Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
You don’t have to live with odors, tracking and the other woes of clay cat litter at your house. Cat owners are pivoting to pellets for neatness and odor absorption.
If you’re ready to switch from classic cat litter to wood pellets, it’s time to start the search for the best wood pellet cat litter you can buy. I’ll show you what I’ve learned after breaking free from the crunchy, clumpy messes of regular cat litter.
In this article, we’re going to review the following wood pellet cat litters:
- Feline Pine Original Cat Litter
- Small Pet Select Premium Pelleted Cat Litter
- Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Walnut
- Purina Tidy Cats Pure Nature Cedar, Pine & Corn Clumping
- Okocat Natural Wood Cat Litter
- Simply Pine Natural Cat Litter
- Next Gen Pet Green Tea Fresh Cat Litter
A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Wood Pellet Cat Litter
Wood is the natural choice if you want a litter that’s healthy for your cat, good for the environment, easy to clean and very affordable. Let’s cover all the points of switching to wood pellet litter for a happier, healthier life with your cat!
Why Switch to Wood Pellet Cat Litter?
There’s a reason why so many cat owners vow to never go back after ditching clay litter in favor of a wood option. While you may not need much convincing if you’ve already decided that you’re fed up with clay cat litter, you should still take a look at the list of benefits to discover even more reasons to upgrade to wood pellets.
Tracking
Your cat doesn’t mean to track litter all over your house. However, little granules of clay litter relentlessly cling to fur and paws whenever your cat steps into her box. You may be frustrated by the constant presence of clay granules surrounding your cat’s litter box.
It’s impossible for your cat to do her business in clay litter without “shaking off” some debris.
The truth about tracking is that there’s really no limit to where you can find stray litter granules. Litter from a dirty box is truly hitchhiking on your cat’s fur to every corner and surface of your house when you use clay. It’s there to scratch your floors, make your bedding feel grainy and bring bacteria to your coziest places.
Wood pellets don’t track because they aren’t made of clingy granules. What’s more, the softness of wood means that you never have to worry about hard particles creating marks on your floors when they get trapped under your shoes.
Your Cat’s Health
Let’s start with why so many cat owners are switching from clay litter to wood pellets. Most are actually making the switch out of care and concern for feline health. You’ve probably seen your cat licking her paws vigorously throughout the day. This can be a problem with clay litter.
When cats lick paws after stepping in clay litter, they can ingest clumps of litter. These clumps can clog the digestive tract to create painful, uncomfortable and dangerous gastrointestinal blockages.
Clay litter isn’t meant to be ingested. However, it’s impossible for a cat to avoid ingesting at least some litter.
The Environment
As a responsible pet owner, you’re probably always looking for ways to leave a small “paw print” to go along with the small footprint you leave in your daily life. Wood pellets offer the following eco-friendly benefits:
- Compostable.
- Biodegradable.
- Made from 100% recycled wood.
Most commercial clay litters are made using strip-mined resources that are sourced in ways that are bad for the environment. By contrast, the process for creating wood pellets is eco-conscious and ethical the whole way through.
Better Odor Control
Do you want a better litter system because your home stinks? While we all love our cats, it’s hard to ignore the odors that go along with having an indoor pet. Clay isn’t the best for odor absorption even though it’s the most popular option.
Wood pellets are odor-absorbing powerhouses! They also have a natural and fresh “woodsy” scent that will permeate your home!
Easier Cleaning
Cleaning a litter box with clay litter is a chore. In fact, this is the top complaint among cat owners. By contrast, a litter box filled with wood pellets is a breeze to clean because you’re not dealing with annoying clumps that need to be sorted and sifted.
Soiled pellets simply turn to sawdust after becoming moist. They are so easy to remove!
Saving Money on Cat Litter
While cat litter made from wood pellets might seem like a boutique option, the truth is that wood pellets are often cheaper than clay litter. Expect bigger savings if you purchase in bulk!
Natural Ingredients
Naturalness is the most important factor when switching to wood pellets. As a cat owner motivated to bring a cleaner option into your home, you have to consider what’s in the litter you’re using.
