Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter

Finding Balance Between Price and Performance in the World of Cat Litter

Let me start by saying that I never thought I’d become a cat litter expert. Yet here I am, five cats later, with enough litter box experience to write a dissertation. When I first adopted Mittens back in 2018, I had no idea that finding the right litter would become such an important part of my life. After trying dozens of brands and types, I’ve found myself returning to Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter time and time again. Today, I want to share everything I’ve learned about this budget-friendly option that might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.

What Exactly Is Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is a Walmart-exclusive brand that offers an affordable yet effective solution for cat owners who want decent performance without breaking the bank. When I first picked up a bag, I wasn’t expecting much—after all, the price point seemed too good to be true. Made from natural clay materials, this litter is designed to be a basic, no-frills option for cat owners.

The first thing I noticed when opening the bag was the natural earthy smell—not overwhelming or chemical-like as some other litters can be. The texture consists of small to medium-sized granules of clay that feel quite dense when you scoop them. This density is actually a good thing, as I’ve found it helps with absorption and odor control, which we’ll discuss more later.

As a brand, Special Kitty has been around for quite some time, positioned as Walmart’s answer to premium cat litters but at a fraction of the cost. While it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of some high-end brands, it delivers where it counts for many cat owners: affordability and basic functionality.

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: What’s the Deal?

One of the first questions I had when considering Special Kitty Natural Clay was whether it was clumping or non-clumping. This distinction is important because it affects how you’ll maintain the litter box and how often you’ll need to replace the entire contents.

Special Kitty Natural Clay comes in both clumping and non-clumping varieties, but the Natural Clay line is primarily known for its clumping formula. The clumping action is reasonably effective—not as quick-forming or concrete-solid as premium brands like Arm & Hammer or Dr. Elsey’s, but it does the job.

I remember the first time I used it, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it formed clumps around urine. They weren’t the rock-solid clumps you might get with more expensive brands, but they were firm enough to scoop without falling apart completely. This meant I could remove waste effectively without having to change the entire box as frequently.

For those who prefer non-clumping litter, Special Kitty does offer a non-clumping version, but in my experience, the clumping variety provides better odor control and is more economical in the long run since you’re only removing what’s been used rather than replacing entire batches of litter.

The Price Factor: Is It Really That Affordable?

Let’s talk about what initially drew me to Special Kitty: the price. As someone with multiple cats, litter expenses can add up quickly, and finding an affordable option that actually works became a mission of mine.

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is significantly less expensive than most mainstream brands. At Walmart, a 25-pound bag typically costs between $5-7, depending on your location. Compare this to premium brands that can cost $15-25 for the same amount, and the savings become obvious.

When I did the math for my five-cat household, switching to Special Kitty saved me approximately $30-40 per month. Over a year, that’s a savings of $360-480—enough for a nice cat tree or several months of premium cat food.

However, there’s always the question of whether cheaper means lower quality. In some cases, yes—you might find yourself using more litter because the clumps aren’t as efficient, or changing the box more frequently due to odor issues. But overall, I’ve found the cost-to-performance ratio to be quite favorable with Special Kitty Natural Clay.

Where Can You Buy Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter?

As mentioned earlier, Special Kitty is Walmart’s house brand, which means you’ll find it exclusively at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. This exclusivity can be either a convenience or a limitation, depending on your shopping habits.

If you’re a regular Walmart shopper like me, picking up litter during your normal grocery run is no problem. I typically grab a bag every two weeks during my usual shopping trip. The litter is usually located in the pet aisle, often on the bottom shelves due to its weight.

Online ordering through Walmart.com is also an option, which I’ve used during particularly busy weeks. The shipping can be free if you meet the minimum order requirement, though keep in mind that the weight of cat litter can make shipping costs prohibitive if ordered alone.

One thing I’ve noticed is that availability can sometimes be an issue. During the pandemic, for instance, I found that Special Kitty was often out of stock both in-store and online. Having a backup brand in mind for these situations is always wise.

The Big Question: Does It Actually Control Odors?

Odor control is perhaps the most crucial factor when evaluating any cat litter. After all, no one wants their home to smell like a litter box, no matter how much they love their feline friends.

In my experience, Special Kitty Natural Clay does a decent job with odor control, but it’s not miraculous. For the first couple of days after a fresh change, odor control is quite good. The natural clay seems to absorb urine odors effectively, and solid waste odors are contained if scooped promptly.

