If you’re looking to ditch the synthetic stuff and go green, natural cat litters are an excellent option. Made from eco-friendly materials like wood, corn, wheat, or even coconut husks, they offer a safer, more sustainable solution for both your kitty and the planet. Plus, many of them deliver impressive odor control and clumping power, so you’re not sacrificing functionality for eco-consciousness.
With a few different types to choose from, let’s break them down before getting into our top product picks and why we love them. To revolutionize your routine even more, check out our list of the best self-cleaning litter boxes, too!
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Top Pick
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Runner Up
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2nd Runner Up
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The litter is made of a natural mineral derived from fossilized algae – and the result? A low-tracking, odor-neutralizing litter that instantly works to absorb liquids and dehydrate waste in any litter box. Plus, an 8-lb bag lasts up to 2 months, replacing 40 lb of clumping clay litter! |
An ultra low tracking, clumping, dust-free tofu cat litter that disintegrates completely in water so that you can flush safely down the toilet. Totally mess-free. Flushable, odor eliminating, quick clumping and low-tracking for a squeaky clean home. |
A natural, compressed corn formula is completely free of silica dust, so you and your family can breathe easy. This 99% dust-free litter won't disturb your pouring with a dusty cloud! Plus, this formula is environmentally friendly—totally flushable, and safe for both septic and sewer systems. |
The litter is made of a natural mineral derived from fossilized algae – and the result? A low-tracking, odor-neutralizing litter that instantly works to absorb liquids and dehydrate waste in any litter box. Plus, an 8-lb bag lasts up to 2 months, replacing 40 lb of clumping clay litter!
An ultra low tracking, clumping, dust-free tofu cat litter that disintegrates completely in water so that you can flush safely down the toilet. Totally mess-free. Flushable, odor eliminating, quick clumping and low-tracking for a squeaky clean home.
A natural, compressed corn formula is completely free of silica dust, so you and your family can breathe easy. This 99% dust-free litter won't disturb your pouring with a dusty cloud! Plus, this formula is environmentally friendly—totally flushable, and safe for both septic and sewer systems.
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What are Natural Cat Litters?
The different types of natural cat litter include wood-based litter, pebble-based litter, paper-based litter, and plant-based litter like corn, wheat, and grass-based litter. All of them are 100% biodegradable and better for your cat’s paws and lungs, with no manmade materials or chemicals.
That said, using natural cat litter requires sealed storage and a strict litter box routine, with daily scooping, weekly changes, and regular deep cleans, as natural materials mold faster than manmade ones, which can create a toxic environment and attract pests, especially with wood and corn-based litter.
We also don’t recommend these types for kittens or cats with pica, and it’s important to note that wheat-based litter can cause allergic reactions in intolerant cats!
Which type is best?
It all depends on your needs and preferences. All of the above-mentioned types of litter except paper-based are clumping, with low dust and low tracking, but some are lower than others. Wood and grass-based litter are the softest but tend to track the most, whilst wheat-based litter creates the most dust.
Pebble, grass, wood, corn, and wheat-based litters are all very absorbent of liquids and smells, and coconut-based litters can even create a pleasant scent. They’re also great for sensitive cats because they’re soft, lightweight, and hypoallergenic.
Paper-based litter is completely odorless but less soft and absorbent, and wood-based litter, whilst popular, has the strongest natural scent, which some sensitive kitties may not like. Price-wise, pebble and coconut-based litters tend to be the most expensive, while corn-based ones tend to be the cheapest and most sustainable. They’re also flushable which can be handy!
Top Picks
- Top Pick – PetSafe ScoopFree® Premium Natural Cat Litter
- Runner-Up – Tuft And Paw Really Great Cat Litter
- Best Corn Litter – World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
- Best Clumping Wood Litter – Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter
- Best Non-Clumping Wood Litter – Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Litter
- Best Wheat Litter – Swheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter
- Best Grass Litter – Frisco Natural Unscented Clumping Grass Cat Litter
- Best Paper Litter – Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter
Top Pick: PetSafe ScoopFree® Premium Natural Cat Litter
Our top pick is PetSafe ScoopFree® Premium Natural Cat Litter; made from 100% natural pebbles, sourced from diatomaceous Earth in the USA, with no chemicals or fragrances.
Key features:
- 100% natural pebbles
- Non-clumping cat litter
- Lightweight
- Low dust and low tracking
- Absorbs and dries waste
- 30+ days of odor control
- Lasts up to five times longer
- Fragrance-free
- No chemicals, additives, or dyes
- Sourced and made in the USA
- Comes in 8 lb bags
What we like:
Although it’s non-clumping, it’s low dust and low tracking and very lightweight for easy changes and comfortable litter tray use. It absorbs moisture and dehydrates waste fast for 30+ days of superior odor control and five times longer usage than clumping clay litter.
What to consider:
If you’re comparing price per pound, it’s a bit more expensive than traditional litters, but it lasts significantly longer. One 8-lb box replaces 40 lbs. of clumping litter. Also, since it’s non-clumping, it won’t work in your PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin litter box.
