Comments on: Natural Cat Litter Comparison

By: Ellen

Ellen — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:13:46 +0000

I completely disagree with your assessment of Swheat Scoop. It has very little dust, especially when compared to clay litter. I don’t mind a little dust, and none of them are entirely dust-free.

As far as clumping goes, I think it clumps equally well as WBCL and clay litter. I think your test must be flawed. Maybe you scooped it too soon after the cat peed or something. I find it to clump great. I have three cats and they all use the same large litter box. We have no problems with it, and I find it actually lasts much longer than clay litter.

I tried World’s Best Cat Litter right before I tried Swheat scoop, and I greatly prefer Swheat Scoop. WBCL totally stinks. At first it has a barn smell, which I don’t really mind. But after just a single day it gets smellier and smellier. My whole apartment smelled terrible, like a gamey poop smell. By comparison, swheat scoop has a pleasantly mild, sweet wheaty smell, and it absorbs the urine and poop odors better than any litter I’ve ever tried, hands down!

Also, after about five days WBCL starts to track yellowish powder everywhere. Which is really gross.

So yay for Swheat Scoop! I’m so glad I found it. And, by the way, I don’t think you should review or promote things when you don’t even know what the ingredients are. Not all so-called “natural” products are created equal.

By: rhsm

rhsm — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:21:01 +0000

I have used Chicken Lay Crumbles for over 7 years now.
I have been very happy with it.
It clumps nicely and is easy enough to clean out throughly.
It does track a bit but most litters do.
I can get it anywhere I go. We are retired military so we moved a lot and we never had to worry about getting litter all we had to do was look for a feed store.
And cost is a BIG Plus!
It has gone up a lot since I first started using it.
I used to buy a 50lb bag for a little over $6 and now I am paying $10 to $14 depending on gas prices I assume as it has gone up and down lately.

We have been very happy with it through the years.

I have two kittens right now and one doesn’t like using the lay crumbles for what ever reason.
They both had issues at first but one is coming around already but the other is being a little more hard nosed about it.
She is the first I have come across that doesn’t like them in all the years we have used them.

I recently went to the pet store trying to find a litter she would use and the price on the WBCL and Sweat Scoop almost choked me cause they are the basically the same thing as the chicken lay crumbles.

I have gotten her brother to start using the lay crumbles so I am going to work on her next.

I have 6 cats right now and I don’t have a problem with odors in my house . I find that as long as they cover it the crumbles take care of the odor pretty well.

I would highly recommend the lay crumbles.

I have found on line where several breeders use it too.

I have 8 boxes, 6 cats and I scoop a minimum of 2 times a day and up to 4 times depends on whats going on and whose gone where ect. Sometimes one box gets used more than others as they are spread out for convince to the furries.

Anyway saw where someone had posted about the Chicken lay crumbles as litter and wanted to post about it also.

I did see a post on one of my list about lay crumbles growning fungus that made a ladys cats sick but there was not follow up post that actually confirmed this and on another post she had started cats were all special needs etc.

And even at this I have to question the proper care of the boxes such as how often scooped, where were they kept such as in a bathroom and did they use the lay crumble with medication in it or without?

I use with out as I feel the more additives or bells and whistles the more to go wrong.

Anyway I just wanted to post this in order to maybe help someone else find a resonably priced litter for their kitties in this economically challenging time.
Cheers!
rhsm

By: Connie

Connie — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 23:29:54 +0000

I’ve used Arm and Hammer Essentials and the Fresh Results one from Walmart, never had a problem with either one. I have 3 cats and a bag probably lasts me a month. They aren’t too expensive, clump pretty good, and I think both smell so fresh and clean out of the bag….I recommend both of them! The Fresh Results is usually a bit cheaper but they both work great

By: Simone

Simone — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:52:52 +0000

I used clumping clay litter for years until one of my two cats developed a persistent coughing problem. I tried SweatScoop initially and it gave ME allergy problems because of all the dust.

