Tidy Cats Lightweight vs Regular: Which Litter is Better?

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links; we will earn a commision, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through one of our links.

Being a cat owner can have you question many strange life choices, including the type of litter to buy for your little kitten. For that reason, we’re offering you this quick Tidy Cats Lightweight vs. Regular comparison to help you find the right fit.

We’ll discuss how these two differ in terms of quality, odor control, cost, and more. Plus, we’ll answer several questions you may have about these clumping cat litters.

Now, let’s address our topic more in-depth.

Tidy Cats Lightweight vs Regular Overview

The lightweight version of Tidy Cats clumping litter has one thing over the regular one. Thanks to its reduced weight, it makes carrying, pouring, and disposing of the litter easier. Yet, Tidy Cats Regular is less likely to stick to your cat’s body, keeping messes to the minimum.

ImageProductDetails  Price
Tidy Cats LightWeightTidy Cats LightweightFor Easier Carrying, Pouring, DisposingCheck Price
Tidy Cats RegularTidy Cats RegularFor Minimizing MessesCheck Price

A Straight-to-the-Point Comparison

We’ve finally reached the fun part!

Let’s take a look at how both litter versions compare so that you can make a well-informed decision.

Performance and Functionality

The first thing most people think about before choosing a clumping cat litter is how functional it is. This factor usually outweighs any other aspects of this product, which is why it’s the most important point of comparison.

Yet, the good news is that both lightweight and regular versions of Tidy Cats can give you the same results. Both products can grant you a great level of clumping and maximum odor control.

Plus, many Tidy Cats Lightweight and Regular formulas are dust-free, making them better than other market alternatives. According to many users, going for either product can be a wonderful idea since they’re both top-quality in terms of performance.

Available Versions

Another crucial aspect that you must consider before buying a clumping litter is the version that you need. See, not all cats can be around scented products as they might trigger asthma or other respiratory issues. So, cat litters come with a variety of options to suit the needs of users.

Now, where do Tidy Cats Lightweight and Regular fit into this equation?

Again, we were delighted to learn that both editions are available in several versions. You can choose from Glade-scented, 24/7 performance, and Free & Clean. And, the best thing is that these versions are 99.9% dust-free, maintaining their performance to a nice degree.

The bottom line is that, in terms of odor control and versatility, both the lightweight and regular versions of Tidy Cats perform the same way.

So far, things haven’t been much different between the two products, but this is where their similarities end. Let’s take a look at a few key factors that showcase some differences between Tidy Cats Lightweight and Regular cat litter.

Recommended: 5 Pretty Litter alternatives you should check out!

Ease of Use

In general, clumping cat litter is much more convenient than a non-clumping equivalent. It’s less messy, less likely to stick to your cat’s body, has better odor control, and is easier to dispose of.

Yet, even with that in mind, Tidy Cats Lightweight is even much more simple to use than its regular counterpart.

Because it’s lighter, the package is a breeze to carry and tilt over to pour the contents. This makes it a good choice for people who may have some difficulty when trying to pick up the typically heavy cat litter container.

Not to mention that this allows your kids to fill the litter box as well. Thus, it can encourage them to participate in taking care of their cat, giving them a little lesson in responsibility.

Plus, the granules in the lightweight version are much larger in comparison to the regular edition. As a result, these particles produce less dust, making cleaning an easier task. Just aim for a dust-free formula, and you should be good to go.

According to people who tried Tidy Cats Lightweight, keeping their cats’ litter boxes clean on a daily basis was no longer an issue.

On the other hand, getting rid of used regular litter can be a notch more tiring. In some instances, people faced problems with broken trash bags after throwing large amounts of regular litter in them.

Therefore, it’s clear that Tidy Cats Lightweight is a much better candidate when it comes to convenience and ease of use.

Messes

Quite the opposite, Tidy Cats Regular is a more promising option if you’re concerned about messes. Yes, all cat litter is prone to tracking, but the regular, heavier version is less likely to hang to a cat’s hair.

Because the lightweight version of Tidy Cats is airier, it can quickly stick to your cat’s body. And, as the cat moves around the house and on top of furniture, you might soon find litter particles everywhere.

Not only will that produce more messes, but it could also lead to you going through the litter much more quickly. Of course, this can result in more money spent on cat litter, which may not be an option for someone on a tight budget.

Cost

Speaking of budgets, the cost of Tidy Cats Lightweight vs. Regular is different as well. The lightweight version is more expensive than the normal type. And, since it tends to depletes faster thanks to its tendency to track, getting the lightweight litter needs a large budget.

Thus, if you’ll be able to keep up with the cost of Tidy Cats Lightweight, it may be a good option for its ease of use. But, if you wish for an affordable clumping litter with a decent performance, the regular version should do.

Still, the prices of both may vary depending on whether they’re scented, scent-free, or have 24/7 performance.

Respiratory Issues

Sure, clumping cat litter has undergone many tests to prove its safety. However, lightweight versions may not be the best candidates for people or cats with asthma. This is because Tidy Cats Lightweight includes larger amounts of perlite, which is classified as nuisance dust.

Thus, those who have a pre-existing lung condition shouldn’t inhale this substance as it can trigger unwanted symptoms. So, if the cat or any of its owners have this issue, their best bet is to invest in the regular Tidy Cats litter instead.

However, some experts advise people with asthma to avoid clumping litter altogether to keep risks to the minimum. It’s your call, anyway, to make the right decision based on your and your cat’s needs.

FAQs

What are the ingredients of lightweight cat litter?

Besides other components that manufacturers deem proprietary, lightweight cat litter may include the following:

  • Silica
  • Bentonite clay
  • Perlite
  • Deodorizers such as baking soda, perfumes, and more to reduce smells

However, not all lightweight cat litter brands use these substances, but the majority of them do.

Can Someone With Respiratory Issues Buy Tidy Cats Lightweight?

Yes, but they must aim for a low-dust or dust-free version to eliminate the inhalation of any triggering substances.

Fortunately, many Tidy Cats Lightweight versions are available with a dust-free formula. As a result, people with asthma could use these with confidence.

Even better, you’ll find Glade scented versions with 99.9% dust-free formulas. Just because someone has a respiratory issue doesn’t mean they can’t take advantage of a scented product, right?

How to Use Tidy Cats Lightweight and Regular Clumping Litter?

Dealing with either product should be a straightforward task. Still, if you’re a first-time cat owner, you may need some insight into the right way to use clumping cat litter.

Here are a few tips to follow.

  • Make sure that the cat litter box is clean before adding litter to it
  • Always wash the box between litter changes with warm water and a mild detergent
  • In a dry box, pour the litter to a depth of three to four inches
  • Remove any solids on a daily basis
  • Remember to add more litter to maintain the same depth
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling used cat litter
  • Dispose of cat litter in a trash bag
  • Never flush used litter down the toilet or throw it in gutters or storm drains

To Wrap It Up

As cat owners, we always hope to find products that are easy to use, time-saving, and safe for our feline buddies. This is why the majority of pet parents go for clumping cat litter.

However, you may be unsure if you should purchase Tidy Cats Lightweight vs. Regular, which is why we’re here to help.

If you want cat litter that’s easier to carry, pour, and get rid of, you may like the Tidy Cats Lightweight. Better yet, it performs just as well as the regular one, offering you nice odor control. Sure, it can be pricier, but a lot of those who tried it said it was worth the cost.

On the other hand, the regular Tidy Cats promises fewer messes since it’s less prone to track. Plus, it’s much more affordable and doesn’t deplete as quickly as the lightweight edition might.

Once you put all these factors into consideration, your decision should be simple enough to make.