7 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Litters of Clay litter is the plastic shopping bag of the litter world: a convenient solution that, in one-use, converts non-renewable natural resources directly into waste. Toileting, also called inappropriate elimination, refers to a cat that has found a place to do their business outside of the litter box. We will be testing these litters with other cats in the near future to find out. It appears the litter comes in plastic packaging, and it is unclear whether the packaging can be recycled. Intact males are most commonly those that spray, but fixed males and females can engage in the behavior, too. I love this! no new trees are cut down to make this litter). What Is Cat Litter Made Of? 10 Different Materials It can also potentially cause silicosis/lung disease or lung cancer. While corn is biodegradable, wed like to see more information from Worlds Best regarding how their corn is sourced, particularly since corn can be a problematic crop when it comes to water usage and soil stewardship. If odor control is top of your list of priorities, go for the Multi-Cat Pellets instead. We welcome your feedback. Also, its a bad idea to put animal waste in your garden because of the parasites it might contain. Scent: Many cats are sensitive to scent. Every day, dispose of cat poo and stir the remaining cat litter to disperse the urine (coconut naturally absorbs the smell of cat urine). We highlight products and services you might find interesting. I just love everything about it natural or not!!! And I love it for my rabbit! 1. Your email address will not be published. Given the environmental destruction and potential health implications associated with traditional litter choices (clay & silica gels), it makes sense that natural cat litters are growing in preference and popularity. It is worth the extra cost. Alternatively, consider having one litter box per cat (and maybe even one spare for good measure). I have one cat on medicine that gives him really messy poops, and this litter has really helped litter not get stuck to his paws. Both their acquisition and disposal have less of an environmental impact than strip-mined clay litter. Frugal eco-conscious cat owners might consider making their own cat litter by repurposing everyday materials that would otherwise end up in the waste stream. Better safe than sorry protect the sea otters and dont flush your cat poop. The litter has a small pellet shape with built-in baking soda to neutralize odors. Some people think flushing cat litter is wrong, but it's perfectly acceptable when done correctly. It also comes in recyclable paper packaging. The walnut shells are biodegradable and natural, and as a food industry byproduct, they Recently, the rise of natural cat litter has skyrocketed. Its so important to choose a natural, eco friendly cat litter and also stay mindful of how that litter can potentially affect your health and the health of your cat. Wheat and corn can also set off allergies. I will be using this litter exclusively going forward. But whether your favorite nickname for your cat is Chomk, Smol Bean, or Magnificent Fluffy Princess, one of the best ways to support your cat living their best life is providing a sustainable natural cat litter. One of the most popular walnut cat litters is Naturally Fresh Cat Litter. Corn-based litter is made from (you guessed it!) There is never any odor either. Unfortunately, other than the all-natural claim on their plant-based cat litters, Pioneer Pet doesnt provide much information about their sustainability practices. Or have you already made the switch to natural clumping litter? A behaviorist can help identify what is triggering the behavior and offer solutions. The clumping is first-rate compared to other cat litter I've tested. LINK, A paper cat litter of which 80% is made from recycled paper. Size: 25" L x 16.75" W x 9" H. Material: Plastic. They have a coarse sandy texture and generate very minimal dust, making them a good option for cats with respiratory issues, according to Satchu. LINK (Company); LINK (Amazon), A 100% biodegradable, clumping cat litter made of grass. The walnut shells are biodegradable and natural, and Learn how your comment data is processed. In our testing, we found that wood litters as a whole were least successful at forming tight easy-to-remove clumps compared to their natural competitors. It offers a variety of eco Eco-Friendly Litter If you purchase a Tuft + Paw productwhether it be their Really Great Cat Litter or feline furniturewith the intention of donating it to a cat shelter, that product is automatically 50% off. It's a game-changer in feline waste management, and I'm willing to bet your kitty (and your nose) will thank you for it. Made from upcycled food waste, Littermaid Premium Walnut Litterclumps tightly and produces very little dust. ko is the 80% of the soya bean is used to make tofu, while the other 20% usually goes to waste. Sometimes, litter can include natural scents that arent harmful to the nasal passages. But overall, we think this is the best eco-friendly cat litter you can buy this year. Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter is an absolute gem of a product that I (and Cleo and Pumpkin) love. The wood fibers kocat uses complies with the standards set by all three major forestry certifications: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). 2023 Sustainable Jungle | All rights reserved, 9 Eco Friendly Pet Products That Are Paw-Sitivly Impactful, 5 Bamboo Pet Products For Sustainable Pet Parenting, 9 Eco-Friendly Dog Toys That Arent Ruff On The Planet. Sometimes this comes down to what variety of litter a cat was exposed to early on. 99.7% dust-free and 100% non-toxic. cat litter Environmentally friendly cat litter is quickly growing in popularity as people realize the potential health concerns and environmental destruction associated with clay and silica-based cat litters. Eco-Friendly This may seem dim and dreary, but dont let it get you meow-n! Scientific studies have also found that T. gondii from flushed cat feces poses a threat to marine mammals like sea otters. Eco-Friendly Cat 99% dust free. One of the most popular walnut cat litters is Naturally Fresh Cat Litter. But thanks to increased concern for cats health and the environment, there are plenty of greener options out there. Best With Baking Soda: Arm & Hammer Feline Pine Platinum. One of the biggest benefits of walnut cat litter is that its an environmentally friendly choice. Try a bag out for a month and if you or your cat(s) dont take to it, perhaps try a different type until you find one that you love. Many litters are created using sustainable It is free of toxic inks, dyes, and synthetic chemical additives. The litter prevented the escape of odors if I cleaned the box twice a day, but in the last few days of our three-week testing period, an ammonia scent was increasingly obvious even with frequent cleaning. Its also evident that the litter gives off significant amounts of dust. The wood comes from scraps salvaged from furniture and musical instrument factories. If youre trying to figure out what is the best natural cat litter, here is a list and description of the most popular eco-friendly cat litter available in the US, by primary ingredient. Every time I dumped used litter, I felt guilty about the waste I was directing to the landfill. This means we have several options Ive based the below descriptions for each sustainable cat litter brand on the manufacturers website. Also, the paper packaging is compostable and recyclable. Tuft + Paws Environmentally Friendly Cat Litter. Virtually dust-free and compostable, but the plastic packaging is not recyclable. Theres no need to ever dump the whole box out & only need to refresh whats been used/ removed. This walnut-based quick-clumping kitty litter is available on Amazon for $20 per 26-pound We also looked for transparent information regarding what goes on under the litter box lid (AKA the manufacturing of sustainable cat litter). Made from sorghum grass, the litter has a light wheat-cereal scent that helps minimize odors. A healthy cat should use their litter box about 2-3 times a day, depending on factors such as age and diet. During one trial in phase one testing, a sheen of liquid was left on top of the clumps even after waiting the full 15 minutes recommended by the company before scooping. Dont paw-castinateyou, your cat, and the planet deserves better! Sometimes this behavior can be attributed to a cat's preferences: They may be communicating their disapproval of the location or size of the litter pan, the type of litter in the pan, or the cleanliness of the litter. Likewise, the chemical fragrances in many cat litters can also be toxic to cats. I tried to include a range of pellet sizes in the list of recommendations. These minerals do not break down in a landfill or compost pile, so they are not considered biodegradable, despite being naturally occurring. If youre looking to switch over to a new litter One of the biggest benefits of walnut cat litter is that its an environmentally friendly choice. Its solar-powered production also uses 42% fewer fossil fuels, 97% fewer mineral resources, and produces 130% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than that of clay litters. The odor control of Naturally Fresh is also superb! Ill look into that further also as Im not sure Id want that in my garden, but do love the idea of no waste. You should replace the entire litter weekly. Unfortunately, not every cat is willing to switch from the litter they've become used to. Odor control is a top priority for cat parents and walnut litter does a solid job at controlling litter box smells. The best litter ingredients are biodegradable and sustainably sourced (ideally from industry byproducts). Best for Odor Control: Next Gen Pet Green Tea Fresh Cat Litter. But wait, is cat litter compostable? 