Does the thought of scooping your cat’s litter box make you wrinkle your nose? You’re not alone! Many cat parents want the best for their furry friends, and that includes choosing a litter that’s good for them and the planet. But with so many choices out there, how do you pick the right one? It can feel overwhelming trying to find a litter that controls odor, is easy to clean, and doesn’t cost too much.
Choosing a natural cat litter might seem simple, but it’s a big decision for your cat’s health and your home’s freshness. You want a litter that’s safe for your cat to breathe and walk on, and one that won’t leave your house smelling less than ideal. Plus, many traditional litters can be hard on the environment.
In this post, we’ll break down the confusing world of natural cat litters. You’ll learn what makes a litter truly “natural” and discover the top options available. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons of different materials, so you can confidently pick the perfect litter for your feline companion and your home. Get ready to say goodbye to litter box worries!
Our Top 5 Natural Cat Litter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Natural Cat Litter Detailed Reviews
1. ARM & HAMMER Naturals Clumping Cat
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of litter box smells taking over your home? The ARM & HAMMER Naturals Clumping Cat Litter promises a fresher, cleaner space, especially for busy multi-cat households. It uses natural ingredients like corn fibers and baking soda to tackle tough odors and create easy-to-scoop clumps. Plus, it’s lighter and less dusty than traditional clay litters, making cleanup a breeze.
What We Like:
- It absorbs twice as much liquid as regular clumping clay litter.
- Clumps are small, light, and easy to remove, making scooping simpler.
- The natural corn fibers and baking soda provide excellent odor control, perfect for homes with many cats.
- It’s a great cat deodorizer and litter box odor eliminator.
- The low-dust formula is 50% lighter than clay litter, making it easy to carry and pour.
- It contains natural ingredients like corn, plant extracts, and baking soda for a more natural option.
- The combination of baking soda, corn, and plant extracts actively destroys tough litter box odors.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for multi-cat households, some users might find the 18 lb. bag runs out quickly depending on the number of cats.
- The scent, while natural, might not be strong enough for some people who prefer a more heavily perfumed litter.
This litter offers a natural and effective solution for odor control and easy cleanup. It’s a strong contender for keeping your home smelling fresh, even with multiple feline friends.
2. WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER Multiple Cat Unscented
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of litter box odors taking over your home, especially with multiple feline friends? The WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER Multiple Cat Unscented, 15-Pounds offers a natural solution. This litter is made from whole-kernel corn, a renewable resource, and is designed to tackle tough smells without any artificial perfumes. It’s also made right here in the USA, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
What We Like:
- Outstanding Odor Control: It keeps your house smelling fresh, even with several cats using the litter box.
- Quick Clumping & Easy Scooping: The litter forms tight clumps fast, making cleaning up a breeze. No more scraping stuck-on messes!
- Lightweight & 99% Dust Free: It’s easy to carry and pour, and the low dust means less mess and easier breathing for everyone.
- Pet, People, and Planet Friendly: Made from natural ingredients, it’s safe for your family and the environment. It contains no harmful chemicals or clay dust.
- Flushable: You can easily flush used litter down the toilet, which simplifies disposal.
- Long-Lasting: A little goes a long way, making it an economical choice.
- All Life Stages: Suitable for kittens to senior cats.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for All Litter Systems: For best results, it’s recommended not to mix it with non-clumping litters.
- Availability: While made in the USA, check for local availability in your area.
This litter truly lives up to its name for cat owners seeking a cleaner, fresher home. It’s a smart choice for multi-cat households looking for a natural and effective solution.
3. LALAHOME Bentonite Litter Sodium Mineral Cat Litter Clumping
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of litter box smells and dusty messes? The LALAHOME Bentonite Litter promises a cleaner, fresher home for you and your feline friends. This 10 lb bag is packed with powerful odor control and easy-to-clean features, making it a top contender for any cat owner, especially those with automatic or self-cleaning litter boxes.
What We Like:
- 14-Day Odor Control: It locks in smells for up to two weeks!