However, around day 4-5 with my multi-cat household, I start to notice some breakthrough odors, particularly in the morning or after all the cats have used the boxes. This is earlier than I might experience with premium brands that can sometimes go 7-10 days before odors become noticeable.

I’ve developed a system to maximize the odor control properties of Special Kitty. First, I scoop twice daily without fail—morning and evening. Second, I keep the litter deeper than recommended on the bag (about 4 inches instead of 2-3). Finally, I add a thin layer of fresh litter every other day to help maintain odor control.

With this system, I’ve been able to extend the full change to about 2-3 weeks, even with multiple cats. Without these steps, you might find yourself changing the entire box weekly, which would diminish some of the cost savings.

Safety First: Is Special Kitty Natural Clay Safe for Kittens?

When I adopted two kittens last year, Pepper and Sage, I had to reconsider all of my cat care products for safety. Kittens are curious creatures and often ingest things they shouldn’t, including litter.

Special Kitty Natural Clay is generally considered safe for kittens over 8 weeks old. The clay particles are small enough that they don’t pose a significant choking hazard, but large enough that they’re not easily inhaled deeply into the lungs.

That said, I did notice my kittens seemed more interested in investigating (and occasionally tasting) the litter compared to my adult cats. This is normal kitten behavior, but I took some precautions:

1. I monitored their litter box behavior closely for the first few weeks
2. I made sure they had plenty of appropriate toys to satisfy their curiosity
3. I kept the litter boxes extra clean to minimize their interest in the contents

One concern with clay litters and kittens is the dust factor, which we’ll discuss more later. Kittens’ developing respiratory systems can be more sensitive to dust, so proper ventilation around the litter box area is important.

Overall, while Special Kitty Natural Clay isn’t specifically marketed for kittens, I found it to be safe for my little ones once they were fully weaned and litter trained. If you have very young kittens under 8 weeks, you might want to consider a paper-based or specially formulated kitten litter until they’re a bit older.

How Does It Compare to Other Clay Litters?

Having tried numerous clay litters over the years—from budget options to premium brands—I have a good basis for comparison. Special Kitty Natural Clay sits somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of performance, while being at the lower end of the price spectrum.

Compared to premium clay litters like Scoop Away, Arm & Hammer, or Dr. Elsey’s, Special Kitty doesn’t clump quite as firmly and doesn’t control odors for as long. The premium brands tend to form rock-solid clumps that don’t break apart during scooping, while Special Kitty clumps can sometimes crumble if you’re not careful.

However, compared to other budget brands, Special Kitty performs admirably. The clumping action is better than many store brands I’ve tried, and the odor control is superior to most litters in its price range.

One area where Special Kitty actually outperforms some pricier options is in how well it absorbs moisture. I’ve found that it quickly soaks up urine rather than allowing pooling at the bottom of the box, which helps prevent that ammonia smell from developing.

The texture is also finer than some other budget clay litters, which my cats seem to prefer. I’ve noticed they’re less likely to avoid the box due to texture issues compared to some chunkier clay litters I’ve tried.

The Dust Factor: A Consideration for Sensitive Households

Dust is a common concern with clay litters, and for good reason. It can affect both human and feline respiratory health, particularly for those with asthma or allergies. So how does Special Kitty Natural Clay fare in the dust department?

In my experience, Special Kitty Natural Clay produces a moderate amount of dust—not the worst I’ve seen, but certainly not dust-free. When pouring a fresh box, there’s a visible cloud that rises from the litter, which settles after a few moments.

I’ve developed a few strategies to minimize the dust impact:

1. I pour new litter slowly and from a lower height to reduce dust clouds
2. I keep the litter box in a well-ventilated area
3. I use a mat underneath the box to catch any dust that might otherwise spread through the house

For my household, the dust level is manageable. However, if you or your cats have respiratory sensitivities, this might be a dealbreaker. Several of my friends with asthma have had to switch to crystal or paper-based litters despite the higher cost.

It’s worth noting that Special Kitty does offer a “low dust” formula, though in my testing, it still produces more dust than premium “99% dust-free” options. The tradeoff for the lower price point is evident here.

Maintenance Matters: How Often Should You Replace It?

Litter box maintenance is a crucial aspect of cat ownership, and the frequency of full changes depends on several factors: the number of cats, the number of boxes, your scooping routine, and the litter itself.