100% dust-free. For the past yr, I have been using 7Pets Garfield (cassava) litter & love it though it does track, despite its claims not to. 9 Best Cat Litters With Our 2023 Top Rated Budget-Friendly Pick However, there are also varieties made from walnut shells, coconuts, wheat, bamboo, and grass seeds. While my cats preferred the texture of this sandy, soft litter over the wood litter, they didn't use it consistently day after day during our three-week testing period. I will definitely keep these alternative litters in mind as I really dont like using the clay litter we currently use. Clay expands in volume when wet, resulting in good clumping, but accidentally or improperly ingested can be dangerous to cats. Plus, it's lightweight and easy to handle. Still, Littermaid's walnut litter stood out in a couple of ways. The walnut shells are biodegradable and natural, and as a food industry byproduct, they would otherwise go to waste. I added 1/4 cup of water to determine how quickly and easily the liquid was absorbed and how solidly it held together in clumps. Before testing for this article, I'd never used walnut kitty litter before. This results in a soft, fluffy cat litter that's a hit with most cats. What the litter is made from was the most significant factor in my decision-making process. A study by the University of California found that more than 40% of live otters and more than 60% of dead otters along its waters were infected by Toxoplasma gondii. One of the most popular walnut cat litters is Naturally Fresh Cat Litter. When they did, it absorbed liquids quickly and formed clumps that, though easier to scoop than competitors in this category, broke apart more than the corn/grain, grass, and walnut litter varieties. 11 Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litters in 2023 Reviews & Top Picks Not an issue if you regularly scoop and top up (but something to bear in mind). Dr. Elseys Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Litter Dr. Elseys has been hailed as the best overall pick in scoopable clumping litters for many households, ringing in at 40 pounds per bag and outperforming many other more expensive brands. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Cat Litter Pan Lucky Champ. To kill potential parasites and pathogens, its recommended that cat feces decompose for a minimum of six months in higher-heat settings (AKA hot compost) or two years in regular home composting settings. sWheat scoop is an eco-friendly cat litter brand that uses renewable wheat and corn. It had incredible scent control, no dust, and the least tracking of any litter weve tried by far. A good corn/grain litter produces minimal dust, clumps solidly, fights odors with a natural cereal scent, and is safe if accidentally (or intentionally) ingested by the cat. A pine cat litter made 100% from reclaimed pine (i.e. Unfortunately, the only local store that carried it (in 10lb bags as online prices/ sizes are ridiculously expensive! kocat is affiliated with the Pet Sustainability Coalition, an organization that is committed to advance sustainable practices in the pet industry. Besides being inexpensive, it is easy to handle, has a pleasant odor, and is biodegradable and compostable. The subscription management is simple, and you can easily pause and cancel as and when you need. Scoop the waste, and used litter into a biodegradable poop bag, and put in to your normal household waste bin. making sure our pets live their best lives. What is walnut cat litter? Does the eco-friendly alternative really Dr. Elseys Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Litter Dr. Elseys has been hailed as the best overall pick in scoopable clumping litters for many households, ringing in at 40 pounds per bag and outperforming many other more expensive brands. It absorbs odors quickly, leaving my home smelling fresh with no artificial scents. Natural litter can be an attractive choice for humans too. As such, flush-ability should be irrelevant to litter selection. The litter also controls odors before they start by absorbing liquid on contact, which prevents enzymes from binding with liquid and waste and fosters a fresh smelling litter box. It's made from 100% reclaimed wood and offers exceptional natural odor control (something that all cat owners can appreciate!). No fear if he decides to chew on a pellet :). Cats Pride Fresh and Light Hypoallergenic Cat Litter is a superior option for cat owners searching for an effective and safe cat litter for their furry friend with allergies. Clay and silica litters are mineral based, so even in the proper conditions, those cat litters will not break down nearly as quickly as plant