What to look for in a natural cat litter

To get the scoop on what to look for in a natural cat litter based on both human and cat preferences, we consulted with six experts, including veterinary behaviorists and certified feline behaviorists.  

25L Lavender Bentonite Cat Sand Made in China

Not all of the cat litter types we tested made our list of recommendations, and some come with caveats you may want to consider. For instance, tofu litters were the most expensive among our contenders. However, they turned into a goopy mess when urinated in, making scooping a sticky challenge. Although a good option for some households, wheat litter is not suitable for those with wheat allergies. We also noticed that some of our tester cats were more inclined to eat wheat and grass litter rather than use it. 

Here are other important factors to consider when choosing a natural cat litter:

Clumping ability: Our picks for the best natural cat litter are clumping because they simplify litter box maintenance and keep the litter fresher for longer. We also tested natural non-clumping litters and discovered that removing soiled material was challenging, which can cause some cats to avoid the litter box, create unpleasant odors, and necessitate more frequent litter changes. 

Scent and odor control: A litter doesn't need to be scented to control odors. In fact, the best cat litter works by neutralizing bad smells rather than masking them with fragrance, and this is better for cats, too. "Cats have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell," says Dr. Katherine Pankratz, a veterinarian and behavioral medicine clinician at Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland Oregon. "When litter contains scent, it could be noxious and potentially aversive to cats, leading them to want to eliminate elsewhere."

To ensure effective odor trapping or neutralization, opt for litters with natural starches that form tight clumps to lock in odors effectively. For instance, Sustainability Yours uses cassava starch as a clumping agent. Some natural litters may contain baking soda to neutralize odors. Wood and walnut formulas naturally absorb liquid and neutralize odors.

Texture: According to our experts, cats prefer a soft, grainy substrate most similar to sand. Substrate that is too large or sharp could prove challenging to dig and may even be uncomfortable on your cat's paw pads.

Dust: When you're pouring and scooping litter or when your cat is digging, you want a litter that doesn't produce a large cloud of dust. Dust can irritate humans' and cats' respiratory systems, leading to coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Natural litters typically produce less dust than clay and silica litter and don't contain bentonite, a clay that can be harmful to humans when inhaled. 

Price: The simplest way to compare cat litter prices is by calculating the price per pound. In our testing, we also considered the longevity of each litter, as the price per pound doesn't always correspond to the monthly cost. For example, Sustainability Yours, priced at $1.81 per pound in January 2024, may not seem like a good value at first glance. However, we found that the litter remained fresh throughout the month, and we only replenished the litter because it was low rather than stinky. 

Sustainability: "By switching to natural litters that are compostable or biodegradable, we can help our planet," says Dr. Zay Satchu, chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet. Natural litters are often made from sustainable resources, such as responsibly managed forests, upcycled food waste, and quick-growing plants. Their acquisition and disposal have a lower environmental impact than strip-mined clay litter. To ensure the natural litter you're considering is committed to eco-friendly initiatives, check their website for sustainability reports, goals, and transparency regarding their materials sourcing and processing methods.

Discover the premium cat litter collection from Areeman Pets, offering the perfect hygiene solution for your feline friends. Our range includes dust-free, strong clumping bentonite cat litter and natural tofu cat litter, available in delightful scents like lavender and coffee to keep your home fresh. Choose from 5L or 25L woven bag packaging to suit your needs. We also offer OEM and ODM services for customized options. Contact us now to enjoy wholesale benefits and enhance the quality of life for both you and your pets. For inquiries, reach out to us at frankyang@areeman.com or call +086-13831919702. We look forward to assisting you in creating a comfortable living space for your pets.