Special Kitty Litter

Finding the Purr-fect Litter Without Breaking the Bank

As I stand in the cat litter aisle at Walmart, staring at the towering wall of options, I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. My two feline overlords—Milo, the finicky Siamese, and Luna, the floofy Maine Coon mix—have very different preferences when it comes to their bathroom habits. After years of trial and error (and more than a few litter box strikes), I’ve become something of an unwilling expert on cat litter. Today, I want to share my journey with Special Kitty litter, Walmart’s house brand that has saved both my sanity and my wallet over the years.

Let me tell you, finding the right cat litter can make or break your relationship with your feline companions. It’s not just about keeping your home smelling fresh—it’s about your cat’s health, your cleaning routine, and yes, your budget. When I first adopted Milo seven years ago, I had no idea how much of my life would revolve around what goes in his litter box. Now with two cats, it’s practically a part-time job!

My Introduction to Special Kitty: The Walmart Connection

I first discovered Special Kitty litter during a particularly tight month financially. Standing in Walmart, calculating how much I could spend on cat supplies while still affording groceries for myself, I spotted the Special Kitty brand with its significantly lower price tag compared to the premium brands I’d been buying. Skeptical but desperate, I decided to give it a try.

For those wondering—yes, Special Kitty is Walmart’s exclusive house brand of cat litter. You won’t find it at PetSmart, Petco, or other major retailers. This exclusivity is part of what helps keep the costs down, making it an attractive option for multi-cat households like mine where we go through litter at an alarming rate.

The first thing I noticed about Special Kitty was the variety. From traditional clay clumping litters to crystal options, lightweight formulas, and even natural alternatives, the brand offers a surprisingly comprehensive range. This variety has allowed me to experiment with different types to find what works best for my cats’ preferences and my cleaning style without breaking the bank.

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: The Great Litter Debate

When I first started buying cat litter, I didn’t realize there was such a fundamental difference between clumping and non-clumping varieties. Now I know this choice affects everything from how often you need to change the entire box to how well odors are controlled.

Special Kitty offers both clumping and non-clumping options, and I’ve tried them all. Their traditional clumping clay litter has been my go-to for years now. It forms solid clumps when wet, making daily scooping relatively easy. The clumps don’t fall apart when I scoop them, which means I’m not constantly chasing scattered pieces around the box (a frustrating experience any cat owner knows all too well).

The non-clumping varieties, while less convenient for scooping, do have their advantages. I found that the crystal non-clumping formula is excellent for moisture absorption. When Luna developed a urinary tract infection last year and was urinating more frequently, the crystal litter helped me monitor her condition by showing just how much liquid was being absorbed. It also tends to track less through the house—a significant advantage if you have a cat who likes to perform an enthusiastic victory dance after using the litter box.

The main difference I’ve found is that with clumping litter, I can maintain the box by scooping daily and only doing a complete change every 2-3 weeks. With non-clumping, I need to change the entire box more frequently (usually weekly), but daily maintenance is simpler since there’s no scooping required.

For multi-cat households like mine, I’ve found the clumping variety to be more economical in the long run, despite the slightly higher upfront cost. I use less litter overall since I’m only removing the soiled clumps rather than changing the entire box frequently.

The Nose Knows: Special Kitty and Odor Control

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or rather, the ammonia smell that can quickly take over a home with cats. When I first tried Special Kitty, my primary concern was whether a budget brand could effectively control odors.

Special Kitty offers several formulas specifically designed for odor control, with their Multi-Cat Clumping Formula being particularly effective in my experience. It contains activated charcoal, which helps neutralize odors rather than just masking them with perfumes. For those sensitive to fragrances (like my partner), they also offer unscented varieties that still provide decent odor control.

To answer the question directly: yes, Special Kitty litter is generally good for controlling ammonia smells, but with some caveats. I’ve found that the effectiveness depends on a few factors:

1. How frequently you scoop (daily is optimal)
2. The number of cats using the box
3. The specific formula you choose
4. The diet your cats are on (which affects waste odor)

The Multi-Cat Fresh Scent formula has been my go-to for odor control. It’s not perfect—no litter truly is—but it performs surprisingly well compared to more expensive brands. I’ve found that when combined with a good litter box system (I use a top-entry box for Milo and a covered box for Luna), Special Kitty keeps my apartment smelling fresh even with two cats.

