Sustainably Yours Cat Litter is one of the leading natural litters on the market, known for its great clumping, low dust, and natural ingredients. Doesn’t hurt that it’s co-signed by Jackson Galaxy either! We tested Sustainably Yours first hand to find out if it lives up to the hype. In this article, we’ll give you our in-depth, unbiased review of Sustainably Yours Cat Litter, explore its strengths and weaknesses, and help you determine whether it’s the right litter for you and your cat.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. Over the last couple years, we've spent countless hours determining which litter features are most important to cats and cat parents alike. Our criteria are based on consultation with a cat behaviorist, veterinarian, and hundreds of cat parents.
→ Jump to Conclusion: Is Sustainably Yours Cat Litter Worth It?
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter Cheat Sheet
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Price |
$44.99 for 26 lbs = $1.73/lb |
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Ingredients |
corn, cassava starch |
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Attributes |
clumping, natural, unscented |
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Overall Score: 8.3/10
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Sustainably Yours Cat Litter vs Other Litters (Tofu, Clay, Wood)
Here's how Sustainably Yours Cat Litter stacks up against other popular litter types in terms of its standard features. These are features that many litter brands advertise but aren't necessarily included in the scored categories.
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Clumping |
Flushable |
Biodegradable |
Low-Tracking |
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Sustainably Yours |
✓ |
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✓ |
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Clay Litter |
✓ |
|||
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Tofu Litter |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
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Wood Pellets |
✓ |
✓ |
What is Sustainably Yours Cat Litter?
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter is a natural clumping cat litter made from corn and cassava. As the name suggests, this brand emphasizes the sustainability of its materials, which are all renewable crops and biodegradable. They donate a portion of each purchase to the Rainforest Trust, a non-profit organization that purchases land for habitat conservation. Parent company Petfive also works with American and Brazilian animal shelters and donates to programs that help cat parents who are struggling medical and financial issues.
Performance-wise, Sustainably Yours is renowned for its clumping, which is competitive even with some clay litters. It’s also one of the lowest dust litters on the market, and is marketed as a flushable cat litter (more on this later).
Sustainably Yours has three different formulas which are all quite similar. For this review, we used the Original Multi-Cat formula.
Eddie looks on as we shake out the last grains of Sustainably Yours litter. Cove Litter Box by tuft + paw.
What is Corn & Cassava Cat Litter?
If you’re not familiar, here are the main facts you need to know about cat litter made from corn and cassava. For further information, you can see our article on the best natural cat litters.
- Corn & cassava cat litter is made from compressed dried corn and cassava starch, so it falls under the category of “natural” litter (i.e. made from renewable ingredients rather than mined substances like clay or silica).
- It is totally safe for cats and humans.
- Corn & cassava cat litter is very absorbent and almost always clumping.
- Corn & cassava cat litter is 100% biodegradable and often flushable (depending on the brand’s formula). However, this means there is also a risk of spoilage if stored in humid conditions
How do you use Sustainably Yours Cat Litter?
Sustainably Yours is an easy-to-use, classic clumping litter. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
- Pour 3-4 inches of Sustainably Yours Cat Litter into a clean litter box.
- Let your cat use the litter box as usual.
- Scoop out any solid waste and urine clumps and dispose of them in a garbage bin.
- Repeat steps 3 or 4 as necessary, until it's time to replace the litter entirely (usually 3-4 weeks).
Tip: When using Sustainably Yours, we recommend keeping the litter box in a relatively dry and cool room to preserve its absorption and odor controlling capabilities. As a grain-based cat litter, it can be susceptible to mold, and its odor control is worse in hot and humid conditions.
Sustainably Yours has a fine texture which is easy on the paws.
How well does Sustainably Yours Cat Litter perform?
Now let’s get into the actual review of Sustainably Yours. I used Sustainably Yours Multi-Cat formula for one month in one litter box for my one cat, Eddie. He still had access to his other litter box with his old litter.
Ease of Handling
Sustainably Yours is offered in 10-lbs, 13-lbs, and 26-lbs bags. I got a 13-lbs bag and it was easy enough to handle, but there was nothing special about it that helped in that regard. The bag is made of smooth plastic and has no handle. The litter itself is less dense than clay. Essentially, the ease of handling comes down to the bag size and whether you purchased in-store or had it shipped to your door.
Score: 7/10
Paw-Friendly Texture
Eddie had no problems with the fine, sand-like texture of Sustainably Yours. It would be a great option for cat’s transitioning from clay litter or those with sensitive paws.
Score: 10/10
Eddie had no issues with the texture of Sustainably Yours and got straight to digging.
Dust
In my estimation, Sustainably Yours is tied with Really Great Cat Litter for the lowest dust litter I’ve ever used. When pouring, there was no noticeable dust cloud. I even poured some into my hand and it left very little dusty residue on my fingers. This makes it a fantastic option for cat parents and cats with asthma or other respiratory issues.
