In the recent years, using horse bedding as cat litter has been a common alternative as pet owners are seeking solutions that are not only cost-effective but also eco-friendly
While it may seem unusual at first, using horse bedding instead of cat litter gives us several advantages that we should consider
Why Horse Bedding is Becoming a Popular Alternative
One of the primary reasons horse bedding is a great cat litter substitute is that the absorbency is amazing. Made from common materials such as straw, wood shavings or paper, horse bedding has been specifically designed to absorb moisture with ease. This equally works good as cat litter, by not sticking to the box it’s trapping the liquids and preventing them from pooling to the bottom of the box

On top of that, the horse bedding is excellent in odor control, which can be a crucial factor for most cat owner as everyone is looking for a pleasant and hygienic environment. The natural properties of the bedding materials help to keep the unpleasant smells, which eliminates the need for frequent litter box cleaning.
Another advantage of horse bedding as cat litter is it’s dust-free composition. Usually most of the cat litter brands often generate high amounts of dust, which can pose health risks to both cats and their owners. On the contrary, horse bedding has a very good production process that ensures minimal dust formation, making it a safer choice for pets with allergies.
Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly
The affordability and eco-friendliness of hors bedding is a huge factor as well in it’s raise in fame. Compared to cat litter that we find in shops, horse bedding is a cost-effective option without any compromise in quality. It’s usually available in large quantities, often at a lower price, which allows cat owners to save money while providing a reliable litter solution for their fluffy friends.

Additionally, horse bedding aligns well with environmentally friendly cat owners. As horse owners increasingly adopt sustainable practices every day, the bedding materials that they use are usually sourced from renewable sources to keep costs down.
As a pet owner you can repurpose the horse bedding as cat litter, and you will contribute to reducing waste and promote a circular economy.
This eco-friendly choice can make a significant difference in minimizing the impact we have without sacrificing the performance and functionality of the cat litter.
Types of Horse Bedding Suitable for Cat Litter
If you decided to make the switch it’s good to know that there are several types horse bedding which can work well in providing a good litter box experience
- Wood Shavings: They are a common choice for horse bedding and they can be utilised as cat litter. These shavings have an absorbent nature that will soak up liquids very fast, keeping the litter box clean and dry. Also the natural scent can mask the unpleasant smells and release a fresh scent in the house
- Straw: Which is a byproduct of cereal crops, is another horse bedding material that can be repurposed. It’s only downside is that it’s not as absorbent as wood shavings, but it still offers decent moisture retention. However to recover the downsides, it will compensate in affordability. It is widely available making it an economical option and budget-friendly.
- Hemp Bedding: This has gained popularity as an environmentally friend option for both horse bedding and cat litter. Hemp has impressive absorbency, even more than the wood shavings. This means it’s number one in the absorbency list and cat be very effective as a cat litter. It’s also biodegradable and compostable, making it an attractive choice for cat owners looking for a sustainable option.
- Peletted Bedding: The last one we have on the list is made from recycled paper or wood fibers, which is an innovative approach in today’s industry. These small compressed pellets have good absorbance rates, forming clumps that are easy to scoop and remove from the litter box. The pellet has a structure that also helps with dust and tracking, making it a cleaner and more convenient option
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Horse Bedding for Cat Litter
Q: Can horse bedding be used for kittens?
A: Yes, horse bedding is a safe alternative litter that can be used for kittens. However, you should consider the size and texture of the bedding that you are buying. Kittens have very sensitive paws and may find some of the wood shavings uncomfortable sometimes. If this is the case, look for small and soft bedding materials like straw or pelleted as they might be a bit more suitable for your kitten. Keep an eye on how your kitten interacts with the litter and make adjustments if needed to ensure her comfort.
Q: How does horse bedding compare to other natural cat litters?
A: Typically, horse bedding will give you several advantages when you compare it to other cat litters on the market. Firstly it’s superior absorbency and odor control will make it highly effective in maintaining a clean and fresh litter box for your pet. While other cat litters such as clay or plan-based litters may provide satisfactory results, horse bedding often has the best results when it comes to moisture and odor control. On top of that there is a significant difference in price and availability, making the horse bedding a better and cost-effective option, especially when compared to premium brands.
Q: Is horse bedding suitable for cats with allergies?
A: Horse bedding can be a suitable option for cats with allergies, depending on what type of allergy they have. One of the benefits of using horse bedding is that it has minimal dust levels, which reduce the likelihood of irritating your pet. On top of that, horse bedding is generally free from fragrances that can cause allergies. However, as with any litter change it’s important gradually change the litter and observe the behaviour and reactions of your pet to the new litter.
Conclusion
Using horse bedding for cat litter may raise questions (and some eyebrows) about it’s suitability. We explored it in deep and we can say it’s safe for cats and kittens, with attention given to the size and texture when it comes to kittens. It’s high absorbency rate makes it a good eco-friendly competitor for traditional litters.
Have you tried using horse bedding as cat litter?
Let us know in the comments below!
That is very, very interesting! Thank you for the information.
Virginia (aka #1 of The Poupounette Blog, with cats, horses and a dog!
Wow, who knew horse bedding pellets even existed?! I will definitely look into it, thanks so much for this illuminating post and thanks for stopping by our blog.
Well I gave this a try and after a couple of months I’m very happy with horse bedding pellets. It was a good long transition period for both the cats and us peeps – made some mistakes but now it is working fine. I was able to find a 40lb bag at Tractor Supply Company for $5.99 – yay!
I can’t thank you enough for this article, very well done and informative.