Did you know that the litterbox can be a big stressor for your cat? The type of litter you choose is a significant factor — not only can it affect your cat’s interest in using the litterbox, but also their health and yours. Navigating the different cat litter types on the market can be challenging, so it’s important to do your homework.
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This is generally a cat’s preferred litter. Most cats are happy with a medium or fine-grain clay litter because it resembles the sand or soil they’d choose outside. Clumping varieties are best for cleanliness. Always go with an unscented litter for you and your cat’s respiratory health.
Clay litters are known to track out of the box, which can be frustrating. They can create a lot of dust that can aggravate allergies. Washing the box every few weeks can be challenging if the clay and moisture leave you scraping concrete-like messes.
These litters are made with silica gel and come in various grain sizes, from ultra-fine to larger crystals. They are not designed to clump. Instead, the silica absorbs the urine and is said to reduce odor. Urine-soaked grains aren’t removed — the urine dries within the silica, and you dump the entire box and replace the litter regularly. There are also color-changing options advertised to help you monitor your cat’s urinary health.
Some brands are loaded with chemicals that you may not want to expose your cat to. Others use very large crystal-like grains that are uncomfortable on the paws and limit digging. Breathing silica dust can be a health risk for cats and humans. Prolonged exposure has been tied to lung disease in humans and respiratory infections in cats[1].
These are generally lighter and softer than clay and other types of litter, which can be helpful for cats with paw pain or cat parents who have difficulty lifting heavy things. They can be found in both clumping and non-clumping varieties. They’re often considered more environmentally friendly than silica and clay.
Strange as it sounds, litter made from potential food sources can confuse cats. If they eat the litter, they certainly won’t want to eliminate in it. These litters can also attract pests. You may find that your cat sinks into the softness of wheat or corn litters, which many don’t enjoy. Allergies can also be a concern.
It has been suggested that corn litters are susceptible to growth of mold that can produce dangerous substances called aflatoxins[2]. Corn is prone to this mold before and after it’s processed. Moisture is a contributing factor, which can be a concern in a litterbox or moisture-heavy rooms where litterboxes tend to be located, like bathrooms and basements. Generally, during manufacturing, the litter is tested for and treated to minimize the chance of a batch being contaminated with aflatoxin-producing mold. It’s important to store your litter in a clean, dry place before use and discuss litter options with your veterinarian if you have concerns.
This is another litter that comes in clumping and non-clumping varieties. The non-clumping is usually in pellet form. While many consider it more environmentally friendly, it’s also heavily scented and can be a turn-off for cats and people. The pellet version may be less comfortable on paws. Lastly, keeping the litterbox clean can be challenging without dumping the whole box and refilling it often.
Made from paper, these litters are usually in small pellet form. They can be soft on paws, and dust and tracking are less of a concern. However, they aren’t made to clump, so keeping the litterbox clean is difficult. They also aren’t known to control odors very well. They can be a great option if your cat is recovering from surgery or has an open wound that needs to be protected from dust and other ickiness.
These are both biodegradable natural options. Grass litter is made from grass seed and can be soft on paws. Ground walnut shells make up walnut litter. Both come in clumping varieties and tend to be lower in dust. You may find tracking to be an issue, particularly with the lighter grass litter. Allergies can also be a concern, as well as pests.
You can also find biodegradable wood litter. It comes in grain or pellet form, and non-clumping and clumping varieties. The grain is soft and can be more comfortable for cats with paw issues. The pellet form can be less comfortable for cats to use and, as with all pellets, has limited ability to manage feces odor.
Most cats prefer a medium- to fine-grain clumping litter. Some individual factors and situations can impact your cat’s litter needs.
If you want to try a different litter for your cat, make a gradual transition. Mix a small amount of the new litter into the old litter. Over a few weeks, lessen the amount of the old litter and increase the amount of the new litter until you’re using only the new litter. If your cat continues using the litterbox and seems comfortable with the change, you should be good. If you notice a difference in your cat’s behavior before, during, or after using the box, they may not be enjoying the new litter. Jumping out of the box immediately after using it, a change in how they dig and bury, getting in the box but leaving before using it, or eliminating just outside the litterbox are all indications they may prefer the old litter or something about the new litter isn’t meeting their needs.
A reliable and efficient cat litter can make all the difference in keeping your home clean, hygienic, and smelling fresh.
Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter is an absolute gem of a product that I (and Cleo and Pumpkin) love.
This natural clumping litter soaks moisture like a sponge, ensuring your kitty's bathroom stays dry and comfortable.
