We Tested Eco-Friendly Cat Litters and Found The 6 Best

Best Overall

Ökocat Original Low Dust Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter

4.8

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Ökocat Original Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter controls odor, clumps together for scooping, and has a crumbly texture that appeals to most cats. This plant-based cat litter is biodegradable and made from sustainably sourced wood fiber giving it a faint woodsy scent reminiscent of being outside in nature. 

For use in a littler box, the wood fiber is cut into small pieces so a cat can kick through it to cover their waste. It is naturally odor-absorbing with the power of enzymes—microscopic organisms functioning as catalysts for chemical reactions—to break down matter, such as ammonia and odor-causing bacteria found in cat pee and poop.

When scooping, the clumps stay firmly together for disposal in the trash where the litter will eventually begin to disintegrate. The particles of this litter are bigger than traditional sand-like cat litter, so you may find that the pieces don’t fall through the slots of your scoop as easily. 

The formula is low-dust with a very minimal amount emitted when pouring from the cardboard box, which is conveniently equipped with a handle and spout. It’s completely free of artificial dyes, fragrances, synthetic chemicals, and genetically modified organisms. 

It’s a reliable litter that can withstand a longer duration in a litter box before it needs to be fully cleaned out, up to seven weeks for some with daily scooping. It’s also suitable for use in a home with more than one cat. 

Price at time of publish: $20 for 13.2 pounds

_{Litter Type: Wood crumbles | Multi-Cat: Yes | Container: Box with handle | Sizes: 9.9, 13.2, 19.8 pounds}

Best Premium

Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter

4.4

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Tiny, odor-absorbing pellets made from soybean byproducts are found in each resealable bag of Tuft and Paw Really Great Cat Litter. Unlike traditional clay litter with a sand-like consistency, this litter doesn't cover solid waste so most cats need a few days to get used to the change in texture in their litter box.

The eco-friendly litter is only available with a monthly subscription through the Tuft and Paw website, and depending on the number of cats in your home, a monthly supply will consist of one to three easy-to-pour bags. If after a month you and your kitty mutually decide the litter is not a fit for your home, the subscription is easy to cancel.

The litter produces no dust but did cause slight tracking around the litter box area in our real-world testing. The fragrance-free pellets clump together with urine, and they can also be fully dissolved in water, so flushing this litter is an option. You should always refer to your local ordinance when it comes to flushing pet waste, and pee clumps made with this litter need to be broken into smaller pieces before going down the toilet.

Price at time of publish: $29 for 9.5 pounds

_{Litter Type: Soybean byproduct pellets | Multi-Cat: Yes | Container: Resealable bag | Sizes: 9.5  pounds}

Best Natural Clay

Purina Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented Cat Litter

4.8

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Purina Tidy Cats Naturally Strong Unscented Cat Litter is made with natural clay and non-toxic activated charcoal to absorb odor-causing bacteria. The fragrance-free litter produces no dust when poured or while cleaning, so it’s suitable for use in homes where respiratory issues are a concern.

The particles of this litter bond together with moisture to form clumps. We found it necessary to scoop each clump more than once because they tend to fall apart, but there was no detectable stench. This natural litter absorbs odors, so it can be used in a litter box that services more than one cat, and has a kickable consistency most cats are familiar with. We experienced minimal tracking and it was within the bounds of the litter box area.

Price at time of publish: $23 for 35 pounds

_{Litter Type: Natural clay | Multi-Cat: Yes | Container: Box with handle | Sizes:20, 35  pounds}

Best Clay Alternative

Frisco Natural Unscented Clumping Grass Cat Litter

4.3

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Frisco Natural Unscented Clumping Grass Cat Litter is completely free of added chemicals, dyes, and fragrances. The dust-free formula has a crumble consistency, which cats accustomed to clay seem to prefer over pellets. 

It’s made from grass and manufactured in the United States. The litter is lightweight and easy for eats to kick around, so tracking around the litter box is likely. However, the soft-to-the-touch litter does not easily adhere to paws so the mess stays within the bounds of where your cat freshes up. Upon contact with cat urine, the litter clumps together making it easy to scoop and extending the duration of time between full litter box cleanouts. The litter is only available at Chewy and should be disposed of properly in the trash, never flushed. 

Price at time of publish: $28 for 20 pounds

_{Litter Type: Grass | Multi-Cat: Yes | Container: Resealable bag | Sizes: 20 pounds}

Best Pellets

ExquisiCat Naturals Multi Cat Paper Pellet Cat Litter

4.8

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ExquisiCat Naturals Multi-Cat Paper Pellet Cat Litter is made from post-consumer recycled paper. The non-clumping litter is dust free and packaged in a convenient resealable bag.

The non-clumping formula is highly absorbent when it comes in contact with moisture, helping to keep the space dry and odor free, so it’s suitable for use in a home with multiple cats. The litter also contains baking soda to combat bacteria growth, and zeolite, a natural mineral used for odor control composed of silicon and aluminum. Zeolite is approved for use by the FDA, but it is not biodegradable, and depending on your needs might consist of ingredients you prefer to avoid.

Price at time of publish: $20 for 25 pounds

_{Litter Type: Paper pellets | Multi-Cat: Yes | Container: Resealable bag | Sizes: 12, 25 pounds}