Let’s talk about the dirty secret of clay cat litter.
Most clay cat litter sold commercially contains something called crystalline silica dust. Most cat owners are completely unaware that this dust is bad news.
According to the CDC, “Silica dust particles become trapped in lung tissue, causing inflammation and scarring and reducing the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen.” Exposure to crystalline silica dust can actually cause a dangerous, potentially fatal condition called silicosis that results in permanent lung damage.
Silica crystals have also been linked with health issues like lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease and autoimmune diseases.
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, clay cat litter can be a nightmare when it comes to exacerbating your respiratory issues.
Let’s not forget that clay litter has a way of getting all over the house. Your cat is also probably ingesting litter crystals every time she licks her paws and coat.
Clay litter doesn’t just cause problems in your home. Clay litter is bad for the environment. As a nonrenewable resource, clay litter is destined for landfills. The bentonite clay used for litter is harvested using a process called “strip mining” that excavates the material from the earth in an environmentally destructive way.
How to Choose the Best Wood Pellet Cat Litter
The good news is that the simplicity and “cleanness” of wood pellet cat litter will make shopping for litter for your cat very simple. Most litters made from wood don’t contain any fillers. However, you still have to know how to do your homework when selecting a product that will be safe and effective for your cat. Let’s cover the core factors to look at when buying wood pellet cat litter.
Price
This is no small thing! Cat owners are constantly replenishing cat litter. A difference of just a few dollars per bag can really add up by the end of the year. Fortunately, you’re probably going to save money by switching to wood litter from clay litter because wood litter is generally cheaper.
Of course, you should still do price comparisons between wood litters. Sticking to pure pine litter is the best way to save money. Some boutique brands charge more because they add specialty ingredients for better odor control. You can always make a plan to start with the cheapest litter to see if it satisfies your needs for odor control before moving up to the next price tier.
You’ll see that my reviews below cover different price points to ensure that there’s something valuable for everyone.
Ingredients
Decide how pure you want your litter to be. Many products out there contain nothing more than wood pellets. Others add-in ingredients like green tea to beef up odor control. You’ll also find ingredients like corn, wood mixes and fragrances.
Fragrance
This one is a hot topic for many cat owners. The fragrances infused into many mainstream clay litters can range from tiring to the offensive. This is why so many people look for fragrance-free cat litter when switching to an organic option like wood. However, you should keep in mind that fragrance-free litter doesn’t mean odor-free litter.
Wood cat litters naturally have woodsy scents. Generally, people love this natural smell!
You can’t assume that every wood pellet cat litter will only come with a natural scent. Some brands do actually infuse fragrances to amplify the natural wood smell. If you’re sensitive to scents, be sure to read labels carefully to avoid bringing home a bag of perfumed litter that’s going to irritate your senses.
FAQ
Is Wood Litter Better Than Clay Litter at Absorbing Odors?
Most cat owners find that wood litter pellets are actually much more effective at absorbing odors. Most wood litter pellets are fragrance-free products that rely on the natural scent of pine to create a pleasant odor. By contrast, most clay litters are infused with artificial fragrances that actually merge with the scents of cat urine and feces instead of covering them up. The result is a distinctive unpleasant odor that permeates your home.
Does Wood Pellet Litter Create Dust?
While wood litter pellets are not considered fully “dust-free” products, they are low-dust products. In fact, most wood litters claim to be at least 99% free of dust. The most important thing to know is that wood pellets create substantially less dust than clay litter.
Is Wood Litter More Expensive Than Clay Litter?
This depends on the product you’re buying. Overall, wood litter pellets are cheaper than clay litter products. Some boutique wood-based cat litters may be more expensive due to the use of specialty ingredients. Cat owners generally save money when they switch to wood litter. Wood litter also tends to last longer due to the fact that it doesn’t need to be changed out as frequently as clay litter.
What Cat Litter Is the Most Environmentally Friendly?
Wood pellet cat litter made from repurposed wood is considered to be the most eco-friendly option because it is made from a renewable resource.
Can Cat Litter Be Composted?