I switched to WBCL Extra Strength mixed with a bit of the clumping version of Feline Pine and have had no problems since. I have been using this combination for over a year. No bug sitings nor any issues for me, my older cats, or my two new kittens.

I scoop the boxes every day and wash out the litter box occasionally as well. I have to use a high sided, covered box because my kitties really like to dig! WBCL clumps and controls odor very well.

By: Randall Flagg

Randall Flagg — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:13:37 +0000

With five cats, I prefer World’s Best Extra Strength. It clumps well and I NEVER have to change it–just add more to it. There’s no objectionable odor from the cats using it.

We tried SwheatScoop and after a few days’ use, it smelled awful. It must be changed frequently.

I used to use wood stove pellets–very cheap. Instead of clumping, it changes to sawdust. The odor wasn’t too bad, but it must be changed–weekly for me. I liked it, but didn’t like the frequent changes, soooo . . .

World’s Best really is . . . Best, that is.

By: Help, There Are Bugs In My Kitty Litter! [Infestations] | Unit1

Help, There Are Bugs In My Kitty Litter! [Infestations] | Unit1 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:44:38 +0000

[...] page at moderncat compares four different natural cat litter products, including the one Dawn is using, and it’s filled with comments from cat owners talking about [...]

By: Help, There Are Bugs In My Kitty Litter! [Infestations] | Gizmart.com

Help, There Are Bugs In My Kitty Litter! [Infestations] | Gizmart.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:01:27 +0000

[...] page at moderncat compares four different natural cat litter products, including the one Dawn is using, and it’s filled with comments from cat owners talking about [...]

By: Liz

Liz — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:04:12 +0000

I had an opposite problem with the Swheat Scoop original formula actually. Urine would become glued to the bottom of the litterbox! It was literally painful to scratch and scrape it all off. I went through about 5 or 6 boxes of the stuff and every one was the same. Then I tried the SS multi-cat formula and it was MUCH better. Clumped very well and did not adhere to the bottom of the pan! The smell is worse though. Overall I would recommend it.

By: Mercedes

Mercedes — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:59:32 +0000

We have two cats who share a box who have an “issue” with covering up their stuff although they seem to take their time in there. I have been using the unscented Arm & Hammer, but the cat’s end up stinking of it when they leave the box. Although it is “unscented” I still find it is quite fragrant. Thanks for all your posts – I will be sure to make my next purchase based on your comments.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:48:58 +0000

I have been trying out the World’s Best corn litter, and I think we have attracted mice–I am seeing droppings, but have not caught a mouse in the act yet. So I think I will check out some of the other litters like Papurr that do not have a food-based component.
I was wondering why there were droppings near the litterbox, but not many near the birdseed…
Now if only my cats would fix the problem for me! : )

By: Elaine

Elaine — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:23:02 +0000

Right now I am trying the Nature’s Miracle, I am wondering about the scent though. I thought it was fairly strong, when the bag was opened, does seem to calm down some in the box. I know it is made from corncob, seems to work pretty good, but, is the scent from chemicals ,perfumes or anything else that I really wouldn’t want my kitty to be so close to on a very regular basis?

By: Susan

Susan — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:39:36 +0000

I have discovered that I am terribly allergic to the Swheatscoop. I have a wheat/gluten sensitivity, and the dust from it is killing me. Thanks to your review, I will try the others. Thank you!

