Last updated Feb 16, 2024
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
While traditional clay litters have been the go-to for years, many cat parents are looking for more sustainable options. This has led to a rise in plant-based cat litters, which are gentler on our pets and the planet.
Made entirely from cassava root, Almo Nature’s Natural Cat Litter prioritizes eco-friendliness. This litter is free from harmful toxins. Plus, it’s biodegradable and designed to be safe for flushing down the toilet or tossing in the compost pile. But does it scoop efficiently and control odors? And is it worth the high price?
To find out, we tested this newer brand with two cats. Read on to learn if Almo Nature met our expectations—and whether or not it might work for your household.
Ratings
- Variety of Products – 1/5
- Price Per Pound – 2/5
- Multi-Cat Formulas – 3/5
- Clumping Ability – 5/5
- Natural/Alternative Options – 5/5
- Dust/Mess – 4/5
Overall Score: 3.33/5
Why Trust Cats.com
Our team spends a lot of time thinking about cat litter. We’ve tested over 30 popular brands, analyzing and comparing how they perform in the areas that matter most to cat parents.
For this review, I dug into the company’s goals and manufacturing process. I also read dozens of customer reviews to get a sense of how this litter performed for other households with cats and lifestyles different from mine. Then, I examined details like the litter’s smell, texture, and cost. I also observed my own cats’ reaction to it. Finally, I tested Almo Litter’s performance in terms of clumping, scoopability, and its tendency to track and scatter.
Almo Nature and Natural Cat Litter Overview
Almo Nature prioritizes sustainable practices. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
If you want to support environmental initiatives with your regular litter purchases, Almo Nature is a top brand to consider. Their tagline says it all: Almo Nature is “Owned By The Animals.”
Almo Nature was launched in 2000 when founder Pier Giovanni Capellino created a wet pet food made entirely with ingredients fit for human consumption. Headquartered in Genoa, Italy, the brand expanded internationally over the next decade. With its sights set on protecting cats, dogs, and nature, Almo Nature introduced its 100% plant-based litter in 2017.
The following year, the Fondazione Capellino was established as a non-profit commercial entity to safeguard biodiversity and fight climate change. Almo Nature allocates 100% of its revenue (after production costs and taxes) to the Foundazione Capellino. The brand calls this “Reintegration Economy, ” giving back to nature instead of taking from it to increase personal wealth.
Using recyclable packaging is one way the foundation aims to protect the planet. To reduce their carbon footprint, they are working towards introducing 100% recyclable polythene film for their kibble packaging. Most of their wet food uses 100% recyclable aluminum. And the packaging used for Almo litter is made with low-density polyethylene (PE-LD 04), which is designed to be recyclable with plastics.
Almo Nature only carries one type of cat litter—a soft, fine-grained litter made of 100% vegetable fiber that’s biodegradable and flushable. It even meets the stringent TÜV AUSTRIA standards for home composting. Today, Almo Nature products are available in 53 countries. They also offer cat food (dry, wet, and treats) and dog food.
Almo Nature Cat Litter Features
This natural cat litter forms impressively solid clumps. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Almo Nature is made from 100% cassava (tuber, leaves, and branches). This edible root is grown in South America. Because it’s made from organic plant matter, Almo Nature is designed to be completely biodegradable. According to the company, you can toss unused litter into your compost bin or flush clumps down the toilet. Keep in mind that flushability will depend on your local regulations and your home’s plumbing system. Note that the company warns to never flush the entire tray down the toilet, just the solid clumps.
Since Almo Nature is formulated to form clumps quickly, surrounding litter should stay clean and hygienic. The company recommends reusing untouched litter or composting it during your regular deep cleaning.
If you’re looking for something safer than clay for your household, this litter might appeal—especially if you have a curious kitten who might be inclined to venture a nibble. This non-toxic formula is free of additives and chemical deodorizers.
One feature that sets Almo Litter apart is its super fine texture. As the brand states, this allows the litter to absorb liquids instantly, which keeps it from flowing underneath and caking to the bottom of the litter pan. Quick-forming clumps also seal odors inside and help keep messes to a minimum. In addition, the softer texture makes it ideal for sensitive kittens or older cats who prefer a gentler touch.
Almo Litter is only sold in 5- and 10-pound bags. And it’s pretty pricey, even for a natural litter. For comparison, a ten-pound bag of Almo Nature Litter on Chewy is $2.48/lb, whereas
the similar Sustainably Yours (made from a blend of corn and cassava) runs $1.85/lb for the same size bag.
