Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter (2024): 6 Top Sustainable Choices

In this group test we’re evaluating and comparing the best eco-friendly cat litter options for pet parents.

While you might not spend much time thinking about the litter you buy for your cats, it’s worth noting the wrong option can negatively influence their health, contribute to unwanted smells in your home, and even have a negative impact on the environment. 

One of the most common materials used for cat litter (clay) isn’t biodegradable, and it's usually obtained using an extensive strip mining process that destroys large amounts of land. 

On top of that, it can create a lot of dust and mess too. Switching to an eco-friendly option could be a great way to protect the planet, keep your home cleaner, and even protect your kitty’s wellbeing. 

Unfortunately, if you are looking to switch to a new litter finding the right eco-friendly cat litter can be a tough task. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you, with a little help from our feline friends. 

Here are our top picks for the best eco-friendly cat litter available today.

World's Best Cat Litter Unscented is our overall choice for the best eco-friendly cat litter due to several reasons. It is made from all-natural, renewable ingredients, such as corn, which makes it biodegradable and sustainable.

Unlike clay-based litters that require extensive mining and have a significant environmental impact, World's Best Cat Litter is a more eco-conscious alternative.

Furthermore, this litter is free from artificial fragrances and chemicals, making it safe for both cats and the environment. Unscented litters are particularly beneficial for cats with sensitive noses or allergies, as they minimize potential respiratory irritations.

3 Top Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Picks– Best, Value & Premium

As consumers and pet parents around the world become increasingly concerned about sustainability, cat litter manufacturers are beginning to introduce more earth-friendly options into the market. 

However, not all options are as great for your cat or the planet as they seem. After surveying our million strong cat owner community and examining some of the most popular solutions available, we’ve narrowed our top picks down into the following three options for premium performance, overall quality, and budget-friendly excellence:

That's a quick sum up of our top three choices.

Let's now look at those in more detail and a few others that might just meet your cat's needs.

The Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter: Alternative Picks

If the options mentioned above don’t quite live up to the expectations of you or your kitty, you’re not out of luck. There are still plenty of great solutions available to explore in the eco-friendly cat litter landscape. Here are some of our other favorite products on the market today:

Buyers Guide

Finding the perfect eco-friendly cat litter can be challenging.

Not only do you need to think about the impact the product is going to have on the planet, but you also need to ensure it’s easy to use and includes the right features. The right choice for you will be something that helps to minimize odors in your home, keep your kitty comfortable, and protect the planet all at once. 

Here are a few things worth keeping in mind when choosing your eco-friendly litter:

There are other points you may need to consider too, such as the amount of dust a specific litter will create. Grass and wood-based litter may not produce a lot of silica dust, but they can still create a mess when they crumble easily. 

If you want to flush your litter rather than throw it in the bin using plastic bags, you’ll also need to determine whether your chosen product is septic-tank-friendly. 

Read this next: Best Robot Vacuum for Cat Litter: 7 Tested and Rated

What are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Cat Litter

The most obvious benefit of choosing eco-friendly cat litter is you can reduce the impact you and your furry friends have on the environment. Clay litter and non-biodegradable alternatives often end up in landfills, and have a direct impact on the planet, using up crucial resources. 

Many of these substances can also include chemicals and synthetic substances which are dangerous for the planet, and damaging to your cat’s health too. 

While non-eco-friendly cat litter might be more budget-friendly litter, and easier to scoop, it can be more problematic for both the planet and your cat’s health. Plus, if you have respiratory issues, clay-based litter could make your life more difficult too. 

Although you may need to spend a little more on an eco-friendly litter and do a little experimenting to find the right product, you can benefit from a healthier and happier cat, and a cleaner home. If your litter is septic-tank friendly, you might find cleaning up after your kitty is easier too. 

FAQs

What makes a cat litter Eco friendly?

Eco-friendly cat litter is generally made using earth-friendly, biodegradable materials that are either recycled, or renewable. They are sustainably sourced with minimal processing, and they can be thrown out and composted without building up in landfills. 

Are silica cat litters eco-friendly?

Some silica cat litters claim to be eco-friendly, but the majority aren’t as sustainable as they would appear. Crystalline silica litter is made using heavy machinery and a lot of processing, which uses up natural resources. Additionally, most products are made from products that are not renewable or biodegradable. 

Is clay cat litter biodegradable?

Unfortunately, while clay litter can have some benefits, like cheap pricing and quick clumping, it’s typically not biodegradable. Clay litter can take up a lot of space in landfills because it simply can’t break down over time. Even without bags and liners used to dispose of cat litter, the clay won’t naturally decompose. 

What materials are cat litter eco-friendly?

Eco-friendly cat litter is made with renewable, biodegradable, or recycled materials. Options for materials range from wood solutions like pine and bamboo to paper, grass seed, corn, coconut shells, wheat, walnut shells, and even tofu cat litter! 

Read this next: Best Cat Litter Attractant: Attract Cats to the Litter Box!

Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litter: The Verdict

The best eco-friendly cat litter for your furry friend will depend on a number of factors, from their personal preferences for litter to your specific needs. You’ll need to think about whether you want your litter to be septic-tank friendly, clumping, or non-clumping, scented or unscented, and so on.

In our opinion, the best option on the market today is the World’s Best Cat Litter. This septic-tank-safe cat litter is made with a natural corn formula, so it’s good for the environment, and safe for your kitty. It features a quick clumping formula for easy cleaning, can last longer than many traditional cat litters, and produces minimal dust too.