Choosing the right cat litter helps to ensure a clean, comfortable and odor-free environment for you and your cat.
But given how saturated (pardon the pun) the market has become, this is often easier said than done.
One of the products that have really started to proliferate in recent years is flushable cat litter.
Heralded as being convenient and eco-friendly, flushable litter products have become a very popular option among owners.
But just how effective are these products.
This guide offers the dirt, so to speak, on flushable cat litters, evaluating the different brands and some of the qualities to look out for.
First of all, are these products really flushable?
Is Flushable Cat Litter Really Flushable?
While flushable cat litter is supposed to be safe to flush down the toilet, this isn’t always the case.
Made from biodegradable materials, it’s designed to break down more easily than traditional products.
But whether it’s truly flushable depends on a number of factors.
Plumbing System
Older or weaker plumbing systems may struggle to handle flushable cat litters due to narrower pipes.
Blockages are often the result which can put pressure on the pipes’ seals and joints.
In certain instances, there’ll already be a build up of sediment and debris which increases the chances of a blockage.
Septic System Compatibility
If your home has a septic system, make sure the flushable cat litter is specifically labelled as septic-safe.
Clumping flushable cat litter products won’t break down properly in septic tanks and can cause blockages.
Additionally, even biodegradable products can decompose slower that the rate at which waste is processed in the septic tank.
As a consequence, the resulting accumulation of litter in the tank can disrupt the system’s bacterial ecosystem.
Toxoplasmosis Concerns
Cat feces can contain a parasite called Toxoplasma Gondii that causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis.
Flushing cat feces down the toilet can potentially introduce this parasite into the water supply.
Although rarely fatal, toxoplasmosis can present a significant risk to pregnant women and those with weak immune systems.
While flushable cat litter may be safe to flush, it’s essential to weigh the risks before making a decision.
When in doubt, dispose of used cat litter in the trash.
Types of Flushable Cat Litter
Some of the most common flushable cat litters on the market are as follows.
Corn-Based – Made from whole-kernel corn, this type of litter is biodegradable and provides excellent clumping and odor control.
Example: World’s Best Cat Litter
Wood-Based – Derived from wood fibers or sawdust, wood-based litters are sustainable and offer good absorbency and odor control.
Example: ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter and Feline Pine.
Wheat-Based – This type of flushable litter for cats is made from ground wheat and is biodegradable, offering good clumping and odor control.
Example: sWheat Scoop
Paper-Based – Manufactured from recycled paper, paper-based litters are eco-friendly and typically come in pellet form. While not as effective in clumping as some other options, they still provide decent odor control.
Example: Purina Yesterday’s News
Walnut-Based – Made from crushed walnut shells, this type of flushable litter is highly absorbent and biodegradable. It provides strong clumping and effective odor control.
Example: Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Cat Litter
Grass-Based – Derived from grass fibers, grass-based flushable cat litter is lightweight, biodegradable and offers good clumping and odor control.
Example: Frisco All Natural Grass Clumping Cat Litter
What to Look for in Flushable Cat Litter
If you’ve make the decision to give flushable cat litter a try, there are a few things you should take into account before purchase.
Biodegradability and Eco-Friendliness
The most obvious benefit of using flushable cat litter is its reduced environmental impact.
That said, be sure to find a product that’s made with biodegradable materials such as corn, wood or wheat.
As well as being sustainable, these material break down easily when flushed, thereby reducing the risk of pipe blockages.
Clumping Capabilities
A good flushable cat litter should have strong clumping capabilities, making it easier to remove waste and maintain a clean litter box.
Clumping litters allow you to remove waste more efficiently, resulting in less overall litter usage and reduced odor.
Odor Control
Effective odor control is crucial when it comes to cat litter. Flushable cat litters made from natural materials often have inherent odor control properties.
But some products may also include added ingredients, such as baking soda or activated charcoal to enhance their odor-neutralizing capabilities.
Dust-Free and Low-Tracking Properties
Flushable cat litter should be as dust-free as possible to minimize respiratory issues for both you and your cat.
Additionally, low-tracking properties ensure that your cat doesn’t spread litter throughout your home, keeping your floors and surfaces cleaner.
Safety for Cats and Plumbing Systems
Ensure the flushable cat litter you choose is safe for your cat and your home’s plumbing system.
Avoid litters with added fragrances or chemicals that could be harmful to your cat.
Check product reviews and consult with a plumber or septic expert to confirm that the litter you choose is compatible with your plumbing system.
Top Flushable Cat Litter Brands and Products
Here’s a list of some highly recommended flushable cat litter brands and products.
World’s Best Cat Litter
World’s Best Cat Litter is a highly popular flushable cat litter made from whole-kernel corn.
