
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
With greater awareness of the environmental impact of cat litter, it’s no surprise natural alternatives to traditional clay are on the rise. Catalyst Cat Litter, made from upcycled wood waste, is a sustainable option that promises not only high absorbency and effective odor control but also significant cost savings.
To determine if Catalyst lives up to its claims of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, we tested the brand’s three softwood formulas. Thinking about switching to natural cat litter? This guide can help you decide if Catalyst is the right choice.
Ratings
- Price Per Pound – 4.5/5
- Multi-Cat Formulas – 5/5
- Clumping Ability – 4/5
- Dust/Mess – 4/5
- Easy to Scoop – 4.5/5
Overall Score: 4.5/5
Why Trust Cats.com
I’ve tried my share of non-clay litters over the years, and I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the clumpy. I was curious to see how Catalyst stacked up against similar products.
Over several weeks of testing, I focused on some key points: smell, texture, dustiness, and clumping ability.
Throughout the testing process, I considered a range of cat parent needs and weighed them against the pros and cons of this litter. I also went through dozens of reviews from other cat parents to understand how they found this natural litter.
Catalyst Cat Litter and Brand Overview
Catalyst is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, from product development to packaging. They’re accredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a more sustainable pet industry. Catalyst litter also comes in LDPE #4 plastic bags that are 100% recyclable.
Introduced in 2020, Catalyst’s flagship product is its pine softwood cat litter. This upcycled material is sourced from the parent company, Lignetics, Inc., which converts waste from regional sawmills into litter.
The brand also carries small animal bedding, biodegradable pet waste bags, a sisal litter mat, and a sturdy steel litter scoop. They recently released a non-clumping pine pellet litter, which may appeal to those seeking a low-tracking litter.
What Kinds of Litter Does Catalyst Offer?
Catalyst offers three natural softwood formulas:
- Multi-Cat Litter
- Healthy Cat Litter
- Unscented Cat Litter
The primary ingredient in all three varieties is clean, upcycled pine softwood.
This upcycled pine wood is not only highly absorbent, creating well-formed clumps and locking in odors, but it’s also biodegradable and compostable.
One of Catalyst’s standout features is its remarkable efficiency, as one pound of Catalyst is designed to do the work of four pounds of clumping clay litter. This means you’ll need to change Catalyst less often, so it’s a long-lasting and cost-effective solution. Additionally, this contributes to a smaller environmental footprint by reducing production and transportation pollution.
Catalyst litter is made in America and is available in 10 and 20-pound bags. Depending on the number of cats in a household, a 10-pound bag of Catalyst litter could last up to a month.
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
Name | Materials | Clumping? | Lifestage | Cost |
Catalyst Multi-Cat Formula | Softwood fiber | Yes | All | $1.20/pound (for 20-pound bag) |
Catalyst Unscented Formula | Softwood fiber | Yes | All | $1.20/pound (for 20-pound bag) |
Catalyst Healthy Cat Formula | Softwood fiber | Yes | All | $1.20/pound (for 20-pound bag) |
What Do Customers Think of Catalyst Cat Litter?
While there are some concerns about tracking and dust, overall, customers express mostly positive experiences with Catalyst litter. Here are some highlights.
Positive Reviews
Positive reviews praise the litter’s absorbency and odor control. Most people appreciate the well-formed clumps and how easy it is to scoop. Many people liked the natural woodsy smell, the soft texture, and this litter’s environmental friendliness. They also like that it’s long-lasting and can go longer than clay between changes.
“This litter made from wood chips at first had me apprehensive….and one of my kitties thought so too…..but after a transition period all six kitties use the litter with no problem – and it clumps very well….they advertise it doesn’t track but it does…the litter keeps the smell in check too – I will not go back to clay litter…..and Catalyst is light weight….easy to handle – I would highly recommend this litter – oh – it lasts longer too!!! TRY IT!!” – Gracia reviewing, Catalyst Pet Multi-Cat Formula Cat Litter on Apr 2, 2025
“I dislike the smell of traditional litter. The unscented Catalyst has a nice outdoor-woody smell without being overpowering. It does a good job disguising odors and clumps easily. I feel it needs a scoop with bigger holes to be more efficient, but otherwise is as easy to care for as sand/clay litters. No dust, cats took to it immediately.” – by Kimi reviewing Catalyst Pet Unscented Formula Cat Litter on Mar 30, 2025
Negative Reviews
Some negative reviews mention tracking and dust. But remember, this is the case with most lightweight litters. Some folks were displeased with Catalyst’s clumping ability, and others didn’t like the natural pine smell.
