A reliable and efficient cat litter can make all the difference in keeping your home clean, hygienic, and smelling fresh.
For more information, please visit Lordship.
Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter is an absolute gem of a product that I (and Cleo and Pumpkin) love.
This natural clumping litter soaks moisture like a sponge, ensuring your kitty's bathroom stays dry and comfortable.
It also forms tight, easy-to-scoop clumps that make cleaning the litter box a breeze (and let's be honest, anything that makes scooping poop easier is a winner in my book).
But wait, there's more!
The charcoal-powered odor control in this environmentally friendly litter is nothing short of miraculous. No more worrying about your home smelling like a feline waste processing plant.
My darling Cleo and Pumpkin can be a tad fussy regarding litter. But they took to Tuft & Paw like ducks to water. I've also noticed their litter box habits have been more consistent since the switch.
Cleaning the litter box is also a breeze with this litter. Gone are the days of chiseling away at cement-like clumps or gagging on dust clouds. With Tuft & Paw, it's smooth sailing all the way.
I know subscription models are not for everyone, but I'm a big fan.
I love that I can set and forget and will get litter delivered for free on a regular schedule. I've gone for the three-month option to save 10%. The subscription management is simple, and you can easily pause and cancel as and when you need.
Finally, I feel I need to address the flushable claims of this (and other) cat litter brands. Some people think flushing cat litter is wrong, but it's perfectly acceptable when done correctly.
According to Tuft & Paw:
The safety of your kitty and the environment is always our top priority! According to the CDC, cats kept indoors that do not hunt prey, and are not fed raw meat are not likely to be infected with Toxoplasmosis. We'd recommend that you only flush feces of indoor cats, in municipalities which allow it.
So, my eco-friendly cat lovers, if you're on the hunt for litter products that are reliable, effective, and kind to Mother Earth, look no further than Tuft & Paw range of cat litters.
It's a game-changer in feline waste management, and I'm willing to bet your kitty (and your nose) will thank you for it.
Oh, and the Tuft & Paw Cat Education Center is an excellent resource for cat parenting advice and tips too!
Traditional clay litters can harm the environment, as they're mostly non-biodegradable and often sourced from strip mining.
Also, clay cat litter often has added silica.
Silica dust can result in the following symptoms:
And according to CDC, long-term exposure may result in serious illnesses, such as:
Wood cat litter is a popular and eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay litter.
It's made from various types of wood, including pine, cedar, and even recycled sawdust.
The production process typically involves grinding the wood into small particles, heating it to high temperatures to remove moisture and kill bacteria, and then compressing it into pellets or granules.
Some manufacturers also add natural binders or fragrances to enhance the litter's effectiveness and appeal.
Many brands of wood litter are biodegradable and compostable, making them one of the best eco-friendly choices for pet owners.
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Corn-based cat litters are made from (you guessed it!) corn.
This sustainable, versatile crop is known for its many uses, but who knew it could also keep our feline friends' litter boxes fresh and clean?
It starts with grinding the corn cobs into small granules. These granules are then processed to remove any remaining moisture and kill off any pesky bacteria.
After that, some manufacturers add natural ingredients like baking soda or plant-based extracts to boost odor control and keep your kitty's bathroom smelling fresh as a summer breeze.
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That's right, the same golden grain that gives us our daily bread is also keeping our feline friends' litter boxes fresh as a daisy.
Wheat cat litters start life like any other wheat, swaying in the breeze and soaking up some good ol' American sunshine.
To turn those beautiful stalks into a primo natural litter, they're first crushed and separated into their individual components (the bran, the germ, and the endosperm).
It's the outermost layer, the bran, that we're after here. This stuff is packed with natural starches and enzymes that give wheat cat litter its super-absorbent and odor-fighting powers.
After the bran has been collected, it's processed to remove moisture and kill off unwanted bacteria. And just like that, you've got a fresh batch of one of the best natural litter types, all ready for action.
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Paper cat litter starts its life as your everyday, run-of-the-mill recycled paper (think newspapers, magazines, or even cardboard boxes).
To transform these paper products into a cozy bed for our feline friends' potty breaks, they're first shredded into small, confetti-like pieces. Then, they're treated with heat and pressure to zap away any lingering moisture and pesky bacteria.
