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Best Wood Pellet Cat Litter (2024): Are Wood Pellets Good As Litter?

Posted in: Cat Litter - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Litter 
Last Updated: March 15, 2023  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

In this group test, we’re evaluating and comparing some of the best wood pellet cat litter options for cat owners. Choosing the right cat litter is crucial to providing the right level of care to your feline companion. Your litter choice influences not just how comfortable your kitty is when visiting the bathroom, but also how much odor, and mess you’ll need to manage in your home. 

Best Wood Pellet Litter

As consumers around the world continue to focus more heavily on sustainable and eco-friendly purchasing decisions, the demand for wood pellet litter has increased. Typically made with recycled softwood components, wood pellet litter is versatile, effective, and good for the environment. However, the performance of each pellet option can differ based on a number of factors. 

We recruited the help of our own kitties to examine the capabilities and functionalities of some of the most popular wood pellet litters on the market today. We looked at everything from ease of use to odor control litter, to bring you this list of our favorite best wood pellet cat litters available.

Best Wood Pellet Litter: Overall Choice

This is an excellent choice for cat owners who want an eco-friendly and natural litter option that is easy to clean and maintain. Made from 100% sustainably sourced wood fiber, this litter clumps quickly and effectively, making it easy to scoop out and dispose of.  ÖKOCAT Less Mess Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter is also biodegradable, making it an environmentally conscious choice that will reduce your carbon footprint.

3 Top Wood Pellet Litter Picks – Best, Premium & Value

The good news for today’s environmentally conscious pet owners, is wood pellet litters are relatively commonplace. There are dozens of different options out there, promising a balance of comfort, convenience, and excellent absorption. We narrowed our choices down to three top picks for customers in search of budget-friendly, premium, and overall excellent litter solutions.

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall

ökocat Less Mess Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter Mini-Pellets, Great for Long-Hair Breeds, 18.6 lbs, Large

ÖKOCAT Less Mess Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter

  • Easy to clean thanks to clumping formula
  • Environmentally friendly, non-toxic formula
  • Fantastic natural odor control

Best Value

Feline Pine Platinum Non-Clumping Cat Litter 18lb.

ARM & HAMMER Feline Pine Platinum

  • Sustainably sourced recycled materials
  • Excellent urine absorbency and odor control
  • Added baking soda to reduce ammonia smells

Premium Choice

Purina Tidy Cats Litter Pellets, Breeze Refill Litter Pellets in Recyclable Box - (6) 3.5 lb. Bags

Purina Tidy Cats Litter Pellets

  • Anti-tracking and low dust
  • Made with sustainable eco-friendly materials
  • Easy to clean and pour

So that’s a quick chart showing our three best picks for wood pellet cat litter. Now let’s take a deeper look at the best and more.

To start with, let’s look at the top 3 in a little more detail.

1. ÖKOCAT Less Mess Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter - Best Overall

ökocat Less Mess Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter Mini-Pellets, Great for Long-Hair Breeds, 18.6 lbs, Large

Perfect for long-hair cat breeds, the OKOCAT Less Mess wood cat litter minimizes dust and tracking, while controlling unwanted odors. This phenomenal wood pellet cat litter is made with specially formulated mini pellets, which are excellent at absorbing moisture. The clumping litter is easy to clean and comes in an entirely recyclable box. 

The wood fiber in the new litter pellets helps to minimize the creation of ammonia, so you’re less likely to deal with horrible odors. 

Plus, the pellets are 99% dust free, and lightweight, for simple pouring. There are no toxic dyes, artificial fragrances, or other problematic components included either.

Pros

  • Easy to clean thanks to clumping formula
  • Environmentally friendly, non-toxic formula
  • Fantastic natural odor control
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • 99% dust free

Cons

  • Can have a slight odor
  • May cause some tracking

2. ARM & HAMMER Feline Pine Platinum - Best Value

Feline Pine Platinum Non-Clumping Cat Litter 18lb.

Made with recycled pine pellets, the Arm & Hammer wood pellet litter includes no added fragrances or chemicals. The pellets are made 100% from highly absorbent pine, which is excellent at soaking up liquid and minimizing odors. 

There’s even Arm & Hammer baking soda included within the formula to assist with cutting down ammonia smells even further. 

This premium non-clumping cat litter promises to be low on dust and tracking. However, if there are some tracking issues, the larger pellets are relatively easy to detect and sweep away.

