Does your cat deserve the best? Of course, they do! But when it comes to their litter box, what’s truly best can feel like a mystery. You want a litter that’s good for your furry friend, good for your home, and good for the planet. Yet, stepping into the cat litter aisle can feel overwhelming. So many choices! Some claim to be “natural,” but what does that really mean? You might worry about harsh chemicals, unpleasant odors, or even if your finicky feline will even use it.
Choosing the right natural cat litter shouldn’t be a stressful chore. It’s about creating a healthy and happy environment for your beloved pet while keeping your home fresh and clean. This post is here to help you navigate the world of natural litters. We’ll break down what makes a litter truly natural, explore different types, and highlight the benefits for both you and your cat. Get ready to discover the perfect litter that will have your cat purring with approval and you breathing a sigh of relief.
Our Top 5 Natural Cat Litters Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made From Walnut Shells | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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ARM & HAMMER Naturals Clumping Cat | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made From Walnut Shells | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Nature’s Miracle Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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sWheat Scoop Natural Wheat Multi-Cat Litter | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Natural Cat Litters Detailed Reviews
1. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made From Walnut Shells
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of dusty, smelly cat litter? Naturally Fresh Cat Litter offers a new, earth-friendly solution for your feline friends. Made from all-natural walnut shells, this litter tackles odors better than many other types. It’s designed for homes with one or two cats and comes in a large 40 lb bag. Plus, it’s unscented, which is great for sensitive noses.
What We Like:
- Superior odor control that beats clay, pine, corn, and wheat litters.
- Super-absorbent formula forms hard clumps quickly for easy scooping.
- Doesn’t stick to the litter box, making cleanup a breeze.
- Made from upcycled, non-GMO walnut shells, a food byproduct.
- Produced in solar-powered facilities, making it a sustainable choice.
- Low-tracking material means less litter scattered around your home.
- Unscented, which is ideal for cats and owners sensitive to smells.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial cost might be higher than some traditional litters.
- Some cats may take a little time to adjust to the new texture.
This walnut shell litter is a fantastic option for eco-conscious cat owners. It provides excellent odor control and makes cleanup simple, all while being kind to the planet.
2. ARM & HAMMER Naturals Clumping Cat
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of litter box smells taking over your home? The ARM & HAMMER Naturals Clumping Cat Litter promises a breath of fresh air for multi-cat households. This 18 lb. bag is packed with natural ingredients designed to tackle tough odors and make litter box cleanup a breeze.
What We Like:
- It absorbs twice as much liquid as regular clumping clay litter.
- It forms small, light clumps that are super easy to scoop and get rid of.
- The special formula with corn fibers and baking soda works wonders for odor control, especially in homes with more than one cat.
- It’s a great option for keeping your litter box smelling fresh and eliminating unwanted odors.
- The low dust formula means less mess when you pour and scoop, and it’s 50% lighter than traditional clay litter, making it easy to carry and pour.
- It uses natural ingredients like corn fibers, plant extracts, and baking soda to fight smells.
- The combination of baking soda, corn, and plant extracts effectively destroys even the strongest litter box odors.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for odor control, some users might find the natural scent of corn to be noticeable.
- Availability can sometimes be limited in certain stores.
This litter is a natural choice for a cleaner, fresher home. It offers powerful odor elimination without harsh chemicals.
3. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made From Walnut Shells
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of stinky litter boxes and dusty messes? Naturally Fresh Cat Litter offers a fantastic solution for your feline friends and your home. This 26 lb bag is packed with the power of all-natural walnut shells to tackle odors and keep things clean. It’s a smart choice for multi-cat households and for anyone who wants a more eco-friendly option.
What We Like:
- It uses natural walnut shells, which are better at stopping smells than other litters like clay or pine.
- This litter absorbs liquids quickly, making hard clumps in just 15 minutes.
- The clumps don’t stick to the litter box, making cleanup easier.
- It’s made from upcycled materials, meaning it’s good for the environment.
- The litter comes from a food byproduct and is made in solar-powered factories.