With Special Kitty Natural Clay, I’ve found the following schedule works best for my multi-cat household:

• Scoop twice daily (morning and evening)
• Add 1-2 cups of fresh litter every 2-3 days
• Completely empty, clean, and refill boxes every 2-3 weeks

This schedule might seem labor-intensive, but it maximizes the lifespan of the litter while maintaining a clean environment for my cats. With more premium litters, I might be able to extend the full change to 3-4 weeks, but the cost savings of Special Kitty make the slightly more frequent changes worthwhile.

One tip I’ve learned is to maintain a consistent depth of litter. Special Kitty works best at about 3-4 inches deep in my experience. Too shallow, and urine can reach the bottom of the box; too deep, and you’re using more product than necessary.

When it’s time for a full change, I completely empty the box, wash it with mild soap and water, let it dry thoroughly, and then add fresh litter. This process helps prevent odor-causing bacteria from building up in the box itself.

Scented vs. Unscented: What’s Your Preference?

The debate between scented and unscented litter is ongoing in the cat owner community. Some prefer scented varieties to mask odors, while others find the artificial fragrances overwhelming or potentially irritating to their cats.

Special Kitty Natural Clay is available in both scented and unscented varieties. The unscented version is truly neutral—it doesn’t have any added fragrance but does have that slight earthy clay smell that’s typical of natural minerals.

The scented version has what I would describe as a light “fresh linen” type of fragrance. It’s not as overpowering as some other brands I’ve tried, but it’s definitely noticeable when you first pour it and when the box is freshly scooped.

I’ve used both versions and found that my cats don’t seem to have a strong preference either way. However, I personally prefer the unscented version for two reasons:

1. I find that scented litters sometimes just mask odors rather than controlling them, creating a strange mixed smell
2. I’m concerned about potential respiratory irritation for my cats from added fragrances

If you do opt for the scented variety, monitor your cats for any signs of avoidance or respiratory distress, as some cats can be sensitive to fragrances.

Multi-Cat Households: Can Special Kitty Handle the Load?

As someone with five cats, this question was particularly important to me. Can a budget litter really handle multiple cats using the same boxes?

The answer is yes, with some caveats. Special Kitty Natural Clay can work for multi-cat households, but you’ll need to adjust your maintenance routine accordingly. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

1. Provide more litter boxes than the standard recommendation (I use 7 boxes for 5 cats, rather than the typical “one per cat plus one extra” formula)
2. Scoop more frequently (twice daily minimum)
3. Add fresh litter more often (every other day rather than weekly)
4. Consider a full change slightly more frequently

With these adjustments, Special Kitty performs adequately in my multi-cat home. The main challenge is odor control, which requires more diligence than it might with a single cat.

One benefit I’ve noticed is that the larger, economy-sized bags of Special Kitty are particularly cost-effective for multi-cat households. The per-pound price decreases significantly when buying the largest available size (usually 25-40 pounds, depending on your store).

Available Sizes: Finding the Right Fit

Speaking of sizes, Special Kitty Natural Clay is available in several different weight options to suit various needs. The typical sizes I’ve seen at my local Walmart include:

• 7-pound bag (good for travel or as a supplemental bag)
• 14-pound bag (suitable for single-cat households)
• 25-pound bag (good value for 1-2 cats)
• 40-pound bag (best value, ideal for multi-cat households)

The larger bags offer better value per pound, but they come with the challenge of storage and handling. A 40-pound bag is unwieldy and can be difficult to pour from directly. I’ve found that transferring portions to a smaller container with a scoop works best for day-to-day use.

For storage, I keep the large bag in a plastic tote with a lid to prevent moisture from affecting the unused litter. This also helps contain any dust and keeps curious pets from investigating the bag.

If you’re trying Special Kitty for the first time, I’d recommend starting with a medium-sized bag to see if it works for your cats before committing to the larger, more economical size.

The Tracking Issue: Do You Need a Litter Mat?

Tracking—the inevitable trail of litter particles that follow cats out of their boxes—is a consideration with any litter type. How does Special Kitty Natural Clay perform in this regard?

In my experience, Special Kitty has moderate tracking issues. The particles are small enough that they do cling to paws and fur, especially for my longhaired cats. I find litter granules several feet away from the boxes, particularly in high-traffic areas.

To combat this, I’ve implemented a few solutions:

1. Placed high-quality litter mats underneath and around all litter boxes
2. Positioned boxes away from carpeted areas when possible
3. Kept a small handheld vacuum nearby for quick cleanups

The tracking isn’t significantly worse than more expensive clay litters, but it’s definitely more noticeable than with some alternative litters like pellets or crystals. If tracking is a major concern in your household, you might want to consider a litter with larger particles or one specifically designed to reduce tracking.

