why would litter clump for one cat and NOT for another cat

[Drive_NJ]

We have 2 new kitteh boys (age 3 and 7)
and one older cat who has been in the family for several years

Im sure its one of the new boys but Im not sure which one yet

When cleaning the litter we have 2 different size balls of clumped litter
and then one splotch of cat pee that is not clumped in any way for picking up - just sifts thru the scoop
its usually larger than the other litter spots

there were times in the past that the older cat would not clump but usually when the litter was getting old anyway
but now this is the same litter where 2 cats clump and one does not

What up with that???
is it something I need to worry about the cats health?

They all appear to be healthy and the new cats were given an OK from the shelter for basic health concerns

[jen-s]

That’s bizarre! Email the company. I emailed Tidy Cats recently with a negative review of one of their products that I’d been using successfully for years. I received a LOVELY reply and coupons. I’d love to hear an official answer for this from the manufacturer.

[Simkie]

I wonder if he’s just not peeing enough volume to stick together?

[Fox_Wood_Farm]

And I was wondering if he was peeing so much, it “overwhelmed” the litter. I have a diabetic barn cat (controlled with twice daily insulin injections) who drinks a lot and pees a lot and his litter doesn’t clump much.

[Laurierace]

Since Mama Kitty had a stroke she still uses the litter box thankfully but she doesn’t cover it up anymore. As a result it doesn’t really clump either but sinks to the bottom and sticks like glue. It wouldn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with the cat but he may not be cleaning up after himself as much as necessary.

[Zu_Zu]

Sometimes * Oftentimes in multiple cat homes the dominant cat or oldest will not 'cov

Sometimes * often times in multiple cat homes ````

the dominant cat or oldest cat will not ‘cover’ his pee or poop

it’s ```` ‘I’m Top Cat’ ``` ‘territorial’

One will see this change if the dominant cat becomes sick or weak with age … he will again cover his pee and poop ~ and the next Top Cat will not cover his ‘decorations’ ~

[Chall]

Try pouring plain water into the litter making the same size deposit.
Does it clump? Then repeat but cover it up, does it clump?
It might be helpful to know what brand your using.

[Drive_NJ]

Good suggestions
I will try the plain water - with and without covering

brand is Shoprite in a big jug clumping litter unscented

it has worked fine for years for our 3 previous cats (one is now the holdover with 2 new cats)

would love any suggestions for a super strong non scented clumping litter

I loved the “Worlds Best” except it leaked out the urine once it was scooped into a plastic bag - no good on that

we may also have to change to a high sided box and one new boy backs up over the edge (again not sure which one yet???)

[Simkie]

My favorite clay litter is Precious Cat Ultra. Blue bag. Clumps HARD. No smell. Doesn’t stink.

I use the Blue Buffalo walnut litter now–it’s even more stink proof than the clay–but it doesn’t clump really strongly. Does okay, but might still not be enough for you. Great litter, though, otherwise!

I also have LARGE rubbermaid or Sterlite storage totes for litter boxes. Sides are probably 14" or so high? Totally eliminates that peeing over the edge thing. I cut an opening on one short side so the kitties can just step in, but if yours will jump in, it’s unnecessary. Mine are all old and appreciate the easy entry.

[rb5007]

Interesting - just realized I have the same issue with one of my 5 cats (not sure which) and have had for about 3 years. Everyone is healthy with no issues so I’m not going to worry about it. My favorite litter is Paws & Claws clumping from Tractor Supply. It’s cheap and comes in 25 pound bags so I don’t have to muck around (pun intended) disposing of all those boxes. 5 indoor cats = lots of litter.