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Entry 536Filed under Breeding

Naturally Fresh Walnut-Shell Cat Litter: What to Know Before You Switch

Naturally Fresh is walnut-shell cat litter with clumping and pellet options. Here’s how the formulas differ and what to know about odor claims, safety, transition and disposal.
4-minute read By Animalso Team
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Naturally Fresh is cat litter made from crushed walnut shells. Its range includes clumping formulas for different household needs and a non-clumping pellet option. The manufacturer makes odor-control and performance claims, but the cited product pages do not include the underlying study reports, so those claims should be read as brand statements rather than independently verified comparisons. The Catster article describing the product was created in sponsorship with PetSmart.

What is Naturally Fresh cat litter made from?

Naturally Fresh is a walnut-shell litter. Catster describes it as made from crushed walnut shells; the manufacturer says it uses fibrous material from walnut shells. Its product range includes clumping and non-clumping formulas, so “walnut-shell litter” does not refer to just one texture or use case.

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Which Naturally Fresh product is best for me?

The manufacturer presents these formulas for different needs. The pages are product descriptions, not a controlled head-to-head test, so they do not establish an overall best formula.

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Formula Manufacturer’s stated fit Format or feature What the claim establishes
Quick-Clumping One or two cats Clumping; the brand says tight clumps can form in as little as 15 minutes. The manufacturer claims three times the ammonia-odor absorption of leading clumping clay litter, citing an independent study. The product page does not provide the report or full methodology.
Multi-Cat Two or more cats Clumping; includes a proprietary malodor counteractant, according to the manufacturer. The manufacturer makes the same three-times ammonia-odor absorption claim against leading clumping clay litter and cites an independent study; the report and full methodology are not provided on the product page.
Ultra Odor Control Homes prioritizing added odor-control support The manufacturer describes a patented probiotic/enzyme feature. The brand says it offers 40% more odor-control power than non-probiotic-supplemented litter, based on a seven-day gas fermentation study. The page does not provide the report or independent replication.
Harmony Not stated on the cited pages A named formula in the brand’s range. The cited pages do not state a distinct intended use or comparative result.
Herbal Attraction Not stated on the cited pages A named formula in the brand’s range. The cited pages do not state a distinct intended use or comparative result.
Pellet Cats and small animals Non-clumping pellets. The brand describes it as a non-clumping option; claims about clumping formulas should not be applied to it.

The manufacturer’s pages do not state publication years for the odor claims. They do not provide enough information to independently assess the comparisons, and the claims should not be treated as peer-reviewed findings or a guarantee of results in a particular home.

#1 Best Overall
Dr. Elsey's Ultra UnScented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
  • LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic litter formulation.
  • HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
  • SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
  • LOW TRACKING: A unique formulation of medium grain clay helps keep litter in the box where it belongs.

Does Naturally Fresh cat litter control odors better than clay litter?

The manufacturer claims that Quick-Clumping and Multi-Cat absorb ammonia odor at three times the rate of leading clumping clay litter, based on an independent study. Its Ultra Odor Control page says that formula has 40% more odor-control power than non-probiotic-supplemented litter in a seven-day gas fermentation study. These are brand-reported comparisons: the cited pages do not include the study reports, full methods, or independent replication. They do not establish that every Naturally Fresh formula will control all household odors better than every clay litter.

Does walnut shell cat litter clump well?

Quick-Clumping and Multi-Cat are the clumping formulas described in the cited product information. The manufacturer says Quick-Clumping can form tight clumps in as little as 15 minutes. That is a brand statement, not an independently established result for every box or cat. The Pellet formula is explicitly non-clumping, so it is not a substitute if forming and scooping clumps is a priority.

Rank #2
Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 18 lb Bag
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
  • LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic litter formulation.
  • HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
  • SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.
  • LOW TRACKING: A unique formulation of medium grain clay helps keep litter in the box where it belongs.

Is walnut shell cat litter safe for cats?

The ASPCA’s entry for black walnut (Juglans nigra) lists it as “Non-Toxic to Cats.” That listing concerns the plant; it is not a clinical evaluation of Naturally Fresh or any particular litter formulation, and it does not assess dust exposure, how much litter a cat might ingest, or an individual cat’s circumstances. It should not be read as a blanket safety guarantee.

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The manufacturer advises washing hands after handling used litter because cat feces can carry parasites, and it advises pregnant or immunocompromised people to avoid contact with used litter. For a cat’s individual health or a personal medical concern, ask a veterinarian or qualified healthcare professional.

Rank #3
Dr. Elsey's Clean Tracks Clumping Clay Cat Litter 18 lb. Bag
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping creates litter particles that are just the right size.
  • LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a low dust and hypoallergenic litter formulation.
  • HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray and forms hard clumps that won't break down, making it easier to scoop.
  • LOW TRACKING: A unique formulation of medium grain clay helps keep litter in the box where it belongs with a low tracking formula that leaves your home free of dusty paw print paths.
  • SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep your home smelling clean and fresh between litter box cleanings.

How should you switch a cat to Naturally Fresh?

The manufacturer recommends a gradual transition rather than an abrupt change:

  1. Start with a clean litter box and put one to two inches of Naturally Fresh in it.
  2. Cover the new litter with the cat’s current litter.
  3. Over successive changes, reduce the amount of current litter while increasing the amount of Naturally Fresh.

The brand says most cats become comfortable after one or two changes, but that is guidance, not a guarantee. Let the cat’s acceptance guide the pace.

Rank #4
Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Clumping Cat Litter, 16 lb Bag
  • Tidy Cats clumping litter with guaranteed 10-day odor control when used as directed. Slow-release deodorizing system ensures continuous odor control
  • This scoopable cat litter forms strong, tight clumps for easy cleanup and scooping. Low dust cat litter formula smaller bag for a clean pour
  • Tidy Cats litter with a clean linen scent. Clumping clay litter absorbs moisture to keep cats comfortable
  • A clumping cat litter odor control formula that’s ideal for multiple-cat households. Convenient packaging for easy storage
  • Simple, easy-to-use multi cat litter. 24/7 odor control helps you maintain a fresh-smelling home
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Is Naturally Fresh litter flushable?

The manufacturer considers its litter flushable but advises checking local and state regulations first, especially for public or septic systems. Its FAQ states: “We advise that you check local and state regulations before flushing in a public or septic system.” Rules differ by location and system, so do not assume flushing is permitted or suitable everywhere.

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Where can you buy Naturally Fresh?

The manufacturer’s FAQ lists Petco, PetSmart, independent pet stores, and Chewy as places to buy. Availability can vary, and the listed retailers do not establish that a particular formula or pack size is currently in stock. The Catster article about the litter discloses that it was created in sponsorship with PetSmart.

Best Value
Cat's Pride Antibacterial Litter, Odor-Eliminating Scented 12lb
  • INCLUDES: (1) 12lb Jug of Antibacterial Scented Litter that destroys 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria and prevents bacterial odor
  • 40% LIGHTER: Compared to other traditional scoopable litters, making it easier to carry, pour, and store
  • ANTIBACTERIAL: Our formulation kills 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria and prevents bacterial odor for a clean litter box and sanitary home
  • INSTANT ODOR-LOCKING CLUMPING POWDER: Our clay litter forms strong, easy to scoop clumps. As clay is a natural mineral you may experience color variability, but with the same superior performance
  • LITTER FOR GOOD: For every Cat's Pride jug purchased, one pound of cat litter is donated to animal welfare organizations to help animals in need

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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