Ever wonder why most cat parents are switching to tofu cat litter nowadays?
According to ASPCA, “At least 10% of all cats develop elimination problems.” While another study highlights that new plant-based litter can help reduce these issues.
If your cat is pooping or spraying outside the litter box, they’ve got big problems. The culprit? Litter type! Cats don’t love crystal or paper litter — it not only hurts their gentle paws but also SMELLS AWFUL.
Clay litter is somewhat acceptable, but honestly, eco-friendly tofu cat litter might be a better option as it is biodegradable, and easy to clean — turning your cat’s high-pitched meows into happy purrs!
Let’s explore what tofu cat litter is and discover the benefits it can offer for your feline buddy.
What is Tofu Cat Litter
Tofu cat litter is made from natural ingredients like soya-bean pulp, which is the leftover stuff from making soya milk — that usually gets discarded at the end.
You can find a variety of tofu cat litter ranging from colored to highly scented. However, I would suggest you go with one without artificial dyes and subtle scents like peach or green tea.
Want to know why?
As per a report in PAWS, “Cats can smell 14 times better than humans.”
You have to care about those sensitive noses, right?
Tofu cat litter has an intriguing backstory. Developed by the Japanese in the early 2000s — it was created to address environmental concerns with traditional litter, especially regarding the way they were disposed of.
However, what started as a small vision became big by 2010 for its green credentials and effective performance, establishing itself as a preferred choice among environmentally conscious pet owners.
Ingredients and Composition of Tofu Cat Litter
Tofu cat litter is created through a multi-step process. First bean flour, cornstarch, and vegetable adhesive are blended. This mixture is then pressed into column-shaped pallets using high temperature and pressure.
The pallets are cut into smaller, suitable sizes, dried in drying equipment, and finally cooled and screened to ensure they meet the desired specifications.
Made from tofu manufacturing byproducts, this litter is rich in natural fibers, making it highly absorbent, clumpable, and odor-controlling. It’s shaped in slender columns to improve performance and reduce dust, making it easier to clean.
Benefits of Tofu Cat Litter
Tofu cat litter has a lot to offer. Before you consider buying it, check out why cat parents including myself love this product.
- Natural and Non-Toxic
Imagine if your curious little feline decides to take a nibble on a piece—umm…no worries! Your kitty won’t harm herself. Unlike clay or silica gel litters which are harmful if ingested, tofu cat litter is made from food-grade soya bean pulp, which is 100% natural, making it a safer choice for cat owners.
- Safe For Pets and Humans
For cats and their parents with respiratory issues and allergies, the dust from clay litters can make things WORSE. Tofu cat litter, on the other hand, is dust-free and gentle on both your kitty’s sensitive lungs and yours, ensuring a clearer and smoother breathing experience for everyone.
- Absorbency Level and Odour Control
If you have dealt with clay litter, you must know — they don’t hold up. While tofu cat litter acts like a sponge that soaks up the moisture, keeping the box dry and clean.
And when we talk about artificial scents, trust me, most cats are not a big fan of it!
They would sniff and run away. The good news is, that tofu cat litter’s natural ingredients are great at kicking those unpleasant odors to the curb, without the need of any artificial nonsense.
- Low-Tracking
This is one of my faves! With its large pallets, tofu cat litter barely sticks to your cat’s paws or leaves a mess. This means, less sweeping than your conventional clay or crystal litters, and more carefree lounging!
- Easy Clean-up and Eco-Friendly
It is biodegradable and compostable making it super easy to clean. Just seal it in a bag tightly and throw it in the bin.
You can also discard a small quantity in your toilet. It dissolves in water, letting you flush away both urine and feces. Just scoop, flush, and voilà!
Since it’s made from byproducts that would otherwise end up in trash, cutting down on landfill waste — it’s more environmentally friendly as compared to other litters.
- Soft Texture
Compared to gritty clay litter, your cats would love the soft texture of tofu cat litter — making it a comfortable experience when nature calls.
How to Use Tofu Cat Litter
If your cat has been using clay or crystal litter, then tofu cat litter could make your feline pal feel alienated. There are a few steps you should follow to ensure your cat’s smooth transition to biodegradable and eco-friendly tofu cat litter.
Preparation
Step#1 Gradually introduce the new tofu cat litter
Begin by thoroughly cleaning your litter tray. Add a mixture of your current litter and the new tofu cat litter in small amounts. Gradually increase the tofu litter until you reach a 50/50 ratio. Continue this till your cat is comfortable using 100% of her new litter.
Step#2 Avoid Changing Places
Don’t change the area or the position of the litter box as it can cause anxiety for your cat. Also, use the same litter box to maintain familiarity.
Step#3 How much to use
Fill your cat litter tray about 2-5 cm in depth with tofu cat litter.
Step#4 Appreciation
Reward your cat with cuddles and her favorite food after she’s used her litter box. This will help her get accustomed to the new litter.
