Here are the best flushable cat litter we’ll be covering:
- Sustainably Yours Corn & Cassava Litter
- sWheat Scoop
- Kittywoo Tofu Cat Litter
- Better Way Eco Fresh Clumping Cat Litter
- Nourse Chowsing Tofu Cat Litter
Cleaning and disposing of kitty litter waste can be a bother. This is especially true if you live in an apartment. To make your life easier, you might want to consider using a flushable cat litter. In this article, we will look at how safe and effective flushable litters are and how to choose the best flushable cat litter for your needs.
Made from materials that are eco-friendly and safe to flush, flushable litter has some clear advantages. It helps the environment by preventing litter from going into landfills, saves you from having to use plastic bags for cat waste, and lowers your impact on the environment.
Unlike conventional kitty litter, flushable litter is made from biodegradable materials such as wood shavings, corn, wheat, paper, soybeans, and some types of clay. These materials break down in the environment and don’t harden when they come into contact with water.
However, flushable litters should be used with caution. Even formulas advertised as flushable should only be flushed in small quantities. Avoid putting large amounts of litter in the toilet at once and consider flushing multiple times. Always read the instructions carefully before using a flushable litter.
Even flushable kitty litter can cause clogging, especially if you have your own septic system or old pipes. Some flushable litter is only safe for large sewer systems. Be sure that the litter you choose is safe for your specific plumbing situation.
Our recommendation for the best flushable cat litter
There are many types of flushable cat litter, so to choose the best one, you will need to know what to look for. First of all, you will want a litter with small granules because they will be less likely to clog your pipes and are softer on the paws. Next, you will want a cat litter that dissolves completely in water so it won’t get stuck in your sewage system.
The next thing to consider is clumping versus non-clumping litters. A non-clumping litter usually works better, since you’re not flushing giant clumps down the toilet every day. Clumping formulas might have a higher risk of clogging the system.
Unlike clay litters that expand when wet, many flushable litter forms clumps for scooping and flushing that disintegrate when immersed in water. A litter that forms clumps that dissolve should be a good choice.
Finally, you will want to look for plant-based formulas. Soy-based litters are the most common. Standard clay litters should be avoided because they harden into clumps that damage pipes. Remember that natural and biodegradable cat litter is not necessarily flushable. Be sure to read labels carefully.
Sustainably Yours Corn & Cassava Litter
Sustainable Yours Corn and Cassava Litter is a natural and 100 percent sustainable cat litter made from corn and cassava. These plants are renewable, biodegradable, and compostable. They also fight odor without the use of chemicals or fragrances and are effective regardless of the number of cats you have. It comes in a 26-pound bag.
This litter clumps firmly for easy scooping. The small, fine grains are quick to absorb and good for cats with sensitive paws. To flush the clumps, be sure to follow the instructions on the package. Light in color and dust-free, this litter makes it easy to keep your cat’s litter box clean and fresh.
This litter is ideal for homes with multiple cats and for cats and people that are sensitive to dust and artificial fragrances. If you are looking for a flushable litter that can be easily scooped, this might be the best choice.
Pros: Clumps easily, natural, sustainable, fights odor, dust-free, fine grains, no artificial fragrances
Cons: Some people are allergic to corn
sWheat Scoop
sWheat Scoop is a wheat-based clumping cat litter that helps to eliminate urine odors. The enzymes and starches in wheat encourage clumping and absorb odors swiftly and effectively. It is made from farmer-grown, all-natural ingredients and contains no harmful chemicals. It comes in a 25-pound bag.
Made from renewable resources with no added dyes or perfumes, it is 100 percent biodegradable. The quick-forming clumps are easy to scoop, firm, and compact. The company donates one pound of litter to the Best Friends Animals Society for every new sWheat Perks member.
This litter is flushable if you follow the company’s recommendations and flush the clumps slowly. It is a good choice for cats who are sensitive to artificial fragrances and for people on a budget. It lasts longer than clay litter products and will save you some money in the end.
Pros: Clumps are firm, absorbs odor, all natural, 100 percent biodegradable, no dyes or perfumes, flushable, long-lasting
Cons: Dusty, smells, tracks out of litter box
Kittywoo Tofu Cat Litter
Kittywoo Tofu Cat Litter is an eco-friendly litter that clumps easily and controls odors. Made from natural plant ingredients, this litter is safe and dissolves in water instantly. it will not clog toilets when flushed properly. It is non-stick for easy cleaning and non-allergenic.
The clumps won’t crumble or break when you scoop them. This helps the litter to last a long time. In fact, the 5.5-pound bag should last for about two weeks. The low-tracking, dust-free formula helps keep your floors clean and makes it easier to maintain and clean your litter box.
This litter is a good choice if you or your cats are sensitive to dust and if you are concerned for the environment. It costs a bit more than some other brands, but it might save money in the end because it lasts a long time. It is lightweight and easy to use. if you are concerned about your cat tracking litter all over the house, this might be the best option.
