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With an ever-growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly pet products, today’s pet parents are exploring alternative methods for managing their cats’ waste. Flushable cat litter is one option that’s gaining attention. Unlike conventional clay litters, flushable formulas eliminate the need for plastic bags and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. And we can’t ignore the convenience that comes with flushing clumps right down the toilet.
But like all types of litter, flushable varieties come with their own set of pros and cons. To find out how flushable litters work—and who’s likely to benefit from them—we consulted veterinarians Dr. Kathryn Dench and Dr. Doug Mader. We also spoke with environmental expert Christina Solis to learn about the environmental impact of flushable litters.
Best Flushable Multi-Cat Litter: World’s Best Multi-Cat Unscented Clumping Corn Litter
If you share your home with more than one cat, flushable litter seems like the ultimate convenience. But it still needs to clump well, control odors, and be relatively easy to scoop. Made from dried corn kernels, this multi-cat formula from World’s Best may be a good option.
This biodegradable litter is designed to be safe for flushing in well-maintained plumbing systems. Each of the brand’s flushable litters undergoes rigorous testing at an independent lab to ensure they’re safe for sewer systems. For the best results, the company recommends flushing just one to two clumps at a time.
What we like:
- Made with a natural plant-based ingredient
- Softer than clay
- Excellent odor control
Things to consider:
- Corn-based litters are susceptible to mold if not stored properly
- Some cat parents may dislike the natural fragrance
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Best Flushable Litter for Minimal Tracking: Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter
One of the downsides of natural litters is that they tend to track and scatter a lot because they’re so lightweight. These tofu pellets from Tuft + Paw are larger than most—meaning they’re less likely to stick to your kitty’s paws and get spread across your floors. Tofu litters also clump well, points out Dr. Kathryn Dench, a veterinary advisor for Gentle Dog Trainers. This makes it a breeze to scoop and toss in the toilet.
What we like:
- Low tracking
- Forms easy-to-scoop clumps
- Minimal dust
Things to consider:
- Pricier option
Best Flushable Litter for Picky Cats: Almo Nature Clumping Plant-Based Litter
Sensitive cats may prefer an unscented litter that’s gentle on their paws. Made from cassava—an edible root that grows in Central and South America—this flushable litter is biodegradable and compostable. A lot of cats will appreciate its super fine texture. The litter’s plant enzymes naturally neutralize odors, while its vegetable starches contribute to strong clumping power. Almo litter is on the pricey side, but if your cat takes to it, it could be worth it.
What we like:
- Soft texture and unscented
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Super absorbent
- Packaging is made with low-density polyethylene and is 100% recyclable
Things to consider:
- Expensive option
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Best Flushable and Compostable Litter: ökocat Super Soft Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter
For the truly dedicated environmentalist, composting unused wood litter after your monthly cleaning is a viable option. If you decide to go this route, Dr. Dench recommends following any composting guidelines for your area. “Cat waste can contain harmful pathogens, so it should be composted separately from other materials,” she tells Rover. Dench also suggests designating a separate composting system for pet waste and only using it in non-edible gardens.
This clumping wood litter is sustainably sourced and can be flushed in well-maintained plumbing systems. Ökocat advises cat parents to only put small amounts of litter in the toilet—only one or two scoops per flush.
What we like:
- Wood enzymes naturally halt ammonia production
- Ultra-soft texture
- Has a natural earthy smell
- The bag is 100% recyclable
Things to consider:
- Tends to track
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Best Flushable Wheat Litter: sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Unscented Natural Clumping Wheat Cat Litter
Wheat litters are biodegradable and clump nicely, says Dr. Dench, which makes them good candidates for flushing. Made with a proprietary wheat blend, sWheat Scoop is free from perfumes, dyes, and harmful chemicals. The wheat starch has natural odor-neutralizing enzymes that help trap odors on contact. The company instructs users to let clumps soak in the toilet for 20 minutes to allow them to soften.
What we like:
- Soft texture
- Minimal dust
- Lightweight: easier to carry and pour
Things to consider:
- Prone to tracking
- Like corn, wheat is at risk of developing mold
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Best Flushable Corn Litter: Rufus & CoCo Wee Kitty Natural Clumping Corn Litter
According to Dr. Dench, corn litters are natural and flushable, they control odors well, and they clump effectively. Made from biodegradable corn, this pellet-style litter forms scoopable clumps that break down when immersed in liquid. It’s safe for flushing, and you can use leftovers as mulch in non-edible gardens. The brand also carries bamboo and tofu litters, which are both flushable.
