Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter

Finding the Purr-fect Litter Solution for Your Feline Friend

As I sit here with my cat Whiskers purring contentedly on my lap, I can’t help but think about how far we’ve come in our litter box journey. If you’re a fellow cat parent, you know that finding the right cat litter is no small feat. It’s a decision that affects not just your furry friend’s bathroom habits but your entire home environment. After years of trial and error (and, let’s be honest, some truly horrific litter box disasters), I’ve found that Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter offers the perfect balance of performance and affordability for most cat owners.

But is it right for you and your feline companion? That’s what we’re going to explore in this comprehensive guide. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter.

My Personal Journey to Special Kitty

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, let me share a bit about my journey. I adopted Whiskers and her sister Mittens five years ago, and like many new cat parents, I was overwhelmed by the choices in the pet supply store. Premium litters with fancy packaging and hefty price tags caught my eye first, but my wallet wasn’t too happy about the prospect of spending $30+ every month on cat litter.

After trying several brands—some that clumped like concrete and required a chisel to remove, others that tracked throughout my entire apartment like sandy beach souvenirs—I discovered Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter during a late-night emergency run to Walmart. Initially skeptical due to the budget-friendly price point, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance.

Fast forward to today, and it’s been our go-to litter for over three years. But enough about me—let’s talk about what Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter actually is and why it might be the solution you’re looking for.

What Exactly Is Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter?

Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter is Walmart’s proprietary brand of clumping clay litter. At its core, it’s a clay-based product designed to form solid clumps when your cat urinates, making waste removal easier and extending the life of the litter in the box.

The litter features:

• Clay-based formula
• Scoopable, clumping technology
• Odor-control agents
• Multiple scent options (including unscented for sensitive cats)
• Fine-grain texture most cats find comfortable

What sets Special Kitty apart from some competitors is its straightforward approach. It doesn’t come with fancy packaging or marketing claims about revolutionary technology—it simply delivers on the basics that most cat owners need: effective clumping, reasonable odor control, and an affordable price point.

The Science Behind the Scoop: How Special Kitty Works

Understanding how Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter works can help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home. The litter utilizes sodium bentonite clay, which expands when wet to form solid clumps that are easy to remove from the litter box.

When your cat urinates, the liquid activates the sodium bentonite, causing it to swell and form a solid mass that encapsulates the waste. This clumping action serves several important functions:

1. It isolates urine to prevent it from reaching the bottom of the litter box
2. It contains odor-causing bacteria within the clump
3. It allows you to remove waste without changing the entire box
4. It prevents urine from spreading throughout the litter, extending the life of clean litter

The added odor-control ingredients (which vary depending on whether you choose scented or unscented varieties) work to neutralize ammonia and other unpleasant smells that can develop in a litter box. These ingredients don’t just mask odors—they help chemically neutralize them.

Scoopability: The Daily Test of Any Cat Litter

Let’s talk about scoopability—because let’s face it, this is where the rubber meets the road in daily litter maintenance. The ease of scooping is arguably the most important practical feature of any clumping litter, and it’s an area where Special Kitty performs surprisingly well for its price point.

In my experience, Special Kitty forms firm clumps that hold together well during scooping. The clumps aren’t rock-solid like some premium brands (which can actually be a problem when they cement themselves to the bottom of the box), but they’re substantial enough to make clean-up relatively easy.

A few observations on scoopability:

• Clumps form within minutes of your cat using the box
• They generally maintain their integrity when scooped
• The litter doesn’t tend to crumble excessively during scooping
• Urine doesn’t typically reach the bottom of the box if you maintain adequate litter depth (3-4 inches is ideal)

One tip I’ve found helpful: Allow fresh urine clumps to set for about 10-15 minutes before scooping. This gives the binding agents time to fully activate and creates firmer clumps that are less likely to break apart during removal.

The Budget Factor: Cost Analysis of Special Kitty

One of the most compelling reasons cat owners turn to Special Kitty is its cost-effectiveness. Let’s break down the numbers to see how it compares to other options on the market.

