Composite absorbent particles

A plurality of odor-absorbing, porous, agglomerated composite particles suitable for use as an animal litter produced by a tumble/growth agglomeration process comprising:

• powdered activated carbon (PAC) having has a mean particle diameter of about 25-150 μm and sodium bentonite clay having has a mean particle diameter of about 25-150 μm;
• wherein the sodium bentonite clay and PAC are homogeneously agglomerated using a tumble/growth agglomeration process to form a plurality of composite particles having pores and discontinuities, wherein at least a portion of the PAC is accessible for absorbing malodors via the pores and discontinuities formed in the composite particles during the agglomeration process;
• said composite particles having a mean particle diameter of about 400-1650 μm and being suitable for use as an animal litter wherein said animal litter has good odor control, low tracking, low dust and strong clumping characteristics;
• and
• wherein the animal litter has a dusting attrition value of at most about 15% as measured by ASTM method E-278 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Attrition of Granular Carriers and Granular Pesticides, a malodor rating below 15 as determined by a Malodor Sensory Method, PAC is present in 0.3-1% based on the weight of the animal litter, and upon addition of an aqueous solution to the animal litter, 90% of the litter that comes in contact with the aqueous solution is retained in a clump.