Special Kitty Clumping Cat Litter

Finding Budget-Friendly Solutions Without Sacrificing Quality for Your Feline Friend

As a dedicated cat mom to three demanding furballs, I’ve spent more money on cat litter over the years than I care to admit. When my household expanded from one cat to three in just under two years (thanks to those irresistible kittens at the shelter), my litter expenses nearly tripled, and I knew I needed to find a more budget-friendly solution. That’s when I discovered Special Kitty clumping cat litter, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for my multi-cat household and my wallet. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about this affordable option after using it exclusively for the past year.

What Exactly Is Special Kitty Clumping Cat Litter?

Before I dive into my personal experience, let’s talk about what Special Kitty clumping cat litter actually is. Special Kitty is Walmart’s house brand of cat litter, designed to compete with premium brands but at a significantly lower price point. The clumping variety is made primarily from bentonite clay, which is the standard material used in most clumping litters on the market.

Special Kitty clumping cat litter is designed to form solid clumps when it comes into contact with moisture, making waste removal quick and efficient while keeping the rest of the litter box fresh.

The first time I poured it into my cats’ litter boxes, I noticed it looked remarkably similar to the premium brand I had been using previously. The granules were about the same size, and the overall appearance was virtually indistinguishable. This immediately piqued my interest—could this budget option really perform as well as the expensive stuff?

Odor Control Capabilities: The True Test

Let’s be honest—the number one concern for most cat parents when it comes to litter is odor control. I live in a modest two-bedroom apartment, and with three cats, any shortcomings in the odor control department become painfully apparent very quickly.

After switching to Special Kitty clumping litter, I was pleasantly surprised by its odor-fighting capabilities. The standard variety contains activated charcoal, which seems to do a decent job of neutralizing odors rather than just masking them. For the first week after switching, I was honestly a bit paranoid and kept asking my non-cat-owning friends if they could smell anything when they came over. The unanimous response was no.

That said, with three cats, I still need to scoop the boxes twice daily to maintain optimal freshness. If I slack off and only scoop once, I can definitely tell the difference by the end of the day. But this would be true of any litter, regardless of price point. The key difference is that with Special Kitty, I’m paying significantly less for comparable performance.

The Budget-Friendly Aspect: How Much Does It Actually Cost?

Let’s talk numbers—the part that initially drew me to Special Kitty. When I was using premium brand litter, I was spending approximately $30-35 per week to keep three litter boxes fresh for my trio of cats. That added up to around $120-140 per month just on cat litter!

When I switched to Special Kitty clumping litter, my monthly cost dropped to approximately $40-50. That’s a savings of at least $70 per month, or over $800 per year! For someone on a tight budget, this difference is substantial. I’ve been able to redirect those savings toward higher-quality cat food and the occasional splurge on new toys, which makes both me and my cats happier.

Currently, a 40-pound bag of Special Kitty Multi-Cat Clumping Litter costs around $12-15 at Walmart, depending on your location. Compare that to premium brands that can cost $20-25 for a 28-pound bag, and the savings become obvious. For those looking to save even more, Walmart occasionally runs promotions that bring the price down further.

Where to Purchase Special Kitty Clumping Cat Litter

As Walmart’s house brand, Special Kitty is most readily available at Walmart stores and on their website. I’ve found that my local Walmart consistently keeps it in stock, but I’ve occasionally ordered it online during particularly busy periods when I couldn’t make it to the store.

One thing to note is that the 40-pound bags are heavy (obviously), and if you’re ordering online, you’ll want to factor in delivery costs unless you qualify for free shipping. I’ve found that it’s sometimes more economical to make a trip to the store if I need multiple bags, rather than paying for delivery.

Some other retailers occasionally carry Special Kitty products, but Walmart typically offers the best pricing and selection. I’ve also noticed that rural farm supply stores sometimes carry it, though usually at a slightly higher price point than Walmart.

Safety Considerations for Kittens

When I adopted my youngest cat, Sophie, at just eight weeks old, I was concerned about whether Special Kitty clumping litter would be safe for her. Clumping litters, in general, raise some safety concerns for very young kittens, as they might ingest the litter while grooming themselves, which could potentially cause intestinal blockages if the litter clumps inside their digestive system.

