Does your cat’s litter box sometimes smell… less than fresh? You want the best for your furry friend, but navigating the world of cat litter can feel overwhelming. Clay and silica litters often promise dust control, but they bring their own set of problems. Many traditional options track everywhere, create a cloud of dust when you scoop, and might even contain harsh chemicals that aren’t ideal for your cat’s sensitive paws or your home’s air quality.
It’s a constant balance: finding a litter that clumps well, manages odor effectively, and is safe for both your pet and the planet. If you’ve ever worried about what your cat is breathing or tracking through the house, you are not alone. The good news is that natural litter alternatives offer fantastic solutions without the trade-offs.
This guide dives deep into the best natural cat litters available today. We will break down the pros and cons of sustainable options like wood, corn, and wheat litters. By the end, you will know exactly which natural choice fits your cat’s needs and your lifestyle perfectly. Let’s explore how to make the litter box experience cleaner, safer, and greener for everyone.
Top Natural Litter For Cats Recommendations
- HIGHLY ABSORBENT, ABSORBS 2X AS MUCH LIQUID as clumping clay cat litter. Easy to scoop kitty litter clumping binds into small, light, easy to remove clumps. With natural corn fibers, a plant-based clumping agent + Baking Soda
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL FOR MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLDS. This odor control cat litter is specially formulated for homes with multiple cats.This is a great option as a cat deodorizer for your litter box and as a litter box odor eliminator
- LOW DUST FORMULA, 50% LIGHTER than traditional clay cat litter, with ARM & HAMMER cat litter that is easy to carry, easy to pour. Natural cat litter with corn fibers, plant extracts, Baking Soda, and mineral oil for dust control
- AN ODOR-FREE HOME STARTS HERE…NATURALLY! Contains natural corn cat litter fibers, plant based clumping agent, baking soda, plus mineral oil for dust control. Cat litter for multi-cat households with cat litter odor eliminator
- OUTSTANDING ODOR ELIMINATION WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS. The power of ARM HAMMER Baking Soda + Corn + Plant extracts deliver superior odor control for multi-cat households. Natural clumping cat litter destroys the toughest kitty litter box odors
- OUTSTANDING ODOR CONTROL — More cats shouldn’t mean more smells — keep your cats happy with a natural litter with long-lasting odor control.
- QUICK CLUMPING & EASY SCOOPING — Multiple cats can most often mean more clean up — but not with this fast-acting natural litter that requires no chiseling or scraping.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & 99% DUST FREE — Naturally free of silica dust, this lightweight cat litter offers low tracking and less mess — so you and your cat can breathe easy. For the best results, do NOT mix with a non-clumping litter.
- PET, PEOPLE and PLANET FRIENDLY — made from whole-kernel corn, a renewable ingredient, this product has no harmful chemicals, no artificial perfumes, and no clay dust. Proudly made in the USA, it is naturally safe for you, your cat, and the planet.
- Age range description: All Life Stages
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic litter formulation.
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
- LOW TRACKING: A unique formulation of medium grain clay helps keep litter in the box where it belongs.
- NATURAL CORN COB: Made with natural (heat-processed) corn cob for a powerful, fast-clumping litter – 99.9% dust-free.
- BIO-ENZYMATIC FORMULA: Works to destroy tough litter box odors.
- PREMIUM CLUMPING: Absorbs twice as much liquid as traditional clay litter.
- SAFE FOR PETS AND HOMES: When used as directed, Nature’s Miracle Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter can be used around your pets and home.
- EASY-POUR HANDLE: Fill litter box with 3 to 4 inches of litter – resealable bag.
- 100% Natural Ponderosa Pine
- Long Lasting Odor Control
- Safe For Cats, Kittens And Small Mammals
- Silica Free
- sWheat Scoop Natural Wheat Multi-Cat Litter: Super absorbent, natural wheat litter designed for multi-cat and multi-litter box households
- Superior Odor Control: Powerful natural odor neutralizing enzymes trap odors on contact and neutralize urine and ammonia odors quickly to help eliminate smelly pet odors
- Natural: sWheat Scoop eliminates odors using natural, domestically sourced wheat with no added dyes, perfumes, or chemicals; naturally lightweight, 99.5% dust free and low tracking
- Better for Cats, People, and the Planet: sWheat Scoop was the world’s first all-natural, plant-based cat litter, and is made using only farm-grown renewable resources
- sWheat Scoop: We are the cat litter that is the right choice for your cat, your home, and your planet. Made using only farm-grown renewable resources means you can feel good about your choice
- For Cat and Kitty Litter Box - Naturally Fresh Cat Litter is made from all-natural walnut shells, and this eco-conscious litter neutralizes odors better than clay, pine, corn, and wheat litters.
- Odor Control For Cat Litter Box - This super-absorbent formula produces hard clumps in as few as 15 minutes without sticking to the litter box and provides proven superior ammonia odor control.
- Upcycled And Sustainable - This cat litter is made from walnut shells that are all-natural, non-GMO, made from a food byproduct, and produced in solar-run facilities.
- Cat Litter - A low-tracking material means your cat won't track litter and bacteria through your home.
- MADE FROM GRASS: Clumping at litter made from all natural 100% grass seed grown in the USA, SmartCat is both biodegradable and renewable 99% dust free cat litter.
