Choosing the right cat litter is crucial for both your feline friend’s comfort and your home’s cleanliness. With numerous brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to find one that truly meets your needs. If you’re seeking a high-quality and affordable option, Doctor Elsey Cat Litter, also known as Precious Cat Litter, deserves your attention.
Founded by feline veterinarian Dr. Bruce Elsey, this brand offers a wide array of cat litter formulas specifically designed to address various concerns, from litter box aversion to respiratory sensitivities and odor control. Dr. Elsey’s commitment to feline health is evident in his product formulations, which primarily utilize 100% sodium bentonite clay, known for its superior clumping and low-dust properties.
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the key features of Doctor Elsey cat litter, delve into some of their most popular formulas, and provide insights to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your beloved cat.
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Our Ratings for Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter:
- Variety of Products: 5/5
- Price Per Pound: 4/5
- Multi-Cat Formulas: 4/5
- Clumping Ability: 5/5
- Long-Lasting Odor Control: 4/5
- Natural/Alternative Options: 3/5
Overall Score: 4/5
| Products Featured in This Review |
|---|
| Name |
| Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Litter |
| Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Attract Litter |
| Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Litter |
Our Hands-On Testing Process
To provide you with a reliable and unbiased review of Doctor Elsey cat litter, we put three of their best-selling formulas to the test. Our rigorous testing process involved:
- Purchasing the Litters: We bought Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief, Attract, and Ultra Clumping litters ourselves to ensure complete impartiality in our review.
- Multi-Cat Household Testing: We tested these litters in a multi-cat household over several weeks, simulating real-world conditions and evaluating performance with multiple cats using the same litter boxes.
- Independent Review: We received no free products or incentives from Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat, ensuring our review is based solely on our experience and observations.
Our testing focused on several key aspects of cat litter performance, including clumping ability, odor control, dust levels, tracking, ease of scooping, and overall user-friendliness for both cats and their owners. The following sections detail our findings for each litter formula.
Three bags of Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter stacked, showcasing the product's packaging.
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter: Brand Overview
Dr. Bruce Elsey, the founder of Precious Cat, Inc., is not just a businessman; he’s a veterinarian with over 35 years of experience dedicated exclusively to feline health. His profound understanding of cats’ specific needs and sensitivities is the cornerstone of the Dr. Elsey’s brand. The brand’s mission is clear: to enhance the lives of cats by creating products that contribute to their longevity, happiness, and overall well-being, while also simplifying cat care for owners.
Beyond cat litter, Dr. Elsey’s product line extends to high-protein cat foods formulated for all life stages, as well as various litter box accessories. However, it’s their cat litter that truly sets them apart. Unlike many generic brands, Dr. Elsey’s litters are meticulously crafted with specific feline issues in mind.
Whether you’re dealing with a cat who avoids the litter box, struggling with persistent odors, or concerned about your cat’s respiratory health, Dr. Elsey likely has a tailored solution. Their product range includes litters designed for respiratory relief, odor control, attracting cats to the litter box, and addressing the unique needs of kittens and senior cats. Furthermore, they offer supplementary products like urine stain removers and cat attractants to further support feline hygiene and behavior.
The foundation of Dr. Elsey’s cat litter is premium-quality clay. This choice is deliberate, as clay, particularly sodium bentonite clay, is renowned for its exceptional clumping capabilities. Dr. Elsey’s litters are engineered to form solid clumps upon contact with moisture, effectively trapping both liquid and solid waste, and importantly, locking in unpleasant odors.
Texture and particle size are also carefully considered in Dr. Elsey’s formulas. The litters are designed to have a texture that is appealing to cats, encouraging consistent litter box use, while the particle size is optimized to minimize tracking. Despite their clumping prowess, these litters are not designed to be flushable. However, the firm clumps they form are generally easy to scoop and dispose of, simplifying the daily task of litter box maintenance.
Close-up of Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter, highlighting the texture and granule size of the clay litter.
Exploring the Variety: Types of Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter
One of the standout features of the Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter brand is the sheer variety they offer. With over a dozen distinct formulas, they cater to a wide spectrum of cat and owner needs. This extensive selection ensures that you can find a litter specifically tailored to your cat’s individual requirements and your household preferences.