Clay cat litter is never compostable. The toxic nature of clay litter can make trying to compost or recycle your cat litter dangerous. If you’re looking for a biodegradable, compostable option, wood pellet cat litter is the best choice.
What Does Wood Pellet Cat Litter Smell Like?
Wood pellet cat litter has a natural woodsy scent that smells like fresh-cut wood.
What Kind of Wood Is Wood Pellet Cat Litter Made From?
Reclaimed pine is the default wood used when making wood pellet cat litter. However, you will occasionally see cedar used for cat litter. Cedar is commonly combined with pine.
Is Walnut Shell Litter Better Than Wood Cat Litter?
This is a matter of personal preference. Both are considered eco-friendly cat litters. Walnut shell litter can be great if you’re looking for a low-dust cat litter with powerful odor control. However, walnut shell cat litter can be harder to find.
What Is the Best Type of Wood for Cat Litter?
Generally, pine is considered the best option for cat litter pellets due to pine’s strong natural odor absorption. Most wood cat litter pellets are made from 100% pure pine. However, you may also find some mixes of pine and cedar.
Where Can You Buy Pine Wood Pellet Cat Litter?
Pinewood pellet cat litter can easily be purchased online. Both big-box pet stores and local pet stores are beginning to carry organic cat litter made from natural wood. My review list below features seven of the best wood pellet cat litter products that you can purchase online today!
Reviews of the 7 Best Wood Pellet Cat Litter Products
1. Feline Pine Original Cat Litter- Best Overall
Made from pure pine, these pellets bring a woodsy freshness that’s worlds away from the artificial odors, chalkiness and mess of clay. These fast-dissolving pellets are ideal for a busy litter box that’s used by multiple cats.
These chemical-free, pet-safe pellets are designed to act like thousands of tiny sponges going to work inside your cat’s litter box to create a neater, cleaner box with less effort on your part.
You’ll love the way these pellets “sponge up” moisture immediately to lock in odors before they hit the air.
This is a low-dust product that could really save the day if you suffer from dust allergies.
This is a great pick as long as you’re staying on top of the activity that’s happening at the litter box. The fast-dissolving property of these pellets means you really need to stay on top of cleaning the box to avoid messes.
My advice for wading into the world of wood pellet litter is to start with this simple all-pine option if it appears to check all the right boxes for you. You can always switch to another pellet option that offers some specialty touches if you find that this formula doesn’t do the job for odor control and low tracking based on your cat’s litter-box habits.
Pros:
- Bargain price.
- Pleasant pine scent.
- Great dust control.
- Perfect for homes with multiple cats.
Cons:
- Only stays neat if you clean soon after dissolving.
2. Small Pet Select Premium Pelleted Cat Litter – Best for Frequent Spot Cleans
This is my top pick if you’re absolutely meticulous about keeping an immaculate litter box. These low-dust, triple-screened pellets are formulated to work beautifully with routine “spot” cleanings. That means you can dive in quickly to clear out soiled pellets without doing a full litter “swap out.”
You’re getting 100% natural pine with this product. Based on the design and size of these pellets, it’s recommended that you use them with a sifter tray for best results.
There’s really no better pick for peace of mind. Every single batch of pellets is screened by hand to ensure purity and uniformity. The natural formula ensures that your cat is never coming into contact with chemicals or additives.
These pellets perform beautifully when it comes to staying in the box instead of traveling with your cat.
There’s just one thing that stops me from choosing this as my top recommendation. This may be a make-or-break point for those of you switching to wood pellets for environmental reasons. The company that makes this litter packages it in non-recyclable BoPET (Mylar) bags. Do feel free to check in with the company to see if that’s been changed in the time since this blog was published!
Pros:
- Each batch is screened by hand.
- Lovely pine scent.
- Never sticks to your cat.
- No chemicals or additives.
Cons:
- A little pricey.
3. Naturally Fresh Cat Litter Walnut – Best for Odor Control
I’m throwing in a non-wood alternative here for those of you who are really struggling with odor control at home. If you have an especially “stinky” cat, natural litter made from walnut shells can change everything.
