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'Tofu Litter' Might Be Better For Your Cat, Vets Say
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Experts say this low-dust formula can improve air quality for you and your pet. But according to Dr. Jennifer Taketani, veterinarian and medical director at Corona Del Mar Animal Hospital, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, tofu litter isn’t actually made of tofu but what is left over from its manufacturing. This includes food-grade byproducts such as soy, pea and cornstarch, which make the litter all-natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and even flushable. “Most cats are smart enough not to eat litter in general, but if they do, no worries with this product,” Taketani said. First developed and patented in Japan in 1995, Taketani said that soy or pea fibers absorb liquid and bind with natural starches to form a solid clump around urine or feces, which can then be easily removed, leaving cleaner litter and a reduced chance of conditions like urinary tract infections for your cat. “[The] clumping ability seems similar to that of clay litter,” she said, adding that “Tofu litter claims to be better at odor neutralization than traditional litter, as it traps odors without strong artificial scents.” One Amazon customer who claims to work in veterinary medicine and made the switch to tofu litter called it a “game-changer” and was shocked when, by the third day of no scooping, they still couldn’t smell a thing — a stark contrast from the clay litter they had been using. According to Taketani, “This litter is also ultra-low dust, improving indoor air quality and respiratory health for cats and their people.” She attributes the reduced dust production to the shape of tofu litter, which typically resembles pellets rather than granules. This also means no dusty paw prints tracked around the house. And good news for those of us who have a difficult time lugging around 40-pound boxes of bentonite clay-based litters, many tofu-based litters promise to be lighter weight than traditional formulas. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted. Though Taketani mentioned that tofu litter claims to be better at odor neutralization than traditional litter, without the need for overpowering fragrance, the Michu tofu litter is a recognizable formula that comes in a wide array of adventurous scents like peach, watermelon, and even coffee. (Don't worry, there's unscented too.) This Australian-founded brand makes its biodegradable and pellet-style litter from natural peas for a 99.9% dust-free performance, while also promising to trap liquids fast and form sturdy clumps that won't crumble when you scoop. Get a two-pack from Amazon for $27.79 (also available in larger pack sizes). According to a user on Reddit who decided to forgo traditional big-box litters and switch to litter of the tofu variety, the Pidan tofu litter has "no dust, low tracking, good clumping, excellent odor control." This 100% dust-free litter is made with a blend of soy and pea pulp fiber, cassava-wheat-corn starch and flour to offer "sponge-like absorption" according to the brand, which works so fast, you'll never have to scrape those gluey, caked-on chunks of soaked litter from the bottom of your litter box — a major pain point for cat owners. The flush-friendly litter also features two different-sized elongated pellets to help result in resulting in tight and solid clumping. If you can't part with traditional bentonite clay litter, Pidan offers a 70%-30% tofu and clay blend litter for a best of both worlds option. Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three pack sizes). For anyone who may find the above-mentioned Pidan litter on the pricier side, Amazon shoppers say that the Fukumaru tofu litter is a more affordable alternative that's easy to scoop and won't leave dusty paw prints on your floor. "This litter hides the pee smell and clumps like a champ," another reviewer writes, while another said, thanks to this formula, they're never going back to clay. Made from a blend of corn starch and pea, this litter promises to neutralize odors and avoid sticking to the bottom of the litter box. It comes in a naturally fresh or white tea scent, both suitable for sensitive cats and noses. Get a set of three bags from Amazon for $30.42 (also available in a four bag option). If the pellet size of certain tofu litter is too long, it may not be the most compatible with self-cleaning litter boxes (though most claim to work just fine). If you have an automatic litter box and this is a potential concern for you, the Lady N tofu litter uses granular-sized pellets to slide more seamlessly through a robot litter box, preventing clogs. Available in unscented or a Yosemite woody fragrance, the Lady N litter is made with corn and pea husk and is "enhanced with activated charcoal and natural probiotics to neutralize strong odors at the source," according to the brand. Just like others, the litter is low-dust, flushable and effective at clumping. Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (also available in a two bag option). Perfect for homes with multiple cats and litter boxes, the Happy & Polly tofu litter comes in economy sizes up to 20-pound buckets and both a scented and unscented option. It's made from food-grade pea fiber and corn starch and claims to use a three-step elimination process for superior odor control. And, like all tofu litter, it promises advanced clumping and absorption technology for easy scooping. In addition to low dust and strong and instant clumping, with a high hardness that won't leave a gloopy mess at the bottom of your litter box, the Vetreska tofu cat litter features added 5% deodorizing beads to even more effectively neutralize odors. Made from corn starch and pea dregs, this litter comes in several scents, like this one featuring natural cherry blossom extract. Get a set of two bags from Amazon for $27.99 (also available in a four bag option). Tuft & Paw's litter, made from soybean byproduct, is designed for fast clumping and breaks down in water, so it's 100% flushable. The low-dust and low-tracking formula is also infused with charcoal to offer even more odor control. Find it in unscented and a natural lavender scent. Get a set of two bags from Amazon for $57.98. Made with pea powder and edible starch, the Four Paws litter promises to be low tracking, lightwieght and it won't stick to fur. The green tea fragrance contains tea polyphenols, catechins and other antibacterial and deodorizing ingredients, according to the brand, although it comes in several different scents. It's safe for flushing but not compatible with automatic litter boxes. Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.
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