The brand offers both scented and unscented options within several of their product lines. For those prioritizing minimal mess, Precious Cat Clean Tracks is formulated for superior clumping and reduced tracking. If multi-cat odor control is your primary concern, Precious Cat Ultra is engineered to tackle strong odors effectively.
For cats exhibiting litter box avoidance, Cat Attract and Kitten Attract litters incorporate a natural herbal attractant to encourage proper litter box usage. They also offer a straightforward Classic formula for those seeking a no-frills, reliable clumping litter. Beyond these, Dr. Elsey’s provides specialized litters like those designed for senior cats with unique needs, litters with health monitoring indicators, and the Respiratory Relief formula, which we will review in detail.
Notably, the three litters we tested and reviewed are all unscented, clumping clay formulas. This focus on unscented options is a significant advantage for cats and owners sensitive to fragrances, as artificial scents in cat litter can sometimes be irritating or off-putting to felines.
Top 3 Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litters: Detailed Reviews
To give you a clearer picture of what Dr. Elsey’s cat litter offers, we’ve conducted in-depth reviews of three of their most popular clumping clay formulas: Respiratory Relief, Attract, and Ultra Clumping.
| Product Name | Type | Typical Price | Our Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief | Clumping Clay | $0.85 per lb | 4/5 |
| Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Attract Cat Litter | Clumping Clay | $0.78 per lb | 4/5 |
| Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Litter | Clumping Clay | $0.51 per lb | 4/5 |
#1 Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Clumping Clay Cat Litter – For Cats with Respiratory Sensitivities
Bag of Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Clumping Clay Cat Litter in a white and blue package.
Key Features: Hypoallergenic, Clumping, Odor Control, Unscented
Price: $16.99 At Chewy
Our Rating: 4/5
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Clumping Clay Cat Litter is specifically formulated for cats with respiratory issues or sensitivities. Many clay litters contain silica dust, a known respiratory irritant with potential long-term health consequences. This formula addresses this concern by being hypoallergenic and exceptionally low in dust. It is also free from perfumes and deodorants, common allergens that can further irritate sensitive cats.
Beyond its respiratory benefits, this litter is also designed to be stress-reducing. It incorporates natural essences intended to create a calming environment for your cat. This can be particularly beneficial for cats who are easily stressed or those with conditions exacerbated by stress.
In terms of performance, Respiratory Relief excels as a multi-cat litter. It forms hard, solid clumps that effectively trap odors, making it suitable for households with multiple cats. It is also low-tracking, minimizing litter scatter and mess around the litter box area.
One minor drawback is that, due to the absence of perfumes and odor-masking chemicals, the litter itself may have a slightly noticeable natural clay scent. However, this is generally subtle and does not detract from its excellent odor control regarding urine and feces. In our testing, it effectively contained waste odors for several days.
Category Ratings:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Price | 5/5 |
| Clumping Action | 5/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 4/5 |
| Scent | 3/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 4/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
Pros:
- Uniquely designed low-dust formula to protect cats with respiratory problems.
- Hard clumping action effectively locks in odor and moisture.
- Hypoallergenic, free from plant proteins, perfumes, and deodorants, reducing potential allergens.
- Contains natural essences to help minimize stress in cats.
Cons:
- The natural clay may have a slight inherent scent, though it’s generally not bothersome.
- Can become slightly sticky when very wet, potentially adhering to the litter box sides.
#2 Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Attract Cat Litter – Encouraging Litter Box Use
Bag of Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Attract Cat Litter featuring a green package design.
Key Features: Unscented, Multi-Cat, Odor Control, Clumping
Price: $31.99 At Chewy | $31.99 At Amazon
Our Rating: 4/5
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Attract Cat Litter is specifically engineered to address litter box aversion issues in cats. This clay-based formula incorporates a natural herbal attractant that subtly encourages cats to use the litter box. The litter is designed with an ideal particle size and texture that is appealing to feline paws, further promoting acceptance. Notably, it also includes a helpful booklet with tips and advice for resolving litter box problems.
