Finding the Purrfect Litter for Your Feline Friend

As a cat owner, you know that choosing the right litter is important for your cat’s health and happiness. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which litter to buy. Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is a popular choice among cat owners for good reason – it’s affordable, effective, and made from natural clay.

In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter. You’ll learn about the key features, benefits, proper usage, cost, availability, reviews, and more. By the end, you’ll be able to decide if Special Kitty is the purrfect litter for your furry friend.

What is Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is an unscented, non-clumping litter made from natural bentonite clay. It’s manufactured by Special Kitty, which is Walmart’s store brand. The clay litter is designed to help absorb odors and moisture in your cat’s litter box.

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter comes in large bulk sizes ideal for multi-cat households. The clay grains are small and dense which allows the litter to form a solid base in the litter box. It also creates good clumps when your cat urinates to help contain odors.

The litter is completely natural without any artificial scents, chemicals, or other additives. It’s also dust-free and 99.9% free of tracking according to the manufacturer. Both the natural clay composition and lack of chemicals make it a good option for cats with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

What Are the Key Ingredients in Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

The main ingredient in Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is sodium bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is a natural, absorbent clay material formed from volcanic ash. It has excellent odor-fighting properties and forms solid clumps when wet.

In addition to bentonite clay, Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter contains quartz and feldspar to help control bacteria growth. The litter does not contain any fragrances, chemicals, or other additives. It’s composed entirely of natural clumping clay without any fillers.

The simplistic formula makes Special Kitty a safe and hypoallergenic option for most cats. And because it clumps naturally on its own, no clumping agents like silica gel need to be added which can irritate some cats’ paws and respiratory tract.

How Effective is Special Kitty at Controlling Odors?

One of the major pros of Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is its excellent odor control. The dense bentonite clay clumps tightly around your cat’s urine and waste to seal in odors. Customers report the litter continuing to keep odors at bay for 1-2 weeks or longer between changes.

Reviewers praise Special Kitty for how well it handles strong ammonia odors from cat urine compared to other budget litters. The heavy clay formula blocks smells rather than relying on fragrances to mask odors. Customers also say the litter does a great job absorbing moisture to keep the box drier between changes.

However, some reviewers note Special Kitty isn’t as stellar at containing feces odors, especially after a few days. Using a covered litter box and scooping daily can help control smells better. But Special Kitty still outperforms most cheap clay options when it comes to effective odor control.

How to Use Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter Properly

Using Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter takes some adjustment from lighter, clumping clay or alternative litters. Here are some tips for using Special Kitty properly:

• Fill litter box 2-3 inches deep. The heavier clay requires more depth than lightweight litters to contain odors and allow cat scratching.
• Stir and fluff litter between changes to help aerate it and maximize odor control.
• Scoop solids at least once daily. Scoop all urine clumps and waste every 24 hours to maintain freshness.
• Change litter every 2-4 weeks. Dump all used litter every few weeks to control odor buildup over time.
• Use a covered litter box. The lid helps keep smells contained and litter inside the box.
• Add baking soda on occasion. Lightly sprinkle some baking soda in the clean litter to boost odor neutralizing effects between changes.
• Switch boxes for multiple cats. Have 1 more box than you have cats and rotate boxes to maximize freshness.
• Smooth out litter surface after scooping so cats have an even area for covering waste.

Where Can I Buy Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is sold exclusively at Walmart stores across the United States. You can find it in the pet care aisles at your local Walmart.

Special Kitty litter comes in large 25-pound buckets which are only sold at Walmart locations. The buckets make it easy to stock up on litter for multi-cat homes. You can also find smaller 8-pound jugs of Special Kitty Natural Clay Litter sold at Walmart.

In addition to in-store shopping, you can purchase Special Kitty Cat Litter through Walmart.com and have it shipped to your home. Opting for Walmart Grocery delivery or in-store pickup can help you avoid lugging heavy buckets of litter home from the store.

You won’t find Special Kitty products sold on Amazon or other online retailers. Purchasing the litter at Walmart helps you take advantage of Rollback sales and lower prices on their store brand items.

