
For us it works great, very little to no dust, our girls do not track it everywhere and there is no odor for 7 full days.
Beware though once that 7th day is up.........whew

[Clemencia53]

Try using both. Non clumping with a few scoops of clumping mixed in.

[don1945]

For years I used non clumping but a GF of my Son talked me into trying clumping. I will never go back to non clumping again. First of all, it lasts longer before I have to change it because the clumps encapsulate the waste and it leaves behind only clean litter when you scoop. Secondly, the clumps are easier to find with the scooper and easier to place into a garbage bag.

I also put in some baking soda when I scoop to freshen it up a little. I get 42 pound boxes at Costco and two of them last me a month or more. The only bad part is carrying those heavy suckers into the house from the car.

Don

[Zelva]

Clumping (does 'half' the work for me - retaining the debris).

My kittie also has a 'luxury' box (LOL) - a cement mixing tub about 2' x 3' with higher sides - because she gets carried away with the cover process!! So it gives us both a wider margin.

[attrapereves]

Originally Posted by Zelva

Clumping (does 'half' the work for me - retaining the debris).

My kittie also has a 'luxury' box (LOL) - a cement mixing tub about 2' x 3' with higher sides - because she gets carried away with the cover process!! So it gives us both a wider margin.

I've been using a Rubbermaid container for a while now. It's larger than a standard litter box, but also taller. I noticed that the extra height helped cut down on stray litter on the floor.

[Rene S]

Originally Posted by attrapereves

I've been using a Rubbermaid container for a while now. It's larger than a standard litter box, but also taller. I noticed that the extra height helped cut down on stray litter on the floor.

I use this too, but I cut away a hole on the side so there's easier access in and out.

I use clumping, an unscented brand called Premium Scoop that I get at our pet store. It's not as dusty as some and the price is good.

[AbbyJaneway]

I will only use clumping. The shelter I work at only uses non-clumping and I hate it. It doesn't cover odor and you have to dump out all the litter at the end of the day because it's impossible to scoop out only soiled litter. With clumping litter I've found the amount of dust varies greatly by brand. Fresh Step is horribly dusty. Tidy Cats is what I use it and it's much less dusty. I've read that there are even less dustier ones but I like the 20-pound jug Tidy Cats comes in, it's easy to handle.

[catdad7x]

I use Cats Pride Fresh & Light unscented. It clumps very well, and I almost never notice any odor, but I scoop all 3 boxes 3 or 4 times a day. It is a little bit dusty, but not nearly as bad as others I've tried.
Not an expert on cat litter, but this brand works pretty well for me (and my cats).

[Tamatem]

I only use non-clumping Tidy Cat. I get the appeal and the convenience of clumping, but non just seems more natural. The local foster lady told me about a litter I am considering testing out - made with walnut shells. I haven't taken the time to research or pursue that option yet.