based cat litters. Pingback: The Zero Waste Cat - Paws and Pines, Pingback: The Ultimate Guide to Holistic Living For Beginners - TALES OF A SCRUNCHY MOM. No more sweeping twice a day. This YouTube video from Howcast gives some great tips on making cat litter from old newspapers and baking soda. Types of Cat Litter and Their Impacts on the Environment Clay Cat Litter This is the most popular type of cat litter as it is cheap, easy to dispose of, and has high absorbency. Cats who are sensitive to dust or like the occasional litter boxsnack may benefit from a natural cat litter after a veterinarian has checked for underlying medical problems. Explore our digital archive back to 1845, including articles by more than 150 Nobel Prize winners. Thanks for sharing! For fully plant-based cat litter, Pet Sustainability Coalition member kocat offers recycled wood fiber litter thats free from fragrances, dyes, and added chemicals. Natural cat litter has the benefit of being compostable, virtually dust-free, and made of more renewable and sustainable sources than traditional clay litters. It does an excellent job and is reasonably priced. Shoshi also holds a doctorate in anthropology and writes about travel, history, and food for a variety of publications. "The nice thing about natural options is that the scents tend to be less intense than the intentionally scented ones," said McKechnie. I find that the pellets are absorbent, but they do hold on to odors which can become stinky after a few days. LINK. Eco-Friendly Cat Litter I evaluated the shape, texture, softness, and weight of each litter, measuring 1/4 cup on a kitchen scale for the latter. Cleaning the litter box is also a breeze with this litter. In fact, the manufacturer claims that one bag of this litter will last as long as three bags of clay litter. To avoid waste, we test products on an as needed basis. Having lived on their own (1 for almost 7 yrs) in the AZ desert before she decided to trust me forever I was so afraid of them not adapting to becoming inside cats and/or not using a litter box so type of litter was a huge concern. Is cat litter bad for the environment? No more bagging clumps. I also tested several non-clumping litter options too. It also forms tight, easy-to-scoop clumps that make cleaning the litter box a breeze (and let's be honest, anything that makes scooping poop easier is a winner in my book). For long-haired cats, litter with small pellets is not a good idea, as it can get stuck in their fur and become matted. One of the biggest benefits of walnut cat litter is that its an environmentally friendly choice. Pros: Clumps tightly, easy to clean, very little dust, good odor control. However, before you toss cat feces into any type of indoor compost bin or outdoor pile, be knowledgeable of proper procedure and uses for the compost. Not only that, but a lot of conventional cat litter is full of fillers, dust, and chemicals that arent good for you, the air in your home, or most of all, your feline friend. Marking is different from toileting in that it typically occurs on vertical instead of horizontal surfaces. Weve rounded up some of the best eco-friendly cat litters to ensure the only nasty stuff inside that litter box is something that came from your cat. If you click through and make a purchase or sign up for a program, I may earn a commission. Best natural cat litter overall: World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter -See at ChewyQuick-absorbing World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litterlocks up offensive odors in tight clumps of compressed corn. Our natural cat litter testing methodology, Journal of the American Veterinary Association, testing methodology at the end of this guide, how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products, World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter, Pioneer Pet Smart Cat All Natural Clumping Litter, World's Best Original Unscented Natural Corn Litter, Naturally Fresh Multi-Cat Ultra Odor Control Litter, The best products to protect your furniture from cat scratching, The best automatic cat feeders for wet and dry food, The best cat food for kittens, adult cats, and seniors, The best flea preventives and treatments for cats, The best online veterinary services for your pets, The best cat toothpaste, toothbrush, dental treats, and water additive. Relative to the other natural litters we tested, walnut litters have less of a natural scent and do a slightly worse job at preventing ammonia odors from escaping. These options are more sustainable for the planet, and are often a healthier option for both your cat and your entire householdespecially when paired with other eco-friendly pet products. Sustainability Along with thinking about where the litter ends up, its important to consider where it begins. Cats can hide, nap, scratch, and play on the