🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Cat Care Products

Does Your Cat Chew Cords? 5 Safe Natural Litters

If your cat has pica and chews cords, choose a non toxic litter like World's Best Unscented. We compare 5 natural options to keep your pet safe.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

ProPawPicks Reviewer

Updated

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★ Top Pick: World's Best Cat Litter Original Unscented

30%

of cat owners report their cat chews non-food items

70%

of cats prefer unscented litter

2-3

inches of litter depth recommended

1-2

times per week to fully change litter

⚡ Key takeaways

Best Overall: World's Best Cat Litter Original Unscented. Made from whole-kernel corn, it clumps firmly and controls odors well.
Best Odour Control: Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented. This clay litter uses activated charcoal to lock in odors, making it excellent for multi-c.
Best Low-Dust: Sustainably Yours Natural Clumping Litter. Made from cassava and corn, this litter produces virtually no dust and clumps instantly.
Best Multi-Cat: Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Litter. This pine pellet litter naturally neutralizes ammonia odors and is very absorbent.
Best Natural: Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Litter. Made from crushed walnut shells, it clumps well and has excellent odor control.

Quick answer

Our top pick is World’s Best Cat Litter Original Unscented. It clumps firmly, controls odors well, and is made from whole-kernel corn, which is safe if ingested. For multi-cat homes, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Unscented is a close second with superior odor control. If low tracking is your priority, consider Sustainably Yours Natural Clumping Litter.

What to consider for Natural Cat Litter For Cats That Chew Cords

Cats that chew cords often have a tendency to explore with their mouths, so litter ingredients must be non-toxic. Natural litters made from corn, walnut, pine, or paper are safer if ingested. Avoid clumping clay litters that can cause gastrointestinal blockages. Also, choose unscented formulas to avoid attracting your cat to chew the litter itself. Low dust is crucial to prevent respiratory issues that might discourage litter box use.

What to look for in a cat litter or litter-area product

Strong clumping and odor control are paramount to keep the box fresh. Low dust protects feline airways, especially for cats prone to asthma. Low tracking reduces mess around the box. For multi-cat households, choose a litter that handles multiple users without losing effectiveness. Unscented options are best for sensitive cats, as fragrances can deter them from using the box.

How we chose these picks

Evaluated ingredient safety for ingestion-prone cats.
Compared clumping ability and odor control based on manufacturer claims and reviews.
Assessed dust levels using customer feedback and product specifications.
Considered tracking propensity and box compatibility.
Prioritized unscented or naturally scented options.
Included a range of natural materials (corn, walnut, pine, paper).
Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

Heavily scented litters: artificial fragrances can put cats off the box and encourage chewing.
High-dust clay litters: fine dust can aggravate breathing issues and deter use.
A box too small or too few boxes: this can cause avoidance behaviors.
Sudden litter changes: transition gradually over a week to prevent litter box aversion.

For more advice, explore our cat guides, cat food, and cat care products.

Sources and further reading

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
World's Best Cat Litter Original Unscented	Best Overall	Check price →
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented	Best Odour Control	Check price →
Sustainably Yours Natural Clumping Litter	Best Low-Dust	Check price →
Feline Pine Original Non-Clumping Litter	Best Multi-Cat	Check price →
Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Litter	Best Natural	Check price →

Why this matters

Cats that chew cords often have pica, a condition where they crave non-food items. Choosing a natural, non-toxic litter reduces health risks if ingested, and unscented formulas prevent attracting them to the litter box.

The Options

Types Explained

Corn-Based Litter

Made from whole-kernel corn, it clumps well and is flushable in small amounts. It is biodegradable and low dust.

Best for: Owners seeking a flushable, clumping natural litter with good odor control.

Walnut-Based Litter

Crushed walnut shells provide excellent odor control and clumping. It is dark in color, which can help hide waste.

Best for: Multi-cat households needing strong odor control and a natural material.

Pine Pellet Litter

Compressed pine sawdust pellets that break down into sawdust when wet. It naturally neutralizes ammonia odors.