As of my last purchase, Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter typically costs between $0.30-$0.40 per pound, depending on the size you purchase and any current promotions. The most economical option is usually the 25-pound box, which often retails for around $7-9.

For comparison:

• Premium clumping litters (like Scoop Away, Tidy Cats, or Fresh Step): $0.50-$0.80 per pound
• Natural litters (like World’s Best or Feline Pine): $0.90-$1.50 per pound
• Crystal litters: $1.50-$2.50 per pound

For my two-cat household, I typically use about 40 pounds of litter per month. With Special Kitty, that costs me approximately $12-16 monthly, compared to $20-32 for premium clumping litters or $36-60 for natural options.

The annual savings are significant:

• Special Kitty: $144-192 per year
• Premium clumping litters: $240-384 per year
• Natural litters: $432-720 per year

Of course, cost isn’t everything—performance matters too. But when you find a product that works well at a fraction of the cost, it’s hard to justify the premium price tags of some competitors.

Where to Buy: Availability and Options

Special Kitty is Walmart’s proprietary brand, so it’s most readily available at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. This exclusivity can be either a convenience or a limitation, depending on your shopping habits.

You can find Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter:

• In-store at virtually all Walmart locations
• Online at Walmart.com with delivery options
• Occasionally on third-party marketplaces (though often at marked-up prices)

The brand offers several package sizes:

• 7-pound jugs (convenient for small spaces or testing the product)
• 14-pound jugs (good for single-cat households)
• 20-pound boxes (standard size for most households)
• 25-pound boxes (best value for multi-cat homes)
• 40-pound bags (maximum economy for dedicated users)

I’ve found the 25-pound boxes to be the sweet spot for value and manageable weight, but your mileage may vary depending on your storage space and lifting abilities. If you’re trying Special Kitty for the first time, I’d recommend starting with a smaller size to test how your cat responds before committing to the larger, more economical options.

Clumping Effectiveness: The Real-World Test

While the marketing materials for any litter will claim excellent clumping, the real test comes in daily use. After years with Special Kitty, I can offer some honest insights into its clumping effectiveness.

Special Kitty forms moderately firm clumps that are generally easy to remove from the litter box. The clumping action is not as instantaneous or cement-like as some premium brands, but it’s more than adequate for daily maintenance.

A few observations on clumping performance:

• Urine clumps typically form within 2-3 minutes
• Clumps hold their form well during normal scooping
• Clumps rarely break apart unless they’re very fresh
• The litter performs better with adequate depth (3-4 inches minimum)

One limitation I’ve noticed is that in very humid conditions, the clumping ability can decrease slightly. Additionally, if your cat tends to urinate in the same spot repeatedly, you might experience some sticking to the bottom of the box. This isn’t unique to Special Kitty—it’s common with most clay-based clumping litters—but it’s worth noting.

A pro tip: Sprinkle a thin layer of fresh litter at the bottom of a clean box before filling it. This creates a barrier that helps prevent sticking and makes deep cleaning easier when it’s time to completely change the litter.

Scent Options: Finding Your Fragrance Preference

Special Kitty offers both scented and unscented varieties of their scoopable litter, giving cat owners options based on their preferences and their cats’ sensitivities.

The scented versions include:

• Fresh Scent (a clean, somewhat floral aroma)
• Multi-Cat (a slightly stronger odor-masking fragrance)
• Lavender Scent (a more distinctive floral option)

The unscented version is simply labeled “Unscented” and contains odor-control ingredients without added fragrances.

In my experience, the scents are noticeable but not overwhelming—certainly less intense than some competing brands that seem designed to mask odors with industrial-strength perfumes. The Fresh Scent has been our go-to, as it provides a subtle background freshness without being intrusive.

That said, cats have much more sensitive noses than humans, and some felines object strongly to scented litters. If your cat has ever exhibited litter box avoidance or seems to hesitate when using the box, the unscented variety might be worth trying. Personally, I rotated between scented and unscented versions for several months before determining that my cats seemed equally comfortable with either option.

Longevity: How Long Does a Box Last?

One of the key factors in evaluating any cat litter’s value is how long it lasts before needing a complete change. This depends on several variables, including the number of cats, their size, diet, and your scooping diligence.