Like other Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat litters, Attract boasts excellent clumping and odor control capabilities. It forms firm clumps that effectively trap urine and feces, minimizing odors. While unscented, the natural herbal attractant imparts a very mild, barely perceptible scent that is not overpowering or unpleasant.
Attract is also low-dust and low-tracking, contributing to a cleaner home environment. The hard clumps it forms help prevent litter from scattering. However, in cases of very large urine volumes, the litter can occasionally cake or stick to the sides of the litter box. This might make it less ideal for automatic self-cleaning litter boxes, which can sometimes struggle with sticky clumps.
Category Ratings:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Price | 4/5 |
| Clumping Action | 5/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 4/5 |
| Scent | 4/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 4/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
Pros:
- Forms very tight, hard clumps that effectively lock in odors and moisture.
- Contains a subtle, natural scent from the herbal attractant, not overpowering.
- Low dust and low tracking, minimizing mess around the litter box.
- Specifically formulated to help resolve litter box avoidance problems.
Cons:
- Very large clumps can become quite heavy to scoop.
- In cases of excessive liquid, some caking and sticking to the sides might occur.
#3 Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter – The Popular All-Around Choice
Bag of Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter with a blue and white design.
Key Features: Clumping, Multi-Cat, Odor Control, Unscented
Price: $20.99 At Chewy | $20.56 At Amazon
Our Rating: 4/5
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter is arguably the brand’s most popular formula, and for good reason. It strikes an excellent balance of odor control, clumping performance, and low-dust properties, making it a solid choice for most cat owners. While clay-based, it is advertised as 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic, catering to sensitive cats and owners alike.
This formula combines heavier, non-tracking granules (similar to their Classic litter) with medium-grain clay. This combination is designed to maximize clumping ability while minimizing mess and tracking. The result is a litter that clumps exceptionally well, controlling odors effectively, even in multi-cat households.
In our testing, Ultra Clumping demonstrated impressive odor control, lasting for several days even with multiple cats using the same litter box. While advertised as low-dust, we found it to be moderately dusty, though customer reviews suggest dust levels can vary slightly between batches.
The primary reported issue with Ultra Clumping, and clay litters in general, is handling large volumes of urine. Despite the high absorbency of the clay, a significant amount of liquid deposited at once can overwhelm the litter, leading to a somewhat cement-like consistency that may stick to the sides of the litter box.
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Litter is available in 18, 20, and 40-pound bags, sold both online and in pet supply stores. Being clay-based, it is a heavier litter, particularly in the larger bag sizes.
Category Ratings:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Price | 4/5 |
| Clumping Action | 5/5 |
| Odor Control | 4/5 |
| Dust/Mess | 3/5 |
| Scent | 4/5 |
| Easy to Scoop | 4/5 |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
Pros:
- Exceptional hard-clumping action effectively seals in moisture and odors.
- Moderately low dust and hypoallergenic, and moderately low tracking.
- Performs well in multi-cat homes and is compatible with sifting and mechanical litter boxes.
Cons:
- Large volumes of liquid can sometimes overwhelm the litter, leading to caking.
- Wet litter can occasionally stick to the sides of the box, making scooping slightly more difficult.
A cat owner scooping Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter, showcasing the clumping action.
What Cat Owners Are Saying About Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter
Customer reviews for Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter are overwhelmingly positive. Across various online retailers and forums, the majority of cat owners express high satisfaction with the brand’s performance. The three formulas we reviewed consistently receive 4-star ratings and above, based on hundreds of individual reviews.
The most frequently praised aspects are the excellent clumping ability and the affordability of Dr. Elsey’s litter. Customers appreciate the solid clumps that make scooping easy and efficient. While some users mention occasional stickiness when the litter is saturated with liquid, the overall consensus is that this is a minor issue compared to the litter’s many benefits. Dust levels are generally considered low, and odor control is consistently rated as effective.