What is the Price Range for Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

One of the biggest perks of Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is the very affordable price point. The 25-pound bucket sizes typically cost just under $10 which is significantly cheaper than premium natural clay litters.

Here are the usual price ranges for Special Kitty Cat Litter:

• 25-lb bucket: $7 – $12
• 8-lb jug: $3 – $5

The price fluctuates somewhat between Walmart stores based on your location. Special Kitty litter goes on sale frequently with Rollback discounts making it even more budget-friendly.

Stocking up when Special Kitty litter is on sale can save you a lot of money compared to boutique natural clay litters. While not the absolute cheapest clay litter, it still fits lower budgets without sacrificing quality.

How Does Special Kitty Compare to Other Cat Litter Brands?

Customers consistently praise Special Kitty as a high-quality litter option that outperforms other budget store brands. It has excellent clumping, odor control, and absorbency on par with far more expensive natural clay litters.

However, Special Kitty can’t compete when it comes to lightweight convenience of clumping clay or natural alternative litters. The heavy clay formula has some downsides like tracking and unwanted dusty texture.

Here’s how Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter stacks up to other popular cat litter choices:

• vs. lightweight clumping clay (i.e. Tidy Cats): lower cost but heavier and more tracking
• vs. clumping natural litter (i.e. World’s Best): similar performance but lower price
• vs. paper litter (i.e. Feline Pine): better odor control but requires more work
• vs. corn litter (i.e. World’s Best): less tracking but may be less absorbent
• vs. crystal litter (i.e. Fresh Step): lower cost but needs changed more often
• vs. plant-based litter (i.e. sWheat Scoop): similar natural benefits for less money

So while not perfect, Special Kitty certainly rises above other economy clay options for quality and value. It’s closest competitors are other affordable natural clay litters.

Is Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter Safe for Kittens?

The all-natural ingredients and clumping action of Special Kitty make it a good choice for kittens. The sodium bentonite clay is safe if accidentally ingested by kittens exploring their litter box. It passes through the digestive system without causing blockages.

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is also free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes which can irritate young kittens. And the natural clumping doesn’t contain any clumping agents that stick to paws or fur.

However, the fine clay grains may get trapped between kitten paw pads before they develop calluses. Starting with a very shallow layer of litter and gradually increasing depth can help kittens transition.

You may also want to experiment with mixing in a small amount of softer, lightweight litter. But overall, the gentle formula of Special Kitty makes it suitable for most kitten households. Monitor your kittens after switching to any new litter and discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

How to Dispose of Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter forms hard clumps that you should remove during daily scooping. You can dispose of urine clumps and solid wastes in your regular household trash.

When it comes time to replace the entire box, you have a few options for disposing of the used Special Kitty litter:

• Bag it securely and place with your trash pickup
• Flush it down the toilet in small increments if you have a capable septic system
• Contact local hazardous waste disposal to ask if they accept used litter
• Find out if any pet waste composting services are available in your area
• Check for cat litter recycling options near you that reuse clay

Avoid dumping large quantities of clay-based litter down drains or toilets at once since it can clog pipes. Make sure to check local guidelines before disposing of used cat litter. With proper disposal, Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter shouldn’t pose environmental hazards.

What Are the Reviews for Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter earns very positive reviews across the board. It currently holds a 4 out of 5 star rating on Walmart.com based on over 600 customer reviews.

The most frequent praise is over the litter’s excellent clumping abilities and odor control power. Many reviewers say it’s the best affordable clumping litter and outperforms far more expensive options. They also note Special Kitty produces minimal tracking around the home.

Some negative feedback includes the heavier clay sticking to the bottom of the litter box. Occasional issues with crumbly or dusty clay texture are also reported, though most bags are normal. Cats who prefer lightweight litters may resist the heavier clay.

Overall, the vast majority of reviews recommend Special Kitty as a high-performing natural clay litter at a budget price point. It exceeds expectations for clumping strength, odor control, and value.

How Often Should I Change Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

You should fully replace Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter every 2-4 weeks for one cat. For multi-cat households, aim for 2-3 week changes.