- NO SMELL - CAN'T TELL: SmartCat natural cat litter combats odor without relying on harsh chemicals and artificial scents, while also being 99% dust free natural cat litter.
- EASILY ADAPTABLE: Our natural 99% dust free cat litter has a soft texture and sand-like appearance, great for the new kitten or that cat who's particular about their paws.
- LIGHTWEIGHT CLUMPING: Excellent clumping capability (that does not stick to the pan) ensures that your pet's waste stays out of both sight and smell, in an easily changeable alternative to dense clay litters or cat pellets litter. Test out this lightweight 99% dust free cat litter today!
- CHOOSE WHAT FITS: SmartCat All Natural Clumping Cat Litter is offered in 5 pound, 10 pound, and 20 pound bags.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Natural Cat Litter
Choosing the right cat litter matters for your cat’s health and your home’s freshness. Natural cat litters offer a great alternative to traditional clay or silica options. This guide helps you pick the best natural litter for your feline friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for litters that offer the best performance without harsh chemicals. These features make a big difference:
- Odor Control: Good natural litters trap smells well. Ingredients like baking soda or activated charcoal often help.
- Dust Level: Low-dust litters are better for your cat’s lungs and keep your house cleaner.
- Clumping Ability: Strong clumps make scooping easy and keep the box cleaner longer.
- Texture/Comfort: Cats are picky! The texture should feel soft or familiar under their paws.
Important Materials in Natural Litters
Natural litters come from many sources. Understanding the material helps you match it to your needs:
Wood-Based Litters
These often use recycled pine or sawdust. They smell naturally fresh. They usually clump decently, especially if they are pelleted.
Plant-Based Litters (Corn, Wheat, Soy)
These are often highly absorbent and clump very well. They break down easily, making them good for composting.
Paper-Based Litters
Usually made from recycled paper, these are very soft and extremely low in dust. They often do not clump as strongly as plant-based options.
Other Natural Ingredients
Sometimes you find litters made from walnuts, tofu, or recycled cardboard. Research the source to ensure it is safe and sustainable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all natural litters perform the same. Pay attention to what makes a litter better or worse.
Quality Boosters:
- No Added Scents: While perfumes mask odors, many cats dislike strong smells. Unscented natural litters are often preferred.
- Biodegradability: High-quality natural litters break down quickly, which is good for the environment.
- Fine Granule Size: Finer particles often create better, firmer clumps.
Quality Reducers:
- High Dust: If the litter breaks apart easily during pouring or scooping, it creates dust. This can irritate your cat’s respiratory system.
- Poor Moisture Resistance: If the litter turns into mush when wet, scooping becomes difficult and messy.
- Pesticide Residue: If the raw materials (like corn or wheat) are not processed carefully, chemical residues could remain. Always check for “pesticide-free” labels.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the litter and what your household needs greatly affect your choice.
For Multi-Cat Homes:
You need powerful odor control and high clumping power. Look for litters specifically marketed for heavy use. Plant-based litters often handle heavy traffic best.
For Sensitive Cats:
If your cat sneezes often, choose paper or wood litters. Avoid any litter that has been heavily processed or contains strong essential oils.
For Apartment Dwellers:
Low tracking and minimal dust are crucial. Wood pellets track less than fine granules, but they can be uncomfortable for some cats. You might need a litter mat to catch debris.
Remember, the best natural litter is the one your cat actually uses! If you switch litters, always transition slowly by mixing the new litter with the old one over a week.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Cat Litter
Q: Is natural cat litter actually safer than clay litter?
A: Yes, generally. Natural litters avoid the silica dust found in some clay litters, which can cause breathing problems over time.
Q: Do natural litters control odors as well as clay litters?
A: Many high-quality natural litters control odors very effectively using natural absorption methods. However, some cheaper versions might not last as long between full litter changes.
Q: Can I flush natural cat litter down the toilet?
A: This depends entirely on the material. Corn, wheat, and tofu litters are often flushable, but wood or paper litters might clog plumbing. Always check the bag instructions first.
Q: How often should I change natural litter?
A: You should scoop solid waste daily. A full litter box change depends on the type, but most natural litters last between three to four weeks before a complete dump and scrub is necessary.
Q: What is the main difference between wood and corn litter?
A: Wood litter usually comes in pellets and has a distinct, fresh scent. Corn litter is usually granular and clumps very tightly, similar to clay.
Q: Does natural litter track around the house more?
A: Fine-grained natural litters (like corn or soy) can track similarly to clay. Pelleted wood litters tend to stay closer to the box but the pellets themselves can be kicked out.
Q: Why is natural litter sometimes more expensive?
A: Natural litters use sustainably sourced or specialized plant materials, which can cost more to process than basic mined clay.
Q: Will my cat reject a new natural litter?
A: Some cats notice texture changes. If your cat avoids the box, mix a small amount of the new litter with their old favorite litter gradually.
Q: Are there any natural litters that are truly dust-free?
A: While no litter is 100% dust-free, paper-based and some wood litters come very close to being dust-free, making them excellent choices for asthma sufferers.
Q: How do I dispose of used natural litter?
A: Since many are biodegradable, you can often compost them, provided your compost pile gets hot enough. Otherwise, seal them in a bag and place them in your regular trash.