Let’s Explore the Alternatives (to Clay Cat Litter)

Welcome to Tuesday’s Cats.com Newsletter.

Tired of dealing with dusty, clay cat litter but underwhelmed with other options? In today’s mailer, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of alternative cat litter and reveal one of our new favorites. 
 
And read to the end to learn more about Peachy, the adorable kitten we’re fundraising for as our Cause of the Month. 

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Clay Doesn’t Always Cut It.

When I adopted my first two cats, Bagel and Munchkin, I had no idea what I was doing. I was also on a tight budget, so my choices for things like cat food and litter were often motivated by price. (I became very familiar with the bulk litter bin at Petco).

Once I gained a little experience, I came to see the limitations of cheap cat litter. 

I got tired of coughing through the cloud of dust it produced when I poured it into the litter box. And sick of finding dirty paw prints all over the floors and counters. Plus, it was heavy to lug into the house and then back out to the trash can. 

So I started exploring other options. Let’s talk about alternatives to clay cat litter. 

The Issue With Alternative Litter.

There have always been alternatives to traditional clay cat litter. Maybe commercial options were limited for a while, but I’ve heard of people getting creative with recycled paper, sand, and even regular garden soil. 

Today, natural cat litter products abound. From softwood pine to walnut shells, pea husks to pine pellets, there are plenty of options to choose from. But they’re not perfect either. 

The primary benefit of natural cat litter is that it’s generally better for the environment than clay. Many options are sustainably sourced and biodegradable, others are made from post-consumer recycled materials. The problem is that none of the options I’ve tried perform quite like clay, but I suppose that’s to be expected.

When it comes to alternative cat litter, I’ve found it helpful to recontextualize my expectations. Instead of comparing products against clay litter, I’ve started to compare them against each other. For instance, I love the lightweight absorbency of paper-based litters for my covered litter boxes but prefer the odor controlling features of pine for my open, high-sided litter boxes. 

There’s no perfect cat litter—there’s just cat litter that’s perfect for your needs (and your cat’s preferences, of course). Read on to learn about one of my favorites.

Here’s Our Recommended Alternative To Clay Litter.

With so many options available in the natural and alternative cat litter market, it’s more difficult than ever to make a decision. Whether you’re frustrated with the brands you’ve tried or you’re just starting to think about quitting clay, let us make a recommendation: Catalyst.

Catalyst Pet offers three cat litter formulas made from upcycled soft wood pine. It’s an affordable, lightweight, highly absorbent alternative to clay that’s gentle on your cat’s paws. 

I prefer the multi-cat formula which has a pleasant pine scent and enhanced clumping ability over the original Healthy Cat formula. If you prefer a fragrance-free option or have a cat with sensitivities, Catalyst offers an unscented formula (it still has a mild natural pine scent).

Regardless of what kind of natural or alternative cat litter you decide to try, be patient. You may not find the perfect fit on the first try.
 
Here’s a tip that helped my cats make the transition:

I offered the alternative litter in a clean litter box set up right next to my cats’ existing litter boxes. Then I started scooping the old boxes a little less frequently. The new litter became increasingly more appealing to my cats and now they have no trouble accepting new products.
 
Have you tried Catalyst or other alternative litter products? Share your thoughts in our new community on Reddit!

This section sponsored by Catalyst Pet. 

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CATS.COM CAUSE OF THE MONTH: PEACHY

Over the next few weeks, we’re raising funds for a kitten named Peachy. She was the victim of animal cruelty, thrown from a car window and left with an injured spine.

Currently in foster care, Peachy is as sweet as … well … a peach. She’s just 3 months old and has already experienced a lot of hardship, but she has a sunny disposition that just won’t quit. Her foster caregivers report that she’s a purring machine!

We’re trying to raise $2,000 by the end of July to get Peachy the veterinary care she needs. Will you help us show her that good people still exist? Donate here.

A Sneak Peek At Friday's Newsletter.

Your cat peed on the bed … or the rug … or right in a basket of clean laundry. How do you get rid of that stubborn cat urine odor? Find out in Friday’s mailer.