Score: 10/10
Tracking
Unfortunately, Sustainably Yours was not good in the tracking department. The small lightweight particles stuck to Eddie’s paws even more than Pretty Litter and World’s Best. There was always a field of litter particles around the litter box, and within one day of vacuuming I would notice litter particles up to ten feet away. Eddie is short-haired and a tidy litter box user, so I could imagine tracking being worse for other households. When using Sustainably Yours, I would highly recommend a high-sided litter box and litter mat to reduce tracking.
Score: 4/10
This was the tracking situation outside the litter box after two days of no vacuuming.
Ease of Cleaning & Flushability
Sustainably Yours is very easy to clean. The clumps are solid, quick-forming, and did not stick to the bottom of my Cove litter box. It’s definitely superior to clay litter in this regard. It also coats solid waste very well.
However, I docked points for flushability. Sustainably Yours claims to be a flushable litter, but the one clump I put in the toilet didn’t dissolve—even after two hours of sitting in water! I had to break it up with a disposable chopstick and I was shocked by how firm it still was. Online reviews sometimes mention being skeptical of the litter’s flushability, and I echo this sentiment. I would not recommend flushing Sustainably Yours.
Disclaimer: Flushing cat litter is illegal in California. Always check your local regulations before flushing cat litter. Only flush cat litter if your cat lives indoors and eats commercial food to avoid the risk of spreading toxoplasmosis.
Score: 8/10
Clumping
Sustainably Yours has the best clumping of any natural litter I’ve used. The clumps are impressively firm and do not get goopy or stick to the litter box. Over time, I noticed some small fragments of clumps building up in the litter box, but this is unavoidable with any litter. In the clumping department, I would say Sustainably Yours is comparable to clay litter.
Score: 10/10
Sustainably Yours has exceptionally firm clumping for a natural cat litter. Litter Box Scoop by tuft + paw.
Odor Control
I had no serious odor issues with Sustainably Yours. I found it to manage odors better than World’s Best, probably in part due to its superior clumping. The litter itself is almost scentless, at least to my weak human nose (maybe Eddie can smell it). After about three weeks I noticed a very slight urine odor, but it never got bad. If you're really sensitive to urine odor, you may want to check our list of the best litters for odor control.
Note: I scooped the litter box 1-2 times per day while testing this litter.
Score: 8/10
@tuftandpaw Replying to @r e a l 3 quick hacks to make your litter box smells much better! Struggling with keeping your cat's litter box smelling fresh? No one wants the dreaded "cat" smell in their home (for their home's sake and also when guests come by) but that unpleasant smell is even more unpleasant to your cat. A cat's sense of smell is MUCH stronger than ours, so they could be deterred from using the litter box altogether if things get stinky. #cattips #cathomehacks #catcleaning #catlittertips #litterboxtips #litterboxcleaning #catlitterbox #bestcatlitter #cleaninglitterbox ♬ masquenada - 💯
Health & Safety
Sustainably Yours is non-toxic and safe for cats and humans. As with any biodegradable litter, there is a chance of mold growth if stored in moist conditions. There is also some concern among cat parents online about aflatoxins: poisonous compounds produced by certain molds that grow on food crops. Thankfully, your pet is only at risk if they eat contaminated litter, so you don’t have to worry unless your cat has an eating disorder like pica.
All things considered, Sustainably Yours is a very safe litter for daily use. Just remember to seal the bag properly and store it in a dry, cool area.
Score: 10/10
Value
When purchased in 13-lbs bags, Sustainably Yours costs $1.85/lb (and $1.73/lb in 26-lbs bags). It’s more expensive than most clay litters but affordable for a natural litter, especially one this good. There are many natural litters out there with worse performance and a higher price tag. I think Sustainably Yours offers good value for the money.
Score: 8/10
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter’s Overall Score: 8.3/10 |
As is custom in our household, Eddie took his Cove Litter Box for a spin as soon as we filled it with the new cat litter.
What are the benefits of using Sustainably Yours Cat Litter?
There are several benefits to using Sustainably Yours as your cat litter of choice. Here are some that stuck out to me:
1. Top notch clumping
I said it once and I’ll say it again: Sustainably Yours has the best clumping of any natural cat litter I’ve used. If weak clumping has prevented you from transitioning from clay to natural litters, I highly recommend trying Sustainably Yours.
2. Very low dust
Sustainably Yours is extremely low dust. I wholeheartedly recommend it for cat parents and cats who have issues with dust but still prefer a granular cat litter.
3. Non-toxic and eco-friendly
Clay cat litter has two big drawbacks: 1) carcinogenic silica dust, and 2) the environmental impact of open pit mining. Being made from corn and cassava, Sustainably Yours avoids both of these issues. It’s healthier for me, my cat, and the planet.
4. Great natural alternative to clay litter
Sustainably Yours is a great alternative to clay cat litter. It has a similarly soft texture and offers great clumping, but is much less dusty and more eco-friendly than clay. Cat parents will appreciate the strong clumping and the fact that it doesn’t cement itself to the walls of the litter box. It's also lighter than clay, so you get more volume of litter for the same weight.
Are there any drawbacks to using Sustainably Yours Cat Litter?
While Sustainably Yours has many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are a few:
1. Not very flushable
Despite being marketed as a “flushable” cat litter, I would not be comfortable flushing Sustainably Yours down the toilet under any circumstances. The rock-hard clumps barely soften in water, even when left to soak. Spare your pipes and just toss the clumps into the garbage.
