Best Flushable Cat Litter 2020: Clean Your Cat’s Litterbox without Hassle
Author Alisa Mendoza Reading 1 min Views 44 Published by
Owners of indoor cats know that their pets’ litterboxes need regular cleaning. Cats are finicky about cleanliness, and an overfilled litterbox is unaesthetic and non-hygienic. If you use clumping clay litter that needs to be utilized like any household garbage, the procedure of cleaning can grow into a real chore, especially if there is more than one cat in your home. That is the reason why many cat fanciers prefer flushable cat litter.
Table of Contents:
Flushable Cat Litter: What is It
Best Flushing Cat Litter Brands: a Comparative Chart
Advantages of Flushable Cat Litter
Things to Consider When Choosing Flushable Litter
How We Picked out the Best Flushable Cat Litter Brands
Best Flushable Litter 2018: Our Choice
1. World's Best Cat Litter
2. Purina Yesterday's News Fresh Scent Cat Litter
3. Ökocat Natural Wood Cat Litter, Clumping
4. sWheat Scoop Fast-Clumping All-Natural Cat Litter
5. Garfield Cat Litter Tiny Grains
6. Better Way Eco Fresh Clumping Cat Litter
7. Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat Clump & Seal Clumping Litter
8. It's A Tea Potty! Hinoki Wood & Green Tea Natural Cat Litter by Weruva
9. Blue Buffalo Naturally Fresh Cat Litter
10. Cat's Pride Fresh and Light Premium Cat Litter
11. Fresh Step Multi-Cat with Febreze Freshness, Clumping Cat Litter
Five Amazing Facts about Cat Litter Boxes
Simple Rules of Cat Litterbox Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Verdict and Recommendations
What is flushable cat litter? If you read descriptions of different brands, you will not find a clear classification. For example, is Fresh Results corncob cat litter flushable or not? You may find controversial opinions.
Basically, any cat litter that can be flushed without causing damage to both the toilet bowl and the sewer system can be treated as flushable. It doesn’t form jams in waterways and doesn’t prevent the normal functioning of the sewerage system. It can be made of different materials, predominantly natural. If compared to clumping clay litter, it has some advantages and certain disadvantages.
On the plus side, flushable cat litter removes the necessity in regular disposing of heavy bags with expended clumping litter. Flushing is a fast and convenient method of utilization. It is affordable and won’t make a hole in the family budget while cats commonly love it.
That said, there are certain disadvantages as well. Cats’ parasites that are transmitted with feces can get into the sewer or the septic system and via waterways get to rivers and seas. Some species of sea mammals are prone to infecting with Toxoplasma Gondii. The second disadvantage is that despite being not as hard as clay litter, even the best flushable cat litter can contain abrasive components that can scratch the toilet bowl. Finally, the risk of clogging still remains – to avoid it you need to put litter in the bowl and flush it in small portions.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what cat litter is flushable. Commonly, it is assumed that any litter that doesn’t contain sodium bentonite clay is flushable. It means that it comes in a variety of materials, types, and textures. In particular, flushable cat litter can be:
When choosing the cat litter, you need to decide on its type. It’s important to choose the right texture and material that will be to your cat’s taste, effectively eliminate or absorb odors and won’t damage the sewer system. In our article, we are going to review flushable cat litter brands and try to choose the best of the best ones.
Image | Product | |
---|---|---|
Best Choice | World`s Best
| Check Price |
Also great | Purina Yesterday`s News
| Check Price |
Also great | Okocat Natural Wood Cat Litter
| Check Price |
Also great | sWheat Scoop Fast-Clumping
| Check Price |
Also great | Garfield Tiny Grains
| Check Price |
Best Choice | Better Way Eco Fresh
| Check Price |
Also great | Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat
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Also great | Hinoki Wood & Green Tea
| Check Price |
Also great | Blue Buffalo Naturally
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Also great | Cat`s Pride Scoopable
| Check Price |
There are several reasons to choose flushable litter. Apart from its convenience, it has some important advantages over conventional clumping clay litter. Here are its main characteristics that make it a preferable choice.
With many sorts, types, and brands of flushable litter, it is important to choose the right products that meet your needs best. Here are the main things to consider.
One needs to understand that not all types of flushable litter are septic-safe, though most of them are sewer-safe. This information is commonly available in the product’s specs list or description. It is crucial to choose the type of product that is approved for your septic system.
Clumping characteristics of various types of litter can vary. Non-clumping materials are more difficult to clean and tend to stick to the litterbox and spill around it. That said, some kinds of litter form very hard clumps that need to be dissolved in the water or broken before flushing. Try to avoid such materials is you don’t want to spend hours near the toilet boil waiting for the clumps to dissolve.