The unique, natural formula of this product allows it to deliver excellent clumping capabilities, making waste removal and litter box maintenance very easy.
The corn-based composition is a biodegradable, eco-friendly cat litter that provides effective, long-lasting odor control.
Pros
- Exceptional clumping makes for easy waste removal and litter box upkeep
- Low dust helps minimize respiratory issues for both you and your cat
- Long-lasting odor control ensures a fresh-smelling home
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly option
Cons
- The higher price point may be off-putting for some
Price Range – Mid to High
ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter
ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter is an eco-friendly and sustainable option made from reclaimed wood fiber.
This flushable litter is free from artificial fragrances, synthetic chemicals and dyes so it’s very safe for your feline friend.
The natural wood scent helps neutralize odors, while highly absorbent materials keep your cat’s litter box clean and dry.
The litter is also low-tracking and low-dust which helps to reduce messes.
Pros
- Eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials
- Excellent odor control with a natural wood scent
- Highly absorbent, keeping the litter box clean and dry
- Low tracking and low dust for reduced mess
Cons
- Clumps may be not be as firm when compared to other options, which could make waste removal slightly more challenging
Price Range – Mid
Better Way Flushable Cat Litter
Better Way Flushable Cat Litter uses a natural mineral known as zeolite, to create a safe and effective flushable litter solution.
This product is specifically designed for use with septic systems, making it an excellent choice for those with septic tanks.
The septic safe cat litter offers good clumping capabilities, allowing for easy waste removal and litter box maintenance.
Additionally, it produces minimal dust, reducing the risk of respiratory issues for both cats and their owners.
Pros
- Septic-safe and compatible with most plumbing systems
- Good clumping for easy waste removal
- Low dust production, minimizing respiratory concerns
- Effective odor control
Cons
- May be less absorbent than other flushable litter options, requiring more frequent litter box maintenance
Price Range – Mid
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter is a biodegradable and eco-friendly cat litter made from corn.
This flushable litter boasts strong clumping capabilities, which makes for simple waste removal and litter box maintenance.
The corn-based formula provides effective odor control while the litter itself is low-tracking and low-dust.
Pros
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Strong clumping capabilities for easy waste removal and litter box upkeep
- Effective odor control
- Low tracking and low dust for reduced mess
Cons
- May not be suitable for households with corn allergies
Price Range – Mid
Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Cat Litter
Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Quick-Clumping Cat Litter is an eco-friendly flushable cat litter made from crushed walnut shells.
The natural properties of walnut shells make this litter highly absorbent, effectively controlling odors while providing strong clumping capabilities.
It’s also doesn’t contain toxic chemicals, artificial dyes or fragrances.
Pros
- Made from biodegradable crushed walnut shells
- Strong clumping capabilities for easy waste removal and litter box upkeep
- Effective odor control and high absorbency
- Dark color allows for easy identification of soiled areas
Cons
- Some users may find the dark color of the litter less visually appealing
- May track more than other low-tracking options due to the larger granules
Price Range – Mid
Highly-Rated Flushable Cat Litter
Flushable Cat Litter FAQ
In this section, we address some common questions and concerns related to flushable cat litter:
Q – Is flushable cat litter suitable for multi-cat households?
A – Yes, flushable cat litter can be suitable for multi-cat households.
However, it’s essential to choose a product with strong clumping capabilities, excellent odor control and a formula designed to handle the increased waste generated by multiple cats.
Be prepared to clean the litter box more frequently and monitor the overall cleanliness to ensure a healthy environment for your pets.
Q – Can flushable cat litter be used with automatic litter boxes?
A – Some flushable cat litters are compatible with automatic litter boxes, but it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.
Keep in mind that clumping capabilities, dust levels and litter consistency may impact the performance of the automatic litter box.
Q – How often should flushable cat litter be changed?
A – The frequency of changing flushable cat litter depends on factors such as the specific product, the number of cats in your household and your cat’s individual habits.
Try to remove clumps and solid waste on a daily basis, replacing the entire litter box contents every two to four weeks.
Q – What are the risks of using flushable cat litter?
A – While flushable cat litter offers many benefits, there are potential risks associated with its use.
Flushing large quantities of litter or litter that doesn’t break down easily can lead to plumbing issues, such as clogs or damage to your septic system
To avoid this, follow the recommended disposal methods. If you’r unsure about the litter’s compatibility with your system, consult a plumber.
Conclusion
There’s no disputing the convenience of using flushable cat litter, provided of course that you’ve got a compatible plumbing system.
They’re also a great option for environmentally-conscious cat owners.
By it’s very important to consider some of the factors outlined in this guide in order to make an informed decision.