To be on the safe side, I temporarily switched Sophie to a non-clumping kitten-specific litter until she was about four months old. After consulting with my veterinarian, I gradually transitioned her to the Special Kitty clumping litter that my older cats were using, monitoring her closely for any issues.

If you have a kitten under four months old, I would recommend using a non-clumping litter specifically designed for kittens, or at least consulting with your vet before introducing clumping litter. Better safe than sorry when it comes to our little feline friends!

The Dust Factor: A Real Consideration

One of my biggest concerns when switching to a budget litter was the potential for increased dust. My oldest cat, Max, has occasional respiratory sensitivities, and a dusty litter could potentially exacerbate his symptoms.

I’ll be completely honest—Special Kitty clumping litter is not the least dusty option on the market. When pouring a fresh box, I definitely notice some dust rising, though it settles relatively quickly. I’ve taken to pouring slowly and from a lower height to minimize the dust cloud, which helps considerably.

Compared to premium low-dust options, Special Kitty produces noticeably more dust. However, compared to other budget brands I’ve tried in the past, it’s actually quite reasonable. Max hasn’t shown any increase in respiratory symptoms since we made the switch, which has been reassuring.

If dust is a significant concern in your household, particularly if you or your cats have respiratory issues, you might want to consider a specifically designed low-dust formula, though you’ll likely pay a premium for this feature.

Moisture Absorption and Clumping Efficiency

The primary function of clumping litter is to absorb moisture efficiently and form solid clumps that can be easily removed, leaving the remaining litter clean and fresh. On this front, Special Kitty performs admirably, especially considering its price point.

When my cats use the litter box, the urine forms solid, well-defined clumps that are easy to scoop out. The clumps generally don’t break apart during scooping, which helps prevent small pieces from being left behind to create odors.

I have noticed that if I wait too long between scooping sessions (more than 12 hours), the clumps can sometimes adhere to the bottom of the litter box, making them more difficult to remove completely. This isn’t unique to Special Kitty—I experienced the same issue with premium brands—but it’s worth mentioning that regular scooping is key to maintaining optimal performance.

The litter’s absorption capacity is impressive. Even with three cats sharing litter boxes, I don’t notice any urine pooling at the bottom, which indicates that the litter is effectively absorbing the moisture as intended.

Scented vs. Unscented Options

Special Kitty offers both scented and unscented varieties of their clumping litter. Initially, I purchased the scented version, assuming that more odor control would be better for my multi-cat household. However, I found the fragrance to be somewhat strong and artificial, which wasn’t my preference.

I subsequently switched to the unscented version and found that the natural odor control was sufficient, especially with regular scooping. The unscented variety still contains odor-neutralizing ingredients like activated charcoal; it just doesn’t have the added fragrance.

If you’re sensitive to artificial scents or have cats that seem put off by strongly scented litters (cats have much more sensitive noses than we do), I’d recommend starting with the unscented variety. You can always switch to the scented option if you find that you need additional odor masking.

Longevity: How Long Does a Bag Last?

With three cats and two large litter boxes, I typically go through a 40-pound bag of Special Kitty clumping litter approximately every two weeks. This includes completely changing out the litter every two to three weeks, in addition to daily scooping.

For a single-cat household, you could reasonably expect a 40-pound bag to last a month or more, depending on how frequently you change the litter completely and how diligent you are about scooping.

I’ve found that maintaining a litter depth of about 3-4 inches provides the best balance of absorption and clumping without using excessive amounts of litter. When I first started using Special Kitty, I was pouring too much into the boxes, which didn’t improve performance and just wasted litter.

Performance in a Multi-Cat Household

As mentioned, I have three cats sharing two large litter boxes, which puts any litter to the test in terms of odor control and clumping efficiency. Special Kitty offers a specific “Multi-Cat” formula, which is what I use in my household.

The multi-cat formula appears to have additional odor-fighting ingredients, and I’ve found it to be effective even with my trio of furballs. The clumps form quickly and remain solid, even when the boxes see heavy use in short periods (like those mysterious times when all three cats decide they need to use the litter box within five minutes of each other).