One tip I’ve discovered: adding a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box before pouring in the Special Kitty litter provides an extra layer of odor protection that makes a noticeable difference.

Automatic Litter Boxes: Does Special Kitty Make the Cut?

When I invested in an automatic litter box two years ago (after a particularly hectic work period made daily scooping difficult), I wondered if my budget-friendly Special Kitty would work with this high-tech solution.

The answer is: it depends on the specific automatic litter box you have. I initially purchased a LitterMaid automatic box, and I found that the Special Kitty clumping litter worked reasonably well with it. The clumps formed firmly enough that the automated rake could scoop them effectively without too much crumbling.

However, when I upgraded to a more sophisticated model (a Litter-Robot), I discovered that not all Special Kitty varieties performed equally well. The regular clumping formula sometimes formed clumps that were too soft for the rotating mechanism, leading to smearing and more frequent deep cleaning of the globe.

After some experimentation, I found that the Special Kitty Premium Clumping formula worked best with my automatic box. It forms firmer clumps that hold together during the rotation process. That said, it still doesn’t perform quite as well as some premium brands specifically designed for automatic boxes.

If you’re using an automatic litter box, I’d recommend starting with the Special Kitty Premium Clumping formula and monitoring how it performs with your specific model. You might need to adjust the cleaning cycle timing or try a different variety to get optimal results.

What Real Cat Parents Say: Reviews of Special Kitty

I’m not alone in my Special Kitty journey. Before writing this post, I spent time reading hundreds of reviews and talking to other cat parents about their experiences with the brand.

The consensus seems to be that Special Kitty offers good value for the price, but opinions vary widely on specific formulas. The clumping varieties generally receive better reviews than the non-clumping options, with many users citing the strong clumps and reasonable odor control as key benefits.

Common praise points include:

• Affordability compared to premium brands
• Availability at Walmart stores nationwide
• Good clumping action in the premium formulas
• Low dust in the crystal and lightweight options
• Minimal tracking with some varieties

Common criticisms include:

• Inconsistent quality between batches
• More dust in the basic clay formulas
• Weaker odor control compared to top-tier brands
• Clumps sometimes breaking apart during scooping in the standard formula

My personal experience aligns with these reviews. I find that Special Kitty performs about 80% as well as premium brands at roughly half the price, making it a worthwhile trade-off for my household.

Luna, my long-haired Maine Coon mix, initially had issues with the standard clay formula getting caught in her magnificent toe fluff. Switching to the crystal formula helped significantly with this problem, as the larger particles don’t cling to her fur as much.

Environmental Considerations: The Flush Factor and Eco-Friendliness

An important question for many cat owners is whether their litter is flushable. This seems like it would be a convenient disposal method, especially for apartment dwellers.

To be absolutely clear: Special Kitty litter is not flushable. Like most clay-based litters, it should never be flushed down the toilet as it can cause serious plumbing issues and potentially harm water systems. The clay doesn’t dissolve in water—instead, it expands and can create blockages in your pipes that require expensive professional intervention to fix.

The only Special Kitty variety that could potentially be considered partially flushable is their natural corn-based litter, but even with this, I wouldn’t recommend flushing more than very small amounts at a time, and never in older plumbing systems.

From an environmental perspective, Special Kitty is not the most eco-friendly option on the market. The clay-based formulas are created through strip mining, which has environmental impacts. The litter itself is not biodegradable and will sit in landfills for many years.

For those concerned about environmental impact, Special Kitty does offer a natural corn-based formula that’s more environmentally friendly than their clay options. While it costs more than their standard litters, it’s still less expensive than many premium natural brands.

I’ve found that the corn-based formula performs reasonably well for odor control and clumping, though not quite as effectively as the clay varieties. It’s a good compromise if you’re trying to balance budget constraints with environmental concerns.

Lightweight Options: Saving Your Back Without Emptying Your Wallet

As someone who has to carry litter up three flights of stairs to my apartment, the weight of litter containers is a genuine concern. Traditional clay litters are notoriously heavy, with a standard 40-pound box feeling like a crossfit workout by the time I reach my door.

Special Kitty does offer lightweight options that have been a game-changer for me. Their Lightweight Clumping Formula weighs about 50% less than traditional clay litter while providing similar performance. The container is physically the same size but significantly lighter to carry.

In my experience, the lightweight formula does track slightly more than the regular clay, as the lighter particles are more easily carried out of the box on my cats’ paws. However, this is a common issue with all lightweight litters, not just Special Kitty.

