Kitten litter absorbs liquid and solid waste when caring for your new kitten, but you may need an alternative once your pet is an adult cat.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative options for kitten litter out there that offer similar benefits to traditional litter without the drawbacks that come with it.
Read on to learn about the best substitutes for kitty litter so you can choose the best for your pet and home!
Best Substitutes for Kitty Litter
1. Recycled Paper
Keeping the litter box clean is essential if you have a cat. Many seek the best substitutes for kitty litter; one option is recycled paper. This material is renewable and biodegradable, so it will not harm the environment.
Plus, most cats like the feel of this type of litter under their paws. For these reasons, recycled paper is an excellent choice as the best substitute for kitty litter.
Paper pellets cat litter are made from recycled paper and typically don’t cause allergic reactions because they do not contain any fragrances or chemicals.
This cat litter absorbs liquids well and typically lasts three weeks before needing to be replaced. However, the problem with this kind of product is that it can be expensive if used in large quantities.
Another disadvantage of using paper for litter is that some cats do not like the texture of their paws or the way they smell. It also requires frequent changes.
So it might take a while before they’re comfortable using it! Nonetheless, recycling papers can be ideal for those looking for an environmentally friendly option when choosing the best substitutes for kitty litter- especially those hesitant to use clay or corn litter.
2. Walnut Litter
Walnut litter is one of the more popular options because it’s made from 100% natural products. The only downside is that it doesn’t clump like some other litters.
It also has a strong odor, which can cause respiratory issues in humans and cats alike.
Still, walnut litter is among the market’s most environmentally friendly cat litter. It is a good option when considering the best substitutes for kitty litter.
Many people like it because it’s biodegradable and easy to flush down the toilet if you choose not to throw it away.
Walnut litter is an excellent dust-free alternative to clay. Walnut litter is, as you might expect, crushed walnut shells.
It is environmentally friendly because it is highly absorbent and renewable. It clumps well and lasts three times longer than clay litter.
Plus, it’s lightweight, making it a good option for multi-cat households or traveling pet parents.
Walnut litter is gentle on your cat’s paws and does not leave a trail in your home.
The disadvantage of walnuts is that they do not clump, so you must stir them frequently to ensure that the walnut shells completely absorb the urine. If the urine sits at the bottom for too long, it can begin to smell bad.
Walnut litter is also dark, making it difficult to find the little gifts our cat leaves and scoop them out.
Plus, there’s no risk of your cat being allergic to walnuts, as he might be to clay or pine litter.
And even though many don’t like its smell, you might not mind if your apartment or home has an open floor plan since you won’t smell the litter box while walking past it in another room.
To help reduce odor levels, sprinkle baking soda around the area where your cat enters the house or near the litter box.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option than walnut, try wheat straw; it does have a stronger odor but lasts longer and doesn’t release dust into the air as clay does.
Remember that any animal feces should never be flushed down the toilet—doing so will lead to serious plumbing problems and worse!
3. Wheat Litter
Wheat litter is also considered one of the best substitutes for kitty litter. It’s made from ground wheat and can be scooped like traditional litter or composted.
Wheat is a natural product with no additives or artificial fragrances, so it’s good for your cat and the environment.
You can buy bulk wheat litter or containers to suit your needs. The big drawback is mixing the wheat with water before using it.
One upside is that if you ever decide not to use it anymore, you can compost it instead of throwing it away.
Another downside is that if your cats don’t like the smell, they may refuse to go near the box. On the plus side, because wheat doesn’t stick as much as other litter, there are fewer messes to clean up.
It does not clump like clay and isn’t easy to find in stores. If you’re looking for an alternative solution, try something new!
4. Chicken Feed Litter
Chicken feed litter is a sustainable and economical choice, and many cat owners have found it the best substitute for kitty litter.
This litter is made from small poultry feed pellets typically used in chicken coops. It’s lightweight, soft, and absorbs moisture well.
The downside? The smell can be strong enough that some cat owners won’t use it. However, this could be an option if you live on a farm or ranch. Read more about other options here.
5. CornBased Litter
Corn-based litter is the best substitute for kitty litter. Corn-based litters are biodegradable and renewable, making them a better choice than clay or sand litter, which can’t be reused.
Corn-based litters also have less of a dust problem than other types of litter and produce less waste. Corn cobs may take up space as a litter box filler but can be replaced infrequently.
If you prefer not to use corn-based litter in your home, many other options may suit your needs.
Cat owners who want something different from all the traditional choices might try wood shavings or paper pellets instead. Whatever you choose as your best substitute for kitty litter will depend on what’s important to you.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Litter for Your Cat?
When selecting the best cat litter, there are numerous factors to consider. Some are better at hiding odors than others, others absorb urine more efficiently, others are great for tracking, and some are made to be reused!
Whatever you choose as the best substitute for kitty litter will depend on what’s important to you.
Here are some things to consider when shopping for new cat litter.
- Odor Control
- Texture
- Dust
- Level of absorbency
- Scented or Unscented
- Clumping or non-clumping
- Price and availability