The litter is made of a natural mineral derived from fossilized algae – and the result? A low-tracking, odor-neutralizing litter that instantly works to absorb liquids and dehydrate waste in any litter box. Plus, an 8-lb bag lasts up to 2 months, replacing 40 lb of clumping clay litter!
Runner-Up: Tuft And Paw Really Great Cat Litter
Tuft And Paw Really Great Cat Litter is our runner-up pick, with an innovative soybean formula that comes in 9.25 lb packs of one, three, or five.
Key features:
- Unique soybean formula
- Clumping cat litter
- Lightweight and paw-friendly
- Safely and thoughtfully made
- 99% dust-free
- Ultra-low tracking
- Moisture trapping
- Flushable
- Added charcoal for odor control
- Comes in 9.25 lb packs of one, three, and five
What we like:
The unique moisture-absorbing formula contains thoughtfully repurposed soybean fibers, a byproduct of soy processing, to reduce industry waste. One bag typically lasts around a month per cat and it’s 58% lighter than clay litter for easy refills. It’s also flushable for convenient disposal, 99% dust-free, and ultra-low tracking, with added charcoal for superior odor control.
What to consider:
First, the obvious: It’s unsuitable for cats with soy allergies. It’s also a bit on the pricier side of natural cat litters. While most customers love it, some did mention that it’s also not the best at controlling odors even with the added charcoal.
An ultra low tracking, clumping, dust-free tofu cat litter that disintegrates completely in water so that you can flush safely down the toilet. Totally mess-free. Flushable, odor eliminating, quick clumping and low-tracking for a squeaky clean home. Thoughtful, non-toxic ingredients made from soybean byproduct (tofu) that would have otherwise gone to the landfill – safer for your cat, better for the planet. Gone are days of lugging litter all the way home. We get you what you need, when you need it. Includes free shipping.
Best Corn Litter: World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
Our top corn-based cat litter is World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter. It’s made from natural and sustainable corn and clumps well for less mess and easy clean up.
Key features:
- Corn-based clumping cat litter
- Natural and sustainable
- Lightweight
- 99% dust-free
- Superior odor control
- Easy-scoop
- Flushable
- Unscented
- Lasts two times longer
- Designed for multiple cats
- No added chemicals
- Comes in 8, 15, 28 lbs bags
What we like:
It’s lightweight and easy to scoop, with superior odor control and no added chemicals. It’s also flushable for convenient maintenance and unscented for fussy cats, with a 99% dust-free formula that lasts up to two times longer for multi-cat homes.
What to consider:
The formula can be inconsistent if not stored properly (such as issues with clumping or excessive dustiness), so be sure to keep it sealed and secure.
A natural, compressed corn formula is completely free of silica dust, so you and your family can breathe easy. This 99% dust-free litter won't disturb your pouring with a dusty cloud! Plus, this formula is environmentally friendly—totally flushable, and safe for both septic and sewer systems.
Best Clumping Wood Litter: Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter
Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter is our favorite clumping wood-based cat litter, made from responsibly and sustainably sourced materials with no added synthetics.
Key features:
- Wood-based clumping cat litter
- Responsibly and sustainably sourced
- Soft texture
- 99% dust-free
- Highly absorbent
- Stops odors at the source
- Easy scooping
- Recyclable packaging
- No artificial fragrances, dyes, or chemicals
- Comes in 19, 12, 18, 26 lb bags
What we like:
The wood fiber is de-dusted and screened for less mess. It works naturally to prevent enzymes from bonding with liquid and waste, halting odors before they start and soaking up liquids fast. It’s also soft on paws and easy to scoop, with recyclable packaging and a variety of bag sizes for different homes.
What to consider:
It works best with scoops with larger holes, so you may need to invest in a new scoop if you currently have one for finer litter. Some customers also had issues with the clumps breaking apart, especially with pee.
Make litter box maintenance easier, cleaner and eco-friendly with Okocat Original Premium Wood Clumping Cat Litter. It’s crafted from sustainably sourced, natural wood fiber that has been responsibly rescued and has a playful texture. Even though it’s made using natural materials, it’s still powerful enough to control those unpleasant kitty odors.
Best Non-Clumping Wood Litter: Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter
The Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Wood Cat Litter is made from 100% natural pine shavings from sustainably sourced, reclaimed pine lumber. It’s non-clumping with zero chemicals and it comes in a variety of bag sizes.
Key features:
- 100% natural pine shavings
- Non-clumping cat litter
- Sustainably sourced
- Lightweight and soft on paws
- Low dust formula
- Absorbs liquids on contact
- Instant odor neutralization
- Natural pine scent
- No added chemicals or fragrances
- Comes in 7, 20, 40 lb bags
- Contributes to cat shelters
What we like:
It’s super lightweight at less than 50% of the weight of clay litter and neutralizes odors instantly, with low dust and low mess. It’s also nice and soft on kitty paws and absorbs liquids on contact. Another feature we love is that a portion of the brand’s proceeds go towards helping cat shelters, so you can feel extra good about your purchase.
What to consider:
While the natural pine scent is quite pleasant, it’s not to everyone’s taste, so don’t buy it if you don’t like the smell of pine! The pellets are also on the larger side, so you end up with a bit more waste when you scoop the box.