The clumping action is comparable to the regular formula, though I’ve found the odor control to be slightly less effective. I compensate for this by adding a thin layer of baking soda to the box and scooping a bit more frequently.

For anyone with mobility issues, apartments without elevators, or simply a desire to make cat care less physically demanding, the lightweight options are well worth considering. The slight trade-offs in performance are generally outweighed by the convenience factor.

Natural and Organic Options: Gentle Choices for Sensitive Cats

When Milo developed some respiratory sensitivity a few years ago, my vet suggested switching to a more natural litter option with less dust. I was pleased to discover that Special Kitty offers a natural corn-based litter that worked well for his issues.

While not certified organic, the natural corn formula is made from renewable resources and produces significantly less dust than the clay varieties. It has a pleasant, subtle corn smell rather than the chemical fragrance some litters use, which both my cats and I appreciated.

The natural formula does cost more than the standard clay options, but it’s still less expensive than most premium natural brands on the market. In terms of performance, it clumps well enough for easy scooping, though the clumps aren’t quite as firm as those formed by the premium clay formula.

For cats with allergies or respiratory issues, this natural option can be a good choice. I noticed Milo’s occasional sneezing decreased noticeably after making the switch. The corn formula is also lighter weight naturally, which was an added bonus for my stairs situation.

It’s worth noting that some cats may try to eat corn-based litter initially, as it smells like food to them. This happened briefly with Luna, though she quickly lost interest. If your cat is particularly food-motivated, you might need to supervise the transition to ensure they’re not consuming the litter.

Allergy Considerations: Is Special Kitty Kind to Sensitive Cats?

Speaking of allergies, this is a common concern for many cat parents. Cats can develop sensitivities to their litter, which may manifest as excessive sneezing, coughing, paw licking, or even avoiding the litter box altogether.

In my experience with Special Kitty, the clay formulas do produce some dust, particularly when being poured into the box. This dust can potentially trigger respiratory issues in sensitive cats. If your cat has known respiratory problems, I’d recommend considering either the crystal formula or the natural corn option, both of which produce significantly less dust.

Another potential allergen is the fragrance added to some varieties. Special Kitty’s unscented options are a better choice for cats with sensitivities to artificial scents.

When Milo showed signs of litter sensitivity (pawing at his face after using the box and occasional sneezing), I switched to the unscented crystal formula first. This helped somewhat, but the natural corn litter ultimately proved to be the best solution for his particular sensitivities.

If you suspect your cat may have allergies to their litter, try transitioning to an unscented, low-dust formula and observe whether their symptoms improve. Remember to make litter changes gradually by mixing new litter with the old over a period of several days to avoid litter box avoidance.

Brand Comparisons: Special Kitty vs. Premium Brands

How does Special Kitty stack up against more expensive brands like Tidy Cats, Fresh Step, or Dr. Elsey’s? This is perhaps the most common question I receive from fellow cat parents looking to economize without compromising on quality.

After years of switching between brands, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of the comparative performance. Here’s my honest assessment:

When compared to Tidy Cats, Special Kitty’s premium clumping formula performs similarly in terms of clumping strength but falls slightly short in odor control duration. I find I need to scoop slightly more frequently with Special Kitty to maintain the same level of freshness, perhaps once more per day in a multi-cat household.

Against Fresh Step, the difference in odor control is more noticeable. Fresh Step’s activated carbon technology does outperform Special Kitty in controlling ammonia odors over time. However, with regular scooping, the difference becomes less significant in practice.

Dr. Elsey’s ultra-premium litter definitely forms stronger clumps and controls odor better than Special Kitty, but it comes at more than twice the price in most cases. For homes with fewer cats or larger budgets, the upgrade might be worth it, but for my two-cat household on a budget, Special Kitty provides acceptable performance at a much more reasonable price point.

One area where Special Kitty surprisingly excels is in its crystal litter formula, which performs very similarly to more expensive crystal litters at a fraction of the cost. If you prefer crystal litter, the Special Kitty version offers particularly good value.

Overall, I’d rate Special Kitty at about 75-80% of the performance of premium brands at roughly 40-50% of the cost. For many households, this represents an acceptable compromise that allows for significant savings over time.

