Every cat parent wants their pet to be happy and healthy, which means considering the safety of all of the food, toys, bedding, and litter we bring into their lives. Walnut cat litter is a natural product that claims to be great for your cat and the environment, but does it really keep the smell at bay? Here’s what you need to know about this eco-friendly litter option.
What is walnut cat litter?
Walnut cat litter is made from crushed walnut shells, a recycled byproduct of the food industry. The shells are processed and finely ground into granules that resemble traditional clay-based cat litter. There are a few unique benefits to this eco-friendly option, but there are also a couple of cons to consider.
What are the pros of walnut cat litter?
One of the biggest benefits of walnut cat litter is that it’s an environmentally friendly choice. The walnut shells are biodegradable and natural, and as a food industry byproduct, they would otherwise go to waste.
Odor control is a top priority for cat parents and walnut litter does a solid job at controlling litter box smells. While walnut-based litter smells slightly more earthy out of the bag than clay-based litter, the compounds in walnut shells naturally absorb and neutralize urine and fecal odors to keep your home fresh.
While walnut shell litter is a great option for many cats, there is a risk of allergic reactions in humans or cats with nut allergies. If you’re not sure if your cat has a nut allergy, try testing a small amount of litter and monitoring your cat for irritation.
You might also notice more tracking with walnut shell litter. While you can keep this to a minimum with a litter-trapping mat, you might need to sweep up a little more frequently around your cat’s litter box.
One of the most popular walnut cat litters is Naturally Fresh Cat Litter. This walnut-based quick-clumping kitty litter isavailable on Amazonfor $20 per 26-pound bag.
Cat parents raved about the neutral, slightly nutty smell and lack of dust. Many reviewers also mentioned that a little bit of this litter goes a long way, saying that it was “more economical in the long run and less waste entering the trash/landfills.” If you’re looking for a low-odor natural option that’s great for the environment and your cat, it could be worth making the switch to walnut litter.
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