Scooping urine clumps and waste daily is still essential even with Special Kitty’s great odor control powers. But the dense bentonite clay can last longer between full changes compared to lighter litters.

Monitor odor levels closely to determine your ideal change frequency. If you notice increased ammonia smells from urine, it’s time to dump the entire box contents. Spot cleaning alone can’t reactivate the clay once the litter becomes overly saturated.

Changing Special Kitty litter every 2-4 weeks is generally recommended for maintaining freshness. However, you may need to change it more or less often depending on your cats’ usage and number of felines in the home.

Is Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter Dust-Free?

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is advertised as 99.9% dust-free. While not completely dust-free, it does produce very minimal dust compared to traditional clay options.

The dense clay grains don’t easily crumble into fine dust when poured or clawed at by cats. Reviewers say Special Kitty has no noticeable dust issues and leave air clear when pouring and scooping.

However, there are occasional bags mentioned in reviews where the clay seems excessively powdery and dusty. Quality control may sometimes be lacking. But the vast majority of customers report no dust concerns with normal bags of Special Kitty litter.

For cats with asthma or respiratory issues, a completely dust-free litter may still be the safest option. But Special Kitty has minimal dust for most cat households compared to other clay litters.

What Are the Benefits of Using Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

Here are the main benefits cat owners can expect when using Special Kitty Natural Clay Litter:

• Excellent odor control – Clumps tightly seal in smells from urine and waste
• Superb clumping action – Forms hard clumps that are easy to scoop
• Very affordable price – 25-lb bucket under $10 beats most litter prices
• Contains no chemicals – Made from 100% natural bentonite clay
• Minimal tracking – Dense grains don’t stick much to paws
• Low dust – Little airborne dust when pouring or scooping
• Good absorption – Pulls moisture into clay to keep box drier
• Trusted brand – Quality Walmart private label cat litter
• Large bucket – Ideal for multi-cat households; economical

For a budget-friendly natural clay litter that still delivers on performance, Special Kitty offers great value and benefits for most cat owners.

Does Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter Clump Well?

Excellent clumping ability is one of the stand-out features of Special Kitty Cat Litter. The natural sodium bentonite clay forms tight, solid clumps when wet.

Reviewers say the clumps hold their shape wonderfully when scooping from the litter box. They don’t crumble apart or stick excessively to the bottom of the box. The impressive clumping makes scooping fast and easy.

Urine clumps can be easily removed leaving little trace behind in the litter. Solid wastes are also contained in tight clumps that lift out without falling apart. Many owners say Special Kitty clumps even better than far more expensive natural clay litters.

For a budget-priced cat litter, Special Kitty has exceptionally reliable clumping power. Multiple customers report the clay becoming even harder and clumping better the longer it’s used.

What Sizes Are Available for Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter comes in two sizes:

25-pound buckets – The most common size sold is the 25-lb plastic bucket. This large size is economical for multi-cat homes. The handles make the bucket easy to carry and pour from.

8-pound jugs – For smaller litter boxes or single cat households, Walmart sells an 8-lb plastic jug of Special Kitty litter. The smaller containers are still affordable and easy to handle.

The jugs work well for trying out Special Kitty for the first time without committing to a massive bucket. However, the price per pound is lower when purchasing the 25-pound pails.

Both the bucket and jugs feature a wide opening and removable lid for easily filling litter boxes. Special Kitty litter is not sold in smaller sizes or individual bags.

How to Transition to Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter

Switching your cat to any new litter always requires some transition time. To help your cat readily accept Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter:

• Mix it in slowly – At first, do a mix of 25% new litter and 75% old litter. Over 2-3 weeks, increase the ratio of Special Kitty up to 100%.
• Put some in a secondary location – Place a small amount of Special Kitty litter in a spot your cat frequents so they get used to the scent and texture.
• Try different box options – Some cats prefer covered or oversized boxes, especially when adjusting to a new litter. Provide options to find their preference.
• Use litter box attractants – Temporarily sprinkle catnip or other attractants on top of the new litter to entice your cat.
• Remove other scented products – Eliminate scented cleaners and deodorizers during the transition so your cat can get used to the natural clay scent.
• Be patient – It can take 3-4 weeks for your cat to fully adapt to a new litter. Allow plenty of adjustment time.

