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The problem with traditional litter
A cat uses approximately 30kg of clay-based litter per year. This litter, made from strip-mined bentonite, is neither recyclable nor biodegradable. It ends up in landfill where it takes thousands of years to decompose. Time to consider the alternatives.
Plant-based litters
Wood (pine, fir)
Compressed pellets or shavings that expand on contact with urine.
- Absorbency: excellent (4/5)
- Odour control: good — wood phenols naturally mask smells (3.5/5)
- Price: £0.50-0.80/L — very competitive
- Compostable: yes (urine-soaked only, not faeces)
This is our top pick at Compagnon Cocoon for the quality-price-ecology balance.
Corn
- Absorbency: very good (4/5)
- Odour control: excellent (4.5/5)
- Price: £0.80-1.20/L
- Clumping: yes — easy daily cleaning
Recycled paper
- Absorbency: good (3.5/5)
- Odour control: average (2.5/5) — needs more frequent changing
- Price: £1-1.50/L
- Ideal for: post-surgery cats or those with sensitive paws (very soft)
Tofu (soy)
- Absorbency: excellent (4.5/5)
- Odour control: good (3.5/5)
- Price: £1.50-2.50/L — the priciest option
- Unique advantage: can be flushed in small quantities
Making the switch: how to change litter
Cats are creatures of habit. An abrupt litter change can cause litter box refusal and accidents. Transition over 10 days:
- Days 1-3: 75% old + 25% new
- Days 4-6: 50/50
- Days 7-9: 25% old + 75% new
- Day 10: 100% new
If your cat refuses at any stage, return to the previous ratio for a few extra days.
The real environmental impact
Studies estimate that switching from clay to plant-based litter reduces carbon footprint by 60% and completely eliminates non-biodegradable waste. Over a cat's lifetime (15 years), that's 450kg of clay litter diverted from landfill.