Most Popular Special Kitty Products: What’s Worth Trying

After trying virtually every Special Kitty product available and talking with other cat owners, I’ve identified the standout products in their lineup that offer the best performance for the price:

1. Special Kitty Premium Clumping Cat Litter: This is their flagship product and the one I recommend most often. It forms reasonably firm clumps, controls odors effectively for its price point, and offers the best overall value in their lineup.
2. Special Kitty Multi-Cat Clumping Formula: Specifically designed for households with multiple cats, this formula contains extra odor neutralizers that make a noticeable difference in homes with more than one feline.
3. Special Kitty Crystal Cat Litter: If you prefer crystal litter for its superior moisture absorption and lighter weight, this product performs surprisingly well compared to more expensive crystal brands.
4. Special Kitty Lightweight Clumping Litter: While it does track more than regular clay, the significantly reduced weight makes this a popular choice for apartment dwellers and those with mobility issues.
5. Special Kitty Natural Corn Cat Litter: Though more expensive than their clay options, this provides a good compromise for those seeking a more environmentally friendly option without the premium price of boutique natural brands.

The regular non-clumping clay litter is their most affordable option but requires more frequent complete changes and offers less odor control. I generally recommend spending a bit more for one of the clumping varieties unless budget constraints are severe.

Multi-Cat Formulas: Managing a Feline Family

When Luna joined our household three years after Milo, I quickly discovered that single-cat litter formulas weren’t cutting it anymore. With two cats using the same boxes, odor control became a much bigger challenge.

Special Kitty’s Multi-Cat formula has been essential for maintaining household harmony. It contains additional odor neutralizers and forms slightly firmer clumps than their standard formula, which is important when boxes are being used more frequently.

I’ve found that with two cats sharing litter boxes, the multi-cat formula lasts about 25-30% longer between complete changes than the regular formula. This makes it more economical in the long run despite the slightly higher initial cost.

For those with three or more cats, I’d recommend supplementing even the multi-cat formula with occasional odor control additives like baking soda or a commercial litter deodorizer to maintain freshness, especially if space constraints limit the number of litter boxes you can have.

The general rule of thumb is to have one more litter box than the number of cats (so three boxes for two cats), but many apartments don’t have space for this ideal arrangement. In these cases, a high-quality multi-cat formula becomes even more important.

Special Kitty Pellet Litter: A Different Approach

For those interested in alternative litter types, Special Kitty does offer a paper pellet litter that works differently from both clay and crystal varieties. These compressed paper pellets are highly absorbent and practically dust-free, making them an interesting option for cats with severe respiratory sensitivities.

The pellet system works differently from traditional litter—urine causes the pellets to dissolve into sawdust that falls through a sifting system, while solid waste remains on top for easy removal. This two-part system means you change the bottom layer less frequently while removing solids daily.

In my experience, the pellet system takes some adjustment for both cats and humans. Milo initially resisted the different texture under his paws, though he eventually adapted. The odor control isn’t as strong as with clay litters, but the dust-free nature makes it worthwhile for cats with asthma or severe allergies.

The pellets don’t track through the house the way clay particles do, which is a significant advantage. However, they do require a special sifting litter box for optimal performance, which represents an additional investment.

If your cat has severe respiratory issues or you’re extremely sensitive to dust yourself, the pellet system might be worth trying despite its learning curve and specialized equipment requirements.

Storage and Shelf Life: Keeping Your Litter Fresh

One practical concern with buying litter economically is storage. I often purchase larger quantities when on sale, which raises questions about proper storage and shelf life.

The good news is that Special Kitty litter has an excellent shelf life when stored properly. The clay varieties can last indefinitely if kept in a dry location, while the crystal and natural formulas typically remain effective for at least a year or more.

I’ve found that storing litter in its original container works well as long as you keep it in a dry area away from humidity. For homes with limited storage, transferring litter to airtight plastic containers can help conserve space and keep moisture out.

A tip I’ve discovered through trial and error: store litter containers off the ground, especially in basements or garages where moisture can seep up from concrete floors. Even a simple wooden pallet or plastic shelf can prevent the bottom of the container from absorbing ground moisture.

For the natural corn formula, take extra precautions against moisture and pests, as the organic material can attract insects if exposed to humidity. I keep this variety in a sealed plastic container rather than just the original packaging.

Special Considerations for Long-Haired Cats

As the proud servant of Luna, my magnificent Maine Coon mix with fur for days, I’ve learned that long-haired cats present unique litter challenges. Their glorious toe fluff can trap litter particles, creating a trail of litter throughout the house and occasionally causing discomfort for the cat.

