Looking for the Best Natural Cat Litter? As pet owners become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly cat litter options has grown. Natural cat litter, sourced from sustainable and organic materials, not only benefits the planet but also provides a safe and healthy environment for our feline companions. In this article, we’ll explore the top natural cat litter available in the market, helping you make an informed choice for your beloved pet. Let’s dive in!
1. ARM HAMMER Naturals Cat Litter
The ARM HAMMER Naturals Cat Litter is a corn-based litter that is designed to provide outstanding odor control for multi-cat households. It contains natural ingredients such as corn fibers, plant extracts, and baking soda, as well as an artificial fragrance. The litter is highly absorbent, clumps easily for easy removal, and is 50% lighter and less dusty than traditional clay litter. It is formulated to provide superior odor control and a soft footing that cats will love.
2. ökocat Less Mess Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter Mini-Pellets
The ökocat Less Mess Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter Mini-Pellets is a pellet-style cat litter that is designed to clump solid and control odors. It has a unique wood fiber formula that prevents bonding with liquid and waste, reducing the creation of ammonia and odor. The pellet litter also absorbs liquid on contact, forming easy-to-scoop clumps for quick and easy cleaning. Additionally, it is 99% dust-free and made from clean wood fiber, providing a healthier and cleaner environment for both cats and their owners.
3. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter – Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Kitty Litter
Naturally, Fresh Cat Litter is an unscented, walnut-based quick-clumping kitty litter that comes in a sizable 26 lb bag. It is highly absorbent, with one bag being equivalent to three bags of traditional clay litter. Additionally, it is virtually dust-free, making it easier for both cats and their owners to breathe. This product is 100% natural and environmentally friendly.
4. Sustainably Yours Natural Cat Litter
Sustainably Yours Natural Cat Litter is a multi-cat litter made from corn and cassava, two renewable crops. It has been recommended by cat expert Jackson Galaxy and his crew, who praise its clumping, tracking, and odor control abilities. The litter’s specially prepared formula instantly neutralizes odors without the use of chemicals or fragrances, and its firm clumps can be easily scooped without breaking or crumbling. Additionally, the litter is lighter in color and dust-free, making it easier to keep the litter box clean and monitor your cat’s urine.
5. Lifeplus Pet Tofu Cat Litter Natural Ultra Odor Control
Lifeplus Pet Tofu Cat Litter is a natural and environmentally friendly option for cat owners. It is made from natural pea fibers and is highly absorbent, providing effective odor control for multiple cats. The litter is clumpable, dust-free, and low-tracking, ensuring easy clean up and less wasted litter. It is unscented, making it suitable for cats with sensitive noses, and is also flushable and septic safe. Overall, this litter offers a premium quality and eco-friendly option for cat owners.
6. sWheat Scoop Natural Wheat Cat Litter
sWheat Scoop Natural Wheat Cat Litter is a natural and environmentally friendly option for cat owners. Made from domestically sourced wheat, this cat litter is free of added dyes, perfumes, and chemicals. It forms clumps quickly to trap odors and is 99.5% dust-free, making it easy to clean up. With its commitment to sustainability and its effective odor control, sWheat Scoop is a good choice for both cats and the planet.
What Should I Consider When Looking for a Natural Cat Litter?
When searching for natural cat litter, several factors should be taken into account to ensure you’re making the best choice for both your cat and the environment:
- Materials Used: Natural litter can be made from a variety of materials, including corn, wheat, wood, grass, walnut shells, and more. Each material has its own unique properties, such as clumping ability, odor control, and absorbency.
- Biodegradability: Ideally, natural cat litter should be biodegradable, meaning it will break down over time, reducing its environmental impact. This feature makes it suitable for composting, although used litter (especially with feces) should be disposed of carefully.
- Dust Production: Litters that produce minimal dust are better for respiratory health, both for your cat and household members. Dust-free or low-dust options can be especially important for cats or owners with allergies or asthma.
- Odor Control: The natural properties of the litter should effectively neutralize odors. Some natural litters also include added ingredients, like baking soda or natural herbs, to enhance odor control.
- Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: Some natural litters clump when wet, making it easier to scoop out waste, while others don’t. Your preference here will determine which type is best for you.
- Texture and Comfort: The litter should be comfortable for your cat’s paws. Cats can be particular about texture, so you might need to test a few types to find one your cat likes.
- Sustainability: Ensure the natural cat litter is sourced sustainably. For instance, if it’s wood-based, it should ideally come from renewable or recycled sources.
- Price: Natural litter can sometimes be pricier than traditional clay-based litter. However, they may last longer due to their absorbency, so weigh the cost against the benefits.
- Tracking and Mess: Some natural litters might track more than others or break down into smaller particles when wet. Consider how easy it will be to clean and whether you’re okay with potential tracking.
- Safety and Additives: Check if the litter has any added fragrances or chemicals. Even if they’re natural, some cats might be sensitive to them.
By considering these factors and understanding the needs and preferences of your feline friend, you’ll be better equipped to choose a natural cat litter that is both effective and environmentally friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Cat Litters
1. What is natural cat litter made of?
Natural cat litter is typically made from plant-based materials such as corn, wheat, wood (like pine or cedar), grass, walnut shells, and even recycled paper. They do not contain synthetic chemicals and are generally biodegradable.
2. How does natural cat litter compare to clay-based litter?
Natural cat litter is often more eco-friendly than clay litter since they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. They might also produce less dust. However, the clumping and odor control can vary based on the specific natural material used.
3. Is natural cat litter safe for kittens?
Yes, most natural cat litter is safe for kittens. However, always supervise kittens around any litter, as they might ingest larger amounts while exploring, which can lead to digestive issues.
4. Does natural cat litter control odor well?
Many natural cat litter offers excellent odor control, especially those made from materials like corn or walnut shells. Some may even include natural additives like baking soda or herbs to enhance odor neutralization.
5. Can I compost natural cat litter?
While many natural litters are biodegradable, not all are suitable for composting, especially if they’ve been in contact with feces. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and local composting guidelines.
6. How often should I change natural cat litter?
The frequency can vary based on the type of natural litter and your cat’s habits. However, removing clumps daily and completely changing the litter every 2-4 weeks is a general recommendation.
7. Does natural cat litter track more than clay litter?
Tracking can vary based on the texture and particle size of the litter. Some natural litters, like those made from larger wood pellets, might be trackless, while finer-textured litters may track similarly to clay.
8. Are there any allergic reactions associated with natural cat litter?
Although rare, some cats or humans might be allergic or sensitive to the materials used in natural litter, especially if they contain added fragrances. Always monitor for signs of allergies and switch litters if necessary.
9. Can natural cat litter be flushed down the toilet?
While some natural litter may be labeled as flushable, it’s generally not recommended. Flushing litter can clog plumbing and potentially introduce harmful bacteria to water systems.
10. Is natural cat litter more expensive than traditional litter?
Natural cat litter can sometimes have a higher upfront cost than traditional clay litter. However, due to their absorbency and longevity, they may offer better value in the long run.
Final Summary: Best Natural Cat Litters
In this article, we reviewed the Best Natural Cat Litter. Natural litter, derived from eco-friendly and renewable resources, offers a sustainable and safe alternative to traditional options. With benefits ranging from biodegradability to excellent odor control, they are becoming the preferred choice for many cat owners. As you seek the best for your feline friend, consider the environmental impact and health benefits of these natural products. We hope this guide has been instrumental in your decision-making process.
