Everything You Need To Know About Tofu Cat Litter

Tofu cat litter is a relatively new addition to the market, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite among cat owners thanks to its low tracking, minimal dust, and environmentally friendly properties. But is it the right choice for you and your feline companion? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

We've dedicated countless hours to understanding which litter features matter most to both cats and their humans. This article is informed by insights from a cat behaviorist, a veterinarian, extensive online research, and our own firsthand experience as cat parents—and as creators of our own tofu cat litter.

What Is Tofu Cat Litter?
Tofu cat litter is made from the fibrous byproduct left over after soybeans are processed into soy milk or tofu. Typically discarded, this food-grade pulp is instead repurposed into a non-toxic, 100% natural alternative to traditional clay litters. The material is dried and compressed into lightweight, cylindrical pellets that are low-tracking and virtually dust-free.

High-quality tofu litters are usually unscented or naturally scented, and often include gentle deodorizers like baking soda or charcoal. However, some brands may add artificial fragrances, concentrated oils, or coloring, which can be less desirable for sensitive cats.

The Benefits of Tofu Litter
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits that are making tofu cat litter an increasingly popular choice among cat parents.1. Tofu Litter Is Dust-Free and Extremely Low-Tracking

Thanks to its larger pellet size, tofu litter is far less likely to cling to your cat’s paws or fur. This results in minimal tracking—so you won’t be constantly sweeping up litter scattered around your home. It’s also one of the lowest-dust options available, making it a great alternative to traditional clay litters, especially for cats (and humans) with respiratory sensitivities.

2. Tofu Litter Is Safe for Cats and Humans
Tofu cat litter is free from harmful toxins and synthetic additives—especially if you choose unscented, naturally scented, and uncolored varieties, which we highly recommend. Unlike clay litter, which often contains crystalline silica dust (a known carcinogen that can irritate the respiratory system of both cats and humans), tofu litter poses no such risks.

Another concern with clay litter is the potential for gastrointestinal blockages if ingested. Tofu litter, on the other hand, is made from food-grade materials that are safe if accidentally consumed. While we don’t encourage eating it, tofu pellets will dissolve in your cat’s stomach and pass safely through their digestive system.

3. Tofu Litter Is Super Easy to Clean
One of the biggest perks of tofu cat litter is its flushability. The pellets break down completely in water, allowing for easy and hygienic disposal right down the toilet—no need to store waste in a smelly garbage bag. While cleaning the litter box is rarely anyone’s favorite task, tofu litter makes the process much more manageable. If convenience is a top priority for you, you might also want to check out our list of the best flushable cat litters.

4. Tofu Litter Is Eco-Friendly
As awareness grows about the environmental impact of traditional litters, many cat parents are turning to more sustainable options. Clay cat litter is extracted through strip mining—a destructive process that damages ecosystems and pollutes the air, water, and soil. Once used, clay litter typically ends up in landfills, where it swells when exposed to moisture, taking up even more space over time. Considering how many households use clay litter, the environmental toll adds up quickly.

Tofu cat litter offers a greener alternative. It’s made from the leftover pulp produced during soybean processing—material that would otherwise become food waste. Since soybeans are a renewable, plant-based resource, tofu litter is fully biodegradable and much gentler on the planet.

Drawbacks of Tofu Cat Litter
While tofu litter offers many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before deciding if it’s the right choice for you and your cat.

Price
Tofu cat litter typically costs more than standard clay litter and is priced similarly to other premium options like crystal litter. However, for many cat parents, the added benefits—such as low tracking, minimal dust, and easy cleanup—justify the higher cost.

Natural Spoilage
Because tofu litter is made from organic, plant-based materials, it can be prone to mold if stored in damp or humid environments. Fortunately, this is easily avoidable. Simply store your tofu litter in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. With proper storage, mold shouldn’t be an issue at all.

Flushing Concerns
While tofu cat litter is technically flushable, there are a couple of important concerns to be aware of before sending it down the toilet.

1. Health and Environmental Risks
One concern is the potential spread of Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can infect cats and be present in their feces. According to the CDC, indoor cats that don’t hunt or eat raw meat are highly unlikely to carry this parasite. Still, since wastewater treatment systems may not fully eliminate T. gondii, some municipalities have regulations against flushing any type of cat waste. Be sure to check your local laws before flushing litter down the toilet.

2. Plumbing Issues
Flushing improperly can lead to clogged pipes and serious plumbing problems—especially in homes with older plumbing systems. If your plumbing is in good condition, you can safely flush small amounts of tofu litter by following a few precautions: always allow clumps to fully dissolve in water before flushing, and avoid flushing large quantities at once. With proper care, flushing tofu litter can be a safe and convenient option.

What to Look for in a Tofu Cat Litter
While tofu cat litter offers plenty of benefits, quality can vary between brands. To make sure you’re getting a high-performing, safe product, keep an eye out for the following features:

• No Artificial Fragrances or Colors
  Choose a litter that’s free from synthetic scents and dyes, which can irritate sensitive cats and may contain unnecessary chemicals.

• Added Deodorizers for Odor Control
  Look for natural additives like baking soda or charcoal to help neutralize odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

• Positive Customer Reviews
  Real-world feedback is a great indicator of performance. Check for consistently high ratings and reviews that mention odor control, clumping ability, and ease of cleaning.

By selecting a high-quality tofu litter, you’ll get the most out of its eco-friendly, low-maintenance benefits.

How to Transition Your Cat to Tofu Litter
When you’re ready to switch your cat to tofu litter, following a careful process can help ensure a smooth transition:

Step 1: Keep Everything Else the Same
To minimize stress, keep all other aspects of the litter box routine unchanged. Don’t switch the box itself or move it to a new location. Avoid making this change if you’ve recently introduced a new cat to your home. Consistency in the environment is key to a successful transition.

Step 2: Go Slow
Gradually mix the tofu litter with your cat’s current litter. Start with a ratio of about 80% old litter to 20% tofu litter, then slowly increase the amount of tofu litter over time until your cat is using it exclusively.

Cats are perceptive, so they’ll likely notice the difference. To ease the transition, keep the top layer of the litter box made up of the old litter. This helps make the change feel more familiar and less stressful for your cat.

Step 3: Create Positive Associations
To help your cat feel comfortable with the new litter, save some of their feces from the old litter and place it into the new litter box. This familiar scent signals to your cat that the new box is an acceptable place to go.

Step 4: Reward Success
While not all cats respond to treats, if your cat is motivated by food, consider rewarding them with a small treat when they use the new litter successfully. Positive reinforcement can make the transition smoother and encourage good habits.

Where Can I Find Tofu Cat Litter?
If you’re ready to switch to tofu cat litter and want to try this eco-friendly, safe, and low-mess option, we have a recommendation for you.

Since we truly believe in the benefits of tofu litter, we created our own product—Really Great Cat Litter—which we consider the best tofu cat litter available. Our formulas are natural, with both unscented and lightly scented options, because we believe these choices are healthier and more comfortable for both cats and their owners.

Really Great Cat Litter is:

• Made from 5 compostable, all-natural ingredients

• Flushable for easy cleanup (100% dissolves in water)

• Dust-free and extremely low-tracking to keep your home clean

• Highly absorbent for effective odor control

• Safe and non-toxic—for both you and your cat

• Environmentally friendly and biodegradable

• Convenient monthly delivery right to your door

• Supported by our cat behaviorist to help with the transition

• Backed by a money-back guarantee

We hope this guide helped you understand the benefits of tofu cat litter!