The 7 best natural cat litters, tested and reviewed

Most cats prefer fine-grained, unscented clumping litter, which is typical of quality clay formulas. That said, depending on your needs, the best natural cat litters can be a good alternative. Clay litter often produces dust that can irritate both cats and people, but some natural litters are nearly dust-free. They're also more eco-friendly, since they're biodegradable and typically sourced more sustainably than clay or silica gel. Plus, thanks to their fibrous materials and natural scents, natural litters are effective at absorbing urine and controlling odors.

To choose the best natural cat litter, freelance pets reporter Shoshi Parks and I consulted veterinarians and cat behaviorists. Over the course of five years, we've collectively tested two dozen formulas with five different cats. My top pick is Sustainably Yours Small-Grain Formula, a corn-and-cassava blend with a soft texture that our tester cats loved. It forms solid clumps on contact and produces no detectable scent or dust. Natural litters are often more expensive than clay, but affordable options are available. World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter is a budget-friendly, high-quality corn-based option. It clumps quickly, controls odors effectively, and performs well even in multi-cat households.

That said, not all cats are willing to switch from their usual litter. Veterinarians and behavior specialists say cats are creatures of habit and often prefer familiar materials over new ones. We saw this firsthand during testing: two cats were hesitant and used the unfamiliar litter only occasionally, while three others from different households adapted with little trouble.

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Our top picks for the best natural cat litters

Best overall: Sustainably Yours Small-Grain Formula - See at Chewy

Best budget: World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter- See at Chewy

Best pine pellet: Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Litter - See at Chewy

Best wood: Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter -See at Chewy

Best walnut: Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter - See at Chewy

Best wheat: Arm & Hammer Plant Power Lightweight Formula - See at Chewy

Best grass: SmartCat Clumping Grass Litter - See at Chewy

Best overall

After four and a half years using World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter, my two cats made it clear that Sustainably Yours had become their new favorite. At first, I doubted it would earn the top spot among the best natural cat litters, especially since my cats spent the first couple of days playing in the corn- and cassava-based litter instead of using it. But once they began using it regularly, I was impressed with its strong clumping ability, reliable odor control, and long-lasting performance. It also produced the least dust of any natural litter I tested, and I couldn't detect any scent at all.

Sustainably Yours has the softest, most sand-like texture of any formula I tried. Cats prefer this texture, and it's likely why my cats eagerly explored the litter before using it, says Rachel Geller, a certified cat behavior and retention specialist and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. The fine grains can stick to your cats' paws and track outside the box, but one of the best cat litter mats easily keeps the mess contained.

The litter's longevity more than makes up for its minor tracking issue. It formed rock-solid clumps on contact that stayed intact during scooping. One 13-pound bag was enough to fill a large litter box to a 2-inch depth, and with daily scooping, it stayed fresh for well over a month in my two-cat household.

Best budget

Eco-friendly cat litters that reduce your cat's environmental footprint, while also managing litter tracking, usually come at a premium price. But World's Best Multiple Cat Unscented Litter makes the switch from clay or silica more affordable. It costs about 40% less per pound than our top pick for the best natural cat litters, yet still delivers excellent value.

Made from compressed corn kernels and a proprietary plant-derived ingredient to enhance odor control, World's Best absorbs liquid on contact and forms solid clumps that are easy to scoop out in one piece. The natural corn-scented, fibrous material keeps odors in check, and at times, we could barely detect any urine smell. Of course, when more clumps accumulated in the box, a faint ammonia odor became noticeable. Some people are turned off by the litter's baseline scent. To me, it smells almost like fermented corn, but others on Reddit describe it as smelling like gym socks.

While its texture isn't as soft and sandy as Sustainably Yours, World's Best was gentle enough that our cats weren't deterred from using it. We also saw far less tracking compared to lighter-weight grass or walnut litter.

In my two-cat household, a 15-pound bag lasts over a month. However, despite regular scooping, I noticed an increasing ammonia odor in the final days of my three-week testing period with a traditional litter pan.

Best pine pellet

Non-clumping pellet cat litter is a practical way to keep litter from cementing in the fur of long-haired cats. Our top pick, Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Litter, is a low-dust, low-tracking litter made from kiln-dried pine shavings from reclaimed lumber.