With Special Kitty, I’ve found that the crystal formula works best for Luna, as the larger particles are less likely to become embedded in her fur. The corn formula also performs well, though it’s more expensive.

The standard clay clumping litter proved problematic, with the fine particles clinging stubbornly to her fur and being tracked extensively. If you have a long-haired cat and prefer clay litter, look for Special Kitty formulas labeled “low-tracking” or consider placing a good quality litter mat outside the box to capture particles.

Another solution I’ve found helpful is trimming the fur between your long-haired cat’s toes (with proper cat-safe scissors and a very patient approach). This “toe hair haircut” reduces litter tracking significantly without bothering most cats once they’re accustomed to the process.

Clumping Performance: The Scoop on Scoopability

The quality of clumping is perhaps the most important factor in daily litter box maintenance. Poor clumping means broken pieces, messy boxes, and more frequent complete changes.

In my extensive testing, Special Kitty’s Premium Clumping formula performs reasonably well, forming solid clumps that maintain their integrity during scooping about 80% of the time. The Multi-Cat formula performs slightly better, with a roughly 85-90% success rate for intact clumps.

Where Special Kitty falls short of premium brands is in the speed and hardness of the clumps. Brands like Dr. Elsey’s form rock-hard clumps almost instantly, while Special Kitty takes a bit longer to set up fully. I’ve found that waiting about 10-15 minutes after a cat uses the box before scooping improves the clumping performance significantly.

The depth of litter also affects clumping performance. Through trial and error, I’ve determined that 3-4 inches of Special Kitty clumping litter provides optimal results. Less than that and urine can reach the bottom of the box before clumping properly; more than that is simply wasteful.

For the most effective scooping experience with Special Kitty, I recommend using a metal scoop with narrow slots rather than a plastic one. The sturdier material navigates through the litter more effectively and supports the weight of clumps better than flexible plastic scoops.

Saving Money: Discounts and Buying Strategies

As a budget-conscious cat parent, I’m always looking for ways to maximize value. While Special Kitty is already an economical choice, there are strategies to save even more.

Walmart occasionally offers rollback pricing on Special Kitty products, particularly the larger sizes. I track these sales and stock up when prices drop. The 40-pound boxes offer the best value per pound but consider whether you have adequate storage space and the ability to lift these larger containers before purchasing.

For additional savings, check the Walmart app for Special Kitty coupons before shopping. These aren’t available constantly, but they appear several times throughout the year, typically offering $1-3 off larger containers.

The Walmart rewards program and credit card can provide additional savings through cashback on purchases, effectively reducing the price of regularly purchased items like cat litter.

For those who prefer online shopping, signing up for Subscribe & Save on Walmart.com can provide both convenience and modest discounts on regular litter deliveries. This option saves both money and the hassle of lugging heavy containers home yourself.

I’ve calculated that by combining sale prices with rewards programs, I save approximately 30-40% on litter costs annually compared to buying premium brands at regular prices—a significant saving for a multi-cat household.

Conclusion: Is Special Kitty the Right Choice for Your Feline Family?

After years of using various Special Kitty products and comparing them with both budget and premium alternatives, I’ve come to some conclusions about who this brand works best for.

Special Kitty is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious cat parents who need to economize without compromising severely on quality
• Multi-cat households where litter costs add up quickly
• Cat owners who shop primarily at Walmart for convenience
• Those willing to scoop slightly more frequently in exchange for significant cost savings

It may not be the best choice for:

• Households with cats who have severe respiratory issues (except for the crystal and natural formulas)
• Those who prioritize environmental sustainability above all else
• Cat parents who want the absolute minimum maintenance schedule
• Owners of extremely picky cats who have already rejected similar clay litters

For my household, Special Kitty has proven to be a reliable, economical option that allows me to provide clean, comfortable bathroom facilities for my cats without breaking the bank. The money saved goes directly into their premium food fund, which I consider a more important area for splurging.

Like most aspects of cat care, litter choice is ultimately a personal decision based on your specific situation, cats’ preferences, and priorities. I hope sharing my extensive experience with Special Kitty helps you make an informed choice for your own feline family.

Remember, the best cat litter is the one your cat will actually use consistently. If your cat is happy with their bathroom situation, you’ll both enjoy a more harmonious household—and isn’t that what we’re all aiming for as devoted cat parents?