The Best Pellet Cat Litters: Natural Cat Litter

What Exactly Is Pellet Cat Litter?

Pellet cat litter is basically any (usually biodegradable) material used to form into pellets to use as cat litter.

It’s a great alternative to traditional clay litter, and other types of litter such as clumping and crystals.

Why Would I Want To Use Pellet Cat Litter?

You probably already know that clay cat litter is the most traditional litter option – and the least expensive. And that clumping litter is likely one of the easiest to clean.

But you should consider using pellet cat litter for these reasons:

It’s Sustainable

Pellet cat litter is one of the only biodegradable, recycled options out there for cat litter so it’s an incredibly sustainable choice. Some formulas are flushable (check first!) and most of them can be composted and recycled.

In a world where everyone is looking for more sustainability – using pellet cat litter made from biodegradable, recycled materials is a fantastic way to do your part.

It Controls Odors

You don’t have to worry about nasty odors when you use pellet cat litter. They are highly absorbent and will either puff up or break down if they get wet. Some formulas add some natural scent, but most pellet cat litters are made from materials which are already fantastic for odor control.

It Produces Little To No Dust

When your cat gets in and digs around you won’t get a ball of dust floating out of the litter box. This makes it a fantastic choice for anyone who suffers from allergies or who feels irritated from the dust and residue you get with traditional cat litter.

It’s Low To No Tracking

One of the very best things about pellet cat litter is that it won’t get stuck to your cat’s paws! You won’t have to clean up litter tracked all over the house anymore.

That alone is what makes most people switch over to pellet cat litter!

Cats Love It!

Most cats like the feel of the soft pellets under their feet, and this will help to encourage any skittish cats to use the litter box.

Is Pellet Cat Litter Safe For Me And My Cat?

Yes! Pellet cat litter is one of the safer cat litter options for both you and your cat.

Pellet cat litters all put off very low to no dust so you have a lot lower chance of allergies or respiratory irritations – in you and your cat.

Most of the materials used to make pellet cat litter come from natural sources and most contain zero chemicals.  

Cats will often groom their paws after using the litter box to get any excess residue off. When you use a pellet cat litter not only will they not have as much to clean off – but it is totally safe for them to ingest.

Speaking of which…

What Are Some Common Materials Used To Make Kitty Litter Pellets?

Recycled Paper

Recycled paper is used to form into pellets to make cat litter. It absorbs the urine and the paper breaks down.

Corn

Yes, corn can be used to make into pellet litter! It’s also super absorbent and provides excellent odor control.

The only issue with corn is that some cats have sensitivities to corn. So, if they lick it off their paws, they could experience some of the symptoms which come along with corn sensitivities. Use this type only if you know your cat is not sensitive to corn, otherwise choose another natural pellet formula.

Wood

Pine is the most popular wood pellet cat litter and is generally made from lumber scraps and other untreated wood. It’s heated to remove all oils and other toxins before it’s made into litter.

The natural woodsy scent is fantastic for odor control and it usually turns to sawdust when it gets wet.

Wheat

Ground wheat is formed into pellets and used as cat litter. However, as with corn, some cats can have sensitivities to wheat so watch for any wheat sensitivities in your cat and switch to another natural litter if you see them.

Walnut Shells

Crushed walnut shells are another great option for biodegradable cat litter. Walnut shell litter is still a little harder to find and is a bit more expensive than the other types of pellet litters.

Grass

Grass is a fairly new option when it comes to pellet litters. This formula is quite hard to find and usually is quite a bit more expensive. But it’s a great natural choice to keep odors managed.

Isn’t Pellet Cat Litter More Expensive?

Yes, pellet cat litter is a bit more expensive bag for bag then other types of litter. This is because the manufacturing process for pellet cat litter can get a bit expensive. Obtaining the recycled materials, making sure they have had any toxins removed, and making them into pellets can take some time.

