10 Of The Best Eco Friendly Cat Litters

The best eco friendly cat litters will not only help keep the planet clean, but they’ll make your cat healthier, too!

By Chere Di Boscio

Many cat owners care about the planet. They make their own cat food so as not to throw out loads of tins every week. They ensure their cat toys are plastic free and cat beds are made from natural materials. But they don’t realise that one of the least eco friendly products in their entire home is sitting there quietly- in the litter tray.

Yep, that’s right. Traditional cat litter is typically made from strip-mined clay that never biodegrades, creates clouds of irritating dust, and ends up in landfill forever. And when you consider how often it’s used—and how heavy it is to transport—the environmental impact adds up fast.

The good news? Today’s best eco friendly cat litters are nothing like the dusty clay formulas of the past. Made from renewable materials like wood, grass, paper, wheat, tofu, and hemp, modern eco friendly kitty litters are lighter, cleaner, and often better for your cat’s respiratory health too.

If you’re looking for the best eco friendly kitty litters that actually work—control odor, clump well, and keep your home cleaner and healthier—well, you’re in the right place.

Why many kitty litters are NOT eco friendly

Before choosing the best eco friendly cat litter, it’s important to understand why most conventional options are problematic.

1. Clay litter is strip-mined

The vast majority of traditional cat litter is made from sodium bentonite clay, which is strip-mined from the earth. This process destroys ecosystems and wildlife habitats, uses heavy machinery and fossil fuels, and leaves land permanently damaged

Plus, clay is non-renewable, meaning once it’s gone, it’s gone.

2. Clay litter never biodegrades

Used clay litter sits in landfills indefinitely. It does not break down, compost, or return to the soil—unlike plant-based alternatives that are biodegradable under the right conditions.

3. High dust = respiratory risk

Many clay and silica litters create fine dust that can irritate cats’ lungs (especially seniors or cats with asthma-like symptoms). But that’s not all – they can also irritate human airways – especially bothersome for those of us with asthma and allergies.

This dust often contains silica particles, which are particularly concerning when inhaled regularly.

4. Artificial fragrances mask odor, not solve it

Conventional litters often rely on synthetic perfumes to hide smells. These fragrances can:

Irritate cats’ sensitive noses
Trigger coughing or sneezing
Discourage some cats from using the litter box at all

Eco friendly kitty litters usually control odor naturally—by absorbing moisture rather than covering it up.

What makes a kitty litter eco friendly?

The best eco friendly kitty litters typically share several key characteristics:

Made from renewable or recycled materials (wood fiber, grass, wheat, paper, walnut shells, tofu, hemp)
Biodegradable (unlike clay or silica gel)
Low dust or dust-free, improving air quality
Free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals
Lighter weight, which reduces shipping emissions and makes handling easier

No single litter is perfect—but the closer it comes to these standards, the more eco friendly it is.

Why vets often recommend eco friendly cat litters

Many veterinarians – including my own, the wonderful Joel Campana – recommend eco friendly cat litters, particularly for cats with respiratory sensitivity or stress-related litter box issues.

Common vet-approved benefits include:

Lower dust levels, which may reduce coughing, sneezing, and airway irritation
No added fragrances, making boxes more appealing to scent-sensitive cats
Gentler texture, especially for senior cats or those with paw sensitivity
Easier health monitoring, since lighter-colored litters make changes in urine easier to spot

For cats prone to stress, asthma-like symptoms, or litter box avoidance, switching to one of the best eco friendly cat litters can make a noticeable difference.

How to dispose of cat litter responsibly

Even when using the best eco friendly kitty litters, disposal matters. Here’s how to get the job done right!

The safest method for most homes

Scoop daily
Seal waste in a bag (biodegradable if possible)
Dispose of it in household trash, not the toilet!

In fact, despite some labels claiming “flushable,” many experts advise against flushing cat litter or cat waste due to parasite risks and wastewater system concerns.

Oh, and if you’re thinking of composting eco friendly kitty litter: don’t. Some plant-based litters without waste may be compostable, but cat feces should not be composted at home unless you have a specialized system and follow local regulations. Never, ever use compost containing cat waste on edible plants!

10 of the Best Eco Friendly Cat Litters

This list includes some of the best eco friendly kitty litters available, covering wood, grass, paper, corn, wheat, walnut, tofu, and hemp options.

ökocat – Made of reclaimed wood fiber, this eco friendly cat litter contains very low levels of dust
World’s Best Cat Litter – 99% dust free, this litter is almost edible, since it’s made of whole-kernel corn
Sustainably Yours – This corn and cassava blend is another litter you could practically eat!
Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter – Based on tofu/soy byproducts, this litter is lightweight and low cost.
sWheat Scoop – Made from renewable wheat, this litter is great at clumping.
Naturally Fresh – The walnut shell in this kitty litter naturally stops the ammonia odor of cat pee.
Feline Pine – Looking for a natural odor killer? These pine pellets and granules will do the trick! It clumps beautifully, too.
Frisco Natural Grass Litter – Soft and plant-based, your cat will love the grassy, outdoorsy feel of this.
Fresh News – Made from 100% recycled paper, this brand also makes litters for bunnies and other rodents, too.
All Walks – This hemp and upcycled grain based litter has a very low CO2 footprint.

FAQs: Best Eco Friendly Kitty litters

What are the best eco friendly cat litters?

The best options are usually made from wood fiber, recycled paper, grass, wheat, walnut shells, tofu, or hemp, and are low-dust and unscented.

Are eco friendly kitty litters safe for cats?

Yes—many are actually safer than clay, particularly for cats with respiratory sensitivity or allergies.

Do eco friendly cat litters control odor?

Yes. Most rely on natural absorption, not perfumes, which often results in better long-term odor control.

Are eco friendly kitty litters more expensive?

Sometimes per bag—but they’re often lighter, last longer, and reduce health or cleanup issues, which can balance out costs.

What’s the best eco friendly litter for cats with asthma?

Look for unscented, low-dust wood fiber, paper, or grass-based litters. Fresh News is a good brand to try.

Conclusion: Are eco friendly cat litters worth it?

Switching to one of the best eco friendly cat litters is one of the easiest sustainability upgrades you can make as a pet owner. These litters reduce environmental damage, improve indoor air quality, and are often better tolerated by cats themselves.

The key is choosing the best eco friendly kitty litter that suits your cat’s preferences—whether that’s clumping, pellets, soft texture, or minimal tracking—and transitioning slowly.

Small changes. Big impact. Happier cats, cleaner homes, lighter footprints. What’s not to love?

Author
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Chere Di Boscio

Chere has always loved writing, fashion and languages, and holds degrees in Psychology and Art, and postgraduate degree in Applied Linguistics and Education. Her long career in journalism spans several continents: she’s edited and written for prestigious fashion magazines in Toronto, Dubai, Paris, London and Buenos Aires, and also taught at the prestigious School for Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London for over a decade. Learn more about Chere’s extensive career on LinkedIn.

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