Some manufacturers may even toss in a dash of natural ingredients (baking soda is popular) to help keep odors under wraps.
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Yes, coconut litter is a thing. And it's pretty cool!
To make this innovative type of natural litter, the humble coconut is husked and ground into granules.
These granules are then treated with heat to kill any bacteria and remove any water content.
The result? A lightweight, super-absorbent litter option that's dust-free and offers superb odor control.
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Grass cat litter is made from the sustainable grasses we all know and love (wheatgrass, oat grass, barley grass, ryegrass, etc.).
To make it, the blades and seeds of these sweet-smelling greens are collected and then dried in a process similar to making hay.
Once dry, they're ground into fine particles and treated with heat to remove moisture and kill off bacteria.
This results in a soft, fluffy cat litter that's a hit with most cats.
Its earthy scent masks odors naturally, and its lightweight nature makes it easy to scoop and dump.
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Walnut litter is made from ground-up walnut shells.
These shells would typically be tossed aside as waste, but some genius figured out they're perfect for creating a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay litter.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Paper Kitty Litter.
Talk about turning trash into treasure!
To transform these plucky little shells into top-notch cat litter, they're first ground into small granules, just the right size for your kitty's delicate paws.
Next, they're heated to banish any lingering moisture and evict unwanted bacteria. Some manufacturers might even sprinkle in a pinch of natural deodorants.
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I considered the following factors when selecting the best eco-friendly, natural cat litter for my feline friends.
What the litter is made from was the most significant factor in my decision-making process.
I prioritized sustainable and biodegradable materials.
I examined the company's stance on sustainability, animal welfare, and working conditions.
I also wanted to ensure their production processes were eco-friendly and ethical.
The best natural cat litter should biodegrade quickly and naturally or be flushable.
A good eco-friendly cat litter should form solid clumps so that you can easily scoop and dispose of waste without making a mess.
I also tested several non-clumping litter options too.
I tried to include a range of pellet sizes in the list of recommendations.
For long-haired cats, litter with small pellets is not a good idea, as it can get stuck in their fur and become matted.
Check the label on the bag before buying, as some litters are not recommended for long-haired cats.
Good odor control is a must for any litter. I looked for natural ingredients that help to neutralize odors, such as baking soda, pine, or lemon.
If you own multiple cats like me, it's advisable to use litters marketed as 'multi-cat' because they contain more odor neutralizers that prevent odors on contact.
Alternatively, consider having one litter box per cat (and maybe even one spare for good measure).
Your litter should not produce too much dust or generate allergens.
I focused on litters designed to reduce dust and tracking so I didn't end up with litter granules all over the house!
I tested a range of price options.
Eco-friendly cat litters tend to be more expensive than traditional clay-based ones, so you may have to pay a bit more for your greener choice.
Whichever disposal method you choose, give yourself a pat on the back for making an eco-conscious decision in the first place.
Making your own cat litter is a great way to save money and reduce waste while still being eco-friendly.
This YouTube video from Howcast gives some great tips on making cat litter from old newspapers and baking soda.
Moving from clay to natural litter will help reduce the dust and pollutants in your home.
However, if you want to take your indoor air quality to the next level (or your cat has especially stinky potty habits), consider buying a few extra houseplants or investing in an eco-friendly air purifier.
A healthy cat should use their litter box about 2-3 times a day, depending on factors such as age and diet.
Yes! The best eco-friendly litter is made with natural, sustainable ingredients that reduce pollutants in your home and have a lower impact on the environment overall.
The best natural litter for you will depend on your cat's preferences and lifestyle, as well as your budget and environmental goals. All the litters listed in this article are good options, and I'm sure you'll find one perfect for you and your kitty.
Your cat should have a litter box roughly one and a half times its body size. This gives them enough room to move and dig.
There are various reasons why cats might start to toilet outside their litter box, such as health problems or fear. If this becomes an issue, it's best to consult with your vet so you can find out the cause and take steps to resolve it.
If your cat has suddenly stopped urinating, it's crucial to seek veterinary advice immediately, as this could be a sign of a feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
Common FLUTDs include bladder inflammation or urinary stones/crystals, affecting male cats more often.