The key is taking it slowly and letting your cat get comfortable with Special Kitty at their own pace. The natural clay litter works wonderfully for most cats once they get acclimated.

Are There Any Allergens in Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter doesn’t contain any known cat allergens. The only ingredient is sodium bentonite clay which is hypoallergenic.

Bentonite clay is too dense for dust particles that commonly trigger litter box allergies in humans. And the clay contains no botanical materials, silica dust, or fragrances that can cause issues for sensitive individuals.

However, it’s important to note that no cat litter is proven 100% allergy-free. Any product introduced into the home could potentially cause reactions in those with severe allergies. Monitor yourself for any respiratory reactions after bringing Special Kitty litter into your home.

For most individuals, the simplistic clay formulation poses very minimal allergy risks. But each person’s sensitivities differ. Discontinue use if any allergy symptoms occur when cleaning the litter.

Overall, Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is a hypoallergenic choice that’s unlikely to cause problems for those prone to allergies. But cautiously monitor yourself when switching litters to be safe.

What Are Common Issues with Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

While Special Kitty earns overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are a few potential downsides to the natural clay litter:

• Heavy litter weight – The dense clay results in very heavy litter boxes. Lifting and pouring can be messier and more difficult.
• Messy tracking – While tracking is minimal, some owners report the smaller grains getting wedged between paw pads and leaving clay footprints.
• Occasional crumbling – Quality control can be inconsistent. Some bags have more crumbly clay that falls apart easily.
• Dust issues – Rarely, excessively powdery or dusty batches happen. This poses problems for sensitive cats.
• Strong clay scent – Some cats dislike the natural earthy aroma, especially during initial transition.
• Requires deeper litter – Clay needs 2-3 inches filled in boxes to contain odors, unlike lightweight litters.

While not common with Special Kitty, new boxes of any natural clay litter should be spot checked for any defects, unusual textures, or extreme dust prior to pouring into the litter box. But most customers don’t experience these problems.

How to Store Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter Properly

To keep Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter in ideal condition for use:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep bags tightly sealed between use to maintain freshness
• Avoid storing litter in hot places like garages that can dry out the clay
• Place bucket in a secondary bin or bag to catch any spills or tears
• Once opened, use within a few weeks for maximum performance
• Write the opening date on bags/buckets and use oldest first
• Avoid putting litter box scoop directly in bag/bucket to minimize contamination

Properly storing unopened and opened containers of Special Kitty litter prevents the clay from drying out or losing effectiveness. Keeping it in a climate controlled area makes for easier pouring and scooping too.

Does Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter Have Any Recalls?

There are no recalls of Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter found at the time of writing. Special Kitty is manufactured by Walmart, and they have not issued any warnings or notices regarding this specific formula.

Walmart’s private label Special Kitty brand has been on the market for decades with no major recalls on this classic clay litter product. Special Kitty litter appears to have a good safety track record.

As with any cat litter, it’s still smart to:

• Spot check each new bag or bucket for any odd textures or signs of contamination before using
• Monitor your cat’s health when transitioning to any new litter brand
• Report any concerns to the manufacturer right away

But overall, Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter has demonstrated consistent safety, earning it status as a trusted cat litter brand.

The Purrfect Litter at a Purrfect Price

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter delivers impressive performance and value. The dense bentonite clay clumps hard, seals in odors remarkably well, and creates little dust. While heavier than lightweight litters, the natural ingredients and budget price make it ideal for multi-cat households.

Cats and owners alike love Special Kitty for its natural simplicity. By following the usage and transition tips in this guide, you can determine if this affordable Walmart brand is the right choice your cat. Special Kitty’s excellent track record shows that you don’t need to pay a premium for a litter that simply works well. Switch to Special Kitty today and see why it earns rave reviews as the purrfect litter at a purrfect price.