The Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Alternatives: A Complete Guide

About 60% of cat litter sold in the U.S. is of the clumping clay variety. Most of this clay litter is made from bentonite clay, which is a non-renewable source, meaning that it builds up in landfills. For this reason, many cat owners are exploring eco-friendly cat litter alternatives. 

In this article, we’ll go over why many cat owners are moving away from clay and silica cat litters. We’ll also go over the eco-friendly litter alternatives available, including their pros and cons.

Here at Tuft & Paw, we’re cat experts. The information in this article is based on published research, consultation with a holistic veterinarian and cat behaviorist, thousands of customer reviews, and our own experience as cat parents.

The Problem with Traditional Clay Litter

As previously mentioned, the majority of cat litter purchased in the U.S. is traditional clay litter, usually made from bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is strip-mined, which removes topsoil and vegetation. As a result, it can destroy habitats, cause soil erosion, and lead to water pollution. 

What’s more is that clay litter is not biodegradable, meaning that it accumulates in landfills for decades. Experts estimate that over 2 million tons of clay cat litter are added to landfills each year in the U.S. alone.

Some cat litters also contain chemical additives, such as synthetic fragrances, chemical deodorizers, antimicrobial agents, and preservatives, which can release airborne irritants or contribute to environmental pollution. They may also generate silica dust, which can further contaminate soils and even be ingested by wildlife.

Tip: Read more about the pros and cons of clay cat litter

What Makes a Cat Litter “Eco-Friendly”?

A true eco-friendly is made from sustainable materials in a way that requires minimal processing. Eco-friendly cat litters are also biodegradable, meaning that they break down over time. Some of these biodegradable cat litters can be flushed and composted.

When looking for a natural cat litter, it’s important to consider more than the material and how the cat litter is made. Check for any added synthetic ingredients that contribute to pollution. This includes things like artificial fragrances, chemical deodorizers, and preservatives. These features make them ideal for cat owners looking for a cat litter substitute that reduces environmental impact.

Cheat Sheet: Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter by Need

Best eco-friendly litter for odor control: Tofu, pine

Best eco-friendly litter for sensitive cats: Tofu, paper

Best budget eco-friendly cat litter: Wood, paper

Closest to clay: Corn, wheat

Top Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Alternatives (Non-Clay Options Reviewed)

 Tofu Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

Tofu cat litter is made from soybean byproducts that are left over when making tofu and soy milk. The result is a soft, absorbent cat litter that forms strong clumps. Tofu litter is also low dust, and many brands are often flushable in small amounts. Dr. Kathryn Dench, MA, VetMB, 

Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, says that many cats accept tofu litter because the granules break down into a soft substrate when wet. “For households looking for a biodegradable litter, it can be a practical alternative, provided the cat accepts the texture.”

The main drawback of tofu litter is that it can be more expensive. However, many cat owners find it lasts longer due to its strong clumping and absorbency.

Wood/Pine Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

Wood cat litter, such as pine pellets, is made from pellets or shavings from recycled wood. This results in an absorbent cat litter, with pine working to naturally neutralize ammonia odors. It also tends to be affordable, and the larger pellets don’t stick to cats’ paws as easily, preventing tracking. Dr. Dench points out that wood litters should be unscented and have a texture that cats accept. 

Because wood cat litter doesn’t clump, it can turn into sawdust when wet, which can be messy. Some cats also don’t like the texture of wood cat litter, which can lead to litter box avoidance. Kristiina Wilson, MA, and Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC) at Cattitude Adjustment, also points out that some pine litter pellets can cause allergic reactions in cats when breaking down, due to out-gassing.

Paper Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

Paper litter is made from recycled newspaper or cardboard pellets or granules, and is one of the lowest dust litters available. It’s also soft and hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for sensitive cats or cats who are recovering from surgery. While most paper litters are non-clumping, some brands do sell clumping paper litters. Paper litter is regularly recommended as an affordable cat litter alternative. 

One of the major drawbacks of paper litter is that it does need to be changed more frequently, as often as once every 5-7 days. It also doesn’t neutralize odors, although some brands do add baking soda for odor neutralization. Some cat owners also report that paper litter can get mushy, dry out, and then crumble, which can be a pain to clean up. 

Corn Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

Corn cat litter is made from ground corn kernels and forms strong clumps. This means that it works similarly to clay for odor control, but is lower in dust and more lightweight. Some corn cat litters can be flushed, making clean-up simpler. 

However, because corn is plant-based, there is a potential for mold if stored improperly. It can also be dustier than tofu or pine cat litter.

Wheat Eco-Friendly Cat LitterMade from wheat byproducts, wheat cat litter is often said to have a similar texture to natural soil, which cats prefer. In terms of odor control, it forms strong clumps and naturally neutralizes odors. Many brands are also flushable. 

However, wheat litter can attract pests if not stored properly. It can also be an allergy risk for people who have a wheat allergy or celiac disease. Cat owners also report that working with wheat litter can be a bit messy: it can be dusty, stick to the bottom and sides of the box, and be prone to tracking. 