If you're even in doubt, it's best to get professional help to address the issue quickly and keep your kitty safe and healthy.
Clumping clay litter is typically made of natural minerals such as calcium montmorillonite or sodium bentonite. These minerals do not break down in a landfill or compost pile, so they are not considered biodegradable, despite being naturally occurring.
Crystal cat litter is another name for litter made from silica gel.
Switching to eco-friendly cat litter is an intelligent choice that benefits the environment and our beloved pets.
My favorite benefits of natural cat litter include the following:
By considering factors like materials, biodegradability, performance, ease of use, and cost, you can select the purr-fect eco-friendly cat litter for your furry companion.
So, let's show Mother Earth some love, one scoop at a time!
Do you still use dusty clay litters? Or have you already made the switch to eco-friendly cat litter? Have I missed your favorite brand? Drop me a line and let me know.
Just as there are many different cat breeds, there are many different types of cat litter. Trying to determine which cat litter is best for you, your cat and your home can be tricky. But if you’re curious, our team of cat litter experts has the scoop on what types of cat litter are best for your situation!
Clumping clay cat litter is the original classic. It is one of the oldest and most popular cat litter types. It forms dense clumps on contact with moisture from urine and waste, which can then be scooped out of the litter box.
Non-clumping clay cat litter is just what it sounds like – a clay litter formula that absorbs moisture without forming scoopable clumps.
Crystal cat litter is one of the newer, more innovative types of cat litter on this list. It’s made of porous silica crystals that absorb an impressive amount of fluid and it controls odor very effectively.
Natural pebble cat litter, also known as diatomaceous earth cat litter, is a non-clumping litter made of naturally occurring minerals derived from fossilized microscopic algae called diatoms.
Paper cat litter is usually in pellet form, made of compressed, processed paper or sawdust. These pellets absorb moisture and have to be changed regularly.
Corn cat litter is made from dried corn kernels or cobs.It comes in many different forms, some clumping, some non-clumping, and some even claim to be flushable.
Walnut cat litter, made of ground-up walnut shells, has many features in common with corn cat litter, being made of renewable plant-based ingredients.
Pine cat litter is made from compressed pellets of sawdust, usually pine. These hard pellets are low tracking, but have a unique texture that some cats may not prefer.
What is healthiest for you and your cat may be different than what is healthy for others. But overall, when searching for a cat litter, it’s often healthiest to consider dust (the lower, the better), odor control (the more effective, the better), and additives – all natural cat litter with no added chemicals is the healthiest choice for many cat households.
A package of cat litter can be rather expensive or quite affordable, depending on what you’re looking for. However, if one moderately pricy package of crystal or natural litter lasts five times as long as one cheap package of clumping clay litter,you’ll actually save money in the long run with the more expensive package. Look at more than just price when litter shopping!
Depending on what types of cat litter you’re using, you can mix some cat litter types together.You generally don’t want to mix clumping cat litter with non-clumping cat litter. The exception to this is when you are working on transitioning your cat from one litter type to another – here it can actually be helpful to gradually mix the old and new litters so your cat adjusts to the new texture a little at a time.
If you have multiple cats, we recommend trying crystal cat litter or natural pebble cat litter. These lightweight option have outstanding odor control and can go for days or weeks between changing – a must when you have multiple cats doing their business every day. If you choose to use a more traditional litter, make sure you have more than one litter box (or a bigger box), if your cats like to share!)
Kittens are curious and sometimes nibble on whatever they can find. No litter is meant to be eaten, and you should always observe your kitten to prevent any accidental ingestions – but that said, given their habits, corn cat litter can be a relatively safe option for kittens.
Cats sometimes get more finicky as they age. If you have an older cat, consider the texture of litter and observe to see how your cat reacts to the feeling of the litter on their paws. We recommend low-dust, non-tracking litters like corn, paper pellet, or crystal cat litter.
Some self-cleaning litter boxes use crystal litter trays, while others work best with any clumping litter. If you’re considering a self-cleaning litter box (which we highly recommend!) make sure you check to see what kind of litter it uses before you buy.
For more information, please visit Pine Clumping Cat Litter.