Corn Cat Litter

Hi there all you crazy cats! Skye Blake coming to you with a corny idea! Corn cat litter!

The information here is for general knowledge… always see your vet with questions about your cat’s individual needs.

Who Is Skye Blake?

Skye Blake, Cat Info Detective, is a curious cat researcher (not a veterinarian) who sniffs out expert, reliable sources about cats, studies their information, then passes it on to you!

Sometimes there’s not enough evidence for easy answers, so Skye gives you all sides, explains the situation as thoroughly and clearly as possible, and links you to experts on each page.

Sources are given at the bottom of each page so you can do more snooping.

What Is Corn Cat Litter?

Grain-based litters, such as corn, wheat, soy or grass, work fine for some cool kitties, but many cats eat grains and will eat the litter, causing potentially serious digestive problems.

Corn litter is made using cobs, kernels, and fibers from the corn plant, a.k.a. maize.

Aflatoxin & Corn Litter

Grain-based litters can get moldy and ferment if not changed regularly, especially in hotter weather.

They can also attract bugs and rodents if not properly stored.

The main concern with mold in corn cat litter is aflatoxin, a poison given off by mold as a defense.

It’s associated with various diseases in people, pets and livestock through eating or inhaling it.

Aflatoxin grows in moist, warm conditions and even though crops are tested at various stages of growth, storage and production, it’s impossible to completely prevent it.

Corn, peanuts and cottonseed are the most susceptible crops.¹

Molds in general are more of a concern with food products but some people question using it as litter.

Even after processing, molds can grow in litter when stored in hot warehouses, trucks, etc.

bengal cat halfway in covered litter box

Corn litter creates a perfect breeding ground for aflatoxin, especially a covered litter box (warm enclosed space) with cat pee accumulating in it (liquid).

So it’s important to store this litter in a cool, dry place and scoop/clean all litter boxes daily.

If you’re concerned about this issue, you’ll probably be better off using a different type of litter.

However, if you locate your boxes in temperature and humidity controlled areas and are diligent with scooping and cleaning, mold and aflatoxin are much less likely to be a problem.

In other words, keep your boxes where your cat lives, not in the garage or basement, and keep them clean!

See “The Cat Box… Location, Location, Location” for more about where to properly place your buddy’s boxes.

Corn Litter Brands & Reviews

Below are some corn litter brands with a few reviews. This list is by no means exhaustive.

I make a small commission on some of the links below… and I get to share profits with qualified cat rescues!

Check descriptions and reviews carefully for any products you wish to buy… quality, sizes, colors, etc., can’t be guaranteed by anyone but the manufacturer.

Non-Clumping Corn Litter

As of February 2023, there are no non-clumping corn cat litters available in the U.S.A.

Arm & Hammer Naturals Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter

Arm & Hammer Naturals comes in regular and multi-cat formulas.

This litter is made from corn fibers and plant extracts with added baking soda. It absorbs well, controls odor, and is lightweight.

It’s good for allergies, affordable, and easy on paws and feet.

Reviewers disagree about whether or not it sticks to paws (especially medium and long haired), smell of the litter itself, ease of scooping, and the amount of dust.

Some say the clumps are soft and break apart while scooping.

Frisco Corn & Wheat Cat Litter

Frisco litter is made from a mix of corn and wheat, good for single or multi-cat households.

It has a patented odor-blocking technology that keeps odor-causing ammonia from forming.

Frisco clumps up to 3 times stronger than other litters, is easy to scoop and clean and has no chemicals, added fragrances or dyes.

Claims to be low-dust and is not flushable.

The majority of reviewers were happy with this litter.

No-to-low odor, clumps well, and easy to scoop (some said the clumps fall apart easily).

Tracking was about the same as clay, but some found mats to be helpful.

Since this litter is soft it’s easier to sweep and doesn’t hurt when stepped on.

There is some manageable dust and tracking but not more than others.

They also liked that it lasts much longer than many other litters.

Those who didn’t like it felt it was a mushy mess and couldn’t get it through the scoop holes.

(There are different types of scoops with different size holes so they could have used the wrong kind for this litter.)

Here is a helpful YouTube video review. Frisco corn litter is mentioned part way through…

“Comparing Wheat & Grass Cat Litter”, Mobile Paw Spa, August 7, 2019

Garfield Clumping Cat Litter

Garfield Cat Litter comes in two types – Super Clump Unscented and Ultimate Clump… both have mixed reviews.

There’s a question about the use of cassava (yuca) with corn, however, it’s generally accepted that it’s safe to use.

Cassava is a starchy edible tropical plant that’s grown worldwide. It works very well with corn starches to form solid clumps.

These clumps trap odor which you can easily scoop out without breaking or crumbling.

Cassava root contains the toxin cyanide. There’s a method of processing cassava root that manufacturers use to make it safe.

People around the world cook and eat it. See “Yuca (Cassava) In Cat Litter” for more info about cassava.

This article explains more about it: “Cyanide Poisoning and Cassava”.

Litter Maid Premium Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter

Litter Maid corn litter is made from corn cobs, absorbs twice as much as clay, and clumps well.

Scoop and then stir the remaining litter for best results. It neutralizes odors and is low-dust.

People who reviewed this litter either loved or hated it.

One person noted that this particular litter is not the same as what’s in the LitterMaid Self-Cleaning Litter Box.

Nature’s Miracle Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter

Nature’s Miracle is made from corn cobs, not corn kernels.

Claims are that it’s low-dust, bio-enzymatic, has great odor control, is very absorbent, and lighter than others.

The granules are smaller and softer, so they don’t scratch wood floors.