- 100% Dust Free: No more sneezing or dusty air when you pour or scoop.
- Hard Clumps, Easy Scooping: The litter forms solid clumps that are a breeze to remove.
- Non-Stick for Easy Cleaning: Clumps slide right out, saving you scrubbing time.
- Perfect for Multi-Cat Homes: It handles the demands of busy households.
- Natural & Versatile: Made from safe sodium bentonite that cats find comfortable. It works in all types of litter boxes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 10 lb bag might run out quickly in very large multi-cat homes, requiring more frequent repurchasing.
- While the scent is light and fresh, some owners might prefer an unscented option.
This LALAHOME Bentonite Litter offers a fantastic solution for common litter box problems. It makes your life easier and keeps your home smelling great.
4. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made From Walnut Shells
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of dusty, smelly cat litter? Naturally Fresh Cat Litter, made from walnut shells, offers a cleaner, greener solution for your feline friends. This unscented, eco-friendly litter is designed for homes with 1-2 cats and comes in a generous 40 lb bag. It’s an upcycled product, meaning it’s made from a food byproduct, and produced in solar-powered factories, making it a sustainable choice for your home.
What We Like:
- Excellent odor control: Neutralizes smells better than many other litter types.
- Super absorbent: Forms hard clumps quickly, making scooping a breeze.
- Doesn’t stick to the box: Cleanup is much easier.
- Low tracking: Your cat won’t spread litter and germs around the house.
- Sustainable and upcycled: Good for the environment.
- Unscented: Great for cats and people sensitive to perfumes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might be a bit heavier than some clay litters.
- Price point can be a little higher than basic options.
If you’re looking for a natural, effective, and eco-friendly cat litter, Naturally Fresh is a fantastic option. It makes managing your cat’s litter box a more pleasant experience for everyone.
5. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made From Walnut Shells
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of that lingering litter box smell? Naturally Fresh Cat Litter, made from tough walnut shells, is here to save the day! This 26 lb bag offers a natural and sustainable way to keep your cat’s space clean and fresh. It tackles odors better than many other litter types and is gentle on your home.
What We Like:
- Superior Odor Control: This litter truly neutralizes cat odors, making your home smell much better.
- Hard Clumping Action: It forms solid clumps quickly, making cleanup a breeze and preventing them from sticking to the box.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: Made from upcycled walnut shells, it’s a sustainable option that’s good for the planet.
- Low Tracking: Your cat will track less litter around the house, meaning fewer messes and less worry about spreading germs.
- All-Natural Ingredients: It’s made from safe, non-GMO ingredients, which is great for your pet and your family.
- Unscented: Cats often prefer unscented litter, and this one doesn’t have any added perfumes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dust Level: While not a major issue, some users notice a slight increase in dust compared to certain clay litters.
- Availability: Depending on your location, you might need to search a bit harder to find this specific brand.
This walnut shell litter is a fantastic, natural solution for odor control and a cleaner home. It’s a choice you and your feline friends will appreciate.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Choosing the right cat litter can make a big difference for both you and your cat. Natural cat litter is a popular choice because it’s made from earth-friendly materials. This guide will help you find the best natural litter for your furry friend.
What to Look for in Natural Cat Litter (Key Features)
When you’re shopping for natural cat litter, keep these important features in mind:
- Odor Control: This is super important! Good natural litters trap smells effectively. Some use natural minerals or plant fibers to absorb odors.
- Clumping Ability: Most cat owners prefer clumping litter. It makes cleaning the litter box much easier. When wet, clumping litter forms solid clumps that you can scoop out.
- Dust Levels: Low dust is a big plus. Dusty litter can bother your cat’s lungs and make a mess in your home.
- Absorbency: The litter needs to soak up moisture quickly. This helps keep the litter box dry and reduces smells.
- Texture and Cat Preference: Cats can be picky! Some like soft, fine textures, while others prefer coarser grains. It’s good to try a few to see what your cat likes best.
