Cats are known for their pickiness, especially when it comes to their litter boxes. In the quest for the ideal cat litter, many owners are turning to natural alternatives that not only cater to feline preferences but also prioritize sustainability. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best natural cat litters of 2024, shedding light on their features, benefits, and real-world performance.
Unveiling the Top Contenders
Most cats lean towards fine-grained, unscented clumping litter, commonly found in quality clay formulas. While effective, clay litter often raises concerns due to dust, irritating both cats and their human companions. Enter the world of natural cat litters – nearly dust-free, biodegradable, and sustainably sourced. These litters excel in absorbing urine, minimizing odors through natural scents and fibrous compositions.
Our journey involved consulting veterinarians and cat behaviorists, rigorous testing of 18 different natural litters made from corn, wood, grass, wheat, walnut, and tofu. After thorough evaluation, we present our top picks to help you make an informed decision.
Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat Plus Extra Odor Control: Best Overall
Our top pick is the Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat Plus Extra Odor Control, a corn and cassava litter. Impressively, it combines a soft texture loved by cats with hard clumping on contact. Free from detectable scents or dust, this fragrance-free litter stands out for its longevity, forming rock-hard clumps and remaining fresh for well over a month in a two-cat household.
World’s Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter: Best Budget Option
For those seeking an affordable yet high-quality option, the World’s Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter, a corn-based solution, is a standout choice. With minimal tracking and dust, it offers effective clumping and odor control, making it a cost-effective alternative to clay and silica litters.
Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter: Best Wood Option
Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter, sourced from sustainably managed forests, claims the top spot among wood litters. Balancing excellent odor control with a texture akin to traditional clay litters, it offers a compelling eco-friendly solution.
Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter: Best Walnut Option
Made from crushed walnut shells, the Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter is recognized for its affordability and effective odor control. Emitting only a slight earthy scent, this grainy litter quickly absorbs liquids and forms clumps, providing a natural and non-toxic option.
SmartCat Clumping Grass Litter: Best Grass Option
SmartCat Clumping Grass Litter, crafted from non-GMO sorghum grass seed, takes the lead among grass litters. With superior clumping ability, minimal dust, and a natural scent, it offers a compelling choice for cat owners seeking an environmentally friendly option.
In-Depth Analysis of Top Picks
Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat Plus Extra Odor Control
After four and a half years of using World’s Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter, our tester cats made a clear shift to Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat Plus Extra Odor Control. Despite initial skepticism, this corn and cassava-based litter excelled in clumping, odor control, and longevity. Its soft, sand-like texture, preferred by cats, contributes to its appeal. While tracking is a minor concern, the litter’s durability and minimal dust make it a worthy choice.
World’s Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter
Offering affordability without compromising quality, World’s Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter stands out for its effective clumping and odor control. Made from compressed corn kernels, it absorbs liquid on contact, forming solid clumps. While it may exhibit a natural cereal scent, the litter’s overall performance and minimal tracking make it an excellent budget-friendly option.
Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter
As the top wood litter, Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter impresses with superior odor control and a texture reminiscent of traditional clay litters. Sourced sustainably, its lightweight granules make it a comfortable choice for cats. Although clumps may break apart more than corn-based litters, its overall performance and eco-friendly credentials make it a standout wood option.
Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter
Harnessing the power of crushed walnut shells, Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter offers affordability and effective odor control. With a slight earthy scent, this litter absorbs liquid and forms clumps quickly. Despite clumps being prone to breaking, its high-fiber walnut composition makes it an environmentally friendly choice.
SmartCat Clumping Grass Litter
SmartCat Clumping Grass Litter, featuring non-GMO sorghum grass seed, excels in clumping ability and minimal dust production. Its light wheat-cereal scent adds a pleasant touch to its natural composition. While tracking may be a concern due to its lightweight nature, the litter’s overall performance makes it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious cat owners.
What to Consider When Choosing Natural Cat Litter
Understanding what to look for in a natural cat litter is crucial for making an informed decision. Consultations with veterinary behaviorists and certified feline behaviorists provided valuable insights. Factors such as clumping ability, scent and odor control, texture, dust production, price, and sustainability were considered during testing.
While not all tested litters made our recommendations, each comes with unique characteristics. Tofu litters, though the most expensive, proved challenging due to their goopy consistency when urinated on. Wheat litter, while a good option for some, is unsuitable for those with wheat allergies. Some cats displayed a preference for eating wheat and grass litter rather than using it.
Conclusion
In the dynamic world of cat care, choosing the right litter involves considering your cat’s preferences, environmental impact, and budget. The top natural cat litters of 2024 offer a range of options, each with its unique benefits. Whether you prioritize soft textures, effective clumping, or eco-friendly sourcing, this guide provides valuable insights to aid in your decision-making process.
By embracing natural alternatives that are compostable or biodegradable, cat owners can contribute to a more sustainable future. As the demand for eco-friendly solutions continues to rise, natural cat litters stand out as a purr-fect choice for environmentally conscious feline enthusiasts.