The pine pellets work by absorbing moisture and gradually breaking down into sawdust. For best results, I recommend using this litter with a sifting litter box. The damp shavings fall into a bottom tray, leaving fresh pellets on top while you scoop the solids. In my testing, the pellets didn't absorb liquid as quickly as clumping litters. Some pellets became damp without fully breaking down enough to sift out, which can contribute to lingering odors and a dirtier box. Urine may also drain through to the lower basin of a sifting box. For this reason, I recommend adding a fresh layer of pine pellets to the bottom tray when refreshing the box. Even so, odor control remained surprisingly effective. After 12 hours, my water-vinegar odor test smelled like fresh pine rather than vinegar.

That said, many cats prefer to dig in sandy, fine-grained litters, and in my experience, cats using pellet litter are less likely to fully cover their waste, which can contribute to odors. My adult cats consistently chose to use their sandy-textured litters over this one. However, I've used this litter with foster cats and kittens, who took to it without issue. Twice daily scooping, sifting, and maintenance of the waste tray all help keep odors at bay while creating a cleaner litter box environment for your cat.

Best wood

Ökocat Super Soft Clumping Litter stood out among wood litters for its excellent odor control and superior clumping performance. Sourced from sustainably managed forests, its soft, lightweight granules are most similar to standard clay litter in texture.

During our two-week testing period, Parks's cats still favored their usual corn litter but occasionally used the Ökocat wood litter. When they did, it quickly absorbed liquids and formed clumps that were easier to scoop than other wood litters. However, the clumps were more prone to breaking apart compared to those from corn, grain, grass, and walnut-based varieties.

During testing, the litter consistently absorbed odors, prevented ammonia buildup, and gave off a fresh pine scent that was actually stronger than Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Litter. Because the litter is so lightweight, it produced moderate dust, and our cats easily tracked it outside the box.

Ökocat Super Soft was the priciest wood litter we tested, but it lasted at least as long, if not longer, than the others. The brand says the litter can last up to seven weeks with regular scooping.

Best walnut

Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter is made from non-GMO and organic crushed walnut shells. Beyond its natural and nontoxic ingredients, this natural cat litter stands out for its affordability, good clumping abilities, and effectiveness in neutralizing odors. The texture is similar to medium-grained sand with super fine particles, which the brand says are essential for its clumping ability. These particles created a small dust cloud when I poured the litter, but the dust was barely noticeable during vigorous digging by my cats or when I scooped the box.

I tested Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Litter and Multi-Cat Ultra Odor Control side-by-side in my two-cat household and found no noticeable differences between them. The brand says the multi-cat formula contains a moisture-activated probiotic that neutralizes urine and ammonia odors and minimizes the odor of cat feces, which is most useful for cats who lack burying skills. However, after conducting thorough sniff tests, I concluded the slightly cheaper Quick Clumping Litter was equally effective at minimizing odors, albeit with a slightly earthy scent. The high-fiber walnut absorbs liquid and forms clumps quickly, although clumps are prone to breaking in half or thirds.

Whether kicked out by the cats or tracked, the lightweight litter ended up on the floor, with its dark color only exacerbating the issue. Despite some litter being tossed from the box, one 2-inch fill lasted a month.

Best wheat

Arm & Hammer Plant Power Lightweight Formula is a blend of wheat and corn litter that clumps on contact. The natural grain base creates a sandy, soil-like texture that our tester cat, Matilda, was happy to dig in, use, and bury her waste in day after day.

After two weeks of testing, there was very little litter tracked outside the box, and our reporter never noticed any litter sticking to Matilda's fur. The blend also produces minimal dust, making it a solid option for pet parents looking to limit airborne particles.

Wheat is naturally absorbent, readily taking in both moisture and surrounding odors, which is why bakers store flour in airtight containers. That same quality makes wheat an effective litter material, as grain-based litters can help trap odors like ammonia before they spread throughout a room.

Although a good option for some households, people with wheat allergies should avoid this one. Some of our tester cats were also more inclined to eat wheat litter rather than use it.

