Is Sustainably Yours a Good Cat Litter? A Comprehensive Review

Did you know that the average cat uses approximately 125 pounds of litter per year? With over 90 million pet cats in the United States alone, that amounts to an astounding 11 billion pounds of cat litter annually, most of which ends up in landfills. As eco-conscious pet ownership rises, many cat parents are seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional clay litters. Sustainably Yours cat litter has emerged as a popular option in this growing market, but does it truly deliver on its eco-friendly promises while maintaining the performance cat owners expect? This comprehensive review will examine whether Sustainably Yours cat litter is worth the investment for your feline companion and your environmental values.

Understanding Sustainably Yours Cat Litter

Sustainably Yours cat litter is a plant-based alternative to conventional clay litters, manufactured by Petfive Brands. What sets this litter apart is its composition—made entirely from renewable resources, specifically corn and cassava (also known as yuca or manioc). These materials are chosen not only for their sustainability credentials but also for their natural clumping and odor-control properties.

Unlike traditional clay litters that require environmentally damaging strip mining and never biodegrade, Sustainably Yours cat litter is biodegradable and flushable in small amounts (local regulations permitting). The brand emphasizes its commitment to environmental responsibility through both its product formulation and its partnership with the Rainforest Trust, donating a portion of proceeds to protect endangered rainforest habitats.

Key Ingredients and Composition

Sustainably Yours cat litter consists of two primary ingredients:

• Corn: Provides natural clumping abilities and helps with odor absorption
• Cassava (Yuca): Contributes additional absorbency and helps create a harder clump

The litter contains no artificial fragrances, chemicals, or additives, making it a potentially safer option for cats with sensitivities. Its white color also serves a functional purpose—making it easier to monitor your cat’s urinary health by providing better visibility of any abnormal coloration.

Available Varieties

Sustainably Yours offers three main varieties:

• Multi-Cat: Their standard formula designed for households with multiple cats
• Multi-Cat Plus: Enhanced formula with additional odor control
• Small Spaces: Specially formulated for smaller litter boxes and living environments

Key Insights

Performance Factors

Clumping Ability

Sustainably Yours creates remarkably solid clumps that maintain their integrity during scooping. In testing against other natural litters, it forms harder, less crumbly clumps than many wheat, paper, or pine alternatives. However, the clumps aren’t quite as rock-solid as premium clay litters like Dr. Elsey’s or Scoop Away.

The clumping action occurs quickly upon contact with moisture, preventing urine from pooling at the bottom of the litter box—a common issue with lesser-quality natural litters. This efficient clumping means less waste when scooping, as the entire soiled area can be removed cleanly.

Odor Control

Odor management is where many natural litters struggle, but Sustainably Yours performs admirably in this category. Without artificial fragrances masking odors, it relies on the natural absorbent properties of corn and cassava to trap ammonia smells.

For single-cat households, the standard Multi-Cat formula typically controls odors effectively for 5-7 days before a complete litter change might be necessary. Homes with multiple cats may find the Multi-Cat Plus offers the extra odor-fighting power needed, though more frequent scooping is still recommended regardless of which formula you choose.

Dust Levels

One significant advantage of Sustainably Yours is its extremely low dust levels. While no litter is completely dust-free, this litter produces noticeably less airborne particulate than clay alternatives and even many other natural litters. This makes it an excellent option for:

• Cats with respiratory issues
• Humans with asthma or allergies
• Enclosed litter box systems where dust can accumulate

Tracking and Scatter

The medium-grain texture of Sustainably Yours strikes a balance between being fine enough for cats’ comfort but large enough to reduce tracking somewhat. That said, tracking remains its primary weakness. The lightweight nature of the plant materials means particles can adhere to paws more readily than heavier clay litters.

Many users report success in reducing tracking by:

• Using a top-entry litter box
• Placing a litter mat with a trapping design around the box
• Slightly reducing the depth of litter in the box (while maintaining the recommended 3-inch minimum)

Environmental Impact

The environmental benefits of Sustainably Yours cat litter extend beyond its renewable ingredients:

• Biodegradable: Decomposes naturally unlike clay litters that remain in landfills indefinitely
• Flushable in small amounts: Can reduce waste going to landfills (check local regulations first)
• Renewable resources: Corn and cassava are fast-growing crops compared to the non-renewable minerals in clay litter
• Lower carbon footprint: Production process requires less energy than mining and processing clay

However, it’s worth noting that corn production does have its own environmental considerations, including water usage and potential pesticide application. Sustainably Yours doesn’t specifically state whether their corn is organically grown.

Expert Advice

According to Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, a board-certified feline practitioner and past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, “The best litter is one that your cat will actually use. When transitioning to a sustainable litter like Sustainably Yours, do so gradually by mixing increasing amounts with the old litter over 1-2 weeks. Watch for any signs of avoidance which could indicate your cat doesn’t approve of the new texture or scent.”