“I am not sure if it is the feel of the litter under their paws or the odor (Even unscented has a pine fragrance), but they will not use it! – by Alycat reviewing, Catalyst Pet Unscented Formula Cat Litter on Feb 17, 2025
“I got this since it had good reviews and I wanted to try something new (my friend also uses wood chips and said they work better than cat litter and so I thought this would be good since it’s modified for cats). My cats wanted nothing to do with it, it was SO dusty and just made my bathroom smell like a petting zoo. I’m gonna try pretty litter next. -by Josie, reviewing Catalyst Multi-Cat Formula on Feb 20, 2025
How Much Does Catalyst Cat Litter Cost?
At first glance, the cost of Catalyst may seem a little high. However, considering its effectiveness and longevity, this litter could lead to significant cost savings.
On Chewy, each formula has the same price:
- 10-pound bag: $1.50/pound
- 20-pound bag: $1.20/pound
But don’t be fooled by price per pound.
While Catalyst might cost more per pound than clay litter, you can use less of it—which means greater savings long-term.
According to a survey of over 1,000 cat parents, Catalyst litter is projected to save an average of 43% per month compared to clay litter, 50% compared to other natural litters, and 54% compared to crystal litter (on the company’s 40-lb+ per month eco-hero plan).
Your savings may be even greater if you subscribe directly from the company’s site.
Where Is Catalyst Cat Litter Sold?
You can purchase Catalyst litter on Chewy or directly from the company’s site. All orders from the Catalyst website have free shipping. The brand’s subscription option lets pet parents save money while ensuring they never run out of litter.
Overall, Is Catalyst Cat Litter a Good Choice?
Yes—if you’re looking for an affordable and effective alternative to clay litter, Catalyst is definitely one to consider. This natural litter is sustainable, practical, and cost-effective. It’s a good choice for conscientious pet parents on a budget.
However, as with all litter, Catalyst has some tradeoffs to consider. You’ll have to decide for yourself if a bit of tracking is a deal-breaker. As I see it, the scatter problem could be (mostly) solved with a good litter mat, a high-sided litter box, and regular cleaning.
Similar Brands
Looking for other cat litter brands similar to Catalyst? Check out some of our other brand reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wood litter better for cats?
In some ways, yes. Silica-free wood litter is easier on your cat’s lungs and safe to digest. Pine also has a soft texture, which some cats will appreciate. However, some cats might not like the natural woodsy smell.
Is Catalyst cat litter flushable?
Technically, Catalyst litter is flushable. However, the brand advises following all local regulations in your region.
Can I use Catalyst cat litter for compost?
Yes! Just avoid using it in edible gardens.
Is Catalyst compatible with a Litter Robot?
Because this litter is so lightweight, it’s not a good fit for Litter Robot or sifting litter boxes. Some cat parents found using a blend of Catlyst and clay to be a viable workaround.
My cat has developed a urinary track infection since using catalyst. Anyone else had that problem?
My experience with catalyst litter is remarkably poor. There is way more dust in this product. The product ends all over the house because if it’s consistency. The clumping is sporadic; most of the time the sawdust absorbs the urine but it really doesn’t clumping as a normal litter would. Cats have a tendency to kick it out of the litter box which has never happened with the light litter I use. We are a permanent rescue currently with 13 cats and we are pretty much experts on today’s litters. Catalyst is a disappointment and we did reach out to customer service and they refunded $9 of the 125.00 order I placed. They get you in the beginning thinking you are getting a better deal when you order the first-time. Do not make the mistake I made order 1 bag from chewy to see if you like it. I did not and my cats are not thrilled with it either. Since I am stuck with6 20 pound bags I will mix it with normal light litter and it does work until I can complete my supply.
It would certainly be a Huge help if you actually wrote in,at the Beginning of your article reviews that Chewy company does NOT ship to Canada. Consumers up here North of you would appreciate that. Very redundant and useless to read many of your lengthy articles only to find that Chewey company doesn’t ship to us here,nor does Amazon often. Please be considerate that Canada also reads your news and tries to purchase U.S. products,,,often to no avail.
Hi,
Chewy does ship to Canada:
https://www.chewy.com/ca
I love it. It is so lightweight, the smell doesn’t bother any of us and it definitely lasts longer than litter I have used in the past. I do see dust all over my black cat’s legs when he exits the box but I’m hopeful it is less toxic than other clumping litter surely is. He recent had surgery for struvite crystals. The cause of this is unknown but I’m wondering if litter contributes. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS LITTER!
does or does not work with litter robots, getting mixed answers.
No, it doesn’t really work well with the Litter-Robot. I’d recommend another biodegradable litter like SmartCat or Sustainably Yours.
I have dealt with litter for 40 years and have never found a better litter than Catalyst soft wood. Wish I knew about you years ago. Contains the odor for a very long time and my cats love it. Thank you Catalyst.