Top 10 Zero Waste Cat Litters and Litter Boxes
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The Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter on the List:
sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Cat Litter. We think this is the best choice because it is 100% biodegradable, making it a great zero-waste option! And if you don’t have time to run to the pet store, it is sold on Amazon too - we love convenient options!
If this one doesn’t check all your boxes, we have compiled a list of great cat litter choices for you and your feline friend below!
Hey cat parents! Are you looking for a great kitty litter for your furry friend that’s kinder to the planet than the conventional litter you’re currently using? Read ahead to discover which companies are using sustainable practices to create eco friendly cat litters, without compromising on quality. These companies are covering all their bases, from using natural products and biodegradable materials to keeping fragrances off their list of ingredients. So if you’ve been looking for a new litter that’s both sustainable and effective, then check out our favorites below!
But First, What’s Wrong With Conventional Cat Litter?
Your own litter may very well be filled with toxic fragrances and ingredients. Many companies also use crystalline silica or sodium bentonite clay, both of which can be extremely harmful to cats if ingested or inhaled. Aside from the health risks they pose to your cats, if you have small children in your home with respiratory illnesses or sensitivities, cat litter with dust production, especially silica dust, can be harmful to them as well.
How to Keep Your Cat’s Litter Box Sanitary and Sustainable?
Traditional litter boxes are made using plastic, some of which include BPA and other harmful chemicals - which is bad news for our planet, you, and your pets! The good thing is that there are now plenty of alternatives on the market for you to choose from! Our favorite litter box options are ones made from stainless steel and compostable materials, each of which are on our list below!
And who likes a fresh litter box even more than you? Your cat! It is vitally important to properly maintain your cat’s litter box and change out the litter at the frequency recommended on the bag or box your litter comes in. A dirty litter box can cause serious health hazards for both your cat and any human that comes in contact with it (especially if those humans aren’t washing their hands immediately and properly…which sadly, most don’t). Also, if you use cat litter mats, it is important to wash them frequently and keep them clean and dry to prevent bacteria growth.
Disclaimer to all cat owners. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that can be transmitted from cat feces to you. Use precautions when handling your cat litter box and any solid waste. Always be sure to maintain a sanitary litter box and thoroughly wash your hands after any contact with it. Anyone with weakened immune systems or who is pregnant should not handle any cat pee, cat waste or cat litter.
Here are the Top Environmentally Friendly Options on the Market Today!
1. Stainless Steel Cat Litter Boxes
Stainless steel, unlike much of the plastic used in traditional litter boxes, is recyclable - making this a much friendlier option! Stainless steel doesn’t rust or scratch so odors and bacteria are less likely to stick around like they do with plastic little boxes. The smooth edges and sides are naturally non-stick, making clean-up even easier!
(affiliate link)
2.Disposable Cat Litter Box (5 Pack Of Trays) Eco Friendly 100% Recycled Paper Cat Tray
This is a unique and very sanitary option! These disposable cat litter boxes are made using 100% recycled paper. They are biodegradable and compostable, making them a great eco-friendly option! You can use them as a stand alone litter tray, or a liner in the stainless steel option listed above (just check the dimensions first to ensure you choose the correct size for your litter box).
(affiliate link)
3. sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Cat Litter
If biodegradable materials are important to you, check out this cat litter. We chose this as the best zero waste cat litter on our list. It is made from 100% wheat that is farm-grown and renewable.
100% biodegradable cat litter
Quickly eliminates odors
Unscented
99.5% dust-free
(affiliate link)
4. Boxiecat Eco Farm to Box Premium Ultra Sustainable Clumping Cat Litter
This is one of the best natural cat litter options on the market. Boxiecat Eco Farm to Box Premium Ultra Sustainable Clumping Cat Litter is made with natural materials and plant-based ingredients that come from sustainable farming practices. It is easy to scoop and eco-friendly, without compromising quality or performance.
Soft, red wheat and perennial rye
Recyclable packaging
Unscented
Made in the United States of America
5. WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER Comfort Care Unscented
This cat litter is another great choice! It is flushable and septic safe, so if that's something on your check list this could be the perfect litter for you!
Unscented
Quick clumping cat poop
99% Dust Free
Made in the USA
6. Sustainably Yours Large Grains Cat Litter, 10-lb bag
Here is another clean litter option for you! Sustainably Yours Large Grains Cat Litter is a large-grain and plant-based cat litter. The only ingredients are corn and cassava!
Corn-based cat litter
Unscented
Virtually dust-free
Easy to clean
Instantly forms firm clumps
Made in Brazil
7. CATALYST PET Multi-Cat Formula Cat Litter
This is one of the most sustainable options available. CATALYST PET Multi-Cat Formula Cat Litter is made from sustainably upcycled softwood, which gives a second life to natural wood fibers. It is quick to clump upon contact with cat feces and ultra absorbent. It also has natural odor control, keeping your area smelling fresh and clean.
Dust-free
easy scoop
8. Purina Tidy Cats Natural Cat Litter, Naturally Strong Multi Cat Kitty Litter, Recyclable Box
If you’re looking for clay-based litters, this is a great option for you! It comes in recyclable packaging to reduce its carbon footprint - extra points for sustainability!
100% natural, clay clumping cat litter
99.9% dust-free
Unscented
(affiliate link)
9. Ökocat Original Natural Wood Cat Litter
This is another great biodegradable litter option. This cat litter is made from clean wood fibers, which naturally prevent ammonia formation and odor production.
Unscented
Non-toxic
Biodegradable
99% dust free
Plant-based
Naturally lightweight
(affiliate link)
10. Tuft & Paw Cat Litter
This brand is based in North America. This tofu litter comes in a unique pellet shape to prevent tracking, which is especially helpful for long-haired cats.
Dust-free
Created from soybean byproducts
100% flushable
Unscented
Dye-free
(affiliate link)
Didn't Find What You Were Looking for?
If you’re looking for a different type of litter, other great options are those made from walnut shells, grass seed, or recycled paper. If you’re looking for a compostable litter, I would first encourage you to look into the safety of composting material containing pet waste (even if you remove the cat feces and urine clumps prior to composting), especially if you use your compost bin to feed your vegetable garden.
Nonetheless, remember that our goal is to create a more sustainable future, so focus on progress over perfection. Making one thoughtful change in your routine will go a long way. If you feel overwhelmed or aren’t sure where to start, focus on changing just one thing today, and over time all those small changes will really add up!
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