As more people seek products that reflect their values, a growing number of eco-friendly alternatives are giving cat parents more sustainable choices than ever before.
Ingredients, packaging, and third-party certifications can all offer helpful insights when you’re looking into more sustainable litter options. Here are a few things to keep in mind and some brands to check out.
What to Look for in a Sustainable Litter Brand
Curious about making a more eco-friendly litter choice for your cat? Here are a few ways to dig a little deeper and find options that align with your values:
- Check the Ingredients: Some litter brands use alternative materials like upcycled wood or walnut shells instead of traditional clay. These options may have a smaller environmental footprint, since clay is often strip-mined in ways that can disrupt ecosystems. To learn about a brand’s sourcing, check the packaging, or visit their website. Most responsible brands share where their materials come from and why they chose them.
- Take a Peek at the Packaging:
Recyclable or low-waste packaging is another good sign. Responsible brands provide clear disposal instructions; Please follow them closely. If recyclable packaging isn’t handled properly, it can contaminate other materials and end up in the landfill. - Explore Certifications and Sustainability Features: See if the brand shares a sustainability report or highlights specific features like water savings or reduced emissions. Certifications like the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) Accreditation can help you spot companies that are taking measurable, third-party verified steps toward better business practices.
As you start exploring what’s out there, it can be helpful to see how different brands are putting these ideas into action. The examples below highlight three companies offering alternatives to traditional clay litter, each with its own approach to materials, packaging, and sustainability. All three brands are also PSC Accredited, meaning they’ve taken measurable steps toward improving their environmental and social impact through third-party verification.
Catalyst
In their words:
Our motto is on every bag: Love your pet. Change your planet. Catalyst cat litter is made from 100% upcycled softwood residuals—diverting usable material from landfills to create high-performance litter. With tight clumps, superior odor control, and recyclable packaging, Catalyst proves you don’t have to sacrifice performance to make a sustainable, healthy choice for you and your cat.
Sustainability Features:
- 100% of our litter is made with upcycled softwood, giving cat parents a healthy alternative to strip-mined clay
- Up to 70% less waste into landfill vs clay litter
- Certified Plastic Neutral through Repurpose Global
Learn more at www.catalystpet.com
Naturally Fresh
In their words:
All natural and sustainable. Made from walnut shells grown in northern California, Naturally Fresh is compostable and annually renewable. Made without any harmful ingredients, Naturally Fresh is safe for you, your cat and the planet.
Sustainability Features:
- Thousands of walnut trees planted every year
- 100% of the walnut used to achieve zero waste
- 7480 solar panels in our production facilities
Learn more at www.naturallyfreshlitter.com
Check out their Life Cycle Assessment Case Study: https://petsustainability.org/portfolio/life-cycle-assessment-eco-shell-cat-litter/
Healthy Pet
In their words:
Sustainability Matters. We make choices for our families every day, and our pets are family too. From sustainable sourcing to planet friendly products, Healthy Pet provides healthier choices to improve life at home for you and your pets.
Sustainability Features:
- All raw materials are reclaimed from sustainable sources.
- Healthy Pet products are 99% & 100% USDA BIOBASED Certified
- Transitioned cat litter packaging to 100% recyclable in 2023.
- Converting consumers from earth depleting strip-mined clay litter to plant-based, eco-friendly ökocat® natural litter.
Learn more at www.healthy-pet.com/pages/our-purpose
Choosing a more sustainable cat litter might seem like a small change, but it’s one that adds up. Every bag you buy supports companies rethinking how products are made, packaged, and sourced. And when you choose brands that are transparent about their impact, you’re helping create a healthier planet for all animals.
Continued Reading:
https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/sustainable-pet-products-market