2. Litter tracking
I was not pleased with Sustainably Yours’ tracking. The particles are tiny, lightweight, and for whatever reason they really stuck to Eddie’s toe beans. I would find litter particles down the hall, on the rug, and even in his Kip cat bed where he likes to nap.
What do users think of Sustainably Yours Cat Litter?
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter receives largely positive reviews from cat parents. Users love its firm clumping, natural ingredients, flushability, and super low dust content. Many cat parents tried out Sustainably Yours after negative experiences with clay litter, and were happy to find an alternative that offered many of the same benefits without some key weaknesses.
However, there are also some negative reviews to consider. Most complaints center around the tracking of Sustainably Yours or its suspect flushability.
Below is the average customer rating at some of Sustainably Yours’ largest stockists and some real user reviews which have been edited for length and clarity.
Average Customer Rating for Sustainably Yours Cat Litter
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Positive Sustainably Yours Cat Litter Reviews
“Got my first kitten in a while and I wanted to give natural clay-free litters another shot. This stuff clumps AMAZINGLY well, absorbs odors, and tracks less than clay litter. Very satisfied.” – Carrie S on Amazon
“I’ve tried multiple types of litter, and this is my go-to. I don’t like using anything else. When it’s time to deep clean the box (wipe out and full clean with new litter), it comes out so easily…It’s the easiest thing to scoop, clumps hard, and sticks only to itself...My senior lady has level 1/2 Kidney Disease so she goes quite a bit more than normal, and even her fluid volume is no match for the clumping (when scooped every day or every other day)...If you can afford it, I HIGHLY recommend it!!” – MollyMomma on PetSmart
“This cat litter is amazing. Just scoop the clumps daily, along with the waste, and add a little bit of litter to the box as needed. The bag lasts an exceptionally long time. It is well worth the price. And the main reason I tried it was because one of my cats was wheezing every night, and switching to this better quality litter with no dust, his wheezing has gone away!” – Lea W on Amazon
Negative Sustainably Yours Cat Litter Reviews
“Not worth the price at all. Doesn’t cover smell or anything. Not flushable it has to sit in the toilet for a while before being able to flush. Tracks worse than regular clay litter. This is probably the worst litter I have ever bought and it was a complete waste. Please don’t spend your money on such trashy litter.” – Jay on Amazon
“Works okay with the litter robot. Is messy and tracks a lot. Does not cover the cat smell.” – Grace S on Amazon
“Medium granules to balance tracking and clumping? I would go one way or the other. When my boy cat pees he goes a LOT. So much so that the absorbency rate could not keep up with the rate he was going, resulting in a little pool where he went and almost always some pee on his foot. No thank you! The tracking isn't nearly as bad as the multi-cat PLUS but I need to sweep my bathroom fairly often. Once it clumps it clumps great but I need to find something that will clump faster.” – Jenny on Petco
Where can you buy Sustainably Yours Cat Litter?
Sustainably Yours is available online at Amazon, PetSmart, and Petco, as well as many smaller pet supply stores. Here’s the cost breakdown from the major online stockists:
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter Retailer Comparison:
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$22.99 for 10 lbs = $2.30/lb |
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$44.99 for 26 lbs = $1.73/lb |
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$43.99 for 26 lbs = $1.69/lb |
Conclusion: Is Sustainably Yours Cat Litter worth it?
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter is worth it if…
- You want a clumping natural litter that is reasonably priced.
- You want a low dust litter.
- You want to transition your cat from clay litter to natural litter.
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter is not worth it if…
- Litter tracking is a top priority for you. The small granules don’t track as much as clay, but they’re more prone to tracking than pellet litters like Really Great Cat Litter or wood pellets.
- You want a flushable natural litter. There are other natural litter options that dissolve much better in water.
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter FAQs
Is Sustainably Yours Cat Litter safe to flush?
According to some reviews, yes. According to others, no. Sustainably Yours has extremely firm clumping for a natural litter, so it’s definitely less flushable than brands like World’s Best or tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Litter. In my experience, Sustainably Yours did not dissolve enough in water for me to be comfortable with flushing it.
Is aflatoxin a risk with Sustainably Yours Cat Litter?
In theory, yes, but it’s very unlikely. Aflatoxins are common in many food crops, but your cat would have to eat contaminated litter to be affected by it.
Is Sustainably Yours Cat Litter biodegradable?
Yes, Sustainably Yours is a biodegradable cat litter. However, we don’t recommend composting used cat litter, especially if the compost will be used as soil for food crops.
How does Sustainably Yours Cat Litter compare to traditional clay litter?
Sustainably Yours Cat Litter is lighter in weight, much less dusty, and slightly more expensive than traditional clay litter. It clumps just as well as clay, and it’s completely non-toxic, whereas clay litter contains harmful silica dust.
Can you use Sustainably Yours Cat Litter with automatic litter boxes?
Yes, Sustainably Yours Cat Litter is compatible with most automatic litter boxes because it’s a clumping fine grain litter. However, make sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations before using it with your specific litter box model.