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Mikel Delgado notes, “White litter like Sustainably Yours can be beneficial for monitoring urinary health, especially in male cats who are prone to urinary blockages. The ability to detect abnormal urine color can provide early warning signs of potential health issues.”

Feline environmental enrichment specialist Jackson Galaxy recommends, “Consider maintaining two litter boxes when testing a new litter—one with the familiar litter and one with the new option. This gives your cat choice and prevents litter box avoidance behaviors that can lead to household accidents.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Switching Too Quickly

The most frequent mistake cat owners make when trying Sustainably Yours is not transitioning gradually. Cats are creatures of habit and may reject sudden changes to their litter box setup. A proper transition should take 7-14 days, gradually increasing the ratio of new litter to old.

Using Too Little Litter

Sustainably Yours works best with a depth of at least 3-4 inches in the litter box. Using too shallow a layer can result in urine pooling at the bottom of the box, which reduces clumping efficiency and increases odor. The recommended depth allows for proper absorption and solid clump formation.

Expecting Identical Performance to Clay

While Sustainably Yours performs exceptionally well for a natural litter, expecting identical performance to clay is unrealistic. The physical properties of different materials mean there are inherent differences. The environmental benefits come with some performance trade-offs, particularly in tracking and clump hardness.

Flushing Too Much at Once

Although marketed as flushable, Sustainably Yours should only be flushed in small amounts to prevent plumbing issues. Many municipalities and water treatment facilities discourage flushing any cat litter, so check local regulations before adopting this disposal method.

Recommended Products or Solutions

Best Litter Boxes for Sustainably Yours

Certain litter box designs work particularly well with Sustainably Yours cat litter:

1. Top-entry boxes like the Modkat or IRIS Top Entry: These significantly reduce tracking issues.
2. High-sided open boxes like the Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box: The higher walls contain scatter while still providing easy access.
3. Sifting litter boxes are not recommended with this litter as the clumps may break during the sifting process.

Complementary Products

To maximize your experience with Sustainably Yours cat litter, consider these accessories:

1. Litter Genie disposal system: Seals in odors between trips to the trash
2. iPrimio Cat Litter Trapper Mat: Extra-large design captures scattered litter effectively
3. Stainless steel litter scoop: The solid clumps of Sustainably Yours work best with a sturdy, non-plastic scoop

Cost-Saving Strategies

At approximately $25-30 for a 13-pound bag, Sustainably Yours is significantly more expensive than most clay litters. To maximize value:

• Subscribe to auto-delivery options on Chewy or Amazon for 5-10% savings
• Purchase larger bags when available for better cost-per-pound
• Maintain optimal scooping frequency to extend the life of the litter

Conclusion

Sustainably Yours cat litter offers a genuinely eco-friendly alternative to traditional clay litters without significantly compromising on performance. Its exceptional clumping ability, minimal dust, and effective odor control make it stand out among natural litters, though its tracking issues and premium price point are notable drawbacks. For environmentally conscious cat owners willing to manage these limitations, Sustainably Yours represents a worthwhile investment in both your cat’s comfort and environmental sustainability.

FAQs

Is Sustainably Yours cat litter safe if my cat ingests it?

Sustainably Yours is made from natural plant materials (corn and cassava) without toxic additives, making it safer than clay litters if ingested in small amounts. However, no litter is meant to be eaten, and persistent litter consumption should prompt a veterinary consultation.

How does Sustainably Yours compare to other natural litters like World’s Best Cat Litter?

Both are corn-based, but Sustainably Yours adds cassava for improved clumping and absorbency. Sustainably Yours typically produces less dust and forms harder clumps, while World’s Best may have slightly better odor control. Sustainably Yours’ white color for health monitoring is a unique advantage.

Can I use Sustainably Yours with an automatic litter box?

Sustainably Yours works with some automatic litter boxes like the Litter-Robot, but may not perform optimally in systems designed specifically for clay litter. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations before use.

How often should I completely change the litter when using Sustainably Yours?

With regular scooping (1-2 times daily), a complete litter change is typically needed every 3-4 weeks. Households with multiple cats may require more frequent changes, approximately every 2-3 weeks.

Is Sustainably Yours cat litter compostable?

While the litter itself is biodegradable, cat waste should never be composted for gardens growing edible plants due to potential pathogens. Some municipal composting facilities accept pet waste, but check local regulations first.

Does Sustainably Yours cat litter work well for kittens?

Yes, the natural, dust-free formula makes it suitable for kittens. The absence of clay particles and chemicals means less risk if curious kittens ingest small amounts while grooming or playing.