By: Laurie

Laurie — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 18:07:10 +0000

I am a cat lover and currently the owner of 4 cats. I have had cats all of my life and have used many different cat litter products over the years. More recently, I switched from Natures Miracle to A & H Essentials (formerly called High Performance). I do prefer the A & H Essentials but have found it difficult to find. It is a superior product for odor control, dust is zilch, tracking is minimal, clumping is sufficient. However, in reading through these posts, I came across an interesting comment which explains something I couldn’t quite undestand – until now. Over the last 2 months of using this product, I suddenly had water bugs (large flying roaches) coming into the house – and I usually saw them hanging around the litter box area. In 20 years of living here, I’m lucky if I saw 5 in my house (we live in a humid area where these bugs are quite common). It seems this litter attracts them – go figure! What is odd though, is that I did not seem to have this problem when using the Natures Miracle product, which is very similar to the A & H Essentials product. Maybe it’s the PINE scent in Natures Miracle that keeps from attracting these bugs like the A & H does. I must say the A & H Essentials does have an odd perfumey scent that takes getting used to, but it does control the cat odors exceptionally well. Not sure what to do, now, but with the mystery explained, I think I will return to Natures Miracle to avoid any more run-ins with these unwelcome and unsightly creatures – YUCK!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:08:55 +0000

I used to use WBCL, but just switched over to chicken feed (Purina Layena). It works just as well as WBCL and the cats haven’t noticed a difference. I was worried about rodents with chicken feed (litter boxes are in the garage), but I bought a galvanized steel can to hold the litter and with 4 cats to patrol the garage, we should be OK. I’m saving 73 cents a pound on cat litter. The chicken feed clumps almost as well as WBCL and I’m very happy with it. I highly recommend it.

By: Jeannette

Jeannette — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:45:02 +0000

My search for a “natural” litter that my two cats will use had dwindled to two: Cat’s Pride (approved by the ASPCA) & Tidy Cats (blue). Low dust, no strong perfume, and clumping. Over two weeks ago I bought a bag at Target of Arm & Hammer’s High Performance (now called Essentials) kitty litter. I put half the bag in just one of my three litter boxes. My two cats will “hold it in” as long as possible if they don’t like the litter or the box is dirty; not good for their health. I have been surprised at the number of clumps & stools I have found in the Essentials box. Essentials had no dust to bother my allergic nose; the scent seemed citrus-based, it was not unbearable. It is better that the smell of corn or wheat. The clumps are not super hard but they hold together in the scoop. Clumps & stools are also well covered with litter; isn’t this sign that cat likes the litter? My poor back didn’t hurt from lugging a heavy bag of kitty litter. I have yet to see signs of bugs. When I tried World’s Best litter, I saw critters growing in it after a while and dust got me sniffling. So far so good with Essentials; I went back to Target today & bought two more bags. The shelf was empty; they had to get my bags from the storeroom.

By: Sylvia Percy

Sylvia Percy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:42:30 +0000

I was really glad to see these articles in Modern Cat. I am retired now, we have 7 cats that are indoors all of the time, and I maintain 9 regular litter boxes. Our kitties like the uncovered boxes the best, but they do use the 3 covered ones some. I tried the pine pellet litter a few months ago, and I really liked the odor control. However, the cats did not approve of it generally. Some of them would urinate in the pine, but none of them would deficate in it at all. I tried increasing the number of pine litter boxes, and they over used the other clay boxes. I talked to our vet about this, and she did not think they would switch to the pine pellets. I recently started a new trial with Swheat Scoop, but I do not remember seeing the Multi Cat type in the store. I tried this one because the texture appeared to be similar to the clay litter, and they are using it much better than they did the pine pellets. So far I have it mixed with the clay in only one litter box, but it is the one in the kitchen that they tend to use a lot. I was delighted to read all of the suggestions and comments above, and I actually took notes while reading so I can try other types of litter if the SS does not work out. The SS clumps do tend to fall apart, and it does not neutralize the urine odor as well as the pine. I liked the idea of mixing it with the scoopable pine litter, and I may eventually try that. Cats are not very open to change in some areas, and all of ours have used clay litters all of their lives. Our oldest will be 9 years old in January, and the youngest is about 18 months now. None of them have any litter box issues, and I am extremely grateful for that. I wanted to get away from clay litter after reading several articles and opinions of cat breeders about various health problems related to its use. We love our kitties very much, and occasionally I ask my husband if he thinks we spoil our cats. He always says, no, we just cater to their every whim. Thank you Modern Cat for all of the information that you provide us, and I am really glad I found your website.