Best grass

Non-GMO sorghum grass seed gives SmartCat Clumping Litter superior clumping ability. The natural fiber's high starch content absorbs liquids instantaneously, forming tight, solid clumps that do a really good job controlling odors. Because it's made from sorghum grass, it has a light wheat-cereal scent that also helps neutralize odors. It produced minimal dust, making it a good choice for cats or people with respiratory conditions.

The clumps can stick to the sides of the litter box, so you may need to do a bit of scraping to get the box fully clean. Because the litter is lightweight and made up of small granules, our cats easily tracked it outside the box, and it occasionally it stuck to the fuzzy paws of one long-haired cat. Freelance reporter Sophia Carlisle paired it with a litter matthattrapped most of the litter before it spread through the house.

Over the past few years, two testers and their cats have tried this litter. Two cats refused to use it entirely, one of my cats tried to eat it, and one of Parks's cats used it only sporadically. In our most recent round of testing, tester kitty Matilda had no qualms about using the litter consistently. As with most litters, success ultimately comes down to your cat's preferences.

What to look for in a natural cat litter

To get the scoop on what to look for in a natural cat litter based on both human and cat preferences, we consulted with six experts, including veterinary behaviorists and certified feline behaviorists.

Not all of the cat litter types we tested made our list of recommendations, and some come with caveats you may want to consider. For instance, tofu litters were the most expensive among our contenders. However, they turned into a goopy mess when urinated in, making scooping a sticky challenge. Although a good option for some households, wheat litter is not suitable for those with wheat allergies. We also noticed that some of our tester cats were more inclined to eat wheat and grass litter rather than use it.

Here are other important factors to consider when choosing a natural cat litter:

Clumping ability: With the exception of our pine pellet litter recommendation, our picks for the best natural cat litter are clumping because they simplify litter box maintenance and keep the litter fresher for longer. We also tested natural non-clumping litters and discovered that removing soiled material was challenging, which can cause some cats to avoid the litter box, create unpleasant odors, and necessitate more frequent litter changes.

Scent and odor control: A litter doesn't need to be scented to control odors. In fact, the best cat litter works by neutralizing bad smells rather than masking them with fragrance, and this is better for cats, too. “Cats have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell,” says Dr. Katherine Pankratz, a veterinarian and behavioral medicine clinician at Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland Oregon. “When litter contains scent, it could be noxious and potentially aversive to cats, leading them to want to eliminate elsewhere.”

To ensure effective odor trapping or neutralization, opt for litters with natural starches that form tight clumps to lock in odors effectively. For instance, Sustainability Yours uses cassava starch as a clumping agent. Some natural litters may contain baking soda to neutralize odors. Wood and walnut formulas naturally absorb liquid and neutralize odors.

Texture: According to our experts, cats prefer a soft, grainy substrate most similar to sand. Substrate that is too large or sharp could prove challenging to dig and may even be uncomfortable on your cat's paw pads.

Dust: When you’re pouring and scooping litter or when your cat is digging, you want a litter that doesn't produce a large cloud of dust. Dust can irritate humans' and cats' respiratory systems, leading to coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Natural litters typically produce less dust than clay and silica litter and don’t contain bentonite, a clay that can be harmful to humans when inhaled.

Price: The simplest way to compare cat litter prices is by calculating the price per pound. In our testing, we also considered the longevity of each litter, as the price per pound doesn't always correspond to the monthly cost. For example, Sustainability Yours, priced at $1.81 per pound in January 2024, may not seem like a good value at first glance. However, we found that the litter remained fresh throughout the month, and we only replenished the litter because it was low rather than stinky.

Sustainability: "By switching to natural litters that are compostable or biodegradable, we can help our planet," says Dr. Zay Satchu, chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet. Natural litters are often made from sustainable resources, such as responsibly managed forests, upcycled food waste, and quick-growing plants. Their acquisition and disposal have a lower environmental impact than strip-mined clay litter. To ensure the natural litter you're considering is committed to eco-friendly initiatives, check their website for sustainability reports, goals, and transparency regarding their materials sourcing and processing methods.

How we tested the best natural cat litters

We tested the natural cat litters by comparing litters of the same material side by side to evaluate their absorption and clumping abilities, dustiness, scent, and texture. Then, the top two litters in each category underwent additional testing for two to four weeks to assess odor control and tracking. Below are the additional characteristics we examined for each litter.