In my two-cat household with daily scooping, a 25-pound box of Special Kitty typically lasts about:

• 2-3 weeks in a single large litter box
• 3-4 weeks when divided between two litter boxes

The manufacturer recommends completely changing the litter every 2-3 weeks, which aligns with my experience. However, with diligent daily scooping and occasional “top-offs” with fresh litter, you can often extend this timeframe without compromising cleanliness.

Factors that affect longevity include:

• Number and size of cats using the box
• Diet (cats on high-quality diets often produce less waste)
• Litter box size and depth
• Frequency of scooping
• Humidity in your home
• Your personal standards for freshness

One longevity hack I’ve discovered: Rather than completely emptying the box, I remove about 80% of the used litter, scrub the box, and then mix the remaining 20% (the cleanest portions) with fresh litter. This helps maintain familiar scent cues for your cat while still providing a mostly fresh box.

Safety First: Is Special Kitty Safe for Kittens?

If you’re bringing home a new kitten, safety concerns should be top of mind. The good news is that Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter is generally considered safe for kittens once they’re ready to use a litter box.

However, there are some important considerations:

• Very young kittens (under 8 weeks) sometimes try to eat litter out of curiosity
• Clay litters can cause intestinal blockages if ingested
• The fine dust from clay litters can irritate developing respiratory systems
• Some kittens may need a non-clumping litter initially until they understand the litter box concept

For kittens under 3-4 months, many veterinarians recommend starting with non-clumping, paper-based litters to avoid potential ingestion issues. Once your kitten is reliably using the litter box without attempting to eat the litter, you can gradually transition to Special Kitty by mixing increasing amounts with their starter litter over a period of 7-10 days.

When I adopted Whiskers and Mittens at 10 weeks old, I started them on a paper-based litter for the first month before transitioning to Special Kitty. They adapted quickly and never showed any interest in eating the litter, but each kitten is different.

Odor Control: The Nose Knows

Let’s be honest—one of the main reasons we choose clumping litters is for odor control. No one wants their home to smell like a litter box, regardless of how much we love our feline friends.

Special Kitty includes odor-control agents in both their scented and unscented varieties. These work by:

• Neutralizing ammonia compounds from urine
• Absorbing moisture that allows bacteria to multiply
• Trapping odors within clumps
• Adding a masking fragrance (in scented versions)

In my experience, Special Kitty provides adequate odor control for about 2-3 days after scooping, after which point you may notice some ammonia smell beginning to develop, particularly in the unscented variety. This is typical of most moderately-priced clumping litters and can be managed with regular scooping and occasional addition of baking soda as a natural odor absorber.

The scented varieties mask odors more effectively for casual visitors who might be more sensitive to cat-related smells. However, no litter completely eliminates odors indefinitely—regular maintenance is still essential regardless of which variety you choose.

One important note: If you suddenly notice strong odors despite regular litter maintenance, this could indicate a health issue with your cat. Urinary tract infections and kidney problems can cause changes in urine odor, so always consider a vet visit if you notice dramatic changes.

The Dust Factor: Is Special Kitty Low-Dust?

Dust is a common complaint with clay-based litters, and it’s an important consideration for both human and feline respiratory health. Special Kitty doesn’t market itself specifically as a low-dust formula, and in my experience, it does produce a moderate amount of dust during pouring and scooping.

On a dust scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the dustiest), I’d rate Special Kitty around a 5-6. It’s not the dustiest litter I’ve used, but it’s certainly not dust-free. You’ll notice a small cloud when pouring fresh litter, and some residual dust may settle on surfaces near the litter box.

To minimize dust exposure:

• Pour litter slowly from a lower height
• Consider using a dust mask when changing litter completely
• Place the litter box away from air vents or fans
• Choose a litter box with high sides or a top entry
• Consider a litter mat that captures dust particles from cat paws

If you or your cat has respiratory sensitivities like asthma or allergies, you might want to consider a specifically formulated low-dust alternative. However, for most households, the dust level in Special Kitty is manageable with these precautions.