Calling all multi-pet houses! This “cat” litter is actually appropriate for your entire gang. Yes, you can safely use this litter with ferrets, rabbits and hamsters. It’s also considered an appropriate choice for puppies.
The versatility of this litter makes it an amazing choice if you run a busy pet household because you can simply do a bulk order to avoid the need to find several different types of safe, odor-absorbing litter.
The powerful odor absorption of walnut shells means you’ll end up saving money after you make the switch because you can actually use less while getting the same results you’d get from clay. You’re also going to see a big difference if you’re struggling with tracking with your current litter because these pellets stay put.
This unscented formula is more powerful for neutralizing odors when compared to wood litter. However, it offers the same dust-free benefits as wood. In addition, walnut shells also mirror the tracking prevention offered by wood.
You’re not getting any filler, additives or fragrances with these pellets. You can also feel good about the fact that you’re using a litter that’s still worlds away from clay in terms of environmental impact. Walnuts shells are considered to be renewable resources.
Finally, the low-dust characteristics of walnut litter make this a top pick if you’re shopping around for the best litter box for people with asthma or allergies.
Pros:
- Exceptional odor control.
- Good for asthma and allergies.
- No additives, fillers, chemicals or fragrances.
- Made from a renewable resource.
- Low dust.
- Low tracking.
- A little goes a long way.
- Also appropriate for rabbits, ferrets, gerbils and puppies.
Cons:
- Can leave a little residue in the box.
- Pricier than pine litter.
4. Purina Tidy Cats Pure Nature Cedar, Pine & Corn Clumping – Best Hybrid Pick
This is my top hybrid choice because it combines pine and cedar with corn for a lightweight, affordable option. Its strong clumping power that’s created using guar gum impressed me. The odor control also more than hits the mark.
Another great perk with this litter is that it’s actually very easy to scrape if it accidentally sticks to the sides of the litter box. While some natural clumping litters can be difficult to remove, this litter will glide right off with very little effort.
I love that a mainstream brand like Purina is getting into the organic market for cat litter. Ultimately, a product like this is great because it’s easy to find for the average cat owner without access to “specialty” pet stores stocked with organic, boutique cat products. Did I mention that this is also a very affordable cat litter for the level of quality?
While this litter prevents more than 99.9% of dust, you’ll probably notice a negligible amount in your box. I love the notes of fresh cedar that come through after you pour this litter. However, I wish they had just let the natural scent reign instead of peppering in extra fragrance.
Overall, this is a really absorbent blend that simplifies your job of keeping your cat’s litter box fresh. Its lightweight nature makes scooping and sifting so breezy!
Pros:
- Great clumping power.
- Good at neutralizing odors.
- Lightweight for easy scooping.
- Sometimes leaves a residue.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- It could do without the heavily perfumed odor.
- Slightly dustier than other options.
5. Okocat Natural Wood Cat Litter – Best for Long-Haired Cats
Yes, you might actually need a special cat litter for long-hair breeds if tracking is an issue with your cat. This is something that nobody ever mentions to cat owners! However, cats with long hair are at greater risk for consuming dangerous clay litter due to the fact that litter becomes deeply embedded in their thick, long fur.
Okocat Natural Wood Cat Litter comes to the rescue with a special formula designed especially for the anti-tracking needs of cats with long coats. This litter stops tracking in its tracks better than almost all other options out there.
While wood litter isn’t dangerous for your cat the way that clay litter can be, it’s still wonderful to prevent the tracking of wood litter. Your house will be cleaner and fresher. In addition, your cat won’t have to deal with the discomfort of swallowing litter particles.
I love the odor cloaking with this product. This natural litter beautifully neutralizes odors before they even start by getting to work as soon as your cat goes. It’s also one of the best litters for clumping solid quickly.
The really neat thing is that these pellets are actually odorless. That means you’re getting odor taken away from your home without the addition of any new odors. Overall, it’s just a great pick if you have a nose that’s very picky about scents and odors.
While this litter claims to be 99% free of dust, I think you’ll find that it’s one of the better no-dust litters out there.