Plus, the pine wood included in the pellets is sustainably sourced, for eco-conscious pet parents.

Pros

  • Sustainably sourced recycled materials
  • Excellent urine absorbency and odor control
  • Added baking soda to reduce ammonia smells
  • Easy to use and clean up old litter
  • Low dust and low tracking

Cons

  • Can break down into fine dust in the toilet tray
  • May not be suitable for some older cats
  • Some cats don't like the natural pine scent

3. Purina Tidy Cats Litter Pellets - Premium Choice

Purina Tidy Cats Litter Pellets, Breeze Refill Litter Pellets in Recyclable Box - (6) 3.5 lb. Bags

Designed to keep your home smelling great for longer, the Purina Tidy Cats Litter pellets are made with entirely sustainable, eco-friendly materials. They even come in a fully recyclable box, which makes it easy to store and pour your litter. 

The pellets are specifically designed to work with the Tidy Cats Breeze litter system, but they’re versatile enough for use in most trays. 

These anti-tracking pellets are 99.9% dust-free, to minimize mess, and protect sensitive noses. Additionally, they’re excellent at absorbing moisture and reducing smells, so you shouldn’t have to change your litter trays as often.

Pros

  • Anti-tracking and low dust
  • Made with sustainable eco-friendly materials
  • Easy to clean and pour
  • Great odor control and absorbency
  • Comes in a recyclable box

Cons

  • Can cause some tracking issues
  • May not be suitable for multi-cat households
Best Wood Pellet Cat Litter

The Best Wood Pellet Litter: Alternative Picks

We chose the options above to appeal to most types of cat owners. However, if you haven’t found a solution you love from our top three picks, don’t worry. There are still plenty of great alternative options to consider. Here are some of our additional favorites:

4. Eco-Shell Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made from Walnut Shells

Eco-Shell Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Made from Walnut Shells, Pellet Non-Clumping, Biodegradable, Dust-Free, Sustainable, 26 Lbs

The Eco-Shell naturally fresh cat litter pellets are made from walnut shells, providing an interesting alternative to most wooden pellets. These sustainable pellets are great at neutralizing odors, better than most clay and corn alternatives. 

Additionally, the clumping formula makes it easy to keep litter trays cleaner for longer with your trusty litter scoop. 

Like many popular wood pellet litters, the Eco-Shell product is virtually dust-free and aims to minimize tracking too. What’s more, the litter is fully biodegradable, so you don’t have to worry about it clogging up landfills when you throw your litter away.

Pros

  • Excellent clumping capabilities
  • Naturally absorbent for all forms of waste
  • Excellent odor and ammonia control
  • Non-GMO, all-natural ingredients
  • Fully biodegradable formula

Cons

  • Doesn’t hide cat's feces odor very well
  • Can have some tracking issues

5. EcoPet Bio Litter

EcoPet Bio Litter, Natural Wood & Hay Pellets, 11lb

Specifically created for environmentally conscious pet owners, the EcoPet Bio Litter can absorb up to 7 times its weight in moisture, without causing any damage to the planet. 

Made with recycled materials, this product is fully biodegradable, so you can rest assured it’s not going to end up sitting in landfills for years. Plus, it’s non-allergenic, to help keep your kitty safe. 

This product features no added chemicals, fragrances, or toxic components, and is suitable for cats at all life stages. It’s also excellent at keeping odors to a minimum, without the use of additional powders and neutralizers.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly and biodegradable materials
  • Can hold a lot of moisture
  • Combats allergies
  • No toxic ingredients or chemicals
  • Good odor control

Cons

  • Can be quite difficult to clean
  • Kittens might see the pellets as food

6. Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Litter

Fresh News Recycled Paper, Original Pellet Cat Litter, 12 Pound

If you’re looking for a reliable alternative to many traditional cat litter products, the Fresh News recycled paper cat litter might be the ideal choice. 

This unscented litter is made with recycled paper and is excellent at absorbing both liquid and odor. What’s more, the soft dust-free pellets can easily retain their shape when wet, for simpler scooping. 

With added baking soda for odor control, the Fresh News recycled paper litter keeps your home smelling fresh for longer. It contains no toxic ingredients, chemicals, or fragrances, plus the litter is fully biodegradable, so it’s good for the planet.

