Published Aug 29, 2024
Tofu cat litter offers an eco-friendly alternative to clay. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
As the world of eco-friendly litter continues to grow, tofu cat litter is entering the spotlight. This natural alternative to clay offers several advantages—for the planet, pets, and their people.
Tofu cat litter is biodegradable, and many formulas are flushable. It’s also a low-dust option, and the pellet shape makes it less likely to track.
Tofu won’t be a hit with every household, but if you’re looking for an eco-friendly, mess-free litter, we have you covered with six high-performing options.
At a Glance: Best Tofu Cat Litters To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter
- Contains charcoal for added odor control
- Virtually zero dust
- No dyes or fragrances
Pidan Signature Tofu Blend Cat Litter
- Flushable formula
- Low tracking
- Solid, well-formed clumps that were easy to scoop
Frisco Tofu Clumping Cat Litter
- More affordable option ($2.55/lb)
- Dust-free
- Subtle smell
Rufus and Coco Wee Kitty Eco Plant Clumping Tofu Litter
- Most economical tofu litter
- Can be used as compost in your garden
- Absorbs up to four times its weight in liquid
Michu Natural Clumping Tofu Litter
- Subtle smell is barely detectable
- Great odor control
- Low-tracking
I Am Tofu Clumping Litter with Charcoal
- Activated charcoal keeps odors to a minimum
- Convenient pour handle
- 400% absorption rate
Why Trust Cats.com
From wheat to pine and corn to grass, our team has tested almost every type of natural cat litter available. Tofu is one of the new kids on the block and, frankly, an option I hadn’t explored before writing this review. Since there’s a lot of positive (and some not-so-positive) chatter about tofu litter, I was eager to see how it compared to other natural litters I’ve used.
Before making my choices, I spent a lot of time researching the market and reading testimonials from other cat parents. Taking into account the various needs of different cat parents, I selected several tofu litters to try at home.
I evaluated each litter’s smell, texture, and pellet size. Dustiness was another consideration. I also assessed each product’s clumping and scooping performance. Because my cats weren’t keen to switch from their usual granular litter, I tested each formula’s odor control with a few drops of essential oils.
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter is our top choice, it may not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right tofu litter for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by scent, value, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Tuft + Paw Really Great Cat Litter
Tuft + Paw’s Really Great Litter is made from soybean fiber (a byproduct of tofu), corn starch, corn flour, and guar gum. It’s a flushable formula, so you can toss clumps into the toilet (provided your plumbing and local ordinances allow it).
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
One of the first things I noticed while working on this review is that tofu litter tends to have a distinct smell—even the formulas designated as “unscented.” Fortunately, this Tuft + Paw formula did not assault my nostrils the way some of the others did. I wouldn’t exactly qualify it as 100% scent-free, but it’s a subtle smell.
I also didn’t notice any dust when pouring this litter. As for odor control, it performed really well in our test.
The clumps were pretty well-formed, although some small pieces crumbled off. The best workaround is to let the litter sit for at least an hour (or more, if you can) to let the clumps harden.
At $3.06/lb, some might find the cost prohibitive, but plenty of others will find its impressive performance worth it.
What We Liked:
- Contains charcoal for added odor control
- Virtually zero dust
- No dyes or fragrances
What We Didn’t Like:
- Pricey option
- Imperfect clumps (but improved upon waiting)
#2 Best Flushable: Pidan Signature Tofu Blend Cat Litter
Released in 2018, Pidan’s Tofu Blend Cat Litter is made with Canadian-sourced organic pea dregs, starch, and guar gum.
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
This water-soluble formula can be flushed down the toilet for the ultimate convenience. The brand suggests using two inches of litter to ensure clumps are appropriately sized for the average drain size. It’s also recommended to break up clumps and only flush a couple at a time.
Pidan litter has a distinct coconutty smell—not necessarily unpleasant, but definitely noticeable. There was zero dust (awesome), and it kept a lid on odors (double awesome).
Additionally, I was pleased with Pidan’s clumping action. The brand’s pellets are made in different sizes, which is said to improve absorption rates and, consequently, create better clumps.
What We Liked:
- Flushable formula
- Low tracking
- Solid, well-formed clumps that were easy to scoop
What We Didn’t Like:
- There are some complaints of it sticking to the sides and bottom of the pan
- At $2.84/lb, it’s not cheap
#3 Best Multi-Cat: Frisco Tofu Clumping Cat Litter Best
Costs can add up when you have multiple litter boxes to fill, especially when you’re springing for tofu litter.
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Chewy’s in-house brand, Frisco, carries several affordable non-clay litters, including grass, paper pellets, and pine. We think the company’s tofu litter is a practical choice for households with more than one cat.
For one, it’s cheaper than most tofu formulas. You can save even more by purchasing it in bundles of three. I also appreciated that this litter was entirely dust-free. Like most natural litter, it has a faintly earthy smell, but it’s not overpowering. Finally, the odor control was impressive, which is a major bonus if you’re using the litter in multiple boxes.
