Tofu litter is an exciting newcomer to the cat litter world, touting all sorts of bold claims and impressive advantages over conventional cat litter. Given how new tofu cat litter is, it can be hard as a consumer to figure out which brand to buy—no one brand has yet come to dominate the tofu litter sphere and new brands pop up monthly. In this article, we’ll give you our expert picks for the best tofu litters on the market today and hopefully give you a clearer sense of what to look for in tofu litter.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with which features are most important to cats and cat parents alike. To compile this list, we consulted cat behaviorist Nicole Van Andel, veterinarian Megan Teiber, and hundreds of customer reviews to determine which tofu litters deliver on their promises.
Tip: If you want a big picture view on selecting a cat litter before you dive into the details, our article on how to choose the right litter or our ultimate guide to different types of cat litter could be helpful.
The Top 5 Tofu Litters Cheat Sheet
1) tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter
| Pros | low tracking, very low dust, activated charcoal for odor control, flushable, unscented |
| Cons | pricey, subscription only |
| Ingredients | soybean fiber, corn starch, corn flour, guar gum, charcoal |
| Price | $29 for 9.5 lbs, shipping included = $3.05/lb |
2) Pidan Tofu Cat Litter with Blood Test Particles
| Pros | monitors cat health, great clumping, low dust, low tracking, flushable, solid odor control |
| Cons | scented, small bag, cats may eat it |
| Ingredients | bean dregs, starch, guar gum, occult blood test particles |
| Price | $15.99 for 2.4 kg(5.3 lbs) = $3.02/lb |
3) Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Eco Plant Tofu Litter
| Pros | affordable, highly absorbent, very flushable, low tracking, unscented |
| Cons | dusty, mediocre odor control, full ingredient list unavailable |
| Ingredients | full list N/A (wheat & soy fibers, “binding agent, fragrance”) |
| Price | $21.99 for 8.8 lbs = $2.50/lb |
4) Nourse Chowsing Tofu Litter
| Pros | low dust, low tracking, outstanding flushability, decent price |
| Cons | weak clumping, mediocre odor control, cats may eat it |
| Ingredients | soybean dregs, corn, starch, guar gum, fragrance/activated carbon |
| Price | $16.99 for 6 lbs = $2.83/lb |
5) K Kamy’s Zoo I Am Tofu
| Pros | very low dust, low tracking, flushable |
| Cons | contains PCMX, expensive, average odor control, average clumping, occasional supply issues |
| Ingredients | soy & pea fiber, corn starch, corn flour, guar gum, PCMX (disinfectant) |
| Price | Price: $19.89 for 6 lbs = 3.32/lb |
What Is Tofu Cat Litter?
Tofu litter is a natural cat litter made primarily from soybean dregs, which are a byproduct of processing soy. It is not made from actual tofu, but rather from the fibrous pulp that is left over from separating the soy fiber and soy milk. The soy milk is then used to make tofu and the soy pulp is typically thrown out.
To make tofu cat litter, the soy pulp is dried and mixed with plant-based starches, guar gum, and sometimes activated charcoal to control odors or other agents for binding, fragrance, or preservation. Most brands sell tofu litter in the form of thin pellets, though a few crush it into a granular litter. We recommend the thin pellets for their low tracking and low dust benefits. If you’re curious for more information, this article has everything you need to know about tofu litter.
Benefits of Tofu Cat Litter
Safe Natural Materials
Tofu cat litter is made primarily from a natural food-grade material, so it’s completely non-toxic and safe to ingest (though we still don’t recommend eating it). Whereas a cat eating clay litter requires an emergency vet appointment, a cat eating tofu litter is not immediately life-threatening according to Dr. Megan Teiber.
Eco-Friendly
Tofu litter is made from food waste that would otherwise be sent to the landfill. Being made from food waste means that tofu litter is biodegradable and compostable, unlike clay or crystal cat litter. Soybeans are also a renewable resource, while the clay used in conventional cat litter is strip-mined, destroying natural habitat and creating significant air, water, and noise pollution.
Low Dust & Low Tracking
Most tofu litter comes in small cylindrical pellets that are virtually dust-free and very low tracking. The pellets are larger than conventional litter granules so they are less likely to stick to a cat’s fur or paws when they use the litter box. The tofu pellets are also inherently less dusty because they’re made from a plant-based fiber rather than a ground mineral. Dr. Megan Teiber considers low dust litter to be the far safer option for a cat’s respiratory tract.
