Whether you have got a new cat or your cat doesn’t like her litter box, buying cat litter is necessary.
While the best cat litters are convenient and easy to use, they also come with hefty price tags. But thankfully, there are cat litter alternatives readily available for those cat owners who are health and budget-conscious.
Using other alternative litter materials can also prevent health issues for your feline and help you live a sustainable life by saving money.
But what are those alternatives to cat litter?
This article has included the top seven choices of substitutes that you should consider because they are eco-friendly, cost less, and are easy to find.
So let’s start!
1. Shredded Newspaper
If you are a daily newspaper reader who loves to read while having a cup of tea in the early morning, then let’s be creative and convert your used paper into kitty litter.
Newspapers are cheap, readily available, and a popular choice of cat owners who want a litter alternative. While the shredded newspaper takes less time to prepare, it’s well worth using!
Take the newspaper and shred it into long and thin strips. After that, soak them in dish soap of warm water, and leave them in water until the water color turns gray and the ink disappears.
Now remove the gray water and keep them soaked on paper without clean soap water. Drain away the water and sprinkle baking soda over the pieces of paper before squeezing out the liquid.
In the last step, take those paper strips, pop them on a tray, and leave them in the sunlight or gently baked in the oven heat. Once all the pieces are dry and crumble, they are ready to use as litter.
2. Wood Shavings
For many pet owners, woodworkers or crafters such as wood shavings are the best replacement option for kitten litter, and it is also biodegradable that can be used in your garden beds. The issue related to using wood shaving is to ensure the type of wood you use for your cat’s safety because some woods are toxic to cats. Therefore narrow down your research before replacing the litter and choose Aspen wood that is acceptable because they are stamped with heat treatments.
3. Sand
Sands are always the number one choice amongst cats if they had their way to do their business. Sand used to be the most common spot for cats to bury their precious things, and even after centuries, this instinct remains in their DNA.
Your cat’s paw will feel great in the sand, and it is easy for them to make through. Moreover, sand also makes clumps which help you to remove your cat’s waste easily. It is environmentally friendly yet very economical.
The one drawback of using sand is that it doesn’t absorb smells. Therefore, it is recommended to add baking soda to the sand to neutralize unpleasant smells. Sand is best for closed litter boxes than open ones as it can be messier with open ones.
4. Corn Litter
Corn litter is made from 100% corn kernels. They are larger pellets that can be uncomfortable for your cat’s feet, like paper litter. So, corn litter can make clumps and absorb some odor. Unfortunately, corn litter has its smell, which not everyone enjoys. Some varieties of corn litter are flushable, so it is easier for cleaning purposes.
5. Chicken Feed
Chicken feed is the most wanted cat litter substitute, and it is an effective and inexpensive way to absorb the mess well, making it the most prominent option for the cat’s litter box. Poultry feed that is pellet formed looks more like cat litter pellet that can be mixed with baking soda to make it smell-busting.
You can easily find chicken feed at farm animal supply stores, and it can save you from spending a considerable amount of money.
One downside of using this product is that it can attract insects and rats since it is made from peas, wheat, alfalfa, milo, and flaxseed.
6. Potting Soil
Have you ever seen stray cats heading to the nearest garden to do their business? Cats like to relieve themselves in soil. You can also use potting soil as a cat litter substitute for your indoor cat.
Potting soil can make your home messy, as your cat can track all the soil around your house. Therefore, it is recommended to place this alternative in the laundry room to keep your home soil-free. Be prepared to clean up the mess right after your cat uses the litter box, as the soil is very messy when used as litter.
In addition, there are great deals available on bulk potting soil at different animal garden stores. If you like this option, then keep your eye on the sale.
7. Sawdust
Like wood shaving, you can get sawdust from any woodworking space or a factory or lumber company that makes wood furniture. Use the best sawdust with a coarse to avoid the dust consistency.
According to experts, sawdust is a carcinogen for humans, which makes it harmful for cats, although it has not been proven yet.
Therefore, to keep your cat safe, if you need to choose between sawdust and shaving, go for shaving. This will allow you to have peace of mind that you are not keeping your kitty’s life at risk by this litter alternative.
Wrapping Up
Whether you briefly test a new brand or make a permanent decision to switch your cat litter, always do research before choosing. Contact your veterinarian for any queries before testing any of the above options on your cat.
Remember, every cat is different; some alternatives might not fit best for your cat.