Litter weight, shape, and softness: According to our experts, cats generally prefer a soft, grainy substrate that is easy to dig. We evaluated the shape and grain size using a kitchen strainer, texture by touch, and weight by measuring an equal volume of each litter on a kitchen scale.

Dust: One of the reasons veterinarians recommend natural litters is because they tend to be lower in dust than the average clay litter, making them a good option for cats and people with respiratory issues. We observed how much dust was emitted when pouring and scooping the litter and how much stuck to the sides of the pan.

Scent: Many cats are sensitive to scent. Even natural scents like those of wood litter can make some cats avoid their litter box, says Dr. Christine Calder, a veterinary behaviorist and owner of Calder Veterinary Behavior Services. We did a careful sniff test of each litter to determine the strength of its natural scent.

Clumping ability and ease of cleaning: We compared a measured amount of each litter in matching dishes. We added 1/4 cup of water to determine how quickly and easily the liquid was absorbed and how solidly it held together in clumps. After two absorption trials, we cleaned the dishes, looking for any escaped moisture that had left clumped litter stuck to their interior.

Odor control and tracking: We tested the top litters from each category in litter boxes for two to three weeks. During twice-daily cleanings, we noted how well the litter masked odors and whether that ability changed over time. We also considered how easy it was to remove clumps and how much litter was tracked onto the floor around the litter pan. Because our tester cats were unwilling to use grass litter regularly, we could not determine how well it would control odors after weeks of use.

Cost: We compared the cost per pound of the litters. Additionally, we accounted for the longevity of the litter and the quantity needed to fill a large litter box to a preferred depth — 1.5 to 2 inches, as recommended by Geller.

Natural cat litter FAQs

Is natural cat litter good?

Natural cat litters offer several advantages. They are environmentally friendly, made from sustainable resources such as responsibly managed forests, upcycled food waste, and quick-growing plants. Additionally, these litters provide natural odor control without the intense scents found in artificially scented options, creating a more inviting environment for cats. Cats with respiratory issues may benefit from switching to a natural litter with minimal dust, according to Satchu. She says grass litters are consistently among the most dust-free of the best natural cat litters, though we found in testing that some of the walnut, wood, and grain litters produced equally minimal dust.

What is the best natural cat litter to use?

When it comes to natural cat litter, all of our experts say that the best variety is whatever one your cat is willing to use consistently day in and day out. Sometimes this comes down to what variety of litter a cat was exposed to early on. "Just like people, they have different levels of tolerance based on preference and learning history," says Micah McKechnie, a behavior and training associate at East Bay SPCA.

Is corn cat litter any good?

It can be. The best corn cat litters produce minimal dust, clump solidly, fight odors with a natural cereal scent, and are safe if accidentally or intentionally ingested by a cat. However, some corn litters have a rocky texture that may deter some cats.

Is wood cat litter better?

The plant fibers in wood litters are highly absorbent, and their natural pine scent offers the best odor control of all the natural varieties. They are also made from sustainably sourced forests or reclaimed lumber and produce minimal dust. However, in our testing, we found that wood litters were least successful at forming tight, easy-to-remove clumps compared to their natural competitors.

Is walnut litter good for cats?

Walnut litters can be a good option for some cats and households. They are made from the fibrous, absorbent shells of walnuts. This litter is processed into a sandy grain with a satisfyingly scratchable texture, but its light weight results in frequent tracking outside the litter box. Walnut litters clump well but have less of a natural scent to control odors, meaning that ammonia may be slightly more noticeable than with wood, grain, and grass formulas.

Can I use grass seed for cat litter?

Yes, you can. Satchu says grass cat litters are a good option for cats with respiratory issues since they have a coarse sandy texture and generate very minimal dust. Grass litters are produced from the seeds of grasses like sorghum. Although they are highly absorbent and their natural wheat-cereal scent masks odors, their lightweight grains track easily outside the litter box.

Can clumping litter cause blockages?

While anything that cats can't digest can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, clumping litter is not identified as a common cause. If your cat happens to eat natural litter, as our tester cats did, see your vet to rule out underlying medical issues such as gastrointestinal disease, anemia, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies as well as behavioral causes. However, if they determine your cat simply has unnatural cravings, Satchu says a grain litter is a safe alternative to clay and silica.

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