- It’s a low-tracking material, so your cat won’t spread litter and germs around your house.
- The litter is unscented, which is great for cats with sensitive noses.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users found it can be a bit dusty when pouring.
- The price might be a little higher compared to some basic clay litters.
Overall, Naturally Fresh Cat Litter is a top-notch choice for odor control and eco-friendliness. You and your cats will appreciate the cleaner, fresher home.
4. Nature’s Miracle Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of smelly litter boxes and dusty messes? Nature’s Miracle Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter offers a fresh solution for your feline friends. This 10-pound bag is made from real corn cobs, giving you a powerful and fast-clumping litter that’s perfect for homes with multiple cats. Say goodbye to unpleasant odors and hello to a cleaner, fresher environment for everyone.
What We Like:
- The natural corn cob material is heat-processed and produces very little dust, making it 99.9% dust-free.
- Its bio-enzymatic formula tackles and destroys tough litter box smells, keeping your home smelling fresh.
- This litter clumps powerfully, absorbing twice as much liquid as regular clay litter, which means less waste and easier cleanup.
- It’s safe to use around your pets and in your home when you follow the instructions.
- The resealable bag features an easy-pour handle, making it simple to fill your cat’s litter box with the recommended 3 to 4 inches of litter.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for odor control, some users might find the scent of corn cob noticeable.
- The 10-pound bag might be a bit small for very active multi-cat households, requiring frequent repurchases.
Nature’s Miracle Corn Cob Litter is a strong contender for pet owners seeking an effective and natural way to manage litter box odors and messes. It offers excellent clumping power and a dust-free experience, making it a practical choice for busy households.
5. sWheat Scoop Natural Wheat Multi-Cat Litter
Rating: 8.6/10
Say goodbye to stinky litter boxes with sWheat Scoop Natural Wheat Multi-Cat Litter! This 25-pound bag is packed with super absorbent wheat power, perfect for homes with multiple feline friends and even multiple litter boxes. It tackles odors head-on, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.
What We Like:
- Super absorbent: It soaks up messes quickly.
- Powerful odor control: Natural enzymes trap and neutralize smells.
- Natural ingredients: Made from domestically sourced wheat with no added dyes or perfumes.
- Low dust and tracking: It’s 99.5% dust-free and doesn’t spread around the house.
- Eco-friendly: It’s a plant-based litter made from renewable resources.
- Lightweight: Easy to carry and pour.
What Could Be Improved:
- Availability: Might not be available in all stores.
- Clumping: While it’s superior, some users might prefer even tighter clumps.
sWheat Scoop offers a fantastic solution for a cleaner home and a happier planet. It’s a smart choice for your cats, your family, and the environment.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Finding the right cat litter is a big deal for both you and your cat. You want something that keeps your home smelling fresh and your cat happy. Natural cat litters are a great option. They use materials from nature, which is good for your pet and the planet. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for natural cat litter, keep these important things in mind:
- Odor Control: This is super important. Good natural litters trap smells well. Look for litters that use natural ingredients known for absorbing odors, like activated charcoal or baking soda.
- Clumping Ability: Most cat owners prefer clumping litter. This means the litter forms solid clumps when it gets wet. It makes cleaning the litter box much easier. You can scoop out the clumps and leave the rest of the clean litter.
- Dust Levels: Some litters create a lot of dust. This can be bad for your cat’s lungs and can make your home dusty. Look for litters that are labeled “low-dust” or “dust-free.”
- Texture and Scent: Cats can be picky about how litter feels on their paws. Most cats like a soft, sand-like texture. Also, avoid litters with strong artificial perfumes. Natural litters often have a light, earthy scent or no scent at all.
- Biodegradability and Eco-Friendliness: Natural litters are usually better for the environment. They break down easily. Check if the litter is made from renewable resources and if its packaging is recyclable.
Important Materials in Natural Cat Litter
Natural cat litters come from different sources. Here are some common ones:
- Wood: This includes pine, cedar, and recycled wood pellets. Wood litters are often good at controlling odors and are biodegradable.