Highly Absorbent = Good Clumping and Odor Control
Tofu litter can absorb four times its weight in liquid, making it incredibly efficient as a clumping cat litter. A little goes a surprisingly long way. Absorbing urine is the key to odor control, so this gives tofu litter a good head start on neutralizing ammonia smells, especially if combined with a natural deodorant like activated charcoal. For more on the benefits of clumping check out our list of the best clumping cat litters.
Flushable & Easy Cleaning
The absorbent and dehydrated nature of tofu litter allows it to fully dissolve in water and be safely flushed down the toilet in small quantities. This makes cleaning the litter box a breeze, in turn making cat parents more likely to stay on top of cleaning their cat’s litter box. If flushing isn’t an option, tofu litter can be composted instead. Another benefit is that tofu litter clumps do not cement themselves to the litter box like clay, so scooping and washing the box is easier.
Tip: Our list of the 5 best flushable cat litters has more resources on how to safely flush litter.
Cat Friendly Texture
The thin tofu pellets are quite soft, small, and compressible, especially compared to most other pellet cat litters (e.g. pine, zeolite). Cats always prefer a soft surface to do their business on.
Lightweight
Last but not least, tofu litter is very lightweight. The dehydrated pellets are porous and way less dense than clay litter, which makes the litter bag much easier to handle. Plus, because the pellets are so porous, one small bag of tofu litter (5-10 lbs) can last up to a month.
Potential Drawbacks of Tofu Cat Litter
No cat litter is perfect. Here are some limitations of tofu litter to keep in mind.
Price
Tofu litter is one of the more expensive types of litter available on the market today, though the absorbent clumping of tofu provides good value and allows unused litter to stay in the litter box.
Pellet Size and Shape
Due to the unique size and shape of the pellets, tofu litter does not work well with automatic litter boxes, sifting litter boxes, or scoops with small holes. To get the best results with tofu litter, you’ll need a conventional litter box and a scoop with large slots to allow the pellets to separate from the clumps.
Flushing Issues
Tofu litter does dissolve in water but it’s best to exercise caution when flushing it. Only flush one clump at a time and allow it to sit in the toilet for a few minutes to fully break down before flushing. We do not recommend flushing tofu litter if you use a septic system or if you have an outdoor cat due to the risk of toxoplasmosis. Always check if flushing cat litter is legal in your city.
Natural Spoilage
Tofu litter is made from food so spoilage is possible. If stored in moist conditions, tofu litter can be susceptible to mold. Some users have also mentioned that tofu litter can attract bugs in the litter box and in the bag, though this is a rare occurrence. Be sure to store tofu litter in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area and keep the bag securely closed to avoid these problems.
Cats May (Rarely) Eat Tofu Litter
Rarely, a cat may experiment with eating tofu litter. This is more common with kittens and cats with eating disorders. To avoid this, be sure to gradually transition your cat to a new litter to ensure they associate the unfamiliar substance with going to the bathroom. For complete instructions on how to avoid this debacle, read our article on how to switch your cat to a new litter.
Our Criteria for Finding the Best Tofu Cat Litter
The following criteria were developed in consultation with veterinarian Megan Teiber and cat behaviorist Nicole Van Andel.
- Tracking — How much litter ends up outside the litter box, and how far from the litter box it can get.
- Dust — How dusty the litter is. This factor is very important for cats and people with respiratory issues.
- Scent — Unscented is always preferable. Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to interact with their surroundings, so strongly scented litter can be overwhelming.
- Ease of cleaning — How well the litter clumps and coats solid waste, how flushable it is, and how much it sticks to the litter box.
- Odor control — How well the litter neutralizes smells. Controlling urine smell is the key here, because no litter can truly neutralize the smell of solid waste. Keep in mind that odor control partially depends on individual cats and the strength of their urine odor.
- Health and safety — The fewer additives the better. This includes scents, preservatives, and colours. We consider all of the tofu litters on this list safer than clay.
- Ease of handling — How easy the litter is to transport, pour, and handle.
- Price point
Deep Dive: Our Picks for the 5 Best Tofu Cat Litters
1. tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter
Price: $29 for 9.5 lbs = $3.05/lb (shipping included)
Rating: 4.7/5 with 199 reviews on tuft + paw
Ingredients: soybean fiber, corn starch, corn flour, guar gum, charcoal
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own cat litter here. This is only because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other tofu litters. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other litter on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts.
