Organic Cat Litter
This article lists organic cat litter alternatives that you can use for manual scooping as well as with most cat litter boxes.
To summarize our take on Clay Clump Cat Litter and Silica Gel Crystal Cat Litter:
- the first one could harm your cat seriously, even causing death,
- and the second one shows evidence that it is best avoided since there are alternatives.
Neither is biodegradable and both add to landfills. The process of strip mining adopted to extract the main component of most clay based cat litter mutilates the surface of the earth.
Both are best avoided since there are organic cat litter alternatives.
Our homepage (Overview) has a comprehensive write-up on Cat Litter in case you are interested in getting all the details in one place.
We have never used any of the brands listed below in our cat shelter. Our litter is a mix of sawdust and raw wheat chaff and the combination clumps well and is very effective in odor control. Our personal recommendation, therefore, would be Swheat Scoop
Organic Cat Litter Brands
For each cat litter brand, only features that are not debatable are listed. For example, ‘unbeatable odor control’ or ‘better than any other cat litter’ is invariably left out.
We have also avoided litter brands that do not explicitly state the components, as well as brands with baking soda, just to be on the safe side.
(You might also want to read our comprehensive post on Flushable Cat Litter; all of the brands mentioned there use renewable resources to make their litter and are completely biodegradable).
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Oxbow Eco Straw Litter
This is not cat litter per se. Instead, it is a straw based litter for small animals. However, its odor absorption capacity is reportedly awesome, and definitely worth a try.
Some of our readers have talked about their success with alternative litters such as this one – who knows, this might be just right for your cat.
If you are allergic to straw, this could make your hands itch. However, it is always recommended that you handle litter with gloved hands, so that shouldn’t be a problem if you otherwise find it useful.
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Yesterday’s News Original Formula Cat Litter (Unscented)
Chemical free and safe for your cat; 100 percent natural and organic cat litter made from recycled newspaper.
Has excellent odor control properties and is recommended by veterinarians especially for post-operative care.
As if recycled newspaper pellets weren’t eco friendly enough, this organic cat litter brand comes in recyclable packaging as well (unlike some brands who still use plastic).
User reviews also indicate that it is dust free and with low tracking, but we have found observations with regard to these aspects of cat litter highly subjective and frequently contradictory!
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ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter – 100% reclaimed wood
All natural and pet safe; no chemicals, silica dust or fragrances.
ökocat is not really a new brand. It has been a leading natural litter brand in Europe for the last 15 years under the label ‘Cat’s Best’. Currently, it is also manufactured in the USA.
Apart from reclaimed wood, ökocat also uses paper which is made by processing the same reclaimed wood.
The company does not use recycled paper on purpose since newspaper and other printed paper would invariably contain ink and dyes. They aim to make a completely safe and natural litter for cats and if you can get over the tracking issues, this could be The Organic Cat Litter you’ve been looking for.
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Van Ness Zeolite Replacement Filter for Cat Litter Boxes
We have listed this replacement filter because it uses Zeolite, a volcanic rock that has superior odor absorption capacity (it releases the odor when kept in the sun after which it can be used again). Plus, it is non-toxic and biodegradable.
Yes, it needs its own enclosed cat litter box which you can check out by clicking here.
We are thinking of using zeolite for odor elimination in our shelter. If we do, a review shall be in order!
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Swheat Scoop Multi Cat Natural Clumping Cat Litter
This one is made from wheat, is completely biodegradable and non-toxic.
Of all the organic cat litter brands, we recommend Swheat highly not because we have used it but because raw wheat chaff has worked for us. However, some consumers have reported finding bugs (mostly harmless, but bugs…!!) inside sealed packets and bugs crawling around in used litter. It is gross, yes, but not really a cause for concern if you scoop out the used and clumped parts of the litter everyday (which is what you are supposed to do – you don’t flush your toilet once a week, do you? ).
As for bugs inside sealed packs, well, some people have all the (weird) luck!
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Also, here’s the scoop on Swheat Scoop: It was instrumental in causing an explosion that prompted the US Government to shut down a nuclear waste facility with 15 years of perfect record !!
World’s Best Cat Litter
There are four varieties to choose from: Clumping, Multiple Cat Clumping, Forest Scented and Advanced Pine Blend (made with real pine)
World’s Best is made from whole kernel corn and 100% natural plant / wood fibers. It is safe for both septic and sewer based toilet systems. It has good odor control and clumping properties. The pine blend was created for people who might prefer that scent but the odor can be too strong for some users and their cats.
The original sales copy is good enough to quote:
World’s Best Cat Litter Original Strength is an all-natural litter made from whole-kernel corn. Why Corn? Corn has a unique microporous structure that provides a large surface area to effectively trap and absorb ammonia. By using Corn, it’s safe for both cats and kittens without worrying of ingestion, dust or allergy problems. World’s Best Cat Litter is 99% dust free, containing no clays, silica, synthetic binding or dust reducing agents found in other litters.