Comparison Shopping: Special Kitty vs. The Competition

To truly understand Special Kitty’s value proposition, it’s helpful to compare it directly to competing products in the scoopable litter category. I’ve tested several alternatives over the years, and here’s how Special Kitty stacks up:

Special Kitty vs. Tidy Cats Clumping

• Clumping: Tidy Cats forms slightly firmer clumps
• Odor control: Comparable, with Tidy Cats perhaps lasting a day longer
• Dust: Similar levels
• Tracking: Comparable
• Price: Special Kitty typically 30-40% less expensive
• Overall value: Special Kitty wins for budget-conscious cat owners

Special Kitty vs. Fresh Step Clumping

• Clumping: Fresh Step forms harder, more cement-like clumps
• Odor control: Fresh Step’s activated carbon provides somewhat better odor control
• Dust: Fresh Step produces slightly less dust
• Tracking: Special Kitty tracks slightly less
• Price: Special Kitty typically 40-50% less expensive
• Overall value: Depends on your priority—performance or price

Special Kitty vs. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal

• Clumping: Arm & Hammer forms denser, more sealed clumps
• Odor control: Arm & Hammer’s baking soda formula provides superior odor control
• Dust: Arm & Hammer produces less dust
• Tracking: Similar levels
• Price: Special Kitty typically 50-60% less expensive
• Overall value: Arm & Hammer for performance, Special Kitty for budget

In most head-to-head comparisons, Special Kitty performs slightly below premium brands in specific performance categories but offers significantly better value. The question becomes whether the performance differences justify the price premium of competing brands—a calculation that will vary based on your budget, priorities, and your cat’s specific needs.

The Tracking Issue: Keeping Litter Where It Belongs

If there’s one universal complaint about cat litter, it’s tracking—those little granules that seem to find their way throughout your home despite your best efforts. Special Kitty, like most clay-based clumping litters, does track to some degree.

The granule size of Special Kitty is medium-fine, which contributes to both its good clumping properties and its tendency to stick to cat paws. On a tracking scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the worst), I’d rate Special Kitty around a 6-7. It’s not the worst offender I’ve encountered, but you will find granules outside the box.

To minimize tracking:

• Use a high-quality litter mat with a textured surface
• Consider a top-entry litter box that forces cats to “wipe their feet” when exiting
• Place the litter box on a hard surface rather than carpet
• Trim the fur between your cat’s toes (if they tolerate it)
• Consider creating a “litter box room” or designated area

In my home, I’ve combined a top-entry litter box with a large litter mat, which has reduced tracking by approximately 70-80% compared to a traditional open box. While not perfect, this combination makes the remaining tracking manageable with regular sweeping.

Size Options: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Special Kitty offers several package sizes to accommodate different households and storage capabilities. The availability may vary by location, but these are the most common options:

7-pound jug

• Best for: Testing the product, small apartments, elderly users who can’t lift heavy packages
• Typical price: $3-4 ($0.43-0.57 per pound)
• Duration (single cat): Approximately 1 week

14-pound jug

• Best for: Small households, limited storage space
• Typical price: $5-6 ($0.36-0.43 per pound)
• Duration (single cat): Approximately 2 weeks

20-pound box

• Best for: Average households, balanced weight and value
• Typical price: $6-7 ($0.30-0.35 per pound)
• Duration (single cat): Approximately 3 weeks

25-pound box

• Best for: Value seekers, multi-cat households
• Typical price: $7-9 ($0.28-0.36 per pound)
• Duration (single cat): Approximately 4 weeks

40-pound bag

• Best for: Maximum economy, large multi-cat households
• Typical price: $11-14 ($0.28-0.35 per pound)
• Duration (single cat): Approximately 6-7 weeks

I typically purchase the 25-pound boxes, as they offer a good balance between value and manageable weight. The larger 40-pound bags are more economical but can be unwieldy to handle and store, especially if you live in an apartment or have limited strength.