Made of moisture locking pine shavings, this litter has a naturally low-dust formula, making it easy on your lungs and your home as you pour. With a natural pine scent, this highly absorbent, lightweight litter is designed to eliminate odors on contact.
Best Wheat Litter: Swheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter
Our top wheat-based pick Swheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter is made from wheat homegrown in the USA. They’re a family-founded company with a long history of making quality products, including the world’s first plant-based litter, like this one!
Key features:
- Made from USA-grown wheat
- Two times faster clumping
- 99.5% dust-free
- Minimal tracking
- Extra-strength absorbancy
- Odor neutralizing enzymes
- Flushable
- Unscented
- Longer lasting
- Designed for multiple cats
- No added dyes, perfumes, or chemicals
- Comes with 14 and 28 lb bags
What we like:
It’s two times faster clumping than competitors and 99.5% dust-free, with minimal tracking and extra-strength absorbency for a mess-free experience. The wheat’s natural enzymes break down and neutralize smells for a nicer litter box and it’s free from perfumes and chemicals. It’s also flushable for your convenience and lasts longer for money-saving and multi-cat homes – a little goes a long way!
What to consider:
It’s not suitable for cats who are intolerant or allergic to wheat! Some customers also feel like it becomes too hard after use, making it more challenging to scoop.
sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter is a natural, plant-based litter that smells like a fresh wheat harvest. Since wheat is virtually dust-free, this litter helps to minimize tracking and makes cleanup a breeze. It clumps quickly and this extra strength litter is a purr-fect choice for multi-cat homes.
Best Grass Litter: Frisco Natural Unscented Clumping Grass Cat Litter
The Frisco Natural Unscented Clumping Grass Cat Litter is our top grass-based pick, with 100% natural grass and no added chemicals or fragrances.
Key features:
- 100% natural grass litter
- Hard clumping
- Soft and natural feeling
- Low dust
- Ultra-absorbant
- Odor-busting
- Easy to sift through
- Natural grass smell
- No added chemicals or fragrances
- Comes in 20 lb bags
What we like:
It’s hard-clumping yet soft and familiar feeling, with a natural grassy smell. Perfect for enticing outdoor cats and avoidant cats to use the litter box! It’s also low dust and ultra-absorbant of smells and liquids, plus easy to scoop and sift through.
What to consider:
Dogs can be attracted to it, so if you live in a multi-pet home, keep it out of reach and place your cat’s litter box somewhere private!
This pet-preferred litter is made with 100% natural grass that is soft on your kitty’s paws and easy to sift through. With solid clumping capability, this grass litter ensures fast-forming clumps for easy scooping to meet your cat’s high standards for a cleaner litter box. It provides natural odor control and is ultra-absorbent, so there’s no need for any added chemicals, dyes or fragrances that are off-putting for your feline friends.
Best Paper Litter: Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter
Made in the USA from recycled paper, Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter is helping to reduce landfill space and save trees from being harvested, making it our top paper-based pick.
Key features:
- Made from recycled paper
- Non-clumping cat litter
- 99% dust-free
- Low tracking
- Three times more absorbent than clay
- Baking soda neutralizes odors
- Unscented
- Non-allergenic
- No added chemicals or fragrances
- Easy-to-use zipper bag
- Made in the USA
- Comes in 4, 12, and 25 lb bags
What we like:
It’s 99% dust-free and combines absorbent paper with ammonia-locking baking soda to neutralize odors fast. In fact, it’s three times more absorbent than clay-based litter, with soft pellets that retain their form to reduce tracking around your home. It’s also unscented and non-allergenic for sensitive cats and comes in convenient zipper bags for easy litter changes.
What to consider:
Overall, this has outstanding reviews. A very small handful of customers thought that it didn’t absorb as well as they expected, though. Also, it’s non-clumping, so you can’t use it in automatic litter boxes.
Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper cat litter provides outstanding odor control and superior absorption. The paper moisture absorbing pellets retain their form allowing you to see and scoop the soiled areas while reducing tracking around your home.
FAQs
Is natural cat litter safe?
Natural cat litter is perfectly safe, so long as you change it regularly and store it somewhere cool, dry, and tightly sealed. Natural litter, particularly wood and corn-based litter, can go moldy quickly, leaving you and your cat vulnerable to toxic mold. So, when switching to natural, you have to keep a strict hygiene routine with daily scooping, weekly changing, and regular deep cleans.
What type of natural litter do cats prefer?
Most cats prefer natural clumping litter, like grass and corn-based litter. That said, every cat is different and some don’t care either way. You’ll know if your cat isn’t a fan if they avoid the box!
Do cats prefer scented or unscented litter?
Generally speaking, most cats prefer unscented litter, but a nice, gentle, natural scent can be enticing to litter box-avoidant cats or kittens in training.
Final Thoughts
Natural cat litter is the way forward for holistically minded, eco-conscious cat parents. Are you going to make the switch? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below and come back to our guides for the best products on the market! If you want to read about more innovative litter box stuff for cats, read our list of the best robot litter boxes.
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