Walnut Shell Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

Walnut cat litter is made from crushed walnut shells. It uses agricultural waste to form a strong clumping litter. It's low in dust and eco-friendly, making it a great choice for your cat. It’s also highly absorbent and is often flushable.

However, walnut cat litter can be prone to tracking, and some cat owners say that the dark color makes tracking more evident. The dark color can also make it more difficult to see your cat’s waste when cleaning the litter box.

Grass/Hemp Seed

Made from grass/hemp seeds or dried grass, grass litter is lightweight and has a soft texture. Because of its high starch content, it's highly absorbent and forms clumps. It is also typically low in dust and made from renewable materials, making it an eco-friendly option.

However, grass litter can be more expensive. It can also be more prone to tracking because it is so lightweight. 

How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Litter

When choosing a cat litter substitute, the most important thing is that it works for both you and your cat. You’ll want to consider:

• Your cat’s preferences: Wilson points out that cats prefer litters that are soft and easy on their paws. This is especially true for arthritic and declawed cats, as they may have extra sensitive paws. Wilson recommends tofu, corn, and grass-based litters as good options.

• Odor control needs: If you’ve got multiple cats or live in a small space, you might wish to look for a cat litter with strong odor control. Households with multiple cats may benefit from highly absorbent, strong-clumping litters like tofu or corn to better manage odor and waste. 

• Dust levels: If you (or your cat) suffer from allergies or asthma, a low-dust cat litter is best. You’ll also want to keep dust levels in mind if you live in a small space, as dust can easily settle on surfaces.

• Tracking: Lightweight litters (like grass or tofu) may track more, while heavier options (like pellets) tend to stay in the box.

• Added ingredients: “When looking for a new litter, we want to find one that respects our feline friend's amazing sense of smell, so try to choose an unscented litter (avoid strong chemical smells and added fragrances),” says Wilson.

• Ease of cleaning: Cat litters that form strong clumps are often the easiest to clean. Tofu, corn, and grass also need to be changed less frequently.

• Flushability: If you live in an area where it's permitted and you have an indoor cat who eats a commercial diet, you might want to look for a cat litter that can be flushed, as this can make cleaning easier. 

• Budget: When considering budget, also factor in how effective a litter is and how frequently it needs to be changed, as this can impact how much litter you use.

Tip: Looking for an eco-friendly cat litter? Check out our list of the best natural cat litters

How to Transition Your Cat to Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

Most cats transition well to eco-friendly litter, provided that you do it in a slow, gradual way. Make sure that you do this during a time when your cat isn’t already stressed, and make the type of litter the only change. Don’t introduce a new litter box or a new litter box location at the same time.

1. Mix 75% old litter with 25% new litter. It’s best to place new litter on the bottom of the box and your cat’s old litter on top. Stick with this stage for 1 to 3 days.

2. Increase to a 50/50 mix for 1 to 3 days.

3. Use a 25% old litter and 75% new litter mix for 1 to 3 days.

4. Fully transition to the new litter.

If at any time during the transition your cat starts to avoid using their litter box, switch back to a higher ratio of old litter to new litter for a few days.

Conclusion

Clay and silica gel litters aren’t biodegradable, so they accumulate in landfills over time. Many also produce dust, which can be irritating for both you and your cat. Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly cat litter alternatives available. Among these, tofu litter stands out for its strong odor control, low dust, and ease of cleaning, making it one of the most well-rounded options. However, budget-conscious cat owners may prefer paper or pine litter, while those seeking a texture closer to clay might opt for corn or wheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eco-friendly cat litter really better for the environment?

Yes, most eco-friendly cat litters are better for the environment. They come from renewable or sustainable materials. Eco-friendly cat litters are also biodegradable, meaning that they don’t build up in the landfill.

Is eco-friendly cat litter safe for kittens?

Yes, most eco-friendly cat litters are safe for kittens. Kittens might eat their cat litter, so it's best to use natural, plant-based options. Tofu and corn litters are safer because they don’t swell. This helps prevent blockages, which can happen with clumping clay litters. 

Can you flush eco-friendly cat litter?

Some eco-friendly cat litters, such as tofu, corn, and wheat, are flushable in small amounts. However, not all brands are flushable, so it’s best to check product labels to be sure.

Which eco-friendly litter controls odor best?

Tofu and pine cat litters are great for odor control. They clump well and neutralize smells naturally. 

What eco-friendly cat litters are the most affordable?

Wood and paper are usually the most affordable eco-friendly cat litters. However, they do need to be changed more frequently, so costs can add up.  

Does eco-friendly litter smell worse than clay?

No, most eco-friendly litters don’t smell worse than clay. Many eco-friendly litters, like tofu and pine, naturally fight odors. They can work as well as or even better than clay if cleaned regularly.

Sources

Enviro Pet Waste Network. (n.d.). How much U.S. dog and cat waste is streamed to landfills. https://www.epwn.org/post/how-much-u-s-dog-and-cat-waste-is-streamed-to-landfills

Yarnell, A. (2004, April 26). Kitty litter. Chemical & Engineering News. https://cen.acs.org/articles/82/i17/KITTY-LITTER.html