Multi-Cat Considerations: When One Box Isn’t Enough

If you have multiple cats, your litter needs and considerations might be different. Special Kitty does offer a specific “Multi-Cat” formula, which primarily features:

• Stronger odor-control agents
• Slightly more powerful fragrance
• Marketing claims of enhanced clumping for heavier use

In my experience with two cats, the regular Special Kitty formula works fine as long as you:

1. Provide enough litter boxes (the general rule is one box per cat, plus one extra)
2. Scoop diligently, ideally twice daily
3. Add fresh litter more frequently to maintain adequate depth
4. Change the litter completely more often (every 2 weeks instead of 3)

The Multi-Cat formula costs slightly more but may be worth it if you have three or more cats sharing litter boxes or if your existing odor-control routine isn’t sufficient. That said, no litter magically eliminates the need for regular maintenance in a multi-cat household—scooping frequency remains the most important factor in keeping your home odor-free.

Environmental Considerations: The Eco-Footprint

If environmental impact is a priority for you, it’s important to understand where Special Kitty (and most clay litters) stand on the eco-friendly spectrum. The honest assessment is that clay-based clumping litters like Special Kitty are not particularly environmentally friendly for several reasons:

1. Clay is typically strip-mined, which disrupts ecosystems
2. The sodium bentonite used for clumping is not biodegradable
3. Used litter ends up in landfills where it remains for decades
4. The manufacturing and shipping processes have carbon footprints

Special Kitty does not make any environmental claims or offer eco-friendly alternatives in their product line. If environmental impact is your primary concern, you might want to consider:

• Paper-based litters (made from recycled materials)
• Plant-based litters (corn, wheat, walnut shells)
• Wood-based litters (pine, cedar)
• Grass seed litters

These alternatives typically cost significantly more than Special Kitty and may offer different performance characteristics, but they have smaller environmental footprints. In my household, we’ve chosen to prioritize performance and budget while making eco-friendly choices in other areas, but this is a personal decision each cat owner needs to make based on their values and priorities.

The Sticking Point: Litter Box Adhesion

One common frustration with clumping litters is their tendency to stick to the bottom and sides of the litter box, creating a cement-like layer that requires significant scraping to remove. How does Special Kitty fare in this regard?

In my experience, Special Kitty does have some tendency to stick to plastic litter boxes, particularly in areas where cats repeatedly urinate in the same spot. This adhesion is generally less severe than what I’ve experienced with some premium brands that form extremely hard clumps, but it still requires attention during box cleaning.

To minimize sticking:

• Maintain adequate litter depth (at least 3-4 inches)
• Scoop promptly to remove wet clumps before they reach the box bottom
• Consider using litter box liners for easier cleanup
• Apply a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the box before adding litter
• Try a silicone or stainless steel litter box, which typically experience less sticking

If you do encounter stuck-on litter, soaking the box in warm water for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing can help loosen the material without requiring excessive force.

Saving More: Coupons and Discounts

While Special Kitty is already budget-friendly, savvy shoppers can find additional ways to save. Here are some strategies I’ve used to reduce costs even further:

1. Walmart Sales: Special Kitty frequently goes on sale, particularly the larger sizes. Stock up during these promotions if you have storage space.
2. Ibotta and Fetch Rewards: These cashback apps occasionally offer rebates on pet supplies, including store-brand litters.
3. Walmart+ Membership: If you’re a regular Walmart shopper, their membership program offers free delivery that can save you time and transportation costs.
4. Rollback Pricing: Watch for “Rollback” price reductions, which typically last for several weeks and offer better-than-usual pricing.
5. Bulk Purchasing: Consider splitting larger quantities with friends or family who also use Special Kitty to take advantage of volume pricing.

Traditional manufacturer coupons are rare for Special Kitty since it’s a store brand, but the Walmart app sometimes offers store-specific digital coupons that can be applied to your purchase.