But since pellet cat litter is so absorbent, you’ll find you’ll be able to use less each time you change the litter box – so your bag will go further.

Not to mention the fact it’s so much better for the environment. And just think of the frustration you will be saved by not having to vacuum up litter which has been tracked all over the house.

What Do I Need To Know About Buying Pellet Cat Litter?

All pellet cat litter is made a bit differently. And you should make sure you read your labels carefully before buying. Here are a few things to look for:

Scent

While most natural pellet cat litters are unscented, they still do the job of masking odors quite well. However, some formulas add extra scent – and this can sometimes be a bit unpleasant. So, make sure you – and your cat – are alright with the scent, or make sure you’re buying an unscented formula.

Materials

As I said above, pellet cat litters are typically made from natural materials which are recycled. Some companies will try to add in unnecessary ingredients, so check the label carefully before you buy.

Price

We’ve already talked about the fact that pellet cat litters are a bit more expensive than standard clay litters, but there’s no need to spend a fortune! There are some formulas which have extensive claims and try to charge a lot more – but these aren’t usually necessary.

How Should I Change Over My Cat’s Litter?

If you’ve been using a different type of litter, such as clay or crystal, and are now convinced you need to switch over to pellet litter there are a few things you need to know.

As with cat food, cats don’t respond well when litter is switched over from one day to the next. Even if they ultimately like the new choice, they may repel from it and take several days to come around.

The best way to switch from one litter to another is to do it gradually. Start by adding a little of the new litter in each time you change it, until you have switched over completely.

And keep in mind that most formulas of kitty litter pellets expand – some quite significantly. So be very careful not to overfill your litter box when changing it. Putting two to three inches in the bottom of the box should be more than enough once you account for your cat pawing around – and the expansion of the pellets.

Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About Pellet Cat Litter?

Pellet cat litter doesn’t clump very well. So, if you are specifically looking for a clumping formula you may want to consider another type of litter.

However, although it doesn’t clump since it is biodegradable it breaks down a lot easier. And these fine particles are quite simple to clean up.

It isn’t just your cat who can be sensitive to certain products used to make the pellets. If you are allergic to pine, nuts, corn or any other material used you’ll probably want to try another formula.

How Often Should I Change Pellet Litter?

Although most types of pellet cat litter don’t clump you should still scoop out feces and all broken down material on a daily basis. Add in a bit more litter as needed.

Once or twice a week, depending on how full the litter box gets, dump the whole thing out and give it a scrub to remove any bacteria. It can help to have two litter boxes so you can have one soaking and cleaning and another one available for your cat to use.

Clean out the litter box with a (safe) mild detergent and warm water and give it a deep clean with disinfectant every three or four changes.

And don’t forget to always wash your hands after handling any type of cat litter! You don’t want to spread bacteria. Plus, cat feces may contain Toxoplasma gondii – a parasite which can cause Toxoplasmosis, which is extremely dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

What Else Should I Know About Litter Boxes?

Some cats prefer more privacy than others so you may have to experiment with using a covered cat box. And no matter what don’t place the litter box in a highly trafficked area! Tucked in the back of a closet, in a quiet garage, or somewhere else not a lot of people are around are great areas for a litter box.

If your cat flicks their litter outside of the box – or if you notice they always stand on the edge of the box to do their business that usually means they need a bigger litter box.

And finally, if your cat is acting strange around their litter box – like suddenly peeing on the outside instead of inside, they’re in there for much longer than usual, or are making frequent trips you should pay attention. They may have a urinary tract infection, intestinal issues, or something else going on and you should consult a qualified veterinarian.

So, Are You Ready For my Cat Litter Pellets Reviews?

If you were to go cat litter shopping, I’m sure you would be stunned at how many choices you have! Even when you narrow it down to specifically pellet cat litter the amount of choices can be overwhelming. So, I’ve done all the work for you. After trying and researching the many options out there I have finally come up with the five very best.