When veterinarian Dr. Bruce Elsey noticed cats being surrendered to shelters over fixable issues, he didn’t just sympathize—he got to work. His company has since developed products that address real feline problems, from litter-box avoidance to diet-related health concerns. Dr. Elsey’s practical, veterinary-inspired solutions have kept countless cats in loving homes and out of shelters. This is what can happen when hands-on experience meets genuine care for our feline friends.
In the crowded pet product industry, many companies make a lot of promises about prioritizing pets’ well-being, but few have proven their dedication to truly making a difference. Finding a company that genuinely cares about the well-being of animals can feel like a rare gem.
Dr. Elsey’s, a company founded by a feline veterinarian, stands out as a unique case, having dedicated its efforts to improving the lives of cats and their owners, rather than focusing on financial gain. Established in 1987 by veterinarian Dr. Bruce Elsey and his wife Kathy, the company has become a beacon of hope for countless cat owners struggling with one of the most common and frustrating feline behavioral problems: house soiling. This issue, which refers to cats urinating or defecating outside their litter boxes, is more than just a nuisance. It’s the leading behavioral reason cats are surrendered to shelters or, in many heartbreaking cases, even euthanized.
Recognizing the gravity of this problem, Dr. Elsey made it his mission to develop solutions, including special cat litter, to help keep cats in their homes. Matthew Brost, Director of Marketing and Pet Food Production at Dr. Elsey’s, explains, “We’ve saved tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of cats from being given up, surrendered to shelters with this litter.”
However, Dr. Elsey’s impact on feline health and welfare extends far beyond litter box issues. From pioneering high-protein, low-carbohydrate cat foods to supporting cancer research and sheltering animals, the Wyoming-based company has consistently demonstrated that putting pets first is not just a slogan, but a way of life.
From Veterinary Practice to Pioneering Pet Care
Dr. Bruce Elsey’s pet care journey began in 1978 when he opened the All Cat Clinic, which is the first feline-only veterinary practice in the Denver Metro area. This specialized focus allowed Dr. Elsey to observe and understand the unique challenges faced by cat owners, particularly the persistent issue of house soiling.
Driven by a desire to solve this widespread problem, he embarked on a quest to create a better litter solution. In 1985, he took matters into his own hands by driving to a local mine to acquire clay fines for testing. This hands-on approach led to the development of the first all-natural, clumping cat litter on the market, designed to keep cats coming back to the litter box.
Dr. Elsey’s: A Solution-Based Approach to Feline Health
The creation of an effective cat litter was just the beginning of Dr. Elsey’s mission to improve feline health and welfare. Recognizing that stress is a significant factor in many cat health issues, the company developed a range of specialized litter and food products designed to address specific feline needs.
“90% plus of health problems in cats are caused by stress, including litter box aversion. And this mixture that Dr. Elsey came up with helps relax the cats,” Brost explains.
Changing the Litter Box
Dr. Elsey’s products are grounded in a scientific understanding of cat behavior and physiology. Its Cat Attract® litter, for instance, was developed after extensive testing at Dr. Elsey’s All Cat Clinic and various animal shelters. The product addresses the complex issue of litter box aversion by incorporating:
A natural herbal attractant that appeals to cats’ instincts
Superior clumping properties for easy cleaning
A low dust formula to minimize respiratory irritation
Key innovations in Dr. Elsey’s litter lineup include:
Cat Attract® litter: A game-changing product featuring a natural herbal attractant that encourages cats to use their litter boxes.
Respiratory Relief™ litter: Formulated to reduce dust and allergens, helping cats with respiratory issues.
Dr. Elsey’s also offers other specialized litters, such as the Senior litter, that are tailored to address specific feline health concerns.
The Science Behind Dr. Elsey’s Products
Dr. Elsey’s approach to cat care is deeply rooted in a scientific understanding of feline biology and behavior. This veterinary expertise is evident in the company’s products. By focusing on the natural needs of cats, Dr. Elsey’s has created products that solve problems while promoting overall feline health and well-being.
Another one of Dr. Elsey’s biggest contributions to cat health is the development of the cleanprotein™ cat food line. According to Mallory Crusta, an NAVC-certified Pet Nutrition Coach, “Dr. Elsey’s offers some of the best dry cat food on the market. It’s rich in animal protein and made without animal by-products for maximum bioavailability. At less than 5% starch on a dry matter basis, Dr. Elsey’s foods won’t spike blood sugar and may even be appropriate for diabetic cats.”
This product range is based on obvious but overlooked insights into feline dietary needs:
Cats are obligate carnivores, requiring a diet high in animal protein.
Most commercial cat foods, especially dry kibbles, contain excessive carbohydrates.
High-carbohydrate diets can contribute to obesity and diabetes in cats.
“That was another big problem that Dr. Elsey came across when treating these cats—obesity and diabetes in cats. So, he made it his mission to produce a food that addressed that,” says Brost.
A bit about the cleanprotein™ line:
95% of protein derived from animal sources in kibble formulas
No fillers, grains, or oxalates
Available in various flavors
Includes both dry kibble and wet food options, with treats to launch soon
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein™ Chicken Recipe is one example of its product line, formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. The food is available on Amazon and Chewy.com.
Dr. Elsey’s Commitment to Cat Welfare and Corporate Citizenship
While Dr. Elsey’s has made big strides in developing cat care products that address genuine needs, its dedication to improving feline lives is even more evident in its numerous philanthropic initiatives and commitment to corporate social responsibility.
One of the cornerstones of Dr. Elsey’s corporate citizenship is its extensive support for animal shelters and rescue organizations. Recognizing the challenges faced by these groups, Dr. Elsey’s has implemented a generous donation program—with hundreds of pallets of cat litter and ongoing food donated to shelters and rescues across the United States annually.
Advancing Feline Health Through Research and Awareness
Dr. Elsey’s commitment to cat welfare extends beyond immediate care to supporting long-term health research and awareness campaigns through the following initiatives:
Dr. Elsey’s Fund to Cure Cancer:
Established in 2007 following Kathy Elsey’s diagnosis of multiple myeloma
Supports the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)
Supports health research that benefits both humans and animals
Annual Save $3, Give $3 Campaign:
Raises awareness about feline health issues
Encourages customer participation in charitable giving
Product purchases support cat welfare initiatives.
Environmental Stewardship in Cat Care
In addition to its focus on feline health and welfare, Dr. Elsey’s has also taken steps to ensure its business practices are environmentally responsible, including:
Being a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Ongoing efforts to provide recyclable packaging materials
Initiatives to help customers minimize their waste footprint
Dr. Elsey’s: Elevating the Standard of Feline Care
Dr. Elsey’s journey from a small veterinary practice to a leading force in cat care demonstrates the power of combining scientific expertise with genuine compassion for animals. Through products like Cat Attract® litter and cleanprotein™ cat food, Dr. Elsey’s has tackled some of the most pressing issues in feline health and behavior, saving countless cats from shelter surrender and improving the quality of life for many more.
By extending its mission beyond retail offerings to include support for shelters, investment in cancer research, and commitment to environmental sustainability, Dr. Elsey’s has shown that corporate success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
As we look to the future of pet care, companies like Dr. Elsey’s set a new standard—one where the well-being of animals is at the forefront of every decision, and where innovation is driven by a genuine desire to improve lives. In doing so, Dr. Elsey’s not only raises the bar for the pet care industry but also inspires us all to consider how we can better care for the animals that enrich our lives.
For Further Reading:
PubMed- The Behavioural Effects of Innovative Litter Developed to Attract Cats