With such a wide product range, Dr. Elsey’s seems to offer a suitable litter for almost every cat and household. To provide a balanced perspective, here are examples of both positive and negative customer reviews for each of the three litters we tested:
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Cat Litter:
-
Positive Review: “I have a 1 yo male kitty, who is FIV+, and recently started coughing. We worked closely with our vet and discussed several solutions to decrease potential airway irritants that might cause a coughing episode. Since switching to this litter (along with a few other things at home), my cats coughing episodes have significantly decreased. Plus less tracking as well! I will forever swear by this litter – very much worth it for respiratory kitties!” – Sierra
-
Negative Review: “I’m not sure why a respiratory support litter would have herbal essences in it. But it smells like lavender and within a few hours of using it the first time my cat was sneezing nonstop took her a day and a half to get back to normal after I tossed the whole batch” – Dana (Note: This review mentions lavender scent which is not consistent with product descriptions stating it is unscented and contains natural essences, not lavender specifically. Scent perception can be subjective).
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Attract Cat Litter:
-
Positive Review: “I adopted a shelter cat who had never been indoors and therefore was never shown how to use a litter box. I tried every type of litter I could think of, including the one they used at the shelter and she continued to do her business in my bathroom sink. Someone recommended this to me and it was like somebody flipped a switch. I will never be without it. I’ve been using it for over eight years now.” – Kelly
-
Negative Review: “I SO wanted to love this litter to see if it would truly encourage two of our cats to use the litterbox. It did not. Moreover, when I would scoop this litter, not every time, but often, it would stick to the scooper like it was made of gum! UGH! It was so gross! Granted, I have not used a clay litter in several decades, but this litter was so heavy to carry compared to my current corn-based litter, and that stickiness was a deal breaker for me. Yuk!” – Jared
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter:
-
Positive Review: “This litter is amazing! I have 3 cats and odor control is a must. This litter clumps great and there is virtually no dust. I have tried many litters and this is by far the best.” – Jennifer
-
Negative Review: “I’ve been using Dr. Elsey’s Ultra for years and usually love it, but the last two boxes I’ve purchased have been incredibly dusty. I’m not sure if they changed their formula or if I just got a bad batch, but the dust is a major issue now.” – Michael (Highlights potential batch-to-batch variability in dust levels).
Cost-Effectiveness of Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter
Generally, clay-based cat litters are more budget-friendly compared to litters made from alternative natural materials like corn, wheat, or wood. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter is particularly notable for its affordability within the clay litter category. Most of their formulas are priced well under $1.00 per pound, making them a cost-effective choice for cat owners.
The three formulas we reviewed range from approximately $0.51 to $0.85 per pound, which is highly competitive. Furthermore, the excellent clumping action of Dr. Elsey’s litter contributes to its overall value. Because it forms solid clumps and minimizes crumbling, less litter is wasted during scooping, meaning each bag lasts longer, further reducing costs over time.
Final Verdict: Is Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter Right for Your Cat?
After thorough testing and analysis, we confidently recommend Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter as an excellent option for cat owners. It successfully combines affordability with high performance, particularly in clumping and odor control. The low-tracking nature of most formulas is also a significant advantage for maintaining a cleaner home.
While some clay litters can be excessively dusty, Dr. Elsey’s formulas are generally low-dust, with the Respiratory Relief formula being specifically designed for minimal dust, making it ideal for cats and owners with respiratory sensitivities. The availability of both scented and unscented options across many product lines allows you to choose based on your cat’s and your own preferences.
One consideration with Dr. Elsey’s, and indeed with most clay litters, is the potential for stickiness when saturated with a large volume of liquid. While the litter still clumps effectively, very wet clumps may become somewhat cement-like and adhere to the litter box sides. Also, larger clumps can be heavier than those formed by some lighter litters.
Being clay-based, Dr. Elsey’s litter is heavier than many alternative litters. Therefore, consider the bag size you choose, especially if lifting heavy items is a concern. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter is considered safe for kittens over 8 weeks old, adult cats, and senior cats. With its range of specialized formulas, you can select the perfect Dr. Elsey’s litter to address your cat’s specific needs and your household requirements.
Where to Purchase Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter is widely available both online and in physical pet stores. You can find it at major retailers like Target and Walmart, as well as dedicated pet supply chains such as Petco and PetSmart. For potentially the most competitive pricing and convenient home delivery, online retailers like Chewy and Amazon are excellent options.
For customers in the UK looking to purchase Dr. Elsey’s products, they are available through select distributors, including BYMiT Premium Pet.
