The Truth About Arm & Hammer High Performance Clumping Cat Litter
What the packaging claims:
Arm & Hammer claims that their High Performance Clumping Cat Litter is 100% scoopable, that it offers complete odor control, and that it clumps waste products into "rock solid" clumps. They also claim that one 10.5 lb bag will stretch as far as 21 lbs of regular litter.
The Reality:
The scent is okay but is rather strong. It doesn't cut down on ammonia odors as much as it claims.
On the 10.5 lb bag it claims to give the same usage as 21 lbs of regular litter. I did not find this to be true, although it did last longer than a comparable sized package of litter.
It doesn't clump as well as many other litters, and the clumps are certainly not "rock solid". The clumps tend to break apart. Small pieces of the soiled litter remain behind and begin to smell strongly after only a few days, despite the heavy scent of the litter.
The litter particles are very light and, therefore, tend to scatter out of the box more than many other litters. The particles also tend to be tracked easily out of the box.
What I liked about Arm & Hammer High Performance Clumping Cat Litter:
Unlike most clumping litters which use clay as a clumping ingredient, this litter uses an unspecified biodegradable ingredient. My guess, from the appearance of the litter, is that it is grain hulls of some type. It is said that clay-based litters can cause problems for a cat, such as intestinal blockages, and, therefore, it is always encouraging to find a litter made from safer materials.
This litter is virtually dust-free.
It is a much softer litter than most and is easy on a cat's feet.
There are many plusses to a cat litter like this and so I decided to experiment. I found that mixing a bit of this extra aromatic litter with my usual clumping brand works very well. The heavier litter keeps the Arm & Hammer High Performance Clumping Cat Litter from flying all over the place when the cat starts scratching around in the box, and the scent of the litter becomes nicely subdued for a while.
Published by Chris M. Carmichael
Chris M. Carmichael writes on a wide range of topics and has a broad range of interests (and experience), including Screenwriting, Acting, Forensic Science, Pets, Martial Arts and Abnormal Psychology. Chris... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentI use this litter in combination with the regular Arm and Hammer clumping litter and found this is the best combination. It seems to last much longer than just using either one alone. The litter box is cleaned as often as I see something in it to help maintain cleanliness. I can't say enough about the High Performance litter but have a difficult time finding it and have to order it online!
This litter is working great in my 5 cat/2 litter box household!! So long as I am vigilant with daily scooping, the clumping and odor control keeps everyone here happy. I am thrilled not to be contributing to strip-mining industry, and to the immense burden clay litter has on landfills. Clay isn't biodegradable and doesn't break down.
My only complains include the overwhelmingly strong scent and the non-biodegradable plastic packaging. I question whether the added scent is "natural," as it is strong enough to make my eyes water. I mix the Essentials with Swheat Scoop to cut the smell. For obvious reasons, I would like to see the product sold in heavy paper bags!!
My cat will be 10 years old in Sept. and I have been using this since I got her. I liked the boxes, but this last time I got a bag. It was torn I did not know when I bought it. It spilled in my trunk of car and in my closet. If it will be bags from now on, I will have to change. I really like this product.
At first, I was put off by the strong scent but slowly mixed it into their current clumpling clay litter. A slow acclimation process is always best. They seemed not to mind and slowly, I am adding more A&H H.P. I like that it is softer and less harsh on their little paws. The clumps aren't rock hard but that has not been a real big problem. They are solid enough to dispose of without leaving residue. Overall, I like this new litter and don't mind paying a little more because I think that I'm using less litter. Is it my imagination? My only question is, what are those little pieces made of? They say it is "Natural" but that is a pretty broad word. Clay litter is "Natural"...it comes from the Earth! I'm just curious to know that it isn't anything that may be harmful in the long run.
I absolutely love this cat litter! I think it is the most affordable natural cat littler out there, and while it doesn't last as long as they claim it is dust free and masks the odors very well! I had tried the expensive "World's best cat littler" for my two cat household and this is sooo much better!
I've completely switched to this product, and I find it cuts down on smell quite a lot. I also like that it's biodegradable. It looks like it's made from walnut shells. Anyway, the cats love it too, and the one of my cats that was having, er, toilet issues, is no longer having any problems.
I've been using this stuff exclusively for a month now in my three cat household... I actually like the fact it doesn't turn into clumps of cement... As far as I'm concerned, it clumps well enough and doesn't turn into an impossible to remove layer on the sides and bottom of the cat box... or on the scoop on the scoop for that matter... True, it doesn't stretch as far as they claim, but this stuff makes cleaning a cat box a complete breeze... I'm completely sold.
thanks Carol :)
Good detail; review tells us what we need to know.