Ever wonder what’s really in your cat’s litter box? It’s a small space, but it holds big importance for your feline friend’s happiness and your home’s freshness. Choosing the right cat litter can feel like a puzzle, with so many types and brands out there promising to be the best. You want something that works well, is safe for your cat, and doesn’t leave your house smelling less than ideal. It’s a common challenge for cat parents everywhere!
That’s where natural clumping cat litter comes in. But with so many choices, how do you know which one is right? We know you’re looking for answers to questions like: “Is it safe for my cat?” “Will it really control odors?” and “Is it easy to clean?” This post is here to clear up the confusion. We’ll break down what makes natural clumping litter a great choice and guide you through the options, so you can pick the perfect litter with confidence.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the benefits of natural clumping litter and be equipped to make a smart decision for your furry companion and your home. Let’s dive in and discover the best natural clumping cat litter that works for both of you!
Our Top 5 Natural Clumping Cat Litter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Natural Clumping Cat Litter Detailed Reviews
1. ARM & HAMMER Naturals Clumping Cat
Rating: 8.6/10
Say goodbye to litter box odors with ARM & HAMMER Naturals Clumping Cat Litter! This 18 lb. bag offers a natural solution for homes with one or even many feline friends. It’s designed to tackle tough smells and make litter box duty a little easier for everyone.
What We Like:
- It absorbs twice as much liquid as regular clumping clay litter.
- It forms small, light clumps that are easy to scoop and remove.
- The natural corn fibers and baking soda work together for super odor control, perfect for multi-cat homes.
- It’s a great odor eliminator for your litter box.
- The low-dust formula is 50% lighter than traditional clay litter, making it easy to carry and pour.
- It contains natural ingredients like corn fibers, plant extracts, and baking soda.
- The odor elimination is outstanding, destroying even strong kitty litter box smells.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 18 lb. bag might be a bit small for very large, multi-cat households, requiring more frequent re-purchases.
- While natural, some cats can be picky about new litter textures.
This litter offers a natural and effective way to keep your home smelling fresh. It’s a solid choice for any cat owner looking for better odor control.
2. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag
Rating: 9.2/10
The Dr. Elsey’s Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag offers a top-notch solution for keeping your cat’s litter box clean and your home smelling fresh. This litter is made with 100% bentonite clay, which is known for its excellent clumping abilities. It’s designed to create litter particles that are just the right size for your cat’s paws.
What We Like:
- PREMIUM QUALITY: The texture and granule size of this 100% bentonite clay litter are just right, leading to maximum clumping.
- LOW DUST: It’s a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic formula, making it a great choice for cats and people with allergies.
- HARD CLUMPING: The medium grain clay forms hard clumps that don’t break apart easily. This means moisture stays in the clump, not at the bottom of the litter box, which makes scooping much easier.
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: This litter is made with natural ingredients to effectively control odors, keeping your home smelling clean, even in multi-cat households.
- LOW TRACKING: The special medium grain clay formulation helps keep the litter inside the box, reducing the mess that gets tracked around your home.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the unscented formula is great for sensitive noses, some owners might prefer a very subtle natural scent for added odor masking.
- The 40 lb. bag can be quite heavy, which might make it difficult for some individuals to lift and pour.
Overall, Dr. Elsey’s Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a highly effective and user-friendly option for any cat owner. It delivers on its promises of minimal dust, superior odor control, and easy cleanup.
3. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 18 lb Bag
Rating: 8.5/10
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a top-notch choice for cat owners. This 18 lb bag offers a premium experience for both you and your feline friend. It’s made with 100% bentonite clay, which is known for its excellent clumping abilities.
What We Like:
- PREMIUM QUALITY: The texture and size of the clay particles are just right, making for maximum clumping.
- LOW DUST: This litter is 99.9% dust-free, which is a huge plus for cats and people with allergies.
- HARD CLUMPING: It forms really hard clumps that don’t break apart, so cleaning the litter box becomes much easier. Moisture stays in the clump and doesn’t reach the bottom of the tray.
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Natural ingredients work hard to keep your home smelling fresh, even in homes with multiple cats.
