Abstract: Absorbent particles suitable for use as an animal litter according to one embodiment include an absorbent material formed into a general shape selected from a group consisting of: square with a flat form, rectangular with a flat form, square, rectangular, diamond, cupped, star, bagel, mesh, angled, cone, tetrahedron, pyramid, and combinations thereof. Absorbent particles suitable for use as an animal litter according to another embodiment include first absorbent particles having a first general shape and second absorbent particles having a second general shape, where the second general shape is different than the first general shape. Agitation of the absorbent particles may cause the first and second absorbent particles to segregate. Agitation of the absorbent particles may cause the first and second absorbent particles to orient with each other in a targeted way.

Abstract: Composite particles suitable for use as a clumping animal litter according to one embodiment include an absorbent material, and a superabsorbent polymer coupled to the absorbent material, where a ratio of rates of absorption of the superabsorbent polymer and absorbent material is at least about 1:1. Composite particles suitable for use as a clumping animal litter according to another embodiment include an absorbent material and a superabsorbent polymer coupled to the absorbent material, where the superabsorbent polymer has a greater Jenkins osmotic potential than the absorbent material.

Abstract: Clumping animal litters containing composite particles with increased absorptivity and clump strength are disclosed. Reinforcing fiber materials are combined with a liquid-absorbing material to form composite particles suitable for use as animal litter. The reinforcing fiber materials add structural integrity to the liquid absorbent materials by acting in a manner similar to reinforcing bars (i.e., rebar) in concrete. The fibers need only be present in small percentages to show a consumer noticeable benefit.