Key Buying Factors

Ingredient Safety

Since your cat may ingest litter, choose non-toxic, plant-based materials like corn, walnut, pine, or paper. Avoid sodium bentonite clay, which can swell and cause blockages.

Clumping Ability

Clumping litters make scooping easy and keep the box fresh. Look for litters that form firm, solid clumps that don't break apart. Non-clumping options require more frequent full changes.

Dust Level

Low dust is crucial for cats with respiratory sensitivities. Dust can also deter cats from using the box. Natural litters often produce less dust than clay.

Odor Control

Effective odor control keeps your home fresh and encourages your cat to use the box. Look for litters with natural odor absorbers like charcoal or baking soda.

Tracking

Litter tracked outside the box can be a nuisance. Some natural litters have larger granules that track less. Use a mat to minimize mess.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Daily Scooping

Scoop solid waste and clumps at least once daily. For non-clumping litters, remove solid waste and stir the litter to distribute moisture. This keeps the box clean and odor-free.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Empty the entire box, wash with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly before refilling with fresh litter. Avoid harsh chemicals that may deter your cat.

Litter Depth and Replacement

Maintain 2 to 3 inches of litter. For clumping litters, top up as needed. Fully replace litter every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on usage and number of cats.

Pro tip

To discourage cord chewing, provide safe chew toys and use cord protectors. Also, ensure your cat has plenty of environmental enrichment to reduce stress-related behaviors.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change the litter completely?

For clumping litters, you can typically go 2 to 4 weeks between full changes, depending on the number of cats and daily scooping. Non-clumping litters need full changes more often, usually once a week. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and your nose.

What is the difference between clumping and non-clumping litter?

Clumping litter forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop out urine and feces. Non-clumping litter absorbs moisture but does not form clumps, so you must remove solid waste and stir the litter to distribute moisture. Clumping litters generally last longer and control odor better, but non-clumping options like pine pellets can be more eco-friendly.

Can dust from cat litter harm my cat's respiratory system?

Yes, high-dust litters can irritate a cat's airways, especially in cats with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Dust can also cause sneezing and discomfort. Choosing a low-dust or dust-free natural litter, such as those made from corn or paper, can help minimize these risks.

How can I control litter box odor effectively?

Scoop daily, use a litter with activated charcoal or baking soda, and place the box in a well-ventilated area. Consider an air purifier nearby. For multi-cat homes, provide one box per cat plus one extra. Deep clean the box weekly with mild soap and water.

What is the best litter setup for multiple cats?

Provide at least one litter box per cat plus one extra, placed in quiet, accessible locations. Use a high-quality clumping litter with strong odor control, such as Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra. Scoop twice daily and fully change litter every 2 weeks to keep odors manageable.

Are there low-tracking cat litters available?

Yes, some litters are designed to track less. Larger granules, like those in pine pellets or some corn-based litters, tend to stay in the box better. Using a litter mat can also reduce tracking. Sustainably Yours Natural Clumping Litter is known for minimal tracking.

Should I use scented or unscented cat litter?

Unscented litter is generally preferred because cats have sensitive noses and strong fragrances can deter them from using the box. Scented litters may mask odors but can be off-putting to cats. For a cat that chews cords, unscented is safer to avoid attracting them to the litter.

My cat suddenly stopped using the litter box. What should I do?

First, rule out medical issues by visiting a veterinarian. Then check the litter box: is it clean? Is the litter type new? Is the box in a quiet, safe location? Stress, changes in routine, or a dirty box can cause avoidance. Gradually reintroduce the preferred litter and ensure the box is scooped daily.

Can natural cat litter be composted or flushed?

Some natural litters, like those made from corn or wheat, are labeled flushable in small amounts, but flushing can cause plumbing issues and is not recommended for septic systems. Composting is possible only if you separate waste, but cat feces may contain pathogens. Check local regulations before composting.

A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.

Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Cat Care Products, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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