The odor of cat urine is very sustainable and long-lasting. It is almost impossible to get rid of it completely: flavored litter masks the odor but it neither prevents nor eliminates it. That is why try to choose non-flavored products made of materials that quickly absorb liquids and lock the odor inside the clumps.
Some types of litter (wooden pellets, zeolite) are really dusty, despite being effective and economic. If you want to reduce the amount of dust in the home and prevent tracking, choose dust-free options. A good example is granules made of recycled paper.
Today, the assortment of flushable litter types on sale is really huge, and one can try a dozen of them before the best option is found. Well, what is the best flushable cat litter? We believe that it is the litter that meets several criteria:
To choose the best options available we’ve studied hundreds of flushable cat litter brands reviews and thoroughly compared characteristics of the most popular ones. Then there was a real-life testing. We checked the absorbency, the ability to struggle with odors, the reaction to placing the litter into the water, and, finally, the overall price/quality ratio.
Here is a list of top-7 flushable cat litter brands with a brief description. For every brand, we’ve singled out advantages and disadvantages. Read and choose the brand that will ideally meet your requirements.
This World’s Best cat litter flushable is a fully biodegradable fine-grade litter. It is plant-based and made of corncobs with the addition of wooden fiber. It has a neutral scent and effectively absorbs unpleasant odors, forming clumps that are easy to scoop. A 7-lb package will last a month if you have one cat and 2 weeks if you have two cats. One of the frequent customer questions sound like this: is World’s Best cat litter flushable safe for the septic system? Well, because of corn in its composition it is not septic-safe. However, it can be safely used in housed connected to the sewer system.
It clumps well and doesn’t stick to the walls of a cat toilet box. It dissolves in the water well without making any harm to the sewer system and toilet bowl. Finally, it is loved by cats, economic and lightweight. That said, it is dusty, so be ready to sweep the floor regularly.
As the name implies, Purina Yesterday’s News is made of paper; in particular – of recycled newspapers. It is non-toxic, non-dusty, and soft. Medium-grained cellulose pellets effectively absorb liquids and neutralize odors. Purina comes in both scented and unscented variations. By the way, Purina is the best cat litter flushable for septic tanks Walmart recommends.
This cellulose-based product from Purina can be a great option if you live in a house with a septic system. It is also effective for toilet-training thanks to its soft texture. Unfortunately, its odor-control capabilities are medium.
Okocat practices the environment-friendly approach: not only is their product made of 100% natural components, but the package is completely biodegradable as well. It has perfect absorbent and odor-killing properties. It absorbs up to 5 as much as its weights and blocks the scent for up to 7 days. That saying, it forms accurate clumps that are easy to utilize. Okocat is, without doubt, a premium choice flushable scoopable cat litter.
Okocat products have little to complain about. The only downside of this litter, in our opinion, is excessive tracking – otherwise, it is close to perfect. Odor control is beyond the praise!
sWheat offers a good septic-safe flushable cat litter in a large package at a pleasant price. This fine-grained litter is made of processed wheat enzymes and wheat starch, which provides good clumping properties and a decent absorbency. It neutralizes the odor of urine, and its soft silky texture is loved by cats and small kittens.
A big package at an excellent price is an economic and effective solution. A corn-free formula makes it septic-compatible. But it is dusty and tends to stick to the paws and tail.
This Garfield flushable cat litter is exceptionally fine-grained; in fact, its texture resembles soft white sand that is usually to cats’ liking. However, it is not sand: the litter is completely plant-based and consists of corn and cassava. It immediately absorbs liquids, forming hard compact clumps that are easy to utilize. That said, it has a disadvantage typical for corn-based litter: it is prone to molding.
It is a controversial product that is loved by cats and has great odor-control capabilities but dissolves in the water slowly, making you wait before flushing.
Most flushable litter sorts are plant-based, however, there is at least one exception – the Better Way flushable cat litter, which is based on Zeolite. Unlike clay litter, it forms small clumps that are easily flushed without clogging the waterways and damaging the toilet bowl. You may want to buy Better Way cat litter flushable to toilet-train a cat. It contains attractants that make even stubborn cats use the litterbox.
It is not a conventional flushable litter, but it is worthy of trying. If your kitty is allergic or picky, Zeolite can become a good alternative to wheat and corn. That said, its odor-killing capabilities are average, and it is not dust-free.
