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.
It is only available in clumping form and since it clumps well, some people claim it does well in automatic litter boxes.
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“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
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.
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
Brands and products on this page are for your information and convenience only… I make no money from them.
Below are some corn litter brands with a few reviews.
They are available at pet stores, some grocery and feed stores, and online at Amazon, Chewy and other pet suppliers.
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.
Garfield Clumping Cat Litter
Garfield Cat Litter uses cassava (yuca) and corn to create a clumping litter that helps control odors.
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 “Cassava Cat Litter” for more info about cassava.
This article explains more about it: “Cyanide Poisoning and Cassava”.
Here’s a review of both types of Garfield litter…
Sustainably Yours Natural Cat Litter
Sustainably Yours litter is made by the same company as Garfield litter.
This litter is currently available as Multi-Cat Plus Extra Odor Control – Large Grains and Multi-Cat – Regular.
Sustainably Yours contains corn and cassava (yuca) root, which are renewable and biodegradable.
It’s low-dust, low-tracking, with no added chemicals or fragrances.
These ingredients are good for neutralizing odors and creating solid clumps.
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 “Cassava Cat Litter” for more info about cassava.
Here’s a video review of both Garfield and Sustainably Yours brands…
Another review… both types of Sustainably Yours litter…
Nature’s Miracle® Premium Clumping Corn Cob Litter
Nature’s Miracle has 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.
VETBASIS Herbal Lavender Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter
Vetbasis contains ground corn cobs, not kernels. 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.
Here’s a review of World’s Best litter…
Related Pages of Interest
Curious about other types of cat litter and boxes? Discover more at “Supplies for Cats“.
Having trouble with your cat peeing or pooping outside the litter box?
Find some answers to fix the problem and clean up the mess at “Behavior“.
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
“What Is In Cat Litter? Understanding Clay, Silica and Biodegradable Cat Litters“, by Lorie Huston, DVM, petmd.com
Product Information and User Review Sources
JacksonGalaxy.com
Petco.com
Updated July 16, 2023