Our choice for the best tofu cat litter on the market is the tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter. This tofu litter is a great all-rounder with few glaring weaknesses. Users consistently mentioned that the low tracking and very low dust were an upgrade over conventional litters, and the flushability was greatly appreciated. We particularly like that it is unscented and uses activated charcoal to manage odors, rather than covering it up with an added scent. A small bonus is that the bag has a handle for easy pouring.
The main drawback of the Really Great Cat Litter is that it is fairly pricey at $29 for a 9.5 lbs bag, though this is cheaper than some other brands on the list. The price includes shipping, and there is also an option to receive 3 bags every 3 months for a lower price of $79 ($2.77/lb). Overall, the clumping was considered quite good but a few users felt the clumps were on the soft side. Another factor to consider is that Really Great Cat Litter is only available through subscription, which some users liked and others didn’t.
If you want to learn more, here’s everything you need to know about Really Great Cat Litter.
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2. Pidan Tofu Cat Litter with Blood Test Particles
Price: $15.99 for 5.3 lbs = $3.02/lb
Rating: 4.1/5 with 68 reviews on Amazon
Ingredients: bean dregs, starch, guar gum, blood test particles
The Pidan Tofu Cat Litter with Blood Test Particles is an excellent litter for monitoring your cat’s health and catching urinary problems early. It contains tiny blood test particles which turn blue if they come into contact with even the smallest amount of hemoglobin.
Perhaps the most popular feature of Pidan Tofu Litter was the excellent clumping, which is a result of Pidan using two different sizes of pellets: 70% 2mm diameter pellets, and 30% 1.5mm pellets. The 1.5mm pellets can fill in smaller gaps than the 2mm pellets, creating tighter clumps. Reviewers also liked the low dust, low tracking, flushability, and solid odor control.
Many users love the smell of this litter, often comparing it to sweet desserts or vanilla. Unfortunately, this added scent is not great for cats and could be overwhelming to their sense of smell, which is many times more sensitive than humans’. A food-like scent such as this could also contribute to cats rejecting the litter or mistaking it for food, both of which are mentioned by a handful of users. Pidan does not include a scent on the ingredients list, so we are unsure what the fragrant compound is. Another slight drawback is that Pidan Tofu Litter comes in the smallest bag on this list—only 5.3 lbs—which some users found to be insufficient for their needs.
Pidan offers several versions of their tofu litter, three of which include sodium bentonite. These litters have good reviews, but we did not include them here because they have clay in them and therefore are not eco-friendly natural litters. Pidan also has a regular tofu litter with no blood test, but we couldn’t find it on Amazon so we’re unsure if it’s still available.
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3. Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Eco Plant Tofu Litter
Price: $21.99 for 8.8 lbs = $2.50/lb
Rating: 4/5 with 355 reviews on Amazon
Ingredients: full list N/A (wheat & soy fibers, “binding agent, fragrance”)
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Tofu Litter is a pellet litter made from soybean and wheat fibers. Users frequently praised the low tracking, excellent absorbency, and flushability of this litter. The wheat fiber makes this litter extra absorbent and more dissolvable in water, easing the minds of cat parents with old plumbing. Customers also appreciated the lower price of this tofu litter. We like that this litter is unscented and that the bag has a handle.
The primary downside of Rufus & Coco Tofu Litter is that it’s quite a bit dustier than other tofu litters. While not as dusty as clay litters, this brand may not be suitable for cats or cat parents with respiratory issues. Other users criticized the mediocre odor control and lackluster clumping, though we should note that this soft clumping makes for better flushability.
A minor downside is that we could not find the full ingredients list for Rufus & Coco Tofu Litter. Other than soy and wheat fiber, we could only find a vague mention of a “binding agent and fragrance.” Overall, this litter is a decent option if you want to avoid the added scents common in other tofu litter brands.
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4. Nourse Chowsing Tofu Litter
Price: $16.99 for 6 lbs = $2.83/lb
Rating: 3.9/5 with 842 reviews on Amazon
Ingredients: soybean dregs, corn, starch, guar gum, fragrance/activated carbon
Nourse Chowsing Tofu Cat Litter has been around for a relatively long time in the tofu litter game and boasts a substantial following thanks to its low dust, low tracking, and slightly lower price. Cat parents looking to keep their living space clean are big fans of this litter. It has the best flushability on this list, rapidly and fully dissolving once dumped in the toilet.