In addition to enjoying a house that smells good, you can also feel good when you buy this litter. That’s because it’s made from 100% sustainably sourced wood that has been responsibly rescued. It’s also fully biodegradable.
Pros:
- Sustainably and responsibly sourced.
- Biodegradable.
- Exceptional odor control.
- No synthetic chemicals, dyes or additives.
- Great for stopping tracking in its tracks.
- Great clumping.
- No strong scent.
Cons:
- One of the pricier options.
- Breaks apart if you’re not vigilant with scooping.
6. Simply Pine Natural Cat Litter – Top Back-to-Nature Pick
This litter is made using sustainable, natural pellets derived from reclaimed remnants of wood. The wood is then stripped of moisture using kiln drying. You’re never getting any chemicals or added fragrances with this back-to-basics pick for cat litter.
I like the way the dryness of this litter helps to fight against dust by keeping particles together.
I really recommend this option if you’re ready to do a full pivot away from clay litter because you want something fresh and natural in your home. The bonus here is that this natural litter has superior clumping abilities when compared to standard clay litter.
The “clean” process of making this litter means that it’s always 100% biodegradable and compostable.
The naturally fresh scent of this litter is one of its biggest selling points. However, I think most cat owners will be especially excited about the cost savings built into the design of this litter.
These pellets are powerful when it comes to soaking up liquid to allow your litter to last longer. That equals an easier life for you. Yes, there’s also the added benefit of the cost savings that go along with extended litter life.
Overall, there’s a lot to like as far as great clumping, strong odor absorption and reduced tracking.
Pros:
- Sourced from reclaimed wood remnants.
- Natural fresh scent.
- No chemicals, additives or fragrances.
- Soaks up liquid quickly.
- Decent price.
- Compostable and biodegradable.
Cons:
Pellet consistency is slightly rough.
7. Next Gen Pet Green Tea Fresh Cat Litter – Best Boutique Pick
This litter features cypress wood infused with green tea for odor control. Free of fragrances and additives, this litter is 100% natural. I really like this one if you’re a busy cat owner with a full schedule. You don’t have to worry about a mess piling up while you’re gone for work for the day.
Your cat will be sitting pretty in a litter that’s made using recycled wood and green tea powder. Why add green tea to cat litter? Green tea actually helps to boost wood’s natural ability to suppress bacteria and odors. The astringent properties of green allow this litter to fight odors with what seems like the power of chemicals without even a single drop of artificial ingredients!
The “wow” factor for this litter comes down to its ability to create smaller, lighter clumps. It’s also extremely absorbent. The combination of these two qualities can really help to keep odors and messes away from your cat’s litter box when you’re gone for the day.
You’re also going to have an easier time scooping up those lightweight clumps once you dig in to clean the litter box.
Finally, this litter earns extra points for being compostable.
Pros:
- Great clumping.
- Very absorbent.
- The natural smell is one of the best!
- No fillers, additives or fragrances.
- Lightweight.
- Cost is reasonable for a boutique litter.
- High absorbency.
- Compostable.
Cons:
- The larger pellets take some getting used to for finicky cats.
- Not phenomenal for preventing tracking.
Final Thoughts: Why Feline Pine Original Cat Litter Wins as the Best Wood Pellet Cat Litter
First, I hope this roundup of wood cat litter mixed things up just enough to help you find the perfect pick based on your needs. I was excited to be able to find so many great choices in different price ranges and styles.
Ultimately, Feline Pine Original Cat Litter takes the cake due to its use of pure pine offering a natural woodsy scent. I was really impressed by the fast-dissolving pellets because we all know how life can get in the way of scooping as quickly as we should. These pellets can really buy you some time before freshness goes sideways.
These low-dust pellets also impressed me because they are highly absorbent, free of chemicals and affordably priced.
The final thing to do is to wish you luck on your journey of going from cumbersome clay to natural, liberating wood cat litter. I can confidently say that fresher days are ahead!
Brian is a proud cat parent and animal enthusiast who lives in the Northwestern United States with two cats. In his spare time, Brian likes traveling around with his pets, exploring new places, and writing. Sharing what he learned over the years of cat ownership brings him joy, and the cats teach him something new every day.