It also forms tight, easy-to-scoop clumps that make cleaning the litter box a breeze (and let's be honest, anything that makes scooping poop easier is a winner in my book).
But wait, there's more!
The charcoal-powered odor control in this environmentally friendly litter is nothing short of miraculous. No more worrying about your home smelling like a feline waste processing plant.
My darling Cleo and Pumpkin can be a tad fussy regarding litter. But they took to Tuft & Paw like ducks to water. I've also noticed their litter box habits have been more consistent since the switch.
Cleaning the litter box is also a breeze with this litter. Gone are the days of chiseling away at cement-like clumps or gagging on dust clouds. With Tuft & Paw, it's smooth sailing all the way.
I know subscription models are not for everyone, but I'm a big fan.
I love that I can set and forget and will get litter delivered for free on a regular schedule. I've gone for the three-month option to save 10%. The subscription management is simple, and you can easily pause and cancel as and when you need.
Finally, I feel I need to address the flushable claims of this (and other) cat litter brands. Some people think flushing cat litter is wrong, but it's perfectly acceptable when done correctly.
According to Tuft & Paw:
The safety of your kitty and the environment is always our top priority! According to the CDC, cats kept indoors that do not hunt prey, and are not fed raw meat are not likely to be infected with Toxoplasmosis. We'd recommend that you only flush feces of indoor cats, in municipalities which allow it.
So, my eco-friendly cat lovers, if you're on the hunt for litter products that are reliable, effective, and kind to Mother Earth, look no further than Tuft & Paw range of cat litters.
It's a game-changer in feline waste management, and I'm willing to bet your kitty (and your nose) will thank you for it.
Oh, and the Tuft & Paw Cat Education Center is an excellent resource for cat parenting advice and tips too!
Traditional clay litters can harm the environment, as they're mostly non-biodegradable and often sourced from strip mining.
Also, clay cat litter often has added silica.
Silica dust can result in the following symptoms:
And according to CDC, long-term exposure may result in serious illnesses, such as:
Wood cat litter is a popular and eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay litter.
It's made from various types of wood, including pine, cedar, and even recycled sawdust.
The production process typically involves grinding the wood into small particles, heating it to high temperatures to remove moisture and kill bacteria, and then compressing it into pellets or granules.
Some manufacturers also add natural binders or fragrances to enhance the litter's effectiveness and appeal.
Many brands of wood litter are biodegradable and compostable, making them one of the best eco-friendly choices for pet owners.
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Corn-based cat litters are made from (you guessed it!) corn.
This sustainable, versatile crop is known for its many uses, but who knew it could also keep our feline friends' litter boxes fresh and clean?
It starts with grinding the corn cobs into small granules. These granules are then processed to remove any remaining moisture and kill off any pesky bacteria.
After that, some manufacturers add natural ingredients like baking soda or plant-based extracts to boost odor control and keep your kitty's bathroom smelling fresh as a summer breeze.
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That's right, the same golden grain that gives us our daily bread is also keeping our feline friends' litter boxes fresh as a daisy.
Wheat cat litters start life like any other wheat, swaying in the breeze and soaking up some good ol' American sunshine.
To turn those beautiful stalks into a primo natural litter, they're first crushed and separated into their individual components (the bran, the germ, and the endosperm).
It's the outermost layer, the bran, that we're after here. This stuff is packed with natural starches and enzymes that give wheat cat litter its super-absorbent and odor-fighting powers.
After the bran has been collected, it's processed to remove moisture and kill off unwanted bacteria. And just like that, you've got a fresh batch of one of the best natural litter types, all ready for action.
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Paper cat litter starts its life as your everyday, run-of-the-mill recycled paper (think newspapers, magazines, or even cardboard boxes).
To transform these paper products into a cozy bed for our feline friends' potty breaks, they're first shredded into small, confetti-like pieces. Then, they're treated with heat and pressure to zap away any lingering moisture and pesky bacteria.
Some manufacturers may even toss in a dash of natural ingredients (baking soda is popular) to help keep odors under wraps.
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Mimine Product Page
Yes, coconut litter is a thing. And it's pretty cool!
To make this innovative type of natural litter, the humble coconut is husked and ground into granules.
These granules are then treated with heat to kill any bacteria and remove any water content.
The result? A lightweight, super-absorbent litter option that's dust-free and offers superb odor control.
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Grass cat litter is made from the sustainable grasses we all know and love (wheatgrass, oat grass, barley grass, ryegrass, etc.).