Pros: Eco-friendly, clumps easily, controls odors, dissolves instantly, non-allergenic, non-tracking, lightweight, dust-free, healthy
Cons: Expensive, absorbency could be better
Better Way Eco Fresh Clumping Cat Litter
Made from 100 percent Zeolite clay, Better Way Eco Fresh Clumping Cat Litter is great for controlling odors from feces and urine. Its small granules are gentle on paws and keep urine from reaching the bottom of the litter box. This helps keep your litter box clean and fresh. It comes in a 12-pound bag.
This litter forms clumps that are easy to remove and has a cat attractant called Sanel that helps to encourage kittens and older cats to use the litter box. Sanel is made from tree resin, and it reminds cats of the outdoors. This litter was formerly called “flushable” but has changed its name because municipalities redefined the meaning of the term “flushable.”
This is a good choice for cats with sensitive paws, kittens who need to be litter trained, and older cats who need to be retrained. It is also great for people who are considering toilet training their cats.
Pros: Controls odors, small granules, clumps well, good for sensitive paws, attracts cats with Sanel
Cons: Expensive, the label is unclear about whether it is flushable or not
Nourse Chowsing Tofu Cat Litter
Nourse Chowsing Tofu Cat Litter is an eco-friendly litter made from bean dregs, the by-products of tofu. This biodegradable product is safe and dissolves easily in water. It can be flushed in the toilet or used as fertilizer. The litter pellets are great for controlling odor, absorbing moisture, and clumping. The six-pound, vacuum-packed bag lasts a long time.
The litter granules are dust-free and low-tracking. This helps to prevent messes and reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions. It doesn’t stick to cats’ paws, so it will help you keep your house clean and neat. It comes in two pleasant scents: original milk and green tea.
This litter is one of the best tofu litters available because it clumps, fights odors, and doesn’t track. Also, the smell is not overpowering. It does require frequent scooping and is a bit on the pricy side. It works best at controlling odors if you keep it clean.
Pros: Eco-friendly, biodegradable, dissolves easily, non-tracking, dust-free, clumping
Cons: Expensive, requires frequent scooping, not long lasting
Is flushable cat litter bad for the environment?
While flushable cat litter is more sustainable than conventional litter, there are some environmental concerns to be aware of if you use it. The main issue is Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that cats can carry. This parasite gets transmitted through a cat’s poop and passes through human waste treatment sites unimpaired. From there, it can enter waterways, wash out to sea, and kill marine life.
Toxoplasmosis, a disease that is caused by the parasite, has infected sea mammals and can cause brain damage and death in sea otters and Hawaiian monk seals. Crabs and starfish feed on it and spread it to other marine life. Traces of it have been found in dolphins.
Toxoplasma gondii can also infect humans. It is especially dangerous for people with compromised immune systems and for pregnant women. It can cause brain defects and death in fetuses.
If you live near the coast or your drainage system is connected to the city sewer system, it is especially important that you don’t flush cat waste because it will end up in the sea and kill marine life.
For these reasons, California advises against flushing cat litter and requires a label on packages that warns people against flushing it due to toxins. Some countries have laws against flushing cat litter.
Toxoplasma: Indoor cat vs outdoor cat
Outdoor cats are more likely to carry toxoplasmosis than indoor cats because they pick it up from digging in the dirt and eating raw prey. The best ways to prevent cats from getting toxoplasmosis are keeping them indoors and not feeding them raw or undercooked meat. Indoor cats are much less likely to carry and transmit T. gondii.
Is flushing cat poop down the toilet safe? Can you flush cat poop down the toilet without the litter?
Flushing cat poop down the toilet is not recommended due to the risk of spreading toxoplasmosis. If you do decide to flush it, you should have your cat tested for toxoplasmosis. Your veterinarian can check your cat for toxoplasmosis with a special blood test.
If your cat tests positive, that means she has been exposed to the parasite at some point, but she might not be shedding the eggs presently. If your cat tests negative, she has not been exposed. In most cases, toxoplasmosis can be treated with a simple course of antibiotics. Most cats don’t get ill from an infection unless their immune system is weak.
Another reason why flushing cat poop is a bad idea is that cat feces harden as they are exposed to air. That makes them more likely to clog your pipes.
Other problems with flushable litter
As we have seen, flushable litter can cause clogs and damage to plumbing systems. In order to avoid damage, you need to be sure that the litter is biodegradable and truly flushable. Also, you should follow the instructions carefully and check that your plumbing system can handle it.
Most flushable cat litter doesn’t clump as well as traditional litter, so it is harder to clean. Some of the materials used in flushable cat litter are allergens for some people, so they should be handled with care. Flushable litter also tends to be more expensive than conventional litter.
If your plumbing system is failing, you should stop flushing litter. Old plumbing systems may not be durable enough to handle litter, and modern toilets are designed to save water and don’t have the volume of water needed for flushing litter. Flushing multiple times helps, but also negates some of the environmental benefits.