If you have multiple cats, I would definitely recommend opting for the multi-cat formula over the standard version. The slight price difference is worth it for the enhanced odor control and clumping performance.

Compatibility with Automatic Litter Boxes

About six months ago, I invested in an automatic litter box for one of my two litter stations, hoping to reduce the frequency of scooping. I was concerned about whether Special Kitty clumping litter would work well with the automatic mechanism, as some automatic boxes specifically recommend certain types of litter.

After some experimentation, I found that Special Kitty works adequately with my automatic box, though not perfectly. The clumps are generally firm enough to be caught by the automatic rake, but occasionally smaller clumps can break apart and slip through.

If you’re using an automatic litter box, I’d recommend monitoring its performance with Special Kitty litter closely for the first few days. You might need to adjust the timing of the automatic cleaning cycle to allow the clumps more time to fully set before the rake moves through.

Comparative Analysis: Special Kitty vs. Premium Brands

Having used several premium brands before switching to Special Kitty, I feel qualified to make some comparisons. The most noticeable difference, as mentioned earlier, is the dust level. Premium brands often have superior dust control technology, resulting in less airborne dust when pouring and during cat use.

In terms of clumping performance, I’ve found Special Kitty to be nearly on par with premium brands. The clumps form quickly and remain relatively solid during scooping, though premium brands might produce slightly harder, more cohesive clumps that are less likely to break apart.

Odor control is where opinions might differ most significantly. In my experience, Special Kitty’s odor control is about 80-90% as effective as the premium brands I’ve used, which is impressive considering the price difference. With regular scooping, I don’t notice a significant difference in day-to-day odor levels between Special Kitty and the more expensive options I’ve tried.

The texture of the litter is slightly coarser than some premium brands, which can lead to more tracking around the litter box area. I’ve addressed this by placing a litter mat in front of each box to catch most of the stray granules.

Available Sizes and Varieties

Special Kitty clumping litter comes in several sizes to accommodate different households and storage capabilities. The most common sizes I’ve seen are:

• 7-pound jugs (convenient for small spaces but not economical for multi-cat households)
• 20-pound boxes (a good middle ground)
• 40-pound bags (the most economical option per pound)

As for varieties, Special Kitty offers several options in their clumping litter line:

• Regular Clumping (unscented)
• Multi-Cat Clumping (enhanced odor control)
• Scented varieties (including fresh scent and lavender)
• Lightweight formula (easier to carry but typically more expensive per pound)

I’ve primarily used the Multi-Cat Clumping variety, but I briefly tried the Lightweight formula when recovering from a back injury. The Lightweight option was indeed easier to carry and pour, but I found that it tracked more around the apartment and didn’t seem to clump quite as effectively as the standard formula.

Environmental Considerations

If environmental impact is a priority for you, it’s worth noting that, like most clay-based clumping litters, Special Kitty is not biodegradable. The bentonite clay used in clumping litters is typically obtained through strip mining, which has environmental implications.

Additionally, clay litter should never be flushed down the toilet, as it can cause serious plumbing issues and may contaminate water systems. Used litter should be disposed of in the trash according to your local regulations.

For those concerned about environmental impact, there are biodegradable alternatives on the market made from materials like corn, wheat, paper, or wood. However, these options typically come at a significantly higher price point and may not offer the same clumping performance or odor control as clay-based litters.

I’ve occasionally felt guilty about the environmental impact of clay litter, but I’ve balanced this by making more eco-friendly choices in other aspects of pet care, such as buying sustainably produced cat food and using biodegradable poop bags for scooping.

Tracking Issues: Does It Stick to Paws?

All cat litters have some degree of tracking—those annoying little granules that hitch a ride on your cat’s paws and end up scattered around your home. Special Kitty is no exception to this rule.

I’ve found that Special Kitty has a moderate level of tracking—not the worst I’ve experienced, but definitely not tracking-free. The granules are relatively large, which helps reduce tracking somewhat compared to finer-grained litters.

To manage tracking, I’ve implemented a few strategies:

1. Placing litter mats in front of each box to catch most of the stray litter
2. Positioning the litter boxes away from high-traffic areas
3. Regular sweeping or vacuuming around the litter area every couple of days

My long-haired cat, Luna, tends to track more litter than my short-haired cats, simply because more granules get caught in her fur. Occasional trimming of the fur between her toes has helped reduce this issue somewhat.

