Can You Vacuum Cat Litter ? Everything You Need to Know

If you haven’t at one time or the other considered using your vacuum for the most unorthodox of tasks, then maybe you aren’t using your vacuum enough! Most people wonder if there are specific tasks you can try with a vacuum. For instance, can you vacuum cat litter?

Many people think they can vacuum their way out of any dirt problem, but can they do that for cat litter? Would there be any consequences for your vacuum if you tried cleaning cat litter with it? 

Let’s find out.

Cat Litter: To Vacuum or Not?

The direct answer to this question is yes and no. Yes, because you can vacuum cat litter with your regular vacuum, and no because you can’t do it for too long.

That’s the catch. If you have a regular dirt vacuum cleaner, you can only use it to clean small amounts of cat litter. If you persist with using it, then you will invite issues for the machine.

You can’t vacuum cat litter with your regular vacuum. We don’t mean to burst your bubble, but traditional vacuums don’t have the specific capacity to handle cat litter all the time.

You, therefore, need to limit them to the occasional use if you insist on using them.

Why Can’t a Regular Vacuum Clean Cat Litter?

There are several reasons why you can’t use a regular vacuum to clean cat litter. You might get away with the vacuum cleaning small amounts of it occasionally, but not in the long run.

Here is why.

1. The Dust Will Damage the Vacuum

Your standard vacuum has some delicate parts that cannot withstand lots of dust. Cat litter is usually replete with lots of dust. Since there is no way to vacuum cat litter without the dust and clay, it would be problematic to use your regular vacuum.

The dust will damage the delicate parts of the vacuum and cause it to lose functionality. The damage might be slow but could cause you problems that would take you to the repair person in the long run.

2. Cat Litter Might Clog the Vacuum

You already know that the vacuum has some delicate parts, such as the filter. If any of these parts get blockages, then the vacuum won’t work well. Cat litter can be a notorious problem in this case since it can clog the vacuum’s filters.

A clogged vacuum will not work as well on other dirt. So, it’s better not to take your chances. However, this clogging might only occur if you repeatedly use your vacuum to clean cat litter.

The occasional use might not be much of a big deal.

3. Vacuuming Cat Litter is the Same as Vacuuming Cement

Cat litter shares with cement because they both become solid when they get into contact with water. Therefore, there is the chance that cat litter, when cleaning it might have become small rocks because of exposure to water.

There is no faster way to ruin your vacuum than to vacuum such dirt.

4. Cat Litter Will Make the Vacuum and House to Smell

The cat waste in the litter will make your vacuum stink. Everyone understands how putrid the smell from cat waste can be. Therefore, when you use your regular vacuum to clean the cat litter, this smelly waste will lodge itself in the vacuum.

Consequently, the vacuum will smell and make your house smell since you will still clean with it.

Best Vacuum to Pick up Cat Litter

Although the regular vacuum will not effectively collect cat litter, other vacuums would do their job quite well. These vacuums aren’t pet vacuums but have designs that don’t struggle to pick up cat litter.

Shark NV752 True Pet Vacuum

The Shark NV752 is an excellent choice if you want to deal with your cat litter problem. It features a powerful filter that the cat litter can’t clog and a brush roller that captures all the litter with its dust.

Since this vacuum is ideal for cleaning after pets, it is a better option to use on cat litter than other regular vacuums. You, however, will appreciate that you can use it for any additional cleaning and not only for cleaning cat litter.

Last update on 2024-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Dyson V7 Trigger Handheld Vacuum

If you can spare a good amount of money, then you’d be better off purchasing this vacuum for cat litter. Dyson is one of the best companies in the vacuum business. Therefore, you expect their vacuums to be top tier.

This vacuum won’t disappoint you when cleaning cat litter. It won’t choke on the clay or dust in the litter nor have issues filtering it. It, however, won’t come cheap. But everyone knows that the best things do come at a stiff price, right?

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Bissell Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Bissell is another reputable vacuum brand on the market. You can trust their vacuums for pretty much anything. However, this vacuum is ideal for cat litter since it is immune to cat litter damage.

It has incredible suction power that ensures you can remove all the litter without any issues.

Last update on 2024-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Black+Decker Handheld Vacuum

The Black + Decker vacuum boasts cyclonic cleaning action what makes it ideal for all kinds of dirt, let alone cat litter. What’s better, you won’t have to use it only for cat litter since it is also excellent for cat hair.

Last update on 2024-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Dirt Devil Razor Vacuum

If you’re familiar with the world of vacuums, then you must have heard of Dirt Devil. It is a famous vacuum brand; thanks to the dependable vacuums it churns out. The Dirt Devil Razor vacuum is another excellent option if you want to deal with cat litter.

What makes it ideal for cat litter is the three-stage filtration system that prevents clogging by the litter. Furthermore, it’s easier to clean faster with the turbo tool since it gives the vacuum greater suction power.

So next time you want to clean cat litter but only have a regular vacuum, think of the vacuums listed above. They are the better options to use if you don’t want to ruin your vacuum.

Last update on 2024-04-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQ About Vacuuming Cat Litter

Can I Vacuum Cat Litter Using a Dyson?

Yes, you can. There are several models of Dyson vacuums that can efficiently deal with cat litter while sustaining zero damage. One of the best options we have included on our list of recommended vacuums for cat litter.

Can’t I Use a Swiffer Broom to Clean Cat Litter?

While a Swiffer might appear the easy option to choose, it isn’t as good as a pet vacuum with cat litter. It will only collect a small amount and leave you to deal with the rest.

How Often Should I Change Cat Litter?

The best time to change cat litter should be weekly or every other day. That may, however, have something to do with your circumstances. 

Final Thoughts

So, can you vacuum cat litter? Yes, you can. But not with a regular vacuum. The litter would damage it. Fortunately, other vacuums can do it for you. We hope we have helped you avoid running your vacuum by using it with cat litter. 

You can do it occasionally, but it shouldn’t become a habit. That’s why we have recommended the best vacuums for cat litter. Consider using them, and you will love the results.

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