Tofu cat litter is a biodegradable type of cat litter, usually formed into tofu-like blocks or granules. It is crafted from natural plant materials like tofu residue and, after specific processing, is shaped to absorb urine and mask odors for cats. This cat litter presents an eco-friendly choice as it breaks down after disposal, reducing its environmental impact.
Though termed "tofu" cat litter, its consistency doesn't resemble tofu; differing from clay litter, tofu cat litter is cylindrical in shape. It provides better odor absorption than standard clay litter and clumps relatively quickly, making it easy to scoop out urine clumps.
Compared to pine litter, tofu cat litter may not track as much but isn't as fine as bentonite litter. In terms of tracking, it falls in between—occasionally, a bit may stick to a cat's paws or be carried out of the litter box when the cat jumps. Cleaning is not challenging. Overall, tofu cat litter offers good value for its relatively fast clumping and decent odor absorption.
If you are considering a custom cat litter, our company can introduce a variety of fragrances like green tea, cherry blossom, peach, among others, for tofu cat litter. However, it's advisable not to make the fragrance too intense, as some cats may dislike strong scents.
For cat owners, selecting cat litter might require trying out several options to find their cat's preference. If your cat is hesitant to use a new litter, it might be due to not liking the specific litter or being unfamiliar with it. Guidance or gradual changes in litter are recommended. Gradually blend new litter with old, reducing the old litter quantity until completely transitioning to the new litter.
Formula of Deodorizing Tofu Cat Litter
Formula: 70-85 parts of soybean meal, 1-5 parts of deodorizing bacterial powder, 10-25 parts of starch, 15-20 parts of polyethylene imine, 10-15 parts of polyethylene glycol, 2-5 parts of charcoal powder, 2-4 parts of sodium citrate, 3-5 parts of guar gum, 1-3 parts of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, 2-4 parts of cellulose, 2-4 parts of cinnamaldehyde, 0.2-0.5 parts of tangerine peel. Starch can be any of corn starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, pea starch, mung bean flour, or lotus root powder, among others. Deodorizing bacterial powder includes photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, spore bacteria, and filamentous fungi; the bacterial strains use corn bran, wheat bran, and talcum powder as carriers.
Characteristics: It efficiently eliminates odors and unpleasant smells, while also possessing excellent moisture absorption, clumping, and adhesion properties.
Pros
Tofu cat litter is made from natural tofu residue or plant fibers, and the market offers a wide variety of derived tofu litter options. Some manufacturers add different scents such as green tea, cherry blossom, peach, among others. Though scent varies, its effect doesn't significantly differ. There's a saying among cat owners: the fragrance is for the cat owner's choice; the cat doesn't particularly care. Strong scents might actually repel the cat.
Tofu cat litter belongs to an eco-friendly category of cat litter. Many cat owners might still be wary due to the formaldehyde incident two years ago. However, official statements have declared tofu litter from reputable manufacturers as reliable. It's important to focus on tofu litter's pros and cons and whether it suits our cats.
As tofu litter comprises natural ingredients, it's safe if accidentally ingested by cats. For cats with gastrointestinal issues, tofu litter is a good choice. Additionally, as tofu litter is water-soluble, it can be flushed down the toilet after use. Some cat owners even use the waste residue for gardening.
Concerning drawbacks, some say tofu litter doesn't absorb urine well, breaks apart easily, and sticks, making cleaning inconvenient. Also, in hot and humid weather, chemical reactions between the litter and urine might cause discomfort. Hence, those residing in areas south of the Qinling Mountains and Huai River should choose carefully. Moreover, tofu litter tends to be relatively expensive.
Judging from the choices made by cat owners, most cats still prefer bentonite litter. I've tried crystal, tofu, and bentonite litter for my pet, and observed my cat prefers crystal litter, but its non-clumping effect is unbearable. Overall, bentonite litter remains the top choice for cat owners. Teddy's bentonite litter offers excellent clumping and odor absorption. The foul smell after the cat's excretion is considerably reduced.
Cons
Every cat litter has its drawbacks, and environmentally friendly options like tofu cat litter are no exception. Below, we'll outline the disadvantages of tofu cat litter. If you find these shortcomings acceptable, tofu cat litter might still be one of your best choices.
Tofu cat litter, made from tofu residue and fibers, tends to stick to the sides of the litter box, making it particularly difficult for owners to clean.
During humid weather, chemical reactions between cat urine, feces, and tofu cat litter may produce unpleasant odors. Long-term neglect might also lead to insect infestations.
Being made from entirely natural ingredients, tofu cat litter is generally more expensive than regular cat litter. Additionally, some cats might not like the scent of tofu cat litter.
Absorption Capability: Compared to traditional silica or crystal cat litter, tofu cat litter might have lower absorption capabilities. This means it may not be as effective in absorbing urine or masking odors as other types of cat litter.
Scattering Issues: Tofu cat litter might scatter more easily, leaving behind grains or debris, necessitating more frequent cleaning or vacuuming.
Cost: In some regions, tofu cat litter might be more expensive than traditional mineral-based cat litter, potentially increasing the financial burden on cat owners.
Adaptation Issues: Some cats may need an adjustment period for new litter types, requiring time to gradually adapt to the new texture or scent.
Storage Stability: Tofu cat litter in high humidity environments might absorb moisture from the air, leading to clumping or making it harder to handle. Thus, it's important to store it in a dry environment.
Lifespan: Some tofu cat litter might have a shorter lifespan, requiring more frequent replacement and increasing the frequency of litter box cleaning at home.
Degradability: Due to its natural materials, tofu cat litter might degrade more easily, necessitating more frequent changes to maintain proper hygiene.
Odor Problems: Despite aiming to reduce odors, tofu cat litter may still be unable to effectively mask the smell of the litter box in certain circumstances.
How to Use Tofu Cat Litter?
Using tofu cat litter is similar to using traditional cat litter but requires specific considerations. Here are general steps for using tofu cat litter:
Clean the litter box: Start by ensuring the litter box is clean and free of old litter.
Add tofu cat litter: Pour a sufficient amount of tofu cat litter into the litter box, maintaining an appropriate filling level. Typically, filling the box to about 1/2 to 2/3 is recommended.
Regular cleaning: Clean solid waste and moist litter daily to maintain cleanliness in the litter box. As tofu cat litter is biodegradable, more frequent cleaning might be necessary.
Change the litter: Replace the litter periodically, based on the litter's packaging or recommendations. The frequency of changing may vary depending on the number of cats, usage, and individual preferences.
Maintain ventilation: Place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of odors.
Monitor your cat's reaction: After using tofu cat litter, observe your cat's response to it. Some cats may have preferences or discomfort with the texture or odor. If issues arise, consider trying other types of litter.
Overall, the process of using tofu cat litter is similar to using other types of litter but requires specific attention to frequent cleaning and changing to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the litter box. There are numerous advantages to using tofu cat litter, but it also has several drawbacks. If you can accept these cons, tofu cat litter can be one of your best choices.