To make it, the blades and seeds of these sweet-smelling greens are collected and then dried in a process similar to making hay.
Once dry, they're ground into fine particles and treated with heat to remove moisture and kill off bacteria.
This results in a soft, fluffy cat litter that's a hit with most cats.
Its earthy scent masks odors naturally, and its lightweight nature makes it easy to scoop and dump.
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Walnut litter is made from ground-up walnut shells.
These shells would typically be tossed aside as waste, but some genius figured out they're perfect for creating a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay litter.
Talk about turning trash into treasure!
To transform these plucky little shells into top-notch cat litter, they're first ground into small granules, just the right size for your kitty's delicate paws.
Next, they're heated to banish any lingering moisture and evict unwanted bacteria. Some manufacturers might even sprinkle in a pinch of natural deodorants.
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I considered the following factors when selecting the best eco-friendly, natural cat litter for my feline friends.
What the litter is made from was the most significant factor in my decision-making process.
I prioritized sustainable and biodegradable materials.
I examined the company's stance on sustainability, animal welfare, and working conditions.
I also wanted to ensure their production processes were eco-friendly and ethical.
The best natural cat litter should biodegrade quickly and naturally or be flushable.
A good eco-friendly cat litter should form solid clumps so that you can easily scoop and dispose of waste without making a mess.
I also tested several non-clumping litter options too.
I tried to include a range of pellet sizes in the list of recommendations.
For long-haired cats, litter with small pellets is not a good idea, as it can get stuck in their fur and become matted.
Check the label on the bag before buying, as some litters are not recommended for long-haired cats.
Good odor control is a must for any litter. I looked for natural ingredients that help to neutralize odors, such as baking soda, pine, or lemon.
If you own multiple cats like me, it's advisable to use litters marketed as 'multi-cat' because they contain more odor neutralizers that prevent odors on contact.
Alternatively, consider having one litter box per cat (and maybe even one spare for good measure).
Your litter should not produce too much dust or generate allergens.
I focused on litters designed to reduce dust and tracking so I didn't end up with litter granules all over the house!
I tested a range of price options.
Eco-friendly cat litters tend to be more expensive than traditional clay-based ones, so you may have to pay a bit more for your greener choice.
Whichever disposal method you choose, give yourself a pat on the back for making an eco-conscious decision in the first place.
Making your own cat litter is a great way to save money and reduce waste while still being eco-friendly.
This YouTube video from Howcast gives some great tips on making cat litter from old newspapers and baking soda.
Moving from clay to natural litter will help reduce the dust and pollutants in your home.
However, if you want to take your indoor air quality to the next level (or your cat has especially stinky potty habits), consider buying a few extra houseplants or investing in an eco-friendly air purifier.
A healthy cat should use their litter box about 2-3 times a day, depending on factors such as age and diet.
Yes! The best eco-friendly litter is made with natural, sustainable ingredients that reduce pollutants in your home and have a lower impact on the environment overall.
The best natural litter for you will depend on your cat's preferences and lifestyle, as well as your budget and environmental goals. All the litters listed in this article are good options, and I'm sure you'll find one perfect for you and your kitty.
Your cat should have a litter box roughly one and a half times its body size. This gives them enough room to move and dig.
There are various reasons why cats might start to toilet outside their litter box, such as health problems or fear. If this becomes an issue, it's best to consult with your vet so you can find out the cause and take steps to resolve it.
If your cat has suddenly stopped urinating, it's crucial to seek veterinary advice immediately, as this could be a sign of a feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
Common FLUTDs include bladder inflammation or urinary stones/crystals, affecting male cats more often.
If you're even in doubt, it's best to get professional help to address the issue quickly and keep your kitty safe and healthy.
Clumping clay litter is typically made of natural minerals such as calcium montmorillonite or sodium bentonite. These minerals do not break down in a landfill or compost pile, so they are not considered biodegradable, despite being naturally occurring.
Crystal cat litter is another name for litter made from silica gel.
Switching to eco-friendly cat litter is an intelligent choice that benefits the environment and our beloved pets.
My favorite benefits of natural cat litter include the following:
By considering factors like materials, biodegradability, performance, ease of use, and cost, you can select the purr-fect eco-friendly cat litter for your furry companion.
So, let's show Mother Earth some love, one scoop at a time!
Do you still use dusty clay litters? Or have you already made the switch to eco-friendly cat litter? Have I missed your favorite brand? Drop me a line and let me know.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Mixed Cat Litter Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.