How to Save Money on Cat Litter

You don't have to spend a fortune every year buying cat litter. Follow these steps to keep your house clean and sweet smelling at a discount.

Instructions

1. Buy your litter in bulk. If you insist on name brands or high-end specialized litter, the only way you'll save money is by purchasing in bulk at your local Costco, Sam's Club, or other wholesaler or warehouse club.

2. Look inside every pet care product you bring home. Don't throw anything away without examining the empty bag or box. Cat food, cat litter, cat toys - whatever you have just purchased, there's a great chance they have included a coupon for cat litter.

3. Use less at a time. This is an extremely effective way to save money on litter. Many people get in the habit of cleaning out the entire litter box rather than refreshing it with new litter. Start with a small amount of litter, then scoop and add fresh litter. The fresh will mix with the old to reduce the odor.

4. Use more at a time. The opposite theory of Step 3 is to use a lot of litter. Cat owners utilize both methods, so feel free to choose the method best for you and your cats. In the "use more" method, place enough litter in the box so that your cat's feces and urine cannot get stuck to the bottom. If the waste is not stuck, it is infinitely easier to scoop, therefore using less litter in the long run because you don't need to change the entire box as often.

5. Follow the baking soda recipe. Baking soda (or other odor-eliminating powders) are huge money-savers! Buy the cheapest cat litter on the market and mix in a box of baking soda (under $1). This can save up to $10 every time you shop for litter and the baking soda will keep the odor out longer.

6. Consider purchasing a self-cleaning or high-tech cat litter box. These are not always as efficient as advertised and sometimes cats are scared of the crazy technological antics, but on occasion, a quality machine can reduce litter use.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless your cat is finicky about the amount of litter in his or her box, you really don't have to use a lot. An inch or two high is completely fine.

• Be cautious when buying cat litter that advertises crystals. They are not always effective with odor and can be very messy to clean. The crystals roll like balls and spread easier than regular litter.