Dr. Elsey’s Discontinues Scented Cat Litter
Dr. Elsey’s, a veterinarian-founded company committed to feline health and wellness, has announced the immediate discontinuation of its Ultra Scented cat litter line. This decision marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing mission to provide products that align with the natural needs of cats, ensuring their health, comfort and well-being.
While the company previously produced scented litter in order to accommodate consumer demand, recent scientific research and the latest veterinary insights have mandated the immediate need to eliminate artificial fragrances from its product lineup.
“Cats rely on their sense of smell to navigate their world and artificial fragrances can significantly disrupt their instincts, causing stress and discomfort,” said Dr. Bruce Elsey, founder of Dr. Elsey’s. “We’ve always been committed to doing what’s best for cats and breakthrough scientific studies now show us that scented litters introduce unnecessary risks. We’re acting on that knowledge and making this important change and we are hoping and advocating that other manufacturers do what is right and follow our example.”
The Hidden Risks of Scented Cat Litter
While scented litter may appeal to cat owners, the most credible, authoritative research as of today indicates that it negatively impacts feline health in several very significant ways:
- Disrupting Natural Instincts: Cats use scent to detect threats and communicate. Strong artificial fragrances can overwhelm their sensitive noses, leading to anxiety and stress.
- Triggering Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC): Studies show that environmental stressors, including overpowering scents, contribute to FIC, a painful urinary condition that affects many cats.
- House-Soiling and Shelter Surrenders: Stress from litter box aversion can cause cats to stop using their litter box, a leading cause of feline abandonment and surrender to shelters. By eliminating scents, Dr. Elsey’s aims to reduce this heartbreaking issue and keep cats in loving homes.
A Litter Designed for Cats—Not Just for Their Owners
Dr. Elsey’s decision underscores the company’s philosophy: cat litter should be made for cats first. While many brands design products with human preferences in mind—adding perfumes and dyes—Dr. Elsey’s prioritizes feline well-being.
“Our natural clay litter effectively controls odor without harmful artificial fragrances,” said Dr. Elsey. “By using high-quality, natural ingredients, we offer a safe solution that keeps cats comfortable while still providing the odor control pet owners need.”
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra and other unscented varieties offer superior clumping, minimal dust and long-lasting odor control—without compromising feline health. Additionally, cat owners can adopt simple, natural methods to maintain a fresh litter box, such as daily scooping, proper ventilation and refilling the litter box every week.
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra and other unscented litters are available from a variety of retail locations. Find your nearest retailer or where to order online here.