- LOW TRACKING: The medium grain clay helps keep the litter inside the box, reducing the mess around your home.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the unscented formula is great for sensitive noses, some users might prefer a very subtle, natural scent.
- The 18 lb bag can be a bit heavy to carry and pour for some individuals.
This litter truly excels at keeping your home clean and odor-free. It’s a solid investment for any cat owner seeking a high-quality, low-mess solution.
4. Nature’s Miracle Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet Nature’s Miracle Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter, a powerful solution for even the busiest multi-cat homes. This 10-pound bag is packed with the goodness of real corn cob, designed to make your litter box duties a breeze. Say goodbye to dusty messes and stubborn smells!
What We Like:
- Natural Corn Cob Power: It’s made from real corn cob that’s been heat-processed. This means it clumps super fast and is almost entirely dust-free (99.9%!).
- Odor-Destroying Formula: A special bio-enzymatic formula tackles tough smells right at the source, keeping your home smelling fresh.
- Superior Clumping Action: This litter absorbs twice as much liquid as regular clay litter. That means fewer clumps to scoop and a cleaner litter box.
- Pet and Home Friendly: When you use it as directed, it’s safe for your furry friends and your living space.
- Convenient Easy-Pour Handle: The resealable bag has a handle, making it easy to pour the recommended 3 to 4 inches of litter into the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 10-pound bag might be a bit small for very large or multiple large litter boxes.
- While it handles odors well, some users might prefer a scented option for an extra layer of freshness.
This corn cob litter offers a fantastic, natural way to manage litter box odors and messes. It’s a smart choice for cat owners seeking an effective and easy-to-use solution.
5. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made From Walnut Shells
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of stinky litter boxes and dusty messes? Meet Naturally Fresh Cat Litter, a game-changer for your feline friends and your home. This litter is made from all-natural walnut shells, which means it’s super good at stopping bad smells. It works better than clay, pine, corn, or wheat litters. Plus, it’s kind to the planet because it’s upcycled and made in solar-powered factories. This means less waste and a cleaner environment.
What We Like:
- It neutralizes odors way better than other types of litter.
- It forms hard clumps quickly, making scooping a breeze.
- The clumps don’t stick to the litter box, so cleanup is easy.
- It’s made from a food byproduct, making it sustainable.
- It’s a low-tracking litter, meaning less mess around your home.
- It’s unscented, which is great for sensitive cats and people.
What Could Be Improved:
- For homes with more than two cats, you might need to use more litter.
- While it clumps well, some users prefer a finer texture.
If you want a cleaner home and a happier cat, this walnut shell litter is a fantastic choice. It tackles odors effectively and makes scooping much simpler.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Natural Clumping Cat Litter
Picking the right cat litter is a big deal for any cat owner. You want something that works well, is good for your cat, and doesn’t smell up your home. Natural clumping cat litter is a popular choice. It’s made from things found in nature. This guide will help you find the best one for your furry friend.
Why Choose Natural Clumping Litter?
Natural clumping litters are made from materials like clay, wood, corn, wheat, or paper. They form solid clumps when they get wet. This makes cleaning the litter box easier. You just scoop out the clumps. The rest of the litter stays clean. Many owners like them because they are often better for the environment and can be less dusty.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Clumping Ability: How well does it form solid clumps? Good clumping makes scooping simple and keeps the litter box cleaner.
- Odor Control: Does it stop bad smells? This is super important for a fresh-smelling home.
- Dust Level: Is it dusty when you pour it or when your cat digs? Low dust is better for your cat’s lungs and your air.
- Texture and Comfort: Does your cat like walking on it? Some cats are picky about how the litter feels.
- Absorbency: How well does it soak up liquid? Good absorbency helps prevent messes.
- Material: What is it made of? This affects everything from clumping to smell.
- Weight: Some natural litters are lighter than clay litters, making them easier to carry and pour.
Important Materials
Natural clumping litters are made from a few common materials. Each has its own pros and cons:
- Clay: This is the most common type. It’s usually mined from the earth. Many clay litters are great at clumping and controlling odor.
- Pros: Excellent clumping, good odor control, widely available.
- Cons: Can be dusty, can be heavy, not always the most eco-friendly.
- Wood (Pellets or Shavings): Made from pine, cedar, or other woods. These often have a pleasant natural scent.
