I have rescued and fostered many pets over the years. Keeping my pets healthy and happy is my number one priority.
How Do I Find Affordable Cat Litter Products?
Keeping cats inside prolongs their lives and keeps them safe from outdoor dangers and diseases. However, pet owners doing the right thing will then have to deal with the fun of setting up, cleaning, and maintaining litter boxes.
If you own multiple cats, purchasing litter can get very expensive. There are ways to save money on litter from finding bargains on litter to switching systems altogether.
Regular, non-clumping litter is likely the cheapest material per pound for filling litter boxes. It's often used when people are taking care of kittens since the clumping litter can stop up a kitten's digestive system if they ingest it.
But even though it is cheap, regular litter, especially for multiple cats, doesn't always get the job done. The urine is absorbed into the litter but when multiple cats use the same litter, it can become smelly quite quickly.
Finding ways to keep the liquid waste from cats controlled as well as the odor is probably the biggest litter-box challenge cat owners face.
Many cat owners, whether they own one or 10, have turned to clumping litter. The clumping litter looks and feels like sand. But after a cat urinates, the litter clumps together, forming a cake that can then easily be removed with a scoop.
Removing the liquid waste cuts down on smell and allows the litter to be usable for much longer (as opposed to regular litter which must be thrown out once it is saturated).
But clumping litter can be pricey, sometimes running up to a dollar a pound or more. And unless you have free shipping, ordering it from an online retailer can also cost more when you add in shipping costs (which would be significant for 20 to 40 pounds of litter).
But there are some ways to find bargains on good, clumping litter.
How to Save Money With Clumping Litter
Saving money with clumping litter can take a little planning and creativity, but it can be done. Here are some ways to cut down on the cost.
Coupons at Your Local Grocery
Watch for coupons and sales at your grocery store. Many stores nowadays will combine manufacturers' coupons with local or store coupons. Some stores will double coupons. Stock up when sales and coupons coincide. If there is a purchase limit you can plan to return multiple days during the sale or have a friend or family member purchase some for you.
You can save money on pet litter at bulk members' only clubs such as Sam's, Costco or BJs. Compare the price per pound and remember to check for manufacturer's coupons as well.
Go to different manufacturers' websites that make clumping littler and sign up for their mail or email mailing list. They will often send out coupons and special offers that can be combined with local sales and offers for even more savings.
Pet Store Discounts
Some pet supply stores offer member discounts. For example at PetSmart, a 42-pound box of generic clumping litter can go as low as $9.99 once the member discount is applied.
Believe it or not, Black Friday (the traditional shopping day after Thanksgiving) can offer some great deals on litter. Litter can sell for half price or better. So after you snagged your electronics bargains, head on over to your pet supply store and check out their deals.
Tips on Clumping Litter
- Some cats are picky. If you find a brand that works, only introduce a new brand carefully and slowly by adding it to the current litter.
- Scented litters smell better to us but they may turn your cat off. If you have a cat rejecting litter, try switching to unscented.
- Even litter boxes stocked with clumping litter need to be cleaned. You can remove the current litter to another container or even a plastic garbage bag. Clean the box with a gentle cleanser such as Dawn. If possible, set it out in the sun to dry and sanitize. A clean box makes a happy cat.
The pellets can be replaced with pine pellets that you can find at farming supply stores. The pine pellets are often used for bedding for farm animals. Forty pounds of pellets can be purchased for under $10. These are also available via Amazon.
Litter Box Solutions
Trying to find economical litter solutions that work can be a frustrating part of cat ownership. But choosing the right litter system and looking for ways to save money can make both a happy cat and happy owner.
There is no right or wrong answer, it's about what works for you, your household and your cat.