Choosing the Best Natural Cat Litter
Written by: Only Natural Pet Team
Not so long ago, cat parents filled their litter boxes with whatever was on hand — sand, sawdust, even fireplace ashes. Today, we’re living in the golden age of kitty litter. With options like soft clumping grass seed, ultra-absorbent pine, and low-dust wheat, the choices are better (and more overwhelming) than ever.
Natural cat litter has evolved into an environmentally friendly, low-dust, fragrance-free alternative that’s gentler on your cat, your home, and the planet. But with so many varieties, how do you choose the one your finicky feline will actually use?
This guide breaks down the major types of natural cat litter, who they’re best for, and how to troubleshoot litter box problems — so you can confidently find the best cat litter for your home.
Why Choose Natural Cat Litter?
Natural cat litters avoid the harsh chemicals and dusty particles common in conventional clay litter. Instead, they’re made from renewable, biodegradable materials like corn, wheat, pine, and grass seed.
Benefits of natural cat litter include:
- Lower dust and fewer respiratory irritants
- Renewable, eco-friendly, biodegradable materials
- Some options are flushable, septic-safe, or compostable
- Natural odor control without heavy perfumes
- Softer textures preferred by many cats
But each litter type works differently — so let’s explore them.
Types of Natural Cat Litter
Grass Seed Cat Litter
Grass seed litter is a rising favorite for its clay-like performance paired with natural ingredients.
Cleaning & the Environment
Made from 100% renewable grasses, this litter clumps fast and firm — often better than clay — and is biodegradable and flushable.
Only Natural Pet Grass Seed Cat Litter is Non-GMO Project Verified.
Safety
Low-dust and low-tracking, ideal for respiratory-sensitive cats and humans. Also great for cats allergic to wheat or corn.
Performance
Ultra-fast clumping locks in odors immediately, perfect for multi-cat homes.
Consistency
Medium grains feel soft and natural under paws — very diggable and widely cat-approved.
Corn Cat Litter
Cleaning & the Environment
Corn litter is biodegradable, renewable, and often flushable (check your local guidelines). It doesn’t gum up litter boxes or mechanical scoopers.
Safety
Dust-free and fragrance-free. Edible if a cat or dog snacks on it (though dog snacking may be an issue).
Performance
Its microporous structure traps ammonia naturally and forms fast, solid clumps.
Consistency
Textures vary by brand, but most formulas aim for a medium, soft, low-tracking granule.
Wheat Cat Litter
Cleaning & the Environment
Biodegradable and septic-safe when used properly. Breaks down quickly and feels familiar to cats transitioning from clay.
Safety
Safe for kittens and post-surgery cats, though the edibility may attract curious dogs.
Performance
Natural enzymes neutralize odors, while starches create easy-to-scoop clumps.
Consistency
Very similar to classic clay — great for picky cats.
Pine Cat Litter
Cleaning & the Environment
Made from reclaimed wood. Highly absorbent, often flushable, and available as a USDA Certified Biobased Product.
Safety
Extremely low dust and free of wheat/corn allergens. Ideal for respiratory-sensitive pets.
Performance
Pine naturally deodorizes and reduces lingering smells by dehydrating solids.
Consistency
Comes in both soft shavings and pellets, depending on your cat’s preference.
Other Eco-Friendly Cat Litter Options
- Recycled Paper Litter: Soft, non-clumping pellets. Excellent for declawed or healing cats.
- Walnut Shell Litter: Dark, absorbent granules that offer strong odor control and firm clumping.
- Coconut Litter: Lightweight, biodegradable, and naturally antimicrobial.
How to Choose the Right Litter for Your Cat
- For kittens: Soft textures like wheat, paper, or finely ground corn. Avoid clumping clay initially.
- For senior cats: Low-dust, fine textures that are gentle on paws and easier to walk on.
- For multi-cat homes: Fast-clumping options like grass seed or corn.
- For fragrance-sensitive homes: Unscented options like pine, paper, or grass seed.
- For declawed or post-surgery cats: Paper or ultra-soft litters.
- For eco-conscious cat parents: Pine, grass seed, coconut, or other plant-based options.
How to Litter Train a Kitten
- Place them in the box after meals, naps, and play sessions.
- Keep the box in a quiet, accessible location.
- Use unscented litter — strong fragrances can be overwhelming.
- Praise, never punish.
Most kittens get the hang of it quickly — usually within a few days. Patience and praise go a long way.
Related: How to Gain a Fearful Kitten or Cat’s Trust
Troubleshooting: Why Your Cat Isn’t Using the Litter Box
Litter box issues are one of the top reasons cats are relinquished to shelters — but most problems are fixable.
Before assuming behavioral causes, rule out medical concerns like UTIs, constipation, pain, or arthritis.
Common Fixes
- Try a different litter texture.
- Clean more often — some cats won’t use a box after one visit.
- Add more boxes (rule of thumb: cats + 1).
- Avoid scented litters.
- Move the box to a quieter, more private spot.
If nothing works, clay or silica litters can be used temporarily to rebuild positive box habits before transitioning back to natural options.
Your Cat’s Perfect Litter Is Out There
Once you understand how each type of natural cat litter performs, choosing becomes much easier. Whether your cat loves corn’s soft crumble, pine’s fresh forest scent, or grass seed’s fast clumping power, natural litters offer safer, eco-friendly alternatives.
Ready to switch to natural litter? Explore Only Natural Pet’s curated collection of natural cat litters, all tested and loved by real pet parents.