In terms of clumping, I found some breakage, but nothing stuck to the bottom or sides of the pan.
One downside is that this formula is not flushable, per the manufacturer.
What We Liked:
- More affordable option ($2.55/lb)
- Dust-free
- Subtle smell
- Good odor control
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not flushable
- Some reviewers mention a formula change that makes this litter smellier than previous versions
#4 Best Value: Rufus and Coco Wee Kitty Eco Plant Clumping Tofu Litter
As we’ve learned, tofu litter isn’t cheap. If you’re cost-conscious but still want to try tofu litter, consider Wee Kitty from Rufus and Coco. An 8.8-pound bag of this litter costs $2.50/lb, and a 20-pound bag costs $1.75/lb.
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
This Australian company crafts its tofu litter with wheat and soy fibers—two natural ingredients that double as garden compost. I was happy with this formula’s solid, non-stick clumps, and there was minimal dust.
For me, Wee Kitty falls short in terms of smell. Maybe I’m sensitive to fragrances, but I found this litter gave off a slightly chemical scent that was a bit off-putting. I think it would probably dissipate in a larger room over time. But it might be less ideal in tight quarters.
What We Liked:
- Most economical tofu litter
- Can be used as compost in your garden
- Absorbs up to four times its weight in liquid
What We Didn’t Like:
- Slight chemical smell
- Not the best for odor control
#5 Best Unscented: Michu Natural Clumping Tofu Litter
All tofu litters seem to give off some sort of scent—even the “unscented” ones. If you want to avoid the natural soy smell, Michu may be your best bet. We tried the original formula and found it the least offensive of all the litters we tested. It has a slight smell, but it’s only really noticeable if you put your nose right up to the bag.
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
For more adventurous sniffers, Michu also carries tofu formulas in Peach, Green Tea, Watermelon, and Ocean Fresh. Many reviewers liked the smell of these and preferred the scented versions over the original natural scent.
Michu tofu litter is made with human-grade Canadian snow peas, natural plant fiber, and natural binding agents. I didn’t notice any dust when pouring. The clumps were on the looser side, and there was some crumbling. But nothing stuck to the litter tray.
What We Liked:
- Subtle smell is barely detectable
- Great odor control
- Low-tracking
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available in 5.5-lb bags (you’ll need two to fill one tray)
#6 Best Odor Control: I Am Tofu Clumping Litter with Charcoal
“I Am Tofu” stands out because it includes activated charcoal to combat odors, making it a top performer in our odor control test.
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Liz Coleman / cats.com
Made with soybeans and corn starch, this litter doesn’t contain any synthetic additives or chemicals. The materials are dehydrated, dried, and sterilized at high temperatures of 896 °F.
This litter has a slight coconut scent, but I found it less pungent than Pidan. It can absorb up to four times its weight in liquid, putting it on par with Rufus and Coco.
Furthermore, this tofu litter is water-soluble and safe to flush. The company advises breaking clumps down into smaller pieces to avoid clogging.
The biggest downside was the dust. Although I Am Tofu claims to be 99% dust-free, I found it to be the dustiest of the six litters.
What We Liked:
- Activated charcoal keeps odors to a minimum
- Convenient pour handle
- 400% absorption rate
- Four scents available: original unscented, green tea, honey peach, and charcoal
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only sold in 10-lb bags
- Pretty dusty
What To Consider When Shopping for Tofu Litter
Since tofu is a relatively new addition to the cat litter market, many consumers are unsure what to look for. We break down the main factors to consider.
- Scent: Tofu litter comes in various fragrances and scent-free options. Keep in mind that even the unscented varieties tend to have a slightly earthy smell. You want a litter that you and your cat can live with. Preferences vary, so it may take some trial and error to find the right one. You might want to start with a smaller bag to ensure it’s tolerable.
- Flushability: One of the main advantages of tofu litter is that most types can be flushed down the toilet. If you plan to flush the litter, make sure to choose a brand that explicitly states it’s suitable for flushing. Just because litter is made from natural materials doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe to flush. Additionally, consider your plumbing system and any local laws that may prohibit flushing pet waste.
- Cost: Tofu litter can be expensive, so you’ll need to weigh your budget against the benefits of different brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tofu litter better for the environment?
Yes! Unlike clay or crystal litter, which are extracted from the earth, tofu litter is made from sustainable materials that would otherwise be discarded. It’s also biodegradable, so it won’t linger in a landfill like clay litter.
Is it okay to flush tofu litter?
Sometimes. Every formula is different, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. You should also consider your plumbing system: older pipes may not be able to handle litter and could clog. Finally, check with your local waste authorities, as some areas prohibit flushing pet waste down the toilet.
Does tofu litter clump?
Yes, tofu litter does clump. The clumps may not be as tight and solid as those of traditional clay litter, but most formulas do a pretty good job.
What are some downsides to tofu litter?
Tofu litter tends to be pricier than most. While it clumps fairly well, it may not be as effective as clay. It also tends to have a natural, earthy smell that some might find unpleasant. Finally, some cats may be tempted to try a nibble (or, in my case, dogs).