- Corn: Litters made from corn are usually lightweight and clump well. They are also plant-based and biodegradable.
- Wheat: Similar to corn litter, wheat litters are biodegradable and often have good clumping action.
- Paper: Recycled paper is turned into pellets or granules. Paper litters are very absorbent and good for cats with allergies. They are also dust-free.
- Walnut Shells: Crushed walnut shells make a natural litter that clumps well and is effective at controlling odors.
- Grass Seed: Litters made from grass seed are lightweight, biodegradable, and can be a good option for sensitive cats.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a natural cat litter can vary. Here’s what makes a difference:
- Processing: How the natural material is processed matters. For example, finely ground wood might create more dust than larger pellets. Litters with added natural odor absorbers like activated charcoal are often better quality.
- Additives: Some natural litters might have added baking soda or natural essential oils for scent. These can improve odor control but check if your cat reacts to them. Avoid litters with artificial dyes or perfumes.
- Source of Materials: Litters made from sustainably sourced materials are generally higher quality and better for the environment. For example, using byproducts from lumber mills is a good use of resources.
- Absorption Rate: How quickly the litter absorbs liquid affects its odor control and clumping. Litters that absorb fast prevent liquids from reaching the bottom of the litter box.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use and experience natural litter depends on your needs and your cat’s preferences.
- For Busy Owners: Clumping litters made from corn, wheat, or walnut shells are easy to clean. You just scoop out the clumps.
- For Eco-Conscious Homes: Wood, paper, or grass seed litters are great choices. They are biodegradable and often made from recycled materials.
- For Cats with Allergies or Sensitivities: Unscented, low-dust litters made from paper or corn are often best. They are gentle on your cat’s paws and respiratory system.
- For Odor Control: Litters with added activated charcoal or those made from wood or walnut shells usually perform very well at keeping smells away.
- Transitioning Your Cat: Some cats might need time to get used to a new type of litter. You can mix a small amount of the new natural litter with their old litter and gradually increase the amount of the new one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a cat litter “natural”?
A: Natural cat litter is made from materials found in nature, like wood, corn, wheat, paper, or plant fibers. It does not contain artificial chemicals, perfumes, or dyes.
Q: Is natural litter safe for my cat?
A: Yes, natural litters are generally very safe for cats. They are made from non-toxic materials. It is always a good idea to choose unscented options, especially if your cat is sensitive.
Q: Which natural litter is best for odor control?
A: Litters made from wood, walnut shells, or those with added activated charcoal are usually excellent at controlling odors. Corn and wheat litters can also be good if they clump well.
Q: How do I know if my cat likes the new natural litter?
A: Watch your cat’s behavior. If they use the litter box normally, seem comfortable, and don’t avoid it, they likely like it. If they start having accidents outside the box, they might not like the texture or scent.
Q: Is natural litter more expensive than clay litter?
A: Sometimes natural litters can cost a bit more upfront. However, many are highly absorbent or clump well, meaning you use less and don’t have to replace it as often, which can save you money in the long run.
Q: Can I flush natural cat litter down the toilet?
A: Some natural litters, like those made from corn, wheat, or paper, are flushable. However, always check the product packaging. Flushing too much litter can still clog your pipes.
Q: What does “clumping” mean for cat litter?
A: Clumping litter forms solid clumps when it gets wet. This makes it easy to scoop out the waste and keep the rest of the litter clean.
Q: How often should I change natural cat litter?
A: This depends on the type of litter and how many cats you have. For clumping litters, you scoop daily and do a full change every 2-4 weeks. For non-clumping litters, you’ll need to do a full change more often, perhaps once a week.
Q: Is natural litter better for the environment?
A: Yes, most natural litters are better for the environment. They are often biodegradable, made from renewable resources, and sometimes from recycled materials.
Q: What if my cat kicks litter out of the box?
A: If your cat tends to scatter litter, consider a litter with larger granules, like wood pellets or corn cob litter. Using a litter box with higher sides or a covered litter box can also help contain the mess.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.