Unscented non-clumping litter is the best! I just can't find cheap options...

siamesekitten

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I know there are way too many threads on cat litter, but I was unable to find a thread specifically on unscented non-clumping litter. I used to use Dr. Elsey's unscented clumping litter, but switched to Jonny Cat unscented NON-clumping litter when I got my new kitten!

The logic behind my switch was since clumping litter turns into cement the moment it touches water, I couldn't imagine what it was doing in my lungs and what it would do to the kitten if he swallowed some! I love Jonny Cat, but the unscented variety is expensive at $15 for 20 lbs. I go through 1-2 bags a month.

Does anyone have any recommendations on cheaper alternatives?
 

IndyJones

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Not sure if they still make it but back before clumping litter was regularly available i used to use Maxx scoop.

I personally like clumping litter better because it's more economic for me to scoop and refill than to dump the whole thing.
 

catsknowme

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    Welcome to TCS!

An economical blend is to use KMart's Cat&Co unscented clumping (20# for $6.99, less if it's on sale or paid for with KMart/Sears reward points) and mix it with laying mash or laying krackettes/crumbles (chicken feed).  Some kitties prefer the soft silkiness of the laying mash while others tend towards the krackettes/crumbles. The grain in the feed acts the same as World'sBestKL. For added odor control, add alfalfa rabbit pellets. Often, someone who keeps hens and/or rabbits will give, or sell very cheaply, some of their supply to you. If storage is available to you, buy 25# or 50# of the feeds (less amounts of the rabbit pellets, a little goes a long way at odor control) and really save the $$$$.  The Cat&Co litter is one of those cheap ones that clumps like cement but is an excellent choice to use for "cutting in" with the feed; the feed clumps on its own somewhat, but if you like a nice, tight clump for speedy clumping, then I recommend Cat&Co or Arm&Hammer Multi-Cat (sometimes VONS has A&H for $5.00 on $5 Fridays; othertimes, it is $5.99 or $6.99 on sale).

See you in the forums! Susan
 
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siamesekitten

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Thanks for the recommendation! I looked up Maxx Scoop which is now discontinued, but that led me to the Tidy Cats non-clumping litter. I didn't realize they had unscented non-clumping litter. Well... Chewy labels it as "unscented", but it doesn't say that anywhere on the bag so I am a little cautious. From the reviews, it seems like the scent is not very strong so I'll grab a small bag and see!
 
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siamesekitten

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    Welcome to TCS!

An economical blend is to use KMart's Cat&Co unscented clumping (20# for $6.99, less if it's on sale or paid for with KMart/Sears reward points) and mix it with laying mash or laying krackettes/crumbles (chicken feed).  Some kitties prefer the soft silkiness of the laying mash while others tend towards the krackettes/crumbles. The grain in the feed acts the same as World'sBestKL. For added odor control, add alfalfa rabbit pellets. Often, someone who keeps hens and/or rabbits will give, or sell very cheaply, some of their supply to you. If storage is available to you, buy 25# or 50# of the feeds (less amounts of the rabbit pellets, a little goes a long way at odor control) and really save the $$$$.  The Cat&Co litter is one of those cheap ones that clumps like cement but is an excellent choice to use for "cutting in" with the feed; the feed clumps on its own somewhat, but if you like a nice, tight clump for speedy clumping, then I recommend Cat&Co or Arm&Hammer Multi-Cat (sometimes VONS has A&H for $5.00 on $5 Fridays; othertimes, it is $5.99 or $6.99 on sale).

See you in the forums! Susan
Thanks for the welcome! I have been reading this forum for months for tips on fostering and kitten care, so I'm glad I finally joined. And thank you for the recommendation. But I actually prefer non-clumping litter! But your comment about the feed inspired me to look into more natural options for cat litter. I just ordered some Feline Pine and will see how that goes! It's half the price I am paying now, so I'm happy
 
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siamesekitten

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I personally like clumping litter better because it's more economic for me to scoop and refill than to dump the whole thing.
I wish I could do that! I am simultaneously lazy and a clean freak, so I like non-clumping litter because it means I have to scoop less (my cat drinks a TON of water). Back when I used clumping litter, I dumped it out weekly anyway because I started to smell cat urine. I figured if I am going to dump it every week anyway, I might as well scoop less!
Although I've heard that Dr. Elsey's clumping litter is not the best at litter control, so that might have been my problem in the first place.

I am not exactly economical when it comes to litter boxes I realize... 
I actually use the Nature's Miracle disposable boxes and throw them out every month to make sure germs/litter doesn't build up. That's why I am trying to cut down on my cat litter costs!
 

Willowy

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Most grocery stores have their own brands and they almost always have an unscented non-clumping option. They may be a bit dusty though.
 

IndyJones

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I wish I could do that! I am simultaneously lazy and a clean freak, so I like non-clumping litter because it means I have to scoop less (my cat drinks a TON of water). Back when I used clumping litter, I dumped it out weekly anyway because I started to smell cat urine. I figured if I am going to dump it every week anyway, I might as well scoop less! :nod: Although I've heard that Dr. Elsey's clumping litter is not the best at litter control, so that might have been my problem in the first place.

I am not exactly economical when it comes to litter boxes I realize... :doh3: I actually use the Nature's Miracle disposable boxes and throw them out every month to make sure germs/litter doesn't build up. That's why I am trying to cut down on my cat litter costs!
I have a little crawlspace under my stairs where the water heater is. Litterbox is right next to it and there is a cat flap in the door so smells and tracked litter stay in the crawlspace. Only downside is that I sometimes hit my head on the doorframe when getting the box out.
 

orange&white

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The WalMart Special Kitty is less than $5 for a 25 lb bag.  It seems to me that non-clumping is a lot dustier than the clumping though, so I wouldn't think it would be better for you or your cat's lungs.  I go through a lot less with the clumping and scooping it every day.
 

lalagimp

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I think I used to use this on my kittens After they got bigger than 6 months, then I switched them to clumping clay.
 

arouetta

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If it helps, clumping clay is not harmful.  The component in clay that is harmful to the lungs is silica, and that is not used in clumping litter because it doesn't make clumps.  Bentonite is what makes clay clump.  I did read some scare sites, the scariest being from a non-clay cat litter manufacturer, but most reliable sites didn't list any real health concerns.  And some people who are heavy into the alternative medicine scene eat clay on a regular basis, so your cat isn't going to have problems licking the litter from his paws.
 
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