{"id":400,"date":"2011-11-16T15:03:59","date_gmt":"2011-11-16T15:03:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kapush.net\/cat-litter\/?p=400"},"modified":"2023-07-08T11:09:06","modified_gmt":"2023-07-08T05:39:06","slug":"organic-cat-litter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kapush.org\/cat-litter\/organic-cat-litter\/","title":{"rendered":"Organic Cat Litter \u2013 Limited Choices That Need Not Restrict You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Organic cat litter is one that comes with a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited certification. It is notoriously difficult to find certified organic cat litter. This article lists<\/a> the ones that we did find. The choices are terribly limited, however.<\/p>\n

Generally speaking, the definition of ‘organic’ is ‘relating to or derived from living matter’.\u00a0 Our original article from 2011 on organic cat litter was based on this.<\/p>\n

We listed ten different brands made from natural resources that were all biodegradable and ‘otherwise’ organic. Only one of them could be retained in this updated version of the article because of the strictures imposed by organic certification.<\/p>\n

Organic, As per USDA Guidelines<\/h2>\n

A cursory search did not reveal any cat litter-related definition for the word ‘organic’. So, we’ll infer the meaning of organic cat litter from what the USDA says about organic farming and food:<\/p>\n

Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible.<\/p>\n

Produce can be called organic if it\u2019s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. Prohibited substances include most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And:<\/p>\n

When packaged products indicate they are \u201cmade with organic [specific ingredient or food group],\u201d this means they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. The remaining non-organic ingredients are produced without using prohibited practices (genetic engineering, for example) but can include substances that would not otherwise be allowed in 100% organic products.<\/p>\n

As with all organic foods, none of it is grown or handled using genetically modified organisms, which the organic standards expressly prohibit.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cMade with organic\u201d products do not carry the USDA organic seal; they must, however, be approved by a USDA accredited certifier that they, nonetheless, meet USDA’s organic standards.<\/p>\n

You can read the entire Organic 101 on the USDA website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Definition of Organic Cat Litter<\/h3>\n

It is interesting that the guidelines do not mention sustainability except by implication (cultivation without using synthetic fertilizer protects the soil and is, therefore, a sustainable process).<\/p>\n

In view of all that we’ve learned so far, we could say that<\/p>\n

Organic cat litter is one that is made from non-genetically modified living matter (like plants, for example) grown without using artificial fertilizer or pesticide. It must carry either the USDA organic seal or be approved by a USDA-accredited certifier to contain nothing that does not meet USDA organic standards.<\/p>\n

Why You Don\u2019t Need USDA-Certified Cat Litter<\/h2>\n

For most cat people, the safety and comfort of their fur babies are of paramount importance. And, it is good to use products that do not harm the environment. It is even better when such products are sustainably produced. Bonus points if the manufacturer gives back to society in some manner.<\/p>\n

If all that we’ve listed above resonate with you, then you don’t need to restrict yourself to just organic cat litter. There are a number of brands and varieties to choose from that fit the description perfectly. Until we have added more reviews, please take a look at this comparison chart<\/a> for sustainably produced flushable cat litter brands. Hopefully, you will find something you like even if you are not looking to flush.<\/p>\n

That being said, you did come here looking for organic cat litter brands. We’ve listed the ones we found. If you happen to know of more, please leave a comment and let us know.<\/a><\/p>\n

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NOTE: <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Some of the brands listed below contain affiliate links.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you click them and make a purchase, we could receive a small commission – AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not all good products pay for recommendations, but we list them anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n

We’ve never listed products just because we could get paid to do so. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Our site ranks for keywords related to bentonite and silica litter but we never recommend those.<\/span><\/p>\n

An exception is Pretty Litter after we revised our silica cat litter article with additional information<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Organic Cat Litter Brands<\/h2>\n

Just a reminder in case you skipped the entire write-up and came straight to this section: these are the only brands we could find that display organic or non-GMO certification from some competent authority. There are a number of cat litter brands that use sustainably produced natural resources which we have NOT listed here because they do not carry any organic certification.<\/p>\n

Also, even though two of the litters are flushable, you should check if flushing of used cat litter is permitted where you live. We have an article<\/a> that answers frequently asked questions on flushable cat litter which may be helpful.<\/p>\n

1. Non-GMO Grass Seed Cat Litter (Only Natural Pet)<\/h3>\n

\"Non<\/a><\/p>\n

As of now, this is our first choice for the best organic cat litter.<\/p>\n

Only Natural Pet is certified B Corporation<\/a><\/strong> with an overall impact score of 86.1 per cent. All shipping is carbon neutral in partnership with Carbonfund.Org.<\/p>\n