Despite controversies associated with declawing cats, there is still a large population of declawed kitties out there, especially in shelters.
If you have adopted a declawed kitty as a new addition to your family, you’re going to want to make special considerations that help make your kitty comfortable. You want to find the best cat litter for declawed cats to get your new baby adjusted to their home.
Declawed cats can feel discomfort, trouble, or even pain while digging, making it very difficult for them to use their cat litter box. You can help make the litter box more convenient for your newly adopted cat by using the best cat litter for declawed cats.
Why is it crucial to choose the right litter for cats after declawing? And why might your cat feel uncomfortable to use the litter box after declawing?
Why Can Litter Box Be a Challenge for Your Declawed Kitty?
As a result of losing a portion of their toe bone, several cats who have been declawed refuse to use their litter box because the procedure is excruciating.
After surgery, cats are mostly deterred from the regular scratching activity in the litter box. They prefer to find soft, less painful alternatives, such as carpets, laundry stacks, and even bed or pillows.
To prevent your declawed kitty from developing unhealthy habits, you need a soft litter that doesn’t cause any discomfort or irritation to your cat’s paws.
An impeccable, pain-free recovery is imperative to keep your declawed cat safe and make it comfortable to use its litter box after declawing.
Why Choose Specific Cat Litters for Declawed Cats?
Declawed cats have special needs when it comes to using their litter box. Your kitty will benefit from the use of a litter for newly declawed cats as these are designed to be gentle on their paws.
Here are the advantages of taking the time to buy a particular litter for your declawed kitty:
Softer for Newly Declawed Cats
If your cat is newly declawed, it is best to choose the soft litter for declawed cats as it will be gentle on their paws, which is absolutely crucial.
If your kitty experiences pain or discomfort when attempting to use its litter box after declawing, it may resort to improper methods to relieve itself.
Proper Potty Habits
If granules are causing discomfort for your kitty, they may stop using their litter box after declawing and start attempting to do their business at inappropriate spots.
Using a litter for declawed cats will help ensure that your kitty uses the litter box to do the business. Kitties who have been recently declawed have sensitive paws due to the surgery.
Appropriate cat litter for newly declawed cats won’t irritate the surgical site. Litters made from clay material may feel harsh on your kitty’s claw if they just got declawed.
Softer materials will help proper healing, cause much less pain, and encourage your kitty to use the litter box after declawing.
10 Best Litters for Declawed Cats
Here are some of the best litter for cats after declawing:
#1 Okocat Super Soft Clumping Wood Cat Litter
The best litter for declawed cats, in our opinion, this gentle wooden litter from Okocat is our top choice for declawed cats. The fine wood granules are gentle even on the most sensitive paws. Okocat Super Soft Clumping Wood Cat Litter is lightweight, so your cat will have no trouble digging through it and covering up its company.
Its clumping formula allows quick scooping and maintenance. Made with proprietary Odor Shield Technology, this litter can capture and control odors for up to 7 days. The granules are made of recycled timber, giving the litter a natural woody scent.
Okocat is considered a high-performance litter, as it fits well with multi-cat homes in several circumstances. We found this litter to be soft and healthy for your declawed pet, and it’s just as safe for the environment.
What We Liked:
- Eco-friendly
- Soft on sensitive paws
- Seal odors five times better than clay
- Free of chemicals
- Lightweight
What We Didn’t Like:
- More suitable for fully recovered cats
- Can be messy
#2 sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Wheat