Pros

  • Biodegradable and eco-friendly
  • Great at neutralizing odors
  • Dust-free and soft pellets
  • Non-allergenic
  • Healthy, non-toxic components

Cons

  • Can crumble at times
  • The large pellets can be a little messy
Wood Pellet Litter

Wood Pellet Litter Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the perfect litter can be a tricky task for any pet owner. Ultimately, the ideal litter for your needs will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, your cat’s preferences, and more. 

Wood pellet litter can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a durable, eco-friendly solution for your cat’s litter box. However, there are a few points you’ll need to consider when determining exactly which product to purchase, such as:

  • Odor control: Eco-friendly wooden pellet cat litter can be excellent at absorbing odors naturally. However, some options are more effective at reducing smells than others. Some solutions may include extra products such as baking soda to help neutralize smells, while others feature their own natural scent (such as pine), to keep your home smelling fresh. 
  • Dust: Most pellet-style cat litters boast minimal dust because they don’t feature things like clay, which can cause messes around the litter box or tray. However, some fragile pellets can break down over time, causing sawdust. It’s worth making sure you choose a product with as little dust as possible to protect sensitive cat noses and reduce mess.
  • Price: In some cases, you can end up paying a little extra for eco-friendly wood pellet litters than you would for clay litter. However, it’s worth noting many pellets can last a lot longer than alternative brands. Though the price of your chosen litter can vary, it’s worth thinking about how long it’s likely to last when setting your budget. 
  • Bag Size: Like most forms of litter, pellet-based litter is often available in a range of different package sizes. Larger bags generally do deliver more value in terms of what you pay for. However, it’s worth noting they can be heavier, and more difficult to use than smaller boxes and bags. Make sure you can handle the size of the bag you choose. 
  • Tracking: Replacing clay litter with pellets can be a good way to reduce litter tracking issues. However, it’s worth remembering that all litter can potentially lead to some tracks. Softer pellets can be more comfortable for your cat’s paws, but they’re also more likely to cling to fur and end up being tracked and distributed around your home, so keep this in mind. 
  • Pellet material: Wood pellet litters can be made with a range of different materials, from recycled pine to walnut shells and recycled paper. Paper is one of the most common options for pet parents who want to transition from clay to pellets because it’s often a softer option. However, paper isn’t as durable or absorbent as pine. 

FAQ

What is wood pellet litter?

Wood pellet litter is essentially a form of kitty litter made with recycled wood, or wood-based products, like walnut shells and paper. It’s a natural and eco-friendly solution for pet parents in search of a more sustainable cat litter and can be excellent at absorbing smells and moisture. However, the overall effectiveness of a wood pellet litter can vary depending on a range of factors. 

Is wood pellet litter eco-friendly?

Compared to some alternatives such as clay, the wood pellet can be a far more sustainable and environmentally friendly option for pet parents. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint if you’re worried about the impact your litter choices might be having on the planet. Not only is most wood pellet litter made with recycled, non-toxic materials, but it’s usually biodegradable too. 

How often do you change wood pellet cat litter?

The frequency with which you change your cat’s litter can vary depending on a number of factors, including how frequently they use the bathroom, and how many feline friends you have at home. Most manufacturers will recommend changing your cat litter completely at least once every two weeks. However, it’s important to clean out cat poop and waste on a daily basis where possible. In some cases, wood pellet litter can last a lot longer than clay alternatives. 

Are wood pellets good for cat litter?

Wood pellets can be an excellent material for natural cat litter for a number of reasons. Usually, these pellets are soft and comfortable on your cat’s paws, and they contain no dangerous ingredients or chemicals. They minimize dust and tracking, and can also reduce the impact you have on the planet, as a sustainable and eco-friendly litter option. However, some cats can take a while to get used to the texture and smell of wooden pellets. 

Wood Pellet cat Litter

Best Wood Pellet Litter: The Verdict

If you’re looking for an effective, eco-friendly natural litter option for your cat’s litter tray, wood pellet litter could be an excellent choice. Not only are these products highly sustainable, but they’re also effective at absorbing moisture, and reducing odors. They even come in a range of different formulas, with clumping and non-clumping options to choose from. 

Our favorite wood pellet cat litter is the OKOCAT Less Mess Natural wood clumping cat litter, made with specially formulated mini pellets. This convenient cat litter is 99% dust-free, and it’s great at absorbing unwanted smells. It’s also lightweight, easy to use, and extremely eco-friendly. 

Good luck choosing the best cat litter for your furry friend.

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About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

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