Ripple Rug. Together we can make a difference today & save tomorrow. Of all litters, I would give it a 10 out of 10 score! Its very dusty and I know definitely not the most environmentally friendly thing one can do. Check the label on the bag before buying, as some litter is not recommended for long-haired cats. When we looked for the best eco-friendly cat litter, we paid close attention to the renewability of litter ingredients and biodegradability, first and foremost. As these eggs have an extremely tough outer shell, sewage treatment facilities may not be able to kill them before returning the treated wastewater into the open waters. Granulated, clay-based cat litter is still sold today. The entire batch of litter should be disposed of after 15 days. We, as cat providers, go through a huge quantity of kitty litter through the years. I also clean by hand every day every other, w a vinyl glove on. Required fields are marked *. A paper based cat litter made from recycled paper (i.e., newspapers, magazines, phone directories). This walnut-based quick-clumping kitty litter is available on Amazon for $20 per 26-pound bag. I honestly did not know there were safer alternatives to cat litter. That means odors are kept at bay without producing a cloying perfume fragrance that many cats dislike. What Are the Most Ecofriendly Cat Litter Products on the However, crystalline silica can irritate the respiratory and digestive tract of both humans and cats. LINK, A 99% dust-free litter made from biodegradable corn. World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter was among the least expensive of the natural litters we tested and about 50% more than our favorite clay litter, Purina Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Litter. SwheatScoop Natural Wheat Litter keeps odors at bay through the power of natural enzymes in renewable wheat crops; it is low-dust and low-tracking besides being The litter is made from the sawdust, a byproduct of lumber production. The litter does not stick to the pan and is 99% dust free. ) into the best eco-friendly cat litter options available to cat owners in the US. Pros: Made from corn, wheat, and other grains; safe for ingestion; clumps well; minimizes odors with natural cereal scent; produces very little dust, Cons: Can have a rocky texture that deters some cats. It is typical for cats to urinate two to four times a day and defecate once or twice a day, but every cat is different some may go more or less frequently than others. Their other sustainable litter is Scoop Tofu, a clumping litter made of a soybean byproduct. Looking for an environmentally friendly kitty litter? As conscious pet parents, we often have more questions than we do cats. Worlds Bests website is chock-full of resources for current and prospective cat owners, from guidance on how to choose the right shelter to pros and cons of adopting a senior special needs kitty. WebBentonite and Silica for Clumps. Ingested or inhaled (even through normal use), this dust can be detrimental to both cats and humans by damaging the lungs and respiratory tract. Plus, the packaging is also 30% recycled, which I appreciate because it means less landfill waste. This litter is biodegradable and is 99% dust free. Cat Litter For most of us, this is the easiest and best option to get rid of your cats waste. GRASS SEED litter is just so light & almost fluffy feeling and absolutely have had no problem tracking (though not much, walnut litter does track initially out of the box). The best cat litter type is a biodegradable litter made out of an industry byproduct. I love that I can set and forget and will get litter delivered for free on a regular schedule. Beyond sea otters, Toxoplasma gondii may very well become a widespread humanpublic health problemwith the potential to infect the brain and increase suicide rates. Or are there more eco-friendly ways for your cat to do its business? If you're even in doubt, it's best to get professional help to address the issue quickly and keep your kitty safe and healthy. kocat Super Soft was the most expensive wood litter we tested, but it lasts at least as long, if not longer than the others the company recommends changing the litter only every two to four months for a single cat. With Tuft & Paw, it's smooth sailing all the way. She is the owner of Modern Hound Dog Training in California's Bay Area and a former instructor at the San Francisco SPCA. If you generally change the entire litter box weekly anyways, perhaps Yesterdays News paper cat litter or CatSpot coconut litter is a good choice for you. One of the biggest benefits of walnut cat litter is that its an environmentally friendly choice. One of the biggest benefits of walnut cat litter is that its an environmentally friendly choice. Some I tried were rubbish, and some were just okay.
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