Maintenance and Replacement Schedule

Through trial and error, I’ve developed a maintenance routine that works well for Special Kitty clumping litter:

1. Scooping twice daily (morning and evening)
2. Adding a small amount of fresh litter every 3-4 days to maintain proper depth
3. Completely changing out the litter and washing the boxes every 2-3 weeks

This schedule keeps odors at bay and maintains good clumping performance. I’ve found that waiting too long between complete changes can result in decreased odor control, even with regular scooping, as tiny particles of waste can accumulate in the litter over time.

When completely changing the litter, I take the opportunity to wash the litter boxes with mild soap and water, letting them dry completely before adding fresh litter. This extra step helps prevent odor-causing bacteria from building up in the boxes themselves.

Clumping Quality for Easy Clean-Up

The quality of clumps formed by litter directly impacts how easy it is to keep the litter box clean. Special Kitty forms relatively firm clumps that hold together well during scooping, though they’re not quite as rock-hard as some premium brands I’ve used.

I’ve noticed that the clumping performance can be influenced by litter depth. If the litter is too shallow (less than 2 inches), urine can reach the bottom of the box before fully clumping, leading to stuck-on messes that are difficult to remove. Maintaining a depth of 3-4 inches seems to provide optimal clumping.

The size of the clumps is generally proportional to the amount of liquid, as you would expect. Small urine deposits form manageable clumps that are easy to scoop, while larger deposits form larger clumps that occasionally may break apart during removal.

Overall, I’d rate the clumping quality as good, especially considering the price point. It’s certainly sufficient for maintaining a clean litter box with regular scooping.

Biodegradability Concerns

As mentioned in the environmental section, Special Kitty clumping litter, like most clay-based litters, is not biodegradable. The bentonite clay that gives the litter its clumping properties does not break down readily in landfills.

If biodegradability is a primary concern for you, you might want to consider alternative litters made from renewable, biodegradable materials. However, be prepared for a significant price increase and potentially different performance characteristics.

Some cat owners compromise by using biodegradable litter for one litter box and conventional clay litter for others, which reduces environmental impact while managing costs. This might be an option worth considering if you’re environmentally conscious but also budget-minded.

Finding Deals and Discounts

Being budget-conscious, I’m always on the lookout for ways to save even more on cat litter. While Special Kitty is already one of the most economical options available, there are occasionally opportunities to save even more:

1. Walmart often includes Special Kitty in their rollback promotions, temporarily reducing the price by a dollar or two.
2. The Walmart app sometimes offers specific coupons for pet products, including cat litter.
3. Buying in bulk, when storage space allows, can result in additional savings.
4. Signing up for Walmart’s subscription service for regular deliveries can sometimes provide a small discount on recurring orders.

I’ve also found that prices can vary somewhat between different Walmart locations, so if you have multiple stores in your area, it might be worth checking prices at each.

Final Thoughts: Is Special Kitty Clumping Litter Right for You?

After a year of using Special Kitty clumping litter exclusively, I can confidently say that it offers exceptional value for money. While it’s not perfect—slightly dustier than premium brands and with moderately good rather than excellent clumping—the significant cost savings make it a compelling option for many cat owners.

If you’re currently spending a small fortune on premium cat litter, especially in a multi-cat household, I would definitely recommend giving Special Kitty a try. The performance-to-price ratio is impressive, and the savings can add up substantially over time.

That said, Special Kitty might not be the right choice for everyone. If you or your cats have respiratory sensitivities that require a virtually dust-free environment, or if you prioritize biodegradability and environmental concerns above cost, you might want to stick with specialty litters designed for those specific needs.

For the average cat household looking to balance performance with affordability, however, Special Kitty represents one of the best values in the cat litter market. My cats have adapted well to it, my apartment stays fresh (with regular scooping), and my wallet is much happier than it was a year ago.

At the end of the day, the best cat litter is the one that works for both you and your feline companions. For me and my three cats, Special Kitty clumping litter has proven to be that sweet spot of performance and affordability that keeps everyone—humans and felines alike—content and comfortable.