That said, for the price point, I find the tracking to be an acceptable compromise. No litter is completely tracking-free, and the cost savings of Special Kitty make the extra sweeping worthwhile for my budget.

Environmental Considerations: Is Clay Litter Eco-Friendly?

As someone who tries to make environmentally conscious choices, I’ve had to reconcile my use of clay litter with my eco-friendly values. The truth is that clay litters, including Special Kitty Natural Clay, are not the most environmentally friendly option.

Clay litter is typically obtained through strip mining, which can cause significant environmental disruption. Additionally, clay litters are not biodegradable and will remain in landfills indefinitely after disposal.

For those concerned about environmental impact, there are more eco-friendly alternatives available, such as litters made from recycled paper, wood, corn, wheat, or even grass. However, these alternatives typically come with a higher price tag and sometimes different performance characteristics.

I’ve experimented with several eco-friendly litters and found that while they have environmental benefits, many of my cats preferred the texture of clay litter. This left me with a difficult choice between my cats’ preferences and my environmental concerns.

My compromise has been to use Special Kitty for most of my litter boxes while maintaining one box with an eco-friendly alternative that I’m slowly introducing to my cats. This approach allows me to balance budget, performance, and environmental considerations while working toward a more sustainable solution.

Longevity: How Long Does a Bag Last?

The lifespan of a bag of litter depends on several factors: the number of cats, their size, their diet, their litter box habits, and your maintenance routine. Based on my experience with five cats, here’s a rough estimate:

• 7-pound bag: 3-5 days for my household (would likely last 2-3 weeks for a single cat)
• 14-pound bag: 1 week for my household (approximately 1 month for a single cat)
• 25-pound bag: 2 weeks for my household (approximately 2 months for a single cat)
• 40-pound bag: 3-4 weeks for my household (could last 3+ months for a single cat)

These estimates assume regular scooping and periodic addition of fresh litter rather than complete changes. If you change the entire box weekly, your usage will be significantly higher.

I’ve found that Special Kitty tends to be used up slightly faster than premium brands because:

1. The clumps sometimes break apart, requiring removal of more litter during scooping
2. More frequent full changes may be necessary for odor control
3. The lighter weight of some clumps means more litter is removed with each waste scoop

Even with these factors, the cost savings still make Special Kitty economical compared to premium brands. I might use 20-30% more litter by volume, but the per-bag cost is often 50-60% less than premium options.

Scooping Ease: Does It Harden Properly?

The effectiveness of clumping is a major factor in how easily you can maintain a litter box. Special Kitty Natural Clay does form clumps, but how well do they hold up to scooping?

In my experience, Special Kitty forms moderately firm clumps. They’re solid enough to scoop if you’re gentle, but they don’t achieve the concrete-like consistency of premium clumping litters. This means you need to develop a bit of a technique:

1. Allow sufficient time for clumps to form (at least 15-20 minutes after use)
2. Scoop slowly and deliberately rather than quickly scraping through the box
3. Minimize agitation of the clumps during scooping

With these techniques, scooping is manageable, though not as effortless as with premium brands. I’ve found that a sturdy metal scoop works better than plastic with Special Kitty, as it allows for cleaner separation of clumps from clean litter.

One benefit I’ve noticed is that Special Kitty doesn’t tend to form cement-like clumps that stick to the bottom or sides of the litter box. This means less scraping and less wear on your litter boxes over time.

Allergy Considerations: Is It Hypoallergenic?

Cat allergies—both in humans and in cats themselves—are a significant concern for many households. While no clay litter is truly hypoallergenic, some perform better than others for sensitive individuals.

Special Kitty Natural Clay is not marketed as hypoallergenic, and the dust it produces can potentially aggravate respiratory conditions. For humans with cat allergies, the dust may carry allergens from the cat and distribute them into the air.

For cats with sensitivities, the unscented variety is generally a better choice, as added fragrances can sometimes cause irritation. I have one cat, Luna, who has occasional skin sensitivities, and she hasn’t shown any adverse reactions to the unscented Special Kitty litter.

If allergies are a major concern in your household, you might want to consider:

1. Using the unscented variety
2. Placing litter boxes in well-ventilated areas
3. Considering a low-dust or dust-free alternative
4. Using an air purifier near litter box areas

My friend with severe allergies found that switching to a crystal litter significantly reduced her symptoms, even though it was more expensive. For her, the health benefits outweighed the cost considerations.

