The Best Cat Litter Pellets
As much as we love our cats, we don't always love cleaning up after them. Traditional clay and crystalline cat litter can be all too easy for our furry friends to track around the house and the mining process behind making it is terrible for the environment as well. Cat litter pellets provide an affordable, effective, and ecologically friendly way to clean up after your cat, which is why we decided to review the best pellet products you can find today.
What to Look For
In our research, we asked ourselves the following questions: Are they environmentally friendly? Are they easy to take in and out of the litter box? Do they do a good job of masking odors? We found plenty of great options for all types of cat owners, from the all-natural pine pellets of Small Pet Select to the innovative use of pro-green chemistry concocted by Naturally Fresh. No matter what kind of cat litter pellets you’re looking for, there’s a product on this list that will make you and your cat’s life easier, so keep reading and get that scooper ready.
Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System
The cat's meow
This full-featured litter system from Purina is sure to be a (literal) breath of fresh air for cat owners who need a solution to their litterbox problems. These cat litter pellets are made with Purina’s Breeze system, which allows liquids to pass through and massively cuts down on time cleaning waste. Plus, this set includes strong absorbing pads that clean cat urine for up to a week.
Pros:
- The pads have an unobtrusive smell that still manages to disguise the odor of cat urine.
- These pellets are small and solid, making them easy to clean should they escape the litter box.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, the refill boxes are slightly on the pricey side. Still, we think it’s worth the cost.
Small Pet Select Premium Pine Pelleted Cat Litter
Pining for quality
For organic cat litter pellets, very little can top this eco-friendly litter option from Small Pet Select. It’s free from the additives and chemicals typically found in other types of pellets. Not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also selecting a product that won’t trigger your allergies or make you sick. However, the lack of factory additives doesn’t mean these pellets aren’t as effective. Pine is less likely to stick to your cat’s fur, and it masks the smell of cat waste with its natural odor.
Pros:
- Because of its connection to the natural world, these cat litter pellets can be more effective than traditional litter for helping domesticate feral woodland cats.
- Wood naturally absorbs cat urine, leaving your litterbox practically odorless.
Cons:
- The packaging is not as environmentally friendly as the product itself.
Small Pet Select Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter
Small Pet Select rears its furry head yet again with another environmentally sound selection of cat litter pellets. Discarded newspaper is a traditional method of lining litter boxes, but having that paper condensed into pellet form is far more effective at absorbing cat waste. Plus, these pellets are up to three times as absorbent as traditional clay, which means this litter will need to be changed out less frequently.
Pros:
- These pellets are lightweight but large, making them easy to handle and clean up after.
- It has a non-intrusive scent, meaning it obscures cat odor without irritating your sense of smell.
- The cost-to-volume ratio is very appealing: you get a lot of litter for a relatively low price.
Cons:
- Some owners may balk at paying for easily-found recyclable material they may be able to make themselves (even though it almost definitely won’t be as effective as these cat litter pellets).
Naturally Fresh Walnut Cat Litter
New and natural
We’ve covered cat litter pellets made from a factory formula and pellets made from all-natural ingredients. But this litter solution from Naturally Fresh brings the best of both those worlds into one appealing package. Combining eco-friendly walnut shell material with a robust non-clumping formula, this litter can be up to seven times as effective at absorbing waste and controlling odor when compared to clay or crystal. Additionally, walnut shells are ideal for preventing tracking, meaning your cat won’t be parading their mess all over your floors.
Pros:
- We love that this litter is incredibly affordable, especially considering the quality.
- They have a similar consistency to standard cat litter, making them very easy to get used to.
Cons:
- The clumping process takes some time, meaning you’ll have to wait about an hour after your cat does their business to scoop it out effectively.
Feline Pine Platinum Cat Litter with Baking Soda
Purrfect pricing
When it comes to providing the best bang for your buck, these natural cat litter pellets from Feline Pine is hard to beat. These organic wood pellets come in a massive 40-pound bag that will undoubtedly last you a while. Rest assured that a low price doesn’t indicate low quality. These pellets are absorbent, pleasantly fragrant, and light enough to scoop.
Pros:
- These pellets have no toxic additives or chemicals, meaning they can be recycled or composted with a clear conscience.
- Pine and baking soda combine to create a perfect non-stick solution for your cat’s fur, cutting down on messes and mishaps.
Cons:
- The pellets will break down into a powder quicker than other brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What separates mediocre cat litter pellets from great ones?
Top-quality cat litter pellets will always be absorbent, nice smelling (or at least able to mask the smell of cat waste), and made from non-stick materials. Luckily, you can find plenty of pellets that satisfy these criteria without being too hard on your budget.
Does it matter what type of material my cat litter pellets are?
Pine and recycled pellets are best for the environment and introduce the fewest toxins into your house, but some cats have difficulty getting used to them. If your preferred brand isn’t working for your cat, experiment with different materials and see how they respond.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.