What we like:
- Pellets tend to track less
- Soft, gentle texture
- Absorbs up to 5X its weight in liquid
- Traps ammonia odors within five minutes
Things to consider:
- Can be dusty
What Are Flushable Cat Litters?
In some respects, flushable litters work much like conventional clumping litters—where they differ is their ability to break down in water.
Flushable cat litters are made from biodegradable materials that dissolve naturally in water. “In general, these cat litters are made from environmentally safe materials such as shredded newspaper, sawdust, corn kernels, walnut shells, or wheat products,” says Dr. Doug Mader, author and triple board-certified veterinary specialist. Unlike clumping clay varieties, flushable litters don’t form rock-solid clumps that are likely to clog plumbing systems, he explains.
However, not all plant-based litters are flushable, so it’s important to look for litters that are certified as safe for plumbing systems. It’s also critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take care to test the litter’s ability to flush in small amounts. Only flush one clump at a time, and break bigger clumps into smaller pieces. Finally, it’s a good idea to let clumps sit in the toilet for up to 15 minutes before flushing so they can soften.
The Advantages of Flushable Litter
One of the biggest benefits of flushable litter is its eco-friendly nature—and this starts with how it’s made. “Flushable litters are typically crafted from sustainable materials, in contrast to traditional litters that rely on environmentally harmful mining methods,” says Cristina Solis, an environmental engineer and sustainability consultant at Green Hive.
What’s more, using flushable litter cuts down on the waste piling up in landfills. “This is especially important because regular clay-based litters don’t break down easily and can take years to decompose,” Solis explains. Plus, flushable litter eliminates the need for plastic disposal bags.
Additional benefits of using flushable litter include:
- It’s safer for your cat. Unlike clay litters that tend to generate harmful dust, flushable litters are usually made with non-toxic materials that are free of harsh additives and fragrances.
- It’s usually lightweight. Whereas clay litter can be heavy and difficult to manage, most flushable litters are lightweight and easier to pour and carry.
- It’s convenient. If you live in an apartment building without easy access to outdoor waste disposal, flushable litter may be an appealing option.
The Disadvantages of Flushable Litter
While flushable litter will make sense for some cat parents, it won’t be a perfect solution for everyone. Because it forms softer, dissolvable clumps, flushable litter can be harder to scoop. This also makes the task of cleaning the litter box more difficult.
Moreover, flushing your cat’s feces down the toilet can introduce parasites into the environment. “Cat waste may carry harmful pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii that treatment plants often can’t remove fully, potentially harming marine life and water quality,” Solis explains.
There’s also the risk that your plumbing system won’t be able to handle flushable litter, Dr. Mader tells us. “Even though flushable cat litter is made from biodegradable particles that are supposedly safe to dispose of via the toilet, people need to be aware that not all plumbing systems are capable of handling this newer product,” he says, adding that older pipes, septic systems, and low-flow toilets are likely to run into problems.
Depending on your location, you may even be barred from flushing litter. “Rhode Island prohibits the flushing of pet waste down toilets,” notes Dr. Mader. “And California requires manufacturers to state on their packaging that it discourages cat owners from flushing cat waste, stating rather that it’s best to dispose of the excrement in a biodegradable bag.” Always check with your local wastewater authority to verify that flushing cat litter is permitted.
Some final drawbacks of flushable cat litter include:
- Poor odor control. Generally, plant-based litters tend to do an imperfect job of keeping smells under control. Plus, some people don’t care for the natural aromas of corn- or wheat-based litters.
- More water waste. Extra flushing means more water use, which can be problematic for folks in dry regions that experience water shortages.
- It’s more expensive. Biodegradable materials can be more costly than traditional clay litter. “Although the cost of each individual bag may not be prohibitive, over the life of your cat it can add up,” Dr. Mader points out.
How We Chose
The cat litters featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and interviews with Dr. Doug Mader, Dr. Kathryn Dench, and Cristina Solis. We prioritized litter made with biodegradeable materials that have been shown to break down in most plumbing systems. Additionally, we focused on brands with sustainable processing methods. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Further Reading
- Is Toilet Training Your Cat A Stroke Of Genius, Or A Terrible Idea?
- The 8 Best Non-Clay Cat Litters for Pet Parents Looking for Alternatives
- Come Clean With These Dust-Free Cat Litters
- The 8 Best Odor-Reducing Cat Litters for a Better-Smelling Litter Box
- Are Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes Worth the Money?