Finding Deals: Are There Coupons or Discounts?

Everyone loves a good deal, and saving money on pet supplies is always welcome. While Special Kitty is already positioned as a budget brand, there are still ways to maximize your savings.

In my experience, Walmart occasionally runs sales on Special Kitty products, though these aren’t as frequent as promotions for name-brand litters. The best discounts I’ve seen typically occur during:

1. Seasonal pet sales (often in spring and fall)
2. Store-wide discount events
3. Clearance events when packaging designs change

Manufacturer coupons are rare for Special Kitty since it’s a store brand, but Walmart sometimes offers store coupons or Walmart app-specific deals that can be applied to pet supplies.

Another strategy I’ve used is to watch for Walmart gift card promotions. Occasionally, Walmart offers gift cards for purchasing certain amounts or types of merchandise, which can effectively discount your litter purchase.

Buying in bulk is perhaps the most reliable way to save on Special Kitty litter. The per-pound price decreases significantly with larger bags, so if you have storage space, the 40-pound bag offers the best value.

Moisture Absorption: How Well Does It Handle Wetness?

Effective moisture absorption is crucial for odor control and maintaining a clean litter box environment. Special Kitty Natural Clay’s performance in this area is one of its stronger points.

The clay granules quickly absorb moisture when a cat urinates, forming clumps within minutes. I’ve found that the absorption is quite thorough, preventing urine from pooling at the bottom of the box, which can happen with some lower-quality litters.

This quick absorption helps minimize the immediate odor release after a cat uses the box. However, I’ve noticed that over time (several days to a week), the overall moisture level in the box increases even with regular scooping, which eventually contributes to odor development.

For households with elderly cats or cats with urinary issues who might produce more urine than average, Special Kitty still performs adequately, though you might need to scoop more frequently and add fresh litter more often to maintain absorption capacity.

One tip I’ve learned is to ensure the litter is deep enough (3-4 inches) to maximize absorption capacity. Too shallow, and the litter quickly becomes saturated; too deep, and you’re wasting product without significant performance gains.

The Verdict: What Do Reviews Say?

Reviews for Special Kitty Natural Clay are mixed but generally positive, especially when considering the price point. Online reviews on Walmart.com typically hover around 4 out of 5 stars, which aligns with my personal experience.

The most common positive comments mention:

1. Excellent value for money
2. Decent odor control for the price
3. Adequate clumping action
4. Good availability

The most frequent criticisms include:

1. Dust levels
2. Tracking issues
3. Clumps that break apart during scooping
4. Odor control that diminishes after several days

In my conversations with other cat owners at the vet’s office and in online forums, I’ve found that those who switch to Special Kitty typically fall into two camps: those who stay with it for the cost savings despite some performance compromises, and those who ultimately decide to pay more for premium options with better odor control and clumping.

My veterinarian’s take is that Special Kitty is perfectly adequate from a cat health perspective, particularly if it’s maintained well with regular scooping and complete changes when needed.

Final Thoughts: Is Special Kitty Natural Clay Right for You?

After using Special Kitty Natural Clay for several years across different living situations and with varying numbers of cats, I’ve developed a nuanced view of its strengths and limitations.

Special Kitty Natural Clay Cat Litter is an excellent choice for budget-conscious cat owners who are willing to put in a bit more maintenance effort in exchange for significant cost savings. It performs admirably for its price point, offering decent clumping, acceptable odor control, and good absorption.

It might be particularly well-suited for:

• New cat owners testing different litter types
• Multi-cat households looking to reduce litter expenses
• Cat owners who already shop at Walmart regularly
• Those who maintain a frequent scooping routine
• Households without severe allergy concerns

However, it might not be ideal for:

• Those with respiratory sensitivities
• Owners who prefer minimal maintenance
• Households where odor control is the absolute top priority
• Those seeking the most environmentally friendly option

For me, Special Kitty Natural Clay has been a reliable compromise between performance and price. While I occasionally try other options, I find myself returning to Special Kitty for its overall value. With proper maintenance and realistic expectations, it’s been a solution that keeps both my cats and my budget happy.

Remember that every cat is different, and what works for my feline family might not be perfect for yours. The best litter is ultimately the one that your cats will use consistently and that fits your household’s specific needs and values.