Important Materials in Natural Cat Litter
Natural cat litter is made from a variety of safe and sustainable materials. Here are some common ones:
- Clay: This is a very popular choice. Many natural litters use bentonite clay, which is great at absorbing liquids and controlling odors.
- Wood Pellets/Shavings: Litters made from pine, fir, or cedar are common. They have a natural, pleasant scent and can be very absorbent.
- Corn: Corn-based litters are biodegradable and often clumping. They are a good eco-friendly option.
- Walnut Shells: These litters are made from crushed walnut shells. They are usually lightweight, dust-free, and have good odor control.
- Paper: Recycled paper is used to make some natural litters. These are lightweight and absorbent, and often a good choice for cats with allergies.
- Wheat: Wheat-based litters are another biodegradable and clumping option. They are often soft on paws.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all natural litters are created equal. Here’s what can make a difference:
- Biodegradability: Higher quality natural litters are biodegradable. This means they break down naturally, which is better for the environment.
- Scent: Some natural litters have added scents. While this can help with odor, some cats dislike strong perfumes. Unscented options are often preferred by cats.
- Additives: Be cautious of litters with added dyes or chemicals. These can be harmful to your cat and are not truly “natural.”
- Source of Materials: Litters made from sustainably sourced materials are higher quality. This ensures the environment is protected.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many cat owners love natural litter for a few key reasons:
- Healthier for Cats: With fewer chemicals and less dust, natural litters are often better for your cat’s respiratory health.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: If you care about the planet, natural litters are a great way to reduce waste. They are often recyclable or compostable.
- Easy Cleanup: Clumping natural litters make scooping a breeze. You just lift out the clumps and dispose of them.
- Reduced Tracking: Some natural litters are designed to stick less to your cat’s paws, meaning less litter gets tracked around your home.
Natural litter is a great choice for almost any cat owner. It’s especially good for homes with multiple cats, allergy sufferers, or those looking for a more sustainable pet care option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Natural Cat Litter
Q: What makes cat litter “natural”?
A: Natural cat litter is made from materials found in nature. Think things like clay, wood, corn, or wheat. It does not contain artificial chemicals or dyes.
Q: Is natural cat litter safe for my cat?
A: Yes, natural cat litter is generally very safe. It’s made from materials that are not harmful if ingested in small amounts. It also has less dust, which is good for your cat’s lungs.
Q: Will natural litter control odors just as well as clay litter?
A: Many natural litters do an excellent job of controlling odors. Some use special natural ingredients that trap smells very effectively. You might need to try a few to find one that works best for your home.
Q: Is natural cat litter always clumping?
A: No, not all natural cat litter clumps. Some, like wood pellet litters, are non-clumping. Clumping litters are made from materials like clay, corn, or wheat that bind together when wet.
Q: How often should I change a natural cat litter box?
A: For clumping natural litter, you should scoop out waste daily. You’ll likely need to do a full litter change every 1-2 weeks, depending on the litter and how many cats use it. For non-clumping litter, you may need to change it more often.
Q: Can I flush natural cat litter down the toilet?
A: Some natural litters, especially those made from corn, wheat, or paper, are flushable. However, always check the product packaging. Flushing too much litter can still clog pipes.
Q: My cat is scratching a lot after using the litter box. Could it be the litter?
A: It’s possible. If you switched to a new natural litter, your cat might not like the texture or it might be a bit dusty. Try a different type of natural litter with a softer texture or that is labeled “low dust.”
Q: What’s the difference between natural litter and “eco-friendly” litter?
A: Natural litter refers to the materials it’s made from. Eco-friendly litter is a broader term that includes natural litters but can also include litters made from recycled materials or those that are biodegradable.
Q: How do I introduce my cat to a new natural litter?
A: Start by mixing a little of the new litter with the old litter. Gradually increase the amount of the new litter over a week. This helps your cat get used to the change without being scared.
Q: Where can I buy natural cat litter?
A: You can find natural cat litter at most pet stores, supermarkets, and online retailers like Amazon or Chewy. You can also sometimes find it at health food stores.
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.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!