It comes in an easy-pour bag with a slight pine odor at first (although some say it’s too strong), is flushable, and easy to vacuum.

There are conflicting reviews about odor control.

Some reviewers mention problems with this litter having mold and fermentation problems that are especially bad in hotter weather.

There’s also some minor problem with tracking.

Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty Unscented Clumping Corn Cat Litter

Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty is the 2017 Hot Diggity Award Winner.

It claims to be flushable, even in septic systems (always test this with a small amount).

R&C is lightweight, absorbs 4 times its weight, clumps well, is easy to clean and low tracking.

Reviews show conflicting experiences with tracking, odor control, dustiness.

People liked the resealable bag and that the litter lasts a long time.

Some found it expensive and didn’t like the strong citrus smell or thick texture.

Sustainably Yours Natural Cat Litter

This litter is currently available as Multi-Cat Plus Extra Odor Control – Large Grains and Multi-Cat – Regular.

Sustainably Yours is made from corn and cassava (yuca) root, which are renewable and biodegradable.

It’s low-dust, low-tracking, with no added chemicals or fragrances.

The corn is processed to neutralize odors instantly and keep working.

This litter claims to have superior clumping performance.

They use a special corn-cassava blend that goes through an extra processing step.

Sustainably Yours is whiter than other plant-based brands.

This makes it easier to notice changes in your cat’s urine. You can then get her to the vet more quickly.

As mentioned with Garfield Clumping Cat Litter above, there are questions about the safety of cassava root.

Some people are concerned about having it in cat litter in case their cat eats or licks it off their paws and fur.

This article explains more about it: “Cyanide Poisoning and Cassava”.

See “Yuca (Cassava) In Cat Litter” for more info about cassava.

Tidy Cats Pure Nature Cat Litter

Tidy Cats Pure Nature litter is made from a mix of cedar, pine and corn.

It has great odor control, clumps well for easy cleanup, and natural scents.

VETBASIS Herbal Lavender Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter

Vetbasis is made from ground corn cobs. It’s highly absorbent, clumps, traps odors, and is for use in single or multi-cat households.

Reviewers said it’s not dusty, low tracking, light fragrance and lasts a long time with occasional top-offs.

It controls odor well, is easy to clean, but stuck to their cat’s paws. It’s not cost effective for multiple cat households.

World’s Best™

World’s Best™ is made from whole kernel corn, naturally scented, lightweight, with good odor control.

It clumps quickly for easy scooping and is almost dust free. The manufacturer says this litter has been tested and is safe for septic and sewer systems.

Reviewers vary widely in their satisfaction with these products. All varieties of this litter have people who love and hate them.

Most are positive reviews; many feel this brand has enough positive qualities to outweigh the negatives.

It absorbs well and is affordable when buying in bulk.

World’s Best corn litter is not dust-free… some find it tolerable, others don’t. There’s also disagreement about it being flushable.

Always test a small amount of any litter before assuming it’s flushable for your system.

Some people won’t flush any litter, even if it’s supposed to be safe. If it clogs or causes problems, the mess and bills aren’t worth it.

Some problems reviewers mentioned are that it has an odd dirt smell and is messy, tracking everywhere.

It doesn’t eliminate poop odor and the clumps fall apart when scooping.

YouTube Video Reviews

Here are some helpful YouTube video reviews of various corn litters…

“Garfield Cat Litter First Impressions Review”, Cats & Fluff, April 10, 2020

“Littermaid Corn Cob vs World’s Best Corn, vs Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Cat Litter”, Byromie, January 14, 2020

“Lower-Waste Healthier Cat Litter: “WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER” Review…Benefits vs. Cost”, Malory Victoria, September 29, 2019

More Litter Options

If you need more info about what’s “best” for your cat, discover more at “What Are the Best Types of Cat Litter?” and “What’s the Best Cat Litter Box?“

Or follow these trails if you’re curious about other litters…

Biodegradable	Clay
Coconut	Coffee
Corn	Grass
Hemp	Paper
Silica	Tofu
Walnut	Wheat
Yuca (Cassava)

If you’re dealing with inappropriate peeing or pooping outside the litter box, take a look at “Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box?” and “Why Is My Cat Pooping Outside the Box?“

Of course, if you have a cat peeing outside the box, you’re probably frustrated about cleaning it.

Discover what you need to know at “Cleaning Cat Urine” and “Enzyme Cleaners for Cat Urine“.

Sources

Sources used on this website are either primary or secondary.

Primary are always preferable and have the most reliable information because primary sources are original and directly referenced.

Scientific abstracts and data are good examples of primary sources.

Secondary sources are weaker because they usually consist of opinions or articles that give no sources of their own.

However, sometimes they refer to primary sources.

When I use secondary sources, most are those with some authority, such as veterinarian or cat behaviorist books and articles.

List of Sources

“5 Best Types of Natural Cat Litter”, by Amy Livingston

“AFLATOXINS : Occurrence and Health Risks”, Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Animal Science – Plants Poisonous to Livestock, 2018, Updated February 28, 2019

“The Best Biodegradable Clumping Litter”, by Susan Leisure

“Cat Litter”, How Products Are Made

“Caution to Use of Corn Based Cat Litters”, by Susan Thixton, Truth About Pet Food.com, March 21, 2010

“Eco-Friendly Compostable Kitty Litter”, greenlivingideas.com

“How Cat Litter is Made”, greenlivingideas.com

Sustainably Yours

“What Is In Cat Litter? Understanding Clay, Silica and Biodegradable Cat Litters“, by Lorie Huston, DVM, petmd.com