Maintenance
Step#5 Remove Solids
Remove clumps and solids to keep the tray fresh and clean. Cats like to keep themselves clean.
Step#6 Refill the litter tray
After removing waste, add a small amount of fresh tofu cat litter to maintain the proper depth and reduce unpleasant odors. Empty your litter tray at least once a month for a more hygienic experience.
Disposal
Step#7 Avoid Flushing
Though tofu cat litter can be dissolved in water, it’s best to avoid it. If you accidentally dump a large quantity, you might get your pipes clogged.
Step#8 Toxoplasmosis Risk
The T gondii or Toxoplasmosis, is a parasite in a cat’s poop that can cause fever, pneumonia, and liver diseases. But that rarely happens in house cats. Therefore to avoid this danger, few governments are quite strict on disposal rules as it can harm humans and marine life as well.
Step#9 Proper Disposal
Place it in a biodegradable bag, seal it tightly, and dispose of it in your regular trash. Avoid just throwing it away in open or public areas.
Tofu Cat Litter vs. Other Cat Litters
Comparison With Clay-based litter
Tofu cat litter is a greener choice than clay, but there are a few things to consider.
While plant-based litters like tofu are less likely to cause mold, they can be more susceptible to those problems compared to clay. To minimize this problem, keep the litter box dry and clean.
Seriously, nobody likes heavy lifting. A bag of clay litter can be twice as heavy as tofu cat litter
Bentonite clay makes up the clay litter. While cats don’t usually munch on their litter, tiny bits can get stuck to their paws and end up being licked off later. Result – serious stomach issues or blockages if swallowed.
Tofu cat litter being prepared with non-toxic materials doesn’t have these issues, though if your cat develops a habit of eating her litter, consult a vet.
Comparison With Natural Cat Litters
Natural litter like wood, corn, paper, and wheat each offer their advantages, such as different absorbency levels or scents. Tofu cat litter brings these benefits in one package. But if you’re into specific things like a woodsy smell or the softness of paper, you might want to try out other natural cat litter.
Let me break it down for you:
| Property | Tofu Cat Litter | Corn-based litter | Wood-based litter | Paper-based litter | Wheat-based litter |
| Clumping | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Absorbency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Odor Control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dust Production | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Biodegradability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Eco-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Tofu cat litter: Top marks for clumping, absorbency, dust-free, and eco-friendliness.
Corn-based litter: High rating for absorbency, clumping, and odor control with low dust production.
Wood-based litter: Good for absorbency and dust protection, but clumping and odor control are a bit lower.
Paper-based litter: Excellent for being dust-free, but is terrible in odor control.
Wheat-based litter: Similar to corn-based in performance with high marks for absorbency, clumping, and eco-friendliness.
The Upsides and Downsides of Tofu Cat Litter
Pros
- Low tracking due to larger pallets, especially with a top-entry litter box.
- You can flush it down the toilet because it disintegrates in water. Just double-check your local guidelines
- Great at neutralizing odors especially if it includes charcoal for extra odor-fighting power.
- It often lasts longer than conventional litter, which means you won’t need to top it up as often.
- It’s dust-free, making it a cleaner choice.
- Eco-friendly and safe for both cat and owner as it is made from natural ingredients.
- Low-tracking. Say goodbye to frantic vacuuming.
Cons
- More expensive than clay or pine litter.
- Prone to mold in high humidity
- May require the use of additional artificial scents, but that depends on how much your cat likes it.
- May cause plumbing issues if you try to dispose of a large amount
Faqs
Is tofu cat litter safe for all cats?
Tofu cat litter is considered a safe option for cats as it is made from natural and non-toxic ingredients.
How does tofu cat litter compare in cost to other litters?
Tofu cat litter is more expensive than other litter like clay or crystal but its benefits are worth the price.
Can tofu cat litter be used with automatic litter boxes?
Yes, tofu cat litter can be used with self-cleaning litter boxes.
Where to buy Tofu Cat Litter
You can find tofu pet litter at many online stores like Amazon, Chewy, Petco, Walmart, and Target. Some of the most popular brands you must try are Vibrant, HOEIWELL, Next Gen Pet, Tofukitty, and Burberry.
Conclusion
Now, you know why cat owners are naturally drawn towards tofu cat litter. Its perks are indeed worth the cost. It is biodegradable, low-tracking, dust-free, and eco-friendly. I mean, what else could you ask for? It’s a complete package.
If you and your feline buddy love colors, sure go ahead with the dyed ones. But, it’s recommended to try the natural unscented version, so that your cat feels comfy in her litter box.
Why I Love HOEIWELL Tofu Cat Litter
One of the things I love about HOEIWELL is their commitment to quality. Sure, you’ll find some cheap alternates in the market, but trust me they suck!
If you want a cat litter that is high in absorption, low tracking has a paw-safe texture, and above all budget-friendly you might want to check out HOEIWELL Tofu Cat Litter. My Bella has been using it for over a year now and she has been comfortably doing her thing without making any mess.