If you are looking for the litter that really eliminates odors of cat’s urine and feces then the Arm and Hammer flushable cat litter can be a good choice. Beware that it is not 100% plant-based: instead, it is a mixture of plant and mineral components. However, it is very fine-grained and forms small hard clumps that are easily flushed. Thanks to the baking soda in the composition, Arm & Hammer literally kills the odor, transforming it into a slight neutral scent.
It is one of the best flushable options – easy to clean, dust-free, and odor-blocking. Not all cats meet it enthusiastically because of its texture.
This is 100% natural organic litter made of hinoki wood laced with green tea. It has a neutral natural scent and effectively blocks strong odors. The litter clumps well, it is sewer- and septic-safe, hypoallergenic and environmentally-friendly. It’s fully flushable easy-to-scoop formula makes is perfect for everyday use in houses and apartments of all types.
There is little to complain about. The clumps are dissolved in water momentarily and cause no harm to the sewer system. Moreover, it is one of the few products that really blocks urine odor. We also love that tracking is minimal. Mind that the pellets themselves are pretty large, so if you use a sifting pan, make sure the holes are not too small.
This all-natural litter is made of 100% environmentally friendly walnut shell. It perfectly absorbs liquids, is completely non-toxic and non-allergic. Thanks to its fine-grained texture, Blue Buffalo is loved by pets. It forms small accurate clumps that are quickly dissolved in the water and flushed away.
The litter does its job well but it has a prominent specific odor that can seem unpleasant to some cats and their owners. If you can live with it, you will love this product.
Cat’s Pride litter is not plant-based, unlike most types of flushable litter. It is made of light-density clay with special additives. Instead of cementing, it forms small clumps that can be flushed to the sewer system. The litter has neutral odor and a dust-free formula; it is perfect for multiple cats.
Though Cat’s Pride is advertised as “light” litter, it is not really light if compared to plant-based options, but it is lighter than conventional clay litter. All in all, we highly recommend it as an odor-free and dust-free solution.
Tofu cat litter is a natural plant-based product, which can be flushed without fear. The litter is fully biodegradable and causes zero harm to sewer and septic systems. Its main components are natural cornstarch, activated charcoal, and pea fiber. The litter has a soft, silky texture, which makes it perfect for kittens. It effectively absorbs odors and prevents a mess in your home.
This Tofu litter is really nice to have, especially if you own one small kitty or kitten. It is very soft, lightweight, and creates minimum dust. However, it is not too economical, so, if you have more than one adult cat, you’d better look for something else.
5. Contrary to a popular belief, cats don’t see in the dark. Don’t place a litterbox into a lightless corner.
You must be aware of the fact that cats are very tidy animals. That is why regular scooping and cleaning of a litterbox is crucial even if you use the best clumping flushable cat litter that blocks the odor. Here are some basic tips on how to maintain cat litterboxes correctly.
If you use clumping litter, scoop the new clumps 1-2 times a day even if there is no odor. After scooping, add some clean litter to maintain the level 3-4 inches in the litterbox. Keep in mind that cats are fastidious, and if the litterbox is not clean enough, they can start pooping outside it. The same is about feces: it should be disposed of immediately or, at least, once a day, if you are away all day long.
No matter how often you scoop the clumps, you should change the litter every week. Empty it out of the litterbox and wash the latter with warm water with a toilet bowl cleaner or another type of cleaner. But try not to use chlorine: most cats don’t like how it smells. Let the litterbox dry and fill it with a recommended amount of fresh litter.
If you use a conventional plastic litterbox, you need to change it from time to time. The fact is that the odor of cat urine is very long-lasting, and it tends to accumulate over time. A plastic litterbox absorbs the odor, and even if you clean it regularly, it doesn’t disappear completely. Even a scented litter won’t help to eliminate it. The simplest way out is just to change the litterbox every few months.
A: Not all types of cat litter can be flushed. Thus, traditional clumping clay litter must never be flushed – its hard abrasive particles can damage both a toilet bowl and waterways. Almost all plant-based options and some kinds of mineral litter can be flushed – they have a softer texture and their clumps dissolve in the water without damaging anything. Before buying litter, check whether it is flushable or not.
A: No, it is not. Scoop Away focuses on conventional clumping clay litter manufacturing; they don’t produce flushable, biodegradable, or other alternative options.
A: You are not recommended to do so if you live near the sea or a river, especially if your sewer system is connected to it. You are also not recommended to flush cat poop in a septic system. Cat poop can be a source of numerous infections and bacteria.
A: It depends on its type. Flushable litter can be flushed in the toilet. Non-flushable litter must be disposed of according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Commonly, it is placed in plastic bags and thrown away with household waste.
A: Yes, Naturally Fresh litter from Blue Buffalo is flushable. It is made of walnut shell, which is sewer-safe but is not septic-safe.
