What is walnut cat litter? Does the eco-friendly alternative really work?

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.

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 is available on Amazon for $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.