Does the thought of scooping that litter box make you wrinkle your nose? We love our feline friends, but let’s be honest, traditional cat litter can sometimes smell less than fresh and leave behind a dusty mess. Plus, you might worry about what exactly is in that clay or silica you are pouring into your cat’s bathroom.
Choosing an “all-natural” option seems like the perfect solution, right? Not so fast! The market is flooded with products claiming to be green, and it can be tough to figure out which ones actually work well and are truly safe for your pet and the planet. You want great odor control without harsh chemicals, but finding that sweet spot can feel like a treasure hunt.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a litter truly natural and highlight the best options available today. By the end, you will know exactly how to pick an eco-friendly, highly effective litter your cat will happily use. Let’s dive in and make litter box duty a little cleaner and greener for everyone!
Top All Natural Cat Litter Recommendations
- HIGHLY ABSORBENT, ABSORBS 2X AS MUCH LIQUID as clumping clay cat litter. Easy to scoop kitty litter clumping binds into small, light, easy to remove clumps. With natural corn fibers, a plant-based clumping agent + Baking Soda
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL FOR MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLDS. This odor control cat litter is specially formulated for homes with multiple cats.This is a great option as a cat deodorizer for your litter box and as a litter box odor eliminator
- LOW DUST FORMULA, 50% LIGHTER than traditional clay cat litter, with ARM & HAMMER cat litter that is easy to carry, easy to pour. Natural cat litter with corn fibers, plant extracts, Baking Soda, and mineral oil for dust control
- AN ODOR-FREE HOME STARTS HERE…NATURALLY! Contains natural corn cat litter fibers, plant based clumping agent, baking soda, plus mineral oil for dust control. Cat litter for multi-cat households with cat litter odor eliminator
- OUTSTANDING ODOR ELIMINATION WITH NATURAL INGREDIENTS. The power of ARM HAMMER Baking Soda + Corn + Plant extracts deliver superior odor control for multi-cat households. Natural clumping cat litter destroys the toughest kitty litter box odors
- 100% Natural Ponderosa Pine
- Long Lasting Odor Control
- Safe For Cats, Kittens And Small Mammals
- Silica Free
- For Cat and Kitty Litter Box - Naturally Fresh Cat Litter is made from all-natural walnut shells, and this eco-conscious litter neutralizes odors better than clay, pine, corn, and wheat litters.
- Odor Control For Cat Litter Box - This super-absorbent formula produces hard clumps in as few as 15 minutes without sticking to the litter box and provides proven superior ammonia odor control.
- Upcycled And Sustainable - This cat litter is made from walnut shells that are all-natural, non-GMO, made from a food byproduct, and produced in solar-run facilities.
- Cat Litter - A low-tracking material means your cat won't track litter and bacteria through your home.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic litter formulation.
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
- LOW TRACKING: A unique formulation of medium grain clay helps keep litter in the box where it belongs.
- MADE FROM GRASS: Clumping at litter made from all natural 100% grass seed grown in the USA, SmartCat is both biodegradable and renewable 99% dust free cat litter.
- NO SMELL - CAN'T TELL: SmartCat natural cat litter combats odor without relying on harsh chemicals and artificial scents, while also being 99% dust free natural cat litter.
- EASILY ADAPTABLE: Our natural 99% dust free cat litter has a soft texture and sand-like appearance, great for the new kitten or that cat who's particular about their paws.
- LIGHTWEIGHT CLUMPING: Excellent clumping capability (that does not stick to the pan) ensures that your pet's waste stays out of both sight and smell, in an easily changeable alternative to dense clay litters or cat pellets litter. Test out this lightweight 99% dust free cat litter today!
- CHOOSE WHAT FITS: SmartCat All Natural Clumping Cat Litter is offered in 5 pound, 10 pound, and 20 pound bags.
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic litter formulation.
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
- LOW TRACKING: A unique formulation of medium grain clay helps keep litter in the box where it belongs.
- sWheat Scoop Natural Wheat Multi-Cat Litter: Super absorbent, natural wheat litter designed for multi-cat and multi-litter box households
- Superior Odor Control: Powerful natural odor neutralizing enzymes trap odors on contact and neutralize urine and ammonia odors quickly to help eliminate smelly pet odors
- Natural: sWheat Scoop eliminates odors using natural, domestically sourced wheat with no added dyes, perfumes, or chemicals; naturally lightweight, 99.5% dust free and low tracking
- Better for Cats, People, and the Planet: sWheat Scoop was the world’s first all-natural, plant-based cat litter, and is made using only farm-grown renewable resources
- sWheat Scoop: We are the cat litter that is the right choice for your cat, your home, and your planet. Made using only farm-grown renewable resources means you can feel good about your choice
- NATURAL CORN COB: Made with natural (heat-processed) corn cob for a powerful, fast-clumping litter – 99.9% dust-free.
