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.

If your cat suffers from allergies or asthma, walnut shell litter could provide relief. Unlike clay-based litter, walnut litter is virtually dust-free. It’s also gentler on your cat’s paws, mimicking the natural feeling of sand or soil.

Many cat owners are hesitant to move away from their favorite clay-based clumping litter, but walnut shell litter has the same clumping capabilities. This makes scooping and clean up just as quick and easy.

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.

Walnut shell litter can also be more difficult to find in some pet stores, though availability is rising with its popularity. Fortunately, you can conveniently order walnut-shell cat litter online.

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.