- Pros: Natural scent, often biodegradable, can be lightweight.
- Cons: Clumping can vary, some cats don’t like the texture, potential for essential oils to bother sensitive cats.
- Corn: Made from dried corn cobs. It’s a renewable resource.
- Pros: Biodegradable, good odor control, often low dust.
- Cons: Can sometimes be prone to mold if not stored properly, clumping might not be as firm as clay.
- Wheat: Made from wheat or wheat by-products. It’s another biodegradable option.
- Pros: Biodegradable, good clumping, often low dust.
- Cons: Some cats might be sensitive to the scent, can be a bit more expensive.
- Paper (Recycled): Made from recycled paper products. It’s a good choice for the environment.
- Pros: Very low dust, lightweight, good for cats with allergies.
- Cons: Clumping ability can be weak, odor control might not be as strong as other types.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a natural clumping litter better or worse:
- Additives: Some litters have added scents or baking soda to help with odor. Natural scents from wood can be nice. Artificial perfumes can bother some cats and people. Baking soda is usually a good addition for odor control.
- Particle Size: The size of the litter granules matters. Finer particles often feel softer to cats. Larger pellets might be less tracked around the house.
- Manufacturing Process: How the litter is made affects its quality. High-quality processing can reduce dust and improve clumping.
- Cat’s Preferences: Your cat is the ultimate judge! If your cat avoids the litter box, the litter might not be the right fit.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most cat owners look for a litter that makes their job easy.
- Easy Cleaning: Natural clumping litter makes scooping a breeze. You just lift out the solid clumps. This means less waste and a cleaner litter box.
- Less Mess: Some natural litters are less likely to stick to your cat’s paws. This means less litter tracked around your home.
- Healthier for Cats: Many natural litters are free from harsh chemicals and perfumes. This is good for cats with breathing issues or sensitive skin.
- Eco-Friendly: If you care about the planet, many natural litters are biodegradable or made from recycled materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main benefits of natural clumping cat litter?
A: The main benefits include easier cleaning because it forms solid clumps, better odor control, and often being more environmentally friendly. Many are also less dusty, which is good for your cat’s health.
Q: Are natural clumping litters safe for kittens?
A: Yes, most natural clumping litters are safe for kittens. They are usually made from natural materials and are less likely to contain harmful chemicals. Always supervise kittens when introducing new litter.
Q: How often should I change natural clumping cat litter?
A: You should scoop out the clumps daily. A full litter box change depends on the type of litter and how many cats you have. For most natural clumping litters, a complete change every 2-4 weeks is a good rule of thumb.
Q: What is the best natural clumping litter for odor control?
A: Litters made from corn, wheat, or clay with added baking soda often have excellent odor control. Wood-based litters can also be good if they have a pleasant natural scent.
Q: Can natural clumping litter be flushed down the toilet?
A: Some natural clumping litters, like those made from corn or wheat, are biodegradable and can be flushed in small amounts. However, always check the product packaging and your local plumbing regulations. Clay litters should generally not be flushed.
Q: My cat is tracking litter everywhere. What can I do?
A: Try a litter with a larger granule size or a different material. Some wood pellets or coarser corn litters are less likely to stick to paws. Placing a litter mat outside the box can also help catch stray pieces.
Q: Is natural clumping litter more expensive than regular litter?
A: The price can vary. Some natural litters are comparable to or even cheaper than premium clay litters. Others, especially those made from specialized materials, might be a bit more expensive. Consider the value you get in terms of performance and health.
Q: What if my cat doesn’t like the new natural clumping litter?
A: Cats can be picky! Try mixing a small amount of the new litter with their old litter. Gradually increase the amount of new litter over a week or two. If your cat still refuses, you may need to try a different type of natural litter.
Q: Are all natural clumping litters biodegradable?
A: Not all of them. While many natural litters made from corn, wheat, or wood are biodegradable, some clay-based litters are not. Always check the product description to be sure.
Q: How do I store natural clumping cat litter?
A: Keep natural clumping litter in a cool, dry place. Make sure the bag or container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture from getting in. This helps maintain its clumping ability and prevents mold, especially for corn-based litters.
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.