Natural Cat Litter That Controls Odor: What to Look For

Natural cat litters are appealing to many cat owners: they’re biodegradable, sustainably sourced, often less dusty, and some are even flushable. However, even the most natural cat litter isn’t appealing if it doesn’t control odor effectively. The good news is that many options can deliver excellent natural cat litter odor control, and some of the best natural cat litter odor control options can rival—or even surpass—traditional clay litter. 

In this article, we’ll tell you what to look for when choosing a natural cat litter for odor control, including how different natural cat litter types compare. We’ll also go over how to maximize odor control when you’re using natural litter. 

Here at Tuft & Paw, we’re cat experts. We've spent countless hours determining which litter features are most important to cats and cat parents alike. The information in this article is based on online research and our own experience as cat parents.

Why Natural Litter Can Struggle With Odor Control (But It Doesn’t Have To)

Odor builds up in cat litter boxes for two reasons: increasing ammonia and bacteria levels. Traditional clay litter often relies on strong clumping and absorption to contain odors. They may also add fragrances or synthetic deodorizers to help with odor control. Some natural litters are non-clumping or produce softer clumps, but many options—especially corn, walnut shell, and tofu cat litter—have strong clumping ability. Many eco-friendly odor control litters also contain plant fibers that can neutralize odors. If you choose the right cat litter, natural litter can be effective at odor control. 

What to Look For in a Natural Cat Litter for Odor Control (Best Natural Cat Litter Odor Control Features) 

When searching for the best natural cat litter for odor, consider:

• High absorbency: Cat litter that is highly absorbent soaks up liquid quickly, before ammonia can start to form. Natural litters that are highly absorbent include tofu, wood, and corn. 

• Natural odor-neutralizing ingredients: Many plant-based cat litters for odor control have plant-derived compounds that help neutralize odors. To keep things even fresher, choose a litter with added odor control ingredients like activated charcoal or baking soda.

• Clumping ability: Strong clumps help to lock in odors and make cleaning easier, which keeps the litter box smelling fresher. Tofu and corn-based natural litters often form strong clumps.

• Low dust: Dust can irritate both you and your cat’s respiratory system and also make it easier for odors to spread throughout your home. Tofu, corn, wheat, and wood litter are most commonly low in dust. 

• Fragrance-free: Artificial fragrances can irritate both cats and people. They also often just mask odors instead of tackling them at the source. Choose a non-toxic odor control cat litter that is free of any synthetic fragrances.

Comparing Types of Natural Cat Litter for Odor Control

The table below compares different natural litter types in terms of natural cat litter odor control performance, clumping ability, and absorbency. 

Keep in mind that individual cats have different preferences. You may need to do a trial period to find the best natural litter for your cat. 

Tofu Cat Litter

Tofu cat litter is made from soy byproducts, resulting in a highly absorbent, eco-friendly cat litter that forms strong clumps. It’s also often low-dust, and many tofu cat litters are flushable, which can make cleanup easier. 

It’s best to look for a high-quality tofu litter, as some brands can track more easily due to tofu’s lightweight texture. While tofu cat litter smell is generally minimal, lower-quality litters may have a natural, earthy smell.

Wood Cat Litter

Made from kiln-dried pine, the natural pine scent of wood cat litter works to neutralize odors and can also suppress bacterial growth. It’s also praised as an affordable cat litter that is low-tracking. However, wood cat litter is often non-clumping, which means you need to sift the box. It also has a different texture that not all cats like. 

Corn Cat Litter

Corn cat litter contains natural starches that help in forming clumps to lock in odors and make litter box cleaning easier. However, corn can have a natural scent that some cat owners may not enjoy, and it may need to be scooped more frequently than other natural cat litters. Some cat owners also point out that corn cat litter’s ability to control odor isn’t long-lasting, and note a plant-based cat litter odor that smells earthy.

Wheat Cat Litter

Wheat cat litter contains natural enzymes that work to neutralize odors and has a soft texture that many cats like. It generally forms decent clumps and is frequently low in dust. However, it can be easily tracked and may not provide strong enough odor control for multi-cat homes. 