- BIO-ENZYMATIC FORMULA: Works to destroy tough litter box odors.
- PREMIUM CLUMPING: Absorbs twice as much liquid as traditional clay litter.
- SAFE FOR PETS AND HOMES: When used as directed, Nature’s Miracle Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter can be used around your pets and home.
- EASY-POUR HANDLE: Fill litter box with 3 to 4 inches of litter – resealable bag.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing All-Natural Cat Litter
Switching to all-natural cat litter is a great step for your cat’s health and the environment. These litters use materials found in nature, avoiding harsh chemicals. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? This guide helps you find the perfect, safe litter for your feline friend.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label for these important traits. They tell you how well the litter will work in your home.
1. Odor Control
Even natural litters must control smells. Look for litters that use natural odor absorbers like baking soda or activated charcoal. Good odor control means less work for you and a happier nose for your cat.
2. Dust Level
Low dust is crucial, especially if you or your cat have allergies. High dust can irritate the lungs. Always choose litters labeled “low-dust” or “dust-free.”
3. Clumping Ability
Most cat owners prefer clumping litter. This means the urine forms a solid ball you can scoop out easily. Check reviews to see how firmly the natural material clumps.
4. Tracking
Tracking happens when litter sticks to your cat’s paws and spreads outside the box. Smaller, lighter particles track more easily. Heavier, naturally coarse granules tend to stay put.
Important Natural Materials
The material used is what makes the litter “all-natural.” Here are the most common, eco-friendly bases:
- Wood (Pine or Fir): Often made from recycled wood shavings. It smells fresh and clumps well. It is biodegradable.
- Corn: Made from ground corn cobs or kernels. It clumps very well and is often flushable (check the label first!).
- Wheat: Similar to corn, wheat litter clumps nicely and breaks down quickly.
- Paper (Recycled): Usually comes in pellets or crumbles. It is very low-dust but often does not clump urine well, making it better for sifting litter boxes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all natural litters perform the same. Consider these points:
What Makes Quality Better?
High-quality natural litters use minimal processing. They often feature added natural enzymes that break down waste. Furthermore, litters made from sustainable sources (like reclaimed wood) show better environmental commitment.
What Lowers the Quality?
Beware of “natural” litters that add synthetic fragrances to cover up odors. These defeat the purpose of going all-natural. Litters that fall apart quickly when wet also reduce quality because they are hard to clean fully.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your household setup when choosing.
For Multi-Cat Homes
If you have several cats, you need superior odor control and powerful clumping. Wood or corn-based litters usually handle heavy use better than paper.
For Sensitive Cats
Cats are picky! If your cat refuses to use a new box, try switching slowly. Choose unscented options, as strong smells—even natural ones—can deter sensitive noses. Low-dust formulas are a must for respiratory health.
Disposal
Check the manufacturer’s directions for disposal. Most natural litters are biodegradable, meaning they break down faster in landfills. Some corn or wheat litters might be safe to flush in small amounts, but always confirm this with the brand.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About All-Natural Cat Litter
Q: Are all-natural litters safe if my cat eats a little?
A: Yes, generally they are much safer than clay litters. Materials like corn, wheat, and wood are non-toxic, though eating too much of anything is not good.
Q: How often do I need to change the litter box?
A: You should scoop solid waste and clumps daily. You will need to completely empty and wash the box about once a month, just like any other litter.
Q: Do natural litters cost more than clay litters?
A: Often, yes. Natural litters require more complex processing or sourcing, so they usually cost slightly more upfront. However, some clump well, meaning you use less overall.
Q: Can I mix natural litter with my old clay litter?
A: You can mix them slowly to help your cat adjust. Start with 75% old litter and 25% new. Increase the new litter amount over a week.
Q: What is the main difference between wood and corn litter?
A: Wood is often lighter and has a distinct fresh scent. Corn usually clumps harder and faster, making scooping easier.
Q: Does natural litter attract bugs?
A: If stored properly (in a sealed container), no. However, any food-based product like corn or wheat should be kept dry to prevent any risk of pests.
Q: How do I get rid of the dust when pouring?
A: Pour the litter slowly into the box while holding the bag close to the bottom of the box. You can also pour it outside briefly.
Q: Are scented natural litters safe?
A: Check the ingredients. If the scent comes from natural essential oils, it might be okay. If it uses synthetic perfumes, it is less healthy for your cat.
Q: Which natural litter is best for heavy urinators?
A: Look for highly absorbent wood or corn litters that form rock-hard clumps. This prevents urine from soaking to the bottom of the box.
Q: Does natural litter last longer in the box?
A: Yes, because they absorb odors and moisture very effectively, you might notice you don’t need to change the entire box as often as you did with traditional clay.