Similarly to Rufus & Coco, there seems to be trade-off between clumping and flushability with Nourse Chowsing. Some users found the clumping to be wet and melty, which made it more dissolvable but also harder to clean from the litter box. Reviews were also mixed on odor control, with some users finding it good and others finding it average or even poor. This seems to depend somewhat on which scent was purchased: original (milk), green tea, or activated carbon. We recommend the activated carbon because it is unscented and has the best reviews for odor control. There were also several reviewers whose cats started eating the litter.
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5. K Kamy’s Zoo I Am Tofu Cat Litter
Price: $19.89 for 6/lbs = 3.32/lb
Rating: 4.2/5 with 583 review on Amazon
Ingredients: soy & pea fiber, corn starch, corn flour, guar gum, PCMX (disinfectant)
K Kamy’s Zoo’s I Am Tofu Cat Litter is a star performer in the tofu litter sphere. Users rave about the very low dust content, low tracking, and the convenience of flushing it. We also appreciate that the bag has a handle for easy handling and that it’s available in a larger 10 lbs bag ($3.19/lb).
There are four scents available: original unscented, honey peach, green tea, and charcoal. We recommend charcoal as it has the best reviews for odor control and is unscented. Honey peach and green tea also have good reviews, but they contain added scents and colours.
Unfortunately, I Am Tofu’s great performance is somewhat overshadowed by the inclusion of PCMX in the ingredients list. PCMX (aka Dettol) is a disinfectant that can be toxic to cats if ingested. While it is only present in small amounts in this litter (being the last ingredient), this contradicts the brand’s claim that there are no synthetic additives and we feel that it offsets some of the litter’s benefits.
Some more usual criticisms of K Kamy’s Zoo I Am Tofu are that the unscented variety has mediocre odor control, the clumping is average, and that the price is a bit steep—at $3.32/lb it is the most expensive litter on this list. Some customers were frustrated with how often it was sold out on Amazon, suggesting there could be some supply issues.
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Tofu Cat Litter FAQs
What is tofu cat litter, and how is it made?
Tofu cat litter is a biodegradable option made from soybean fiber. It is a byproduct of the process which makes soy milk--it's made from the leftover fibrous pulp. This pulp is then dried and mixed with binders to create an absorbent, natural, eco-friendly cat litter.
Is tofu cat litter safe for cats, especially those with allergies or sensitivities?
Tofu cat litters are safe for cats and can be an excellent choice for those with allergies. Being free from common allergens, they provide a hypoallergenic alternative that is gentle on your cat's skin and airways.
How well does tofu cat litter control odors compared to other types of cat litter?
Tofu cat litter has effective odor control when paired with natural deodorizers like activated charcoal. The absorbent properties of soy help trap odors, providing a fresh and pleasant environment for both you and your cat.
Can tofu cat litter be flushed down the toilet, and is it environmentally friendly?
Tofu cat litter is often flushable, but it's essential to check the product label and local regulations. As a biodegradable option, tofu cat litter is considered environmentally friendly, contributing to reduced waste.
Are there any tips for transitioning my cat to tofu cat litter successfully?
Transitioning to tofu cat litter can be a smooth process. Start by mixing small amounts with your cat's current litter, gradually increasing the ratio. Observing your cat's behavior and providing positive reinforcement can help ensure a successful transition.Conclusion: Your Cat Knows Best
All of the brands we’ve listed here are great options if you want to try out tofu cat litter. Overall, we think that tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter is the best option because of its well-rounded strengths and lack of additives. The Pidan Tofu Litter with Blood Test Particles is probably the best option for cats with a known history of urinary problems, and Rufus & Coco’s Tofu Litter offers low tracking and no added scents. Cats usually prefer unscented litters, but if your cat is not picky then Nourse Chowsing or I Am Tofu could work very well for your household too. At the end of the day, we follow veterinarian Megan Teiber’s advice that “the best litter is the one your cat will use.
For more educational cat content, check out the video below or one of our many informational articles...
Suggested Reading
The 5 Best Non-Tracking Litters
The 5 Best Non-Clumping Cat Litters