Maintenance Schedule: Keeping It Fresh

Establishing a regular maintenance schedule is crucial for any litter, including Special Kitty. Based on my experience, here’s an optimal maintenance routine for a single-cat household:

Daily:

• Scoop solid waste and urine clumps at least once (preferably twice) daily
• Smooth the remaining litter to even depth

Weekly:

• Add fresh litter to maintain 3-4 inch depth
• Mix gently to distribute fresh litter
• Wipe down exterior of litter box and surrounding area

Every 2-3 Weeks:

• Empty litter box completely
• Wash with mild soap and water
• Allow to dry completely
• Add fresh litter

Monthly:

• Deep clean the litter box with a pet-safe disinfectant
• Replace litter scoop if showing signs of wear
• Vacuum or sweep storage area where litter is kept

For multi-cat households, you’ll want to increase the frequency of complete changes to every 2 weeks and possibly add a mid-week partial change where you remove and replace approximately 1/3 of the litter.

Consistency with this maintenance schedule not only keeps your home fresher but also extends the effective life of the litter between complete changes.

Automatic Litter Box Compatibility: Technology Meets Tradition

As automatic litter boxes gain popularity, compatibility with different litter types becomes an important consideration. Special Kitty’s performance in automatic systems varies depending on the specific mechanism:

Rake Systems (like LitterMaid):

• Special Kitty works adequately but may occasionally cause clogs
• The medium-fine granule size sometimes falls through the gaps in rake systems
• Performance improves if you allow clumps to set fully before the rake activates

Rotating Systems (like PetSafe ScoopFree):

• Generally compatible with adequate performance
• May require more frequent maintenance than premium brands
• Sometimes forms “mud” at the bottom of the waste compartment

Robot Systems (like Litter-Robot):

• Compatible with mixed results
• Clumps may break apart during rotation more often than with premium litters
• Works better in newer models with adjustable cycle times

If you’re using an automatic litter box, you might find that Special Kitty requires slightly more maintenance oversight than premium brands specifically designed for automatic systems. However, many users find that the cost savings justify the occasional manual intervention.

I briefly tested Special Kitty in a basic rake-style automatic box and found it functional but not optimal—the rake sometimes dragged partially formed clumps through the box rather than depositing them in the waste compartment. For automatic system users, this is one area where premium brands might offer enough performance advantage to justify their higher cost.

The Final Verdict: Is Special Kitty Scoopable Right for You?

After exploring every aspect of Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter, the question remains: Is this the right choice for you and your feline companion? Like most pet care decisions, the answer depends on your specific circumstances, priorities, and your cat’s preferences.

Special Kitty might be right for you if:

• Budget is a significant consideration in your litter purchasing decisions
• You have a regular scooping routine and maintain your litter box diligently
• Your cat isn’t particularly picky about litter texture or scent
• You shop at Walmart regularly or have easy access to their stores/delivery
• You value good-enough performance at an excellent price point

You might want to consider alternatives if:

• Your cat has respiratory sensitivities that require a low-dust formula
• You need maximum odor control due to litter box placement or scheduling constraints
• Your cat has shown preferences for specific premium litters
• You use an automatic litter box that requires optimal clumping
• Environmental impact is your primary consideration

In my household, Special Kitty has proven to be a reliable, economical choice that allows us to direct more of our pet care budget toward high-quality food and veterinary care while still maintaining a clean, relatively odor-free environment. The value proposition is compelling—approximately 50% cost savings compared to premium brands with perhaps 10-20% less performance in specific areas.

Remember that individual cats may have strong preferences, so the best approach is often to test a small amount of any new litter before committing to a large quantity. Some cats adapt quickly to changes, while others may protest even minor modifications to their bathroom arrangements.

Conclusion: Finding Your Litter Box Happy Place

At the end of the day, the “best” cat litter is the one that works for your unique situation—your cat’s preferences, your cleaning habits, your budget, and your living arrangement. Special Kitty Scoopable Cat Litter offers a compelling value proposition for cat owners seeking a balance between performance and price, making it worth consideration for most households.

Whether you decide Special Kitty is right for you or opt for a different solution, remember that consistency in maintenance is the most important factor in litter box success. The most premium, expensive litter in the world won’t perform well without regular scooping and changing, while even budget options can provide a satisfactory experience with diligent care.

As for Whiskers and Mittens, they seem perfectly content with our Special Kitty choice—using their boxes reliably without complaint, which is perhaps the most important endorsement of all. After all, our feline friends have the final say in what works, regardless of marketing claims or price points. Happy scooping!