What We Like:
- Soft texture & pleasant, “earthy” smell
- Quick-clumping & super absorbent (important for cleanliness and odor control)
- Better for the environment
- Plant enzymes help neutralize unpleasant odors
What We Dislike:
- Only sold in 5- and 10-pound bags
- Expensive
What Did Our Test Cats Think?
Floyd asks that you please excuse our scatter (and also: Almo Litter has no place next to a rug). Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Overall, our experience using Almo Nature litter was positive. This litter is conveniently lightweight. I found that a single 10-pound bag was just enough to fill a (fairly large) litter pan. However, the lighter weight also contributes to a considerably messier litter area. I’m not alone in this observation—there are many complaints about how much this litter tracks. One cat parent even likened it to “beach sand,” noting you’ll have to sweep daily unless you want to feel gritty particles on your bare feet. (no, thank you). However, this is a tradeoff seen in most lightweight litters, and nothing a good litter mat and routine cleaning can’t handle.
Upon opening the bag, I got an immediate whiff of an earthy plant smell—not unpleasant by any means. Just noticeable. For me, it smells much better than regular clay litter. Though, others may not like it.
Texture-wise, the particles are softer than most litters I’ve encountered. Powdery, almost. Again, this could contribute to more of a mess in your litter box area. But it also feels really nice on tender paws, which might appeal to kittens, seniors, sensitive cats, and declawed cats.
A few customers were displeased with the amount of dust this stuff generates. But I didn’t personally notice this when I poured it. And plenty of other customers reported very little dust.
I tested Almo Nature’s clumping ability and was pleased with the results. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
My one senior kitty, who is ordinarily averse to change, immediately took to this litter. However, she only used it for pooping, not peeing. To test how well the formula handled liquid, I simulated a kitty wee with some water, letting it sit for a while to harden up.
I found that this litter matched what the majority of reviews had to say about its clumping ability. The clumps were solidly formed and easy to scoop without any crumbling or breaking apart (not always the case with natural litter). Also, because the particles are so fine, the unused litter around the clumps sifted effortlessly through the scooper. Taking this into account, I think that even though this litter is pricey, it would go a long way.
Cost-wise, Almo Nature may not be the most practical, especially for multi-cat households or cats with frequent bathroom habits. To address the high cost, some cat parents reported mixing Almo Nature with a more economical natural litter, like a grass-based formula.
What Do Customers Think of Almo Nature Cat Litter?
Positive Reviews
“Almo Nature is a wonderful product. It does track a little bit, but overall it seems to be less than the numerous other liters I have tried. Kitty seems to like it just fine and it is plant-based, which I feel is safer for kitty. Another mention is there is no smell to the liter, and it seems to mask the odor very well. I love how easily it makes cleaning the litter box. I have never used a liter that clumped so well.” – Susan on Chewy.com
Overall, cat parents seem impressed with Almo Nature’s clumping ability and how easy it is to scoop. They also like how well it controls ammonia odors and appreciate its eco-friendliness. Additionally, a lot of cat parents mention they like that this natural litter is safer for cats.
Negative Reviews
“The tiny particles spread all over the room; even after sweeping and mopping I was still walking on the litter. The clumping worked great in the cat box, but I had to throw the litter out after a few days in self defense.”- eis on Chewy.com
There are a number of complaints about dust and scatter. Although this is a lightweight litter, so that’s to be expected. Moreover, a few customers mentioned that because the particles are so fine they stuck to their cats’ fur, which is especially problematic with dark-furred kitties. Finally, some people were unhappy with the steep cost of Almo litter.
Similar Brands
Looking for other cat food brands similar to Almo? Check out some of our other brand reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Almo cat litter made of?
Almo Nature cat litter is made from cassava: a starchy root plant native to Central and South America.
Is it OK to flush “flushable” cat litter down the toilet?
It depends. Even if it’s marketed as “flushable” litter, there’s no guarantee against clogs. It’s not recommended for older plumbing systems or septic tanks. Plus, some municipalities prohibit the flushing of cat litter, so always check with your local ordinances before flushing. There’s also the risk of introducing pathogens into the environment, which could harm wildlife. To minimize the risk of clogs, always break apart larger clumps, and let them soak in the toilet for 15 minutes before flushing.
What is the safest cat litter for cats and humans?
Some cat parents avoid clay-based litter because they contain carcinogens that can be inhaled or ingested. Natural litters made from plant-based materials like grass, corn, and walnut shells present a safer alternative. They’re easier on your cat’s lungs and less risky if ingested by curious kittens. That said, they do come with some tradeoffs to consider. Some people complain about their dustiness, ineffective clumping ability, and typically higher prices.
