Best Natural Cat Litter (2025)
Stop bringing clay dust into your home. We tested the top 12 natural litters to find the ones that actually clump and don't attract bugs.
★The Winners (Skip the Research)
Not natural (Clay), but included for comparison as the gold standard.
The overall winner. Best clumping for precise scooping.
Best for health monitoring, but non-clumping behavior is polarizing.
Compare All Products
| Product | Review Score | Price | Type | Dust | Clumping | Odor | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9.1 9.1 | $$$ | Corn | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | 🌿 Natural🚽 Flushable⚪ Unscented | |
8.8 8.8 | $$$$ | Silica | 9/10 | 0/10 | 9/10 | ⚪ Unscented | |
9.4 9.4 | $$ | Clay | 9/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | ⚪ Unscented |
Why Switch to Natural Litter?
Clay litter is strip-mined and ends up in landfills forever. Natural litters (corn, wheat, pine, walnut) are sustainable, often flushable, and lighter.
The "Corn Smell" Issue
Some users find that corn litter develops a sour fermented smell if not scooped daily. This is because it is organic matter.
💡 Pro Tip: Stop The Sour Smell
Natural litters are more prone to bacterial growth than clay. Using a probiotic deodorizer like Purrify is virtually mandatory for corn/wheat litter to prevent that "barnyard" smell.
The Solution: Add a probiotic booster like Purrify to your natural litter.
Purrify uses enzymes to break down the waste before it ferments into that sour smell. It makes corn and wheat litter perform just as well as heavy chemical clay.
Corn vs. Wood vs. Grass
Corn (World's Best): Clumps the best. Can smell sour.
Wood (Okocat): Smells like lumber (nice). Clumps poorly.
Grass (SmartCat): Clumps amazing. Tracks everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really flush corn litter?
Yes, but be careful. Flush one clump at a time. Do not flush if you have a septic tank unless the brand specifically says 'septic safe' (World's Best is).
Does natural litter attract bugs?
It can. It is food, after all. Keep the box clean and scoop daily to avoid flour beetles or ants finding a free meal.