Walnut Shell

Made from crushed walnut shells, walnut shell litter is highly absorbent and forms strong clumps. Many brands are also flushable. Some cat owners do report that walnut shell litter can be more prone to tracking and, because of the litter’s dark color, tracking is often more visible.

Grass/Hemp Seed

Made from grass/hemp seeds or dried grass, grass or hemp seed litter contains natural starches that are absorbent and form strong clumps. It’s also low in dust. Because of its lightweight texture, grass and hemp seed litter can be prone to tracking. It’s also one of the more expensive cat litter options.

Paper

Paper cat litter is made from recycled newspaper or cardboard pellets or granules. It’s one of the lowest dust litters available, and its soft texture makes it a good choice for sensitive cats or cats recovering from surgery. However, it’s not as effective at odor control and needs to be changed more regularly. 

Tips for Maximizing Odor Control with Natural Litter

There are many ways to naturally control odor. These include:

• Scooping more frequently: Cat litter should be scooped at least once per day, but more frequent scooping can help with better odor control.

• Use the right litter depth: Maintaining 2–3 inches of litter gives the material enough depth to absorb moisture, clump properly, and allows cats to comfortably bury their waste. 

• Wash the box regularly: How often to change cat litter depends on the type of litter you use, but most options need changing at least once every 2-3 weeks. Scrubbing the box thoroughly at this time helps to prevent any lingering odors from settling into the box.

• Improve ventilation: Placing the litter box in an area with good ventilation can help odors disperse. An air purifier can also help keep the air clean. 

Conclusion

Natural litter that contains odors well is usually highly absorbent and forms strong clumps. Tofu and wood/pine cat litter are often rated as the best natural cat litter odor control options, but corn, wheat, walnut shell, and grass/hemp seed also perform well. While paper cat litter is less effective at odor control, it can be a good temporary natural litter for cats recovering from an injury or surgery.

Ultimately, while many natural cat litters can handle odors well, the best choice depends on your cat’s preferences and your priorities, including clumping strength, tracking, cost, and sustainability. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Cat Litter for Odor Control

Does natural cat litter control odor as well as clay cat litter?

Yes, many natural cat litters can control odor better than clay litter, as plant-based materials help neutralize smells. Tofu and wood/pine litter are often rated as the best natural cat litters for odor control. 

Is tofu cat litter good for odor control?

Yes, tofu cat litter is one of the best options for odor control. It’s highly absorbent and forms strong clumps, while plant-based fibers neutralize odors. 

What natural cat litters are best for odor control?

Tofu and wood/pine regularly rank high as the best natural cat litters for odor control. They both naturally neutralize odors and are absorbent while being very low in dust. 

How should owners transition cats to natural litter?

It’s best to gradually introduce your cat to a new litter over a period of about 2-4 weeks. Begin by filling up your cat’s box with their old cat litter and top it off with a bit of the new natural cat litter. Each time you top up your cat’s litter, use a bit of the new litter, unless your cat is showing hesitation. If they start avoiding their litter box at any point in the process, revert back to using more of the old litter for a few days.

Sources

Animal Welfare Association of New Jersey. (n.d.). The ultimate guide to cat litter: Choosing the best option for your feline friend. https://www.awanj.org/news/ultimate-guide-to-cat-litter/ 

Frayne, J., Edwards, M., Templeman, J. R., Croney, C. C., MacDonald-Murray, S., Flickinger, E., Verbrugghe, A., & Shoveller, A. K. (2022). The behavioural impact on cats during a transition from a clay-based litter to a plant-based litter. Animals, 12(8), 946. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12080946 

Siluo, Q. (2026). A comparative analysis of plant-based cat litter versus traditional mineral (clay) cat litter. International Journal on Science and Technology, 17(1). https://www.ijsat.org/papers/2026/1/10225.pdf 

VCA Hospitals. (n.d.). Different types of cat litter. https://vcahospitals.com/pediatric/kitten/prep-supplies/different-types-of-cat-litter/