Retired Stay at Home Kitty Mom

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:04:28 +0000

Swheat Scoop is NOT for us! While it’s a great cat litter, using this is how I found out that my cat has a wheat allergy. I no longer have anything wheat in my house that Noodle can be exposed to. We now use WBCL and sometimes rotate through a variety of natural cat litters depending on what’s on sale.

PROS: Great litter, low odor, clumps fairly well, eco friendly
CONS: Contains a top pet allergen, Clumps can sometimes be a little too soupy, very high dust

By: lcq

lcq — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 22:40:43 +0000

We use Swheat Scoop and as someone else mentioned it clumps much better if you maintain about 3 inches in the box. I am anxious to try the new multi-cat formula, though, since with two cats we still get large clumps that reach the bottom of the pan and turn soggy. Odor control is great, except when one of the cats doesn’t cover his #2. There IS a lot of dust. We have a utility shelf in the room, and you can see the dust all over it. There’s a fair bit of tracking too. But I tried WBCL and didn’t like the smell either so SS seems like the best option.

By: jtk

jtk — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:08:49 +0000

I use, and love, Feline Fresh. It’s a pine shaving litter. It clumps into soft clumps, but it’s just fine. It smells wonderful when poured into the litter pan, and if I ever have a problem, I just mist it with Nature’s Miracle spray.

All natural, flushable clumps, my cat likes it just fine. I’ve cycled through a number of others and now really very much prefer this one.

By: Luddley

Luddley — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:08:25 +0000

I have a gluten allergy, and recently brought a cat into my apartment. I had a bag of Sweat Scoop kitty litter, and without thinking about it put it to use. It upset my stomach immediately. I noticed the dust in the air when I poured it out. I find I am very sensitive to its smell as well. At first I thought is was my imagination, but I have been home full time from work this week and feeling miserable all week. It wasn’t until i searched on the internet that my fears were confirmed. I think wheat based kitty litter should be avoided by anyone with a wheat or gluten allergy.

By: Sealink

Sealink — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:47:27 +0000

I’m pretty disappointed in the continued promotion of ‘natural’ cat litters. I have friends that have tried pine or newspaper pellets, and I was not impressed, as the pellets were just as likely to be tracked around as regular clay litters and they did not work very well (I know, because their one bathroom in the house had the litter box in it, so I had plenty of time to contemplate the litter.)

I have followed the recommendations of http://www.catinfo.org and switched to a low-dust clumping clay litter, Dr. Elsey’s (recommended above). While I understand the problems of strip-mining bentonite (full disclosure: I am a geologist) and I feel for the plight of the breeder whose story I originally read, I have been using clumping cat litter for years, with and without rescue kittens, without any of the problems mentioned by catmom.com. I believe that because cats are guests in our homes, we must do our utmost to make them comfortable and keep them healthy, and this means choosing the litter that is best for THEM, and not that which smells nicest to us or salves our eco-conscience.