A:Yes, it is. Naturally Fresh is a series of all-natural biodegradable products that can be flushed, as it doesn’t contain abrasive particles, such as clumping clay. This litter is made of natural walnut shell, which is soft and well-clumping; at the same time, it easily dissolves in the water. It is safe for sewer systems; however, it is not recommended for septic systems. If you have a septic system, consider buying another type of flushable cat litter.
A: Several factors affect the most expedient depth of cat litter including the type of litter, the number of cats, how often you are ready to clean it, etc. Consider these points: Cat litter is composed of different ingredients such as silica, clay, biodegradable materials, etc. If you've opted for a non-clumping variant such as crystal litter, the recommended depth will be from 2 to 3 inches for every cat. If you are ready to clean the litter frequently, the level of litter can be a bit lower. Fill up the box to the higher edge if you plan to clean it every other week. For older cats, don't make the litter too deep since they may experience some difficulties in their joints. Long-haired cats prefer shallow levels of litter, while short-haired cats love digging into the litter box deep. For kittens, maintain a maximum 2 inches depth of cat litter since they have short legs and are relatively weak. Additionally, if you notice any of these signs, it means you've used too much litter: the cat flings the litter out of the box; the cat goes halfway in only; the cat slides and slips in the box.
Based on our top-10 flushable cat litter reviews you can choose the brand that meets your needs best. If you need something to toilet-train your kitty, have a closer look at the Better Way flushable cat litter review – chances are this brand will do for you.
The best option for small kittens is Purina Yesterday’s News – soft, fine-grain and non-toxic. This litter is also great for the use in houses with septic systems.
If you are looking for the strongest odor control, try Garfield Tiny Grains or Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat litter. It can happen so that your cats prefer wooden litter, then you may try Okocat, which is made of 100% timber wood. Finally, World’s Best is a great inexpensive option with good clumping properties.
https://www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/pets/cat-litter-the-stinkin-truth/gwYHbZgxD8gT4I2ySy6LsJ/
https://kapush.org/cat-litter/flushable-cat-litter/
https://drjustinelee.com/should-i-switch-my-cats-kitty-litter-to-swheatscoop/
Is flushable cat litter really flushable?
Hi,
Yes, flushable litter can be literally flushed without any problem. It means it is safe for both septic and sewer systems. Non-flushable sorts of cat litter, in turn, can accumulate inside the sewer system and damage it.
Most cat litters are clay-based. Some clump, some don’t. Clumping litters in particular are popular for their ease of removing urine as the litter absorbs and creates scoopable clumps. The litter doesn’t need to be replaced as often as non-clumping litters do. However, these clay-based litters end up in the trash, often in plastic bags, where they contribute to landfill sizes and other environmental woes. Clay-based litter doesn’t break down in compost heaps, and the clay itself itself is often derived from materials that are gathered through strip-mining processes.
Any biodegradable litter can burden delicate plumbing or a septic system, causing undue wear and potentially damaging your system over time. Even the best flushable cat litter should go down gradually. Go slowly and let each clod dissolve before you flush it.
Litter boxes and kitty litter may not be the most enjoyable part of cat ownership, but they are an unavoidable one. After all, kitty has to go potty somewhere. Litter box furniture can help hide your cat’s litter box so it’s not so obvious, but you’ve got to have one. And you’ve got to have the stuff to fill it with.
What is the Best Type of Cat Litter?
Hi,
Various types of cat litter have their benefits and drawbacks. Experts would say that the best litter is the one made of natural biodegradable components, which is easy to scoop and leaves no traces. However, in practice, the best cat litter is the one that your cat loves. So, choosing the best option depends on your individual preferences.
The litter includes an innovative formula which means that liquids are absorbed and remain trapped in a thin clump on the surface of the litter. The clumps are then easy to remove leaving the rest of the litter clean and ready to use. This is an excellent option for flushable cat litter, as it is completely environmentally friendly and it is also non tracking and neutralises odours.
How many litter boxes should I have, and what are the best kind?
Hi,
It depends on the number of cats you have and the number of stories in your house/apartment. As a rule of thumb, specialists recommend buying one “extra” box. Thus, if you have two cats, buy three litter boxes. If your home is 2- or 3-storied, place one litter box on every story.
Let’s be honest—no one likes cleaning the cat litter. Inhaling the pungent odor, sweeping up small granules of litter that skitter across the floor, and hauling a heavy plastic bag filled with waste out to the bin might be one of the least appealing parts of cat parenthood. Flushable cat litter is touted as a more convenient and sustainable option than conventional clumping litters that must be bagged and tossed in the trash