This is moler clay with an average particle size of 3mm. Anything that should be discouraging me from using this?

HU-xxxxxxxxxx

There is nothing wrong with using cat litter as long as you use THE CORRECT one (non- clumping, non-scented...) What is in your photo looks very similar to turface. I have it, but use it seldom/in small amounts (less than 1/3rd) because, in my experience, it tends to hold lots of water. Looks ok to me...

When I started using gritty mix, having learned about it here years ago, I started with what appeared to be a "standard" or accepted formula. As I recall, that included bark, and I removed bark after about a year. By experimentation, I got that narrowed down to what worked for me -- 1 part each Turface, pumice, and poultry grit. I still use that simply blend today, about 5-6 years later.

BUT -- I also vary mixes and have plants in "gritty" mix that DOES NOT include Turface. Turface holds a lot of water -- a lot. In a non-porous pot, I found that even though the mix drained, the plant still stayed wet longer than I wanted. Now, I will put plants in pumice only. Pumice DOES hold water, especially in plastic or ceramic pots. I used Manna Pro poultry mix and sometimes throw a handful of that in as well. I haven't used cat litter, but I would follow Rina's advice above if you want to try. My personal belief is that gritty mix becomes a personal experimentation highly dependent on your plants, your location, your pots and your results. Don't be afraid to experiment.

As robinswfl said...experiment & customize to your conditions. My most used mix contains lots of sifted perlite & grit (approx. equal amounts) + small amount of soil or cocopeat (usually 15-25% of total) . Pumice is great, but not easy to get for me & bit pricey - so I use perlite.

I use a mix like rina's : soil, perlite and poultry grit, and it works well for me.