By: selki

selki — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:02:23 +0000

We have 7 cats with 7 litterboxes (all manual), & have tried a number of natural litters (Swheatscoop, WBCL, PaPurr, Yesterdays News, Cat Country [a wheatgrass pellet litter], Nature’s Miracle/Fresh Results, & others I can’t rememeber).
The one that works the best for us is the Fresh Results/Nature’s Miracle litter. Fresh Results is the exact same litter as Nature’s Miracle (I called the company, 8 in 1, to make sure), but it’s almost half the price ($5.88) & is sold only at Wal-Mart (comes in a purple bag with a white kitty on it). Our cats like the texture (it’s very close to sand or sawdust, so it’s soft on their paws – good for kitties with sensitivities in that area). I was concerned about it having a pine-based scent, but while it’s a little strong when you very 1st pour it out of the bag, the scent dissipates quickly & becomes barely noticeable (my husband has bad allergies, so this was an important factor for us). It controls odor well. It has very little dust (really – I was surprised at how little), but it does track quite a bit – no more than the Swheatscoop or WBCL, & since it’s such a fine texture it isn’t as obtrusive wherever it does end up. I find the clumping to be adequate, though not as good as WBCL. The only times I have trouble with clumps breaking apart are when one of our extra-covering-happy kitties scratches the litter around excessively & scratches through clumps, or when I accidentally break through a clump with scoop (the only litter those haven’t ever been an issue with is WBCL).
Most of our kitties didn’t like the texure of the pellet-based litters, & I found them difficult to scoop (especially the urine; they aren’t clumping litters, but I still like to remove the wet waste daily). The Swheatscoop was pretty dusty, attracted ants & other bugs, & one of the kitties would eat it sometimes. WBCL was also pretty dusty & attracted ants & bugs, but worked well otherwise (very solid clumps – the best of any litter we tried). PaPurr was just too “pefume-y” smelling for us, so we didnt use enough of it to make a fair assessment.

By: dinachka

dinachka — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 04:25:48 +0000

Issue: Corn-based litter appears to attract cockroaches, so I’ll have to switch to different type of litter.

I did like using the Arm & Hammer HPCL because it was light in weight, clumped ok, and controlled odors well (didn’t stink when urinated on, like some others). I mixed it with Tidy Cats for Multiple Cats since the cats liked that & it clumped very well. However, I just noticed that the A&H HPCL has attracted cockroaches in my basement since it has a starch base (corn).

I hadn’t had cockroaches here before, and after seeing one hanging out on the litter today, realized the litter was attracting them. Rather than calling an exterminator & going through that expense, I am just going to switch to different litter and use boric acid powder around the floor perimeter.

I also understand that dogs will sometimes get into wheat litter (and probably corn) since it is a food. I don’t have dogs yet, but plan to add to my critter family. Now that I see the dangers of using clay & silica gel litters, I want to switch to all natural. I’ll probably try pine or paper due to the cockroach issue.

I also saw on this site that if a cat ingests clay/silica litter when grooming, and it can cause them to throw up, which my cats sometimes do. However, food could be a cause of that, too, in our case. I do see that they don’t throw up as much now that I feed them more wet food & less dry food, and the dry food I use now is grain-free (Orijen, Evo). Actually, Avoderm chicken & herring dry agreed with their systems and reduced their throwing up , although it had grain, but the pet store here stopped selling it. It seemed the grocery store brands of dry food, like Purina One for Sensitive Systems, Meow Mix, & Friskies made them throw up more. That may have been due to having poorer quality of grain in them than Avoderm, or maybe the avocado in Avoderm counteracted the grain effect. At any rate, the wet food (Wellness & Avoderm) & grain-free food (Orijen, Evo) seems to be doing well.

Thanks for the great tips, products, photos, and research on this site. God bless!

By: Le Chat Noir

Le Chat Noir — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:42:15 +0000

I use original WBCL with a small amount of the sawdusty (not pellet) version of Feline Pine mixed in. The Feline Pine helps with smell and WBCL clumps well so this combination works for me.

By: Miu

Miu — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:25:24 +0000

We switched from clay to SwheatScoop after I saw it advertised in a health food magazine. Compared to clay, the wheat litter is so much lighter to haul and easier to scoop. It clumps well enough if the litter is kept at a 3 inch depth. We have used this litter for 4 years. We have 2 litter boxes for 2 fairly large cats. The litter is scooped twice daily thus avoiding the soggy lumps someone described (as one cat tends to urinate in the same spot in the box). Odor control is very good so long as the cat covers the fecal matter.

One litter box is in the garage. This spring, a mouse came in to eat the wheat litter. So I had to switch the litter in the garage to clumping Papurr which does not clump as well as SwheatScoop, but does not attract mice.