Despite the somewhat pompous name, World’s Best is supposed to be very good, and certainly worth a try. Also, In addition to using renewable methods to manufacture biodegradable and safe litter, World’s Best also has an altruistic side which we do appreciate. Each purchase adds up to a donation of litter to shelter cats. In their own words:
Cats light up your life. When you purchase World’s Best Cat Litter™, you help support GiveLitter™, and make life a little better for thousands of cats in shelters.
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Also read our comprehensive guide to choosing a flushable cat litter from among a list of litters that are completely biodegradable and environment-friendly.
I’ve been using “Smart Cat” litter made from grass seed. It really works great, clumps extremely well, and has virtually no smell, but is really expensive! Anyone know how this is made, or if I can simply use regular grass seed?
Never heard of this one, but sounds mighty interesting! Thank you for telling us about it, will see if I can gather enough info to write an article on it. As for your question, I’m sorry I have no answer at the moment… hope one of our visitors is able to help you out.
I’ve had cats all my life. In the beginning I used regular non-clumping clay litter. Then I heard about the clumping corn litters and used them for years. Then I had some cats urinating outside the litter box, so I tried some clumping litters. They seemed to like it better. But some of the brands were so dusty I couldn’t use it and there was dust all around the house. I have a cat with asthma and that’s my main concern. So I found a knew brand of silica cat litter, stating dust free. But when I poured it into the box I saw this dust flying around. Then got conflicting info on the internet. I’m worried about my cats and I inhaling any kind of litter dust. Please advise which is the best dust free cat litter and safest to use. Thank you!
Hi Diane,
Obviously, your vet would be the best person to advise you on this issue. However, you can read about a silica cat litter which claims to be completely safe, here: http://kapush.net/cat-litter/silica-gel-cat-litter-problems/
Please scroll down to the content after the sub-heading ‘ Is Any Silica Gel Cat Litter Safe?’
We have been using a mix of fine saw dust and wheat chaff. I usually spray a mix of citronella oil and water over the fresh litter before the cats get a chance to use it to minimize the dust.
If you find a good alternative litter that helps your cats, please let us know.
Thank you for visiting.
Wheat-based or nut-based litters can have the same problems with the molds as corn-based. The safety of the pine or cedar or sawdust is up in the air, and definitely not safe for cats with asthma or other sensitivities. I cannot use wood-based litters as I am very allergic. Some litters use zeolite which is a clay litter. They claim it is completely safe, but zeolite is also on the lists of carcinogenic substances, as well as causing problems if inhaled or ingested. The only one I have found that seems to have no health problems associated with it is the safflower seed litter used with the Smart Cat Box system. I have not tried this yet, but so far it seems to be the safest available. http://truthaboutpetfood.com/caution-to-use-of-corn-based-cat-litters/
Thanks for your observation, Tyne. Since our cats stay mostly outdoor in an enclosed space, we have the luxury of mixing litter with ordinary garden soil and that and a little bit of water sprayed on to the mix ensure that things don’t get too dusty for the cats. Never tried safflower, though … if you do, please consider posting your experience here.
Hi Diane, when I redirected my old site from kapush.net to kapush.org I lost some comments. This was posted in reply to your comment by HB (******@comcast.net) on 2016/05/26 at 10:06 pm :
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To Diane about silica sand cat litters; I’ve been a cat parent to 2 cats for 12 years until this past Sunday when the oldest died of undetected lung cancer. All their lives I used what seemed to be the safest/cleanest litter for them always opting for silica sand. However, I have always been concerned about the dust that flies up when scooping or even when the cats cover. My beloved little friend who died never had any diseases or parasites and all his lab tests, etc came back negative. The only culprit left for me to conclude for his demise was perhaps genetic predisposition but the daily exposure to silica dust that has been proven to cause lung legions & in extreme cases, cancer of which my poor cat died.
For that reason I’m here on this site, looking for a safer litter for the surviving brother who is a year younger, hoping I’m not too late!
The above article does not address the health risks from the use of organic litters. Kitty litter made from grains such as corn or wheat is susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin producing Aspergillus. Grains are particularly susceptible to infection if stored in warm temperatures and moist environments – exactly like your cat litter box. Aflatoxin exposure predominately attacks the liver and can lead to a whole host of serious illnesses.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/041255_kitty_litter_bentonite_clay_harmful_ingredients.html##ixzz31hR3SvVU
Hi Knowledge,
Thank you for the insight. I’ll certainly read up on this and, perhaps, write a separate article on it for our readers.
I do not agree with any of the above cat litters being organic, they may be compostable and biodegradable, but where are teh organic Certification?? our cat litter CATSENS is certified ORGANIC by LETIS S.A.