Natural cat litter FAQs

Fev . 28, 2024 09:43 Back to list

Is natural cat litter good?

Natural cat litters offer several advantages. They are environmentally friendly, made from sustainable resources such as responsibly managed forests, upcycled food waste, and quick-growing plants. Additionally, these litters provide natural odor control without the intense scents found in artificially scented options, creating a more inviting environment for cats. Cats with respiratory issues may benefit from switching to a natural litter with minimal dust, according to Satchu. She says grass litters are consistently among the most dust-free of the best natural cat litters, though we found in testing that some of the walnut, wood, and grain litters produced equally minimal dust.

Areeman OEM/ODM Bentonite Cat Litter-Quick clumping

What is the best natural cat litter to use?

When it comes to natural cat litter, all of our experts say that the best variety is whatever one your cat is willing to use consistently day in and day out. Sometimes this comes down to what variety of litter a cat was exposed to early on. "Just like people, they have different levels of tolerance based on preference and learning history," says Micah McKechnie, a behavior and training associate at East Bay SPCA.

Is corn cat litter any good?

It can be. The best corn cat litters produce minimal dust, clump solidly, fight odors with a natural cereal scent, and are safe if accidentally or intentionally ingested by a cat. However, some corn litters have a rocky texture that may deter some cats.

Is wood cat litter better?

The plant fibers in wood litters are highly absorbent, and their natural pine scent offers the best odor control of all the natural varieties. They are also made from sustainably sourced forests or reclaimed lumber and produce minimal dust. However, in our testing, we found that wood litters were least successful at forming tight, easy-to-remove clumps compared to their natural competitors.

Is walnut litter good for cats?

Walnut litters can be a good option for some cats and households. They are made from the fibrous, absorbent shells of walnuts. This litter is processed into a sandy grain with a satisfyingly scratchable texture, but its light weight results in frequent tracking outside the litter box. Walnut litters clump well but have less of a natural scent to control odors, meaning that ammonia may be slightly more noticeable than with wood, grain, and grass formulas.

Can I use grass seed for cat litter?

Yes, you can. Satchu says grass cat litters are a good option for cats with respiratory issues since they have a coarse sandy texture and generate very minimal dust. Grass litters are produced from the seeds of grasses like sorghum. Although they are highly absorbent and their natural wheat-cereal scent masks odors, their lightweight grains track easily outside the litter box.

Can clumping litter cause blockages?

While anything that cats can't digest can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, clumping litter is not identified as a common cause. If your cat happens to eat natural litter, as our tester cats did, see your vet to rule out underlying medical issues such as gastrointestinal disease, anemia, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies as well as behavioral causes. However, if they determine your cat simply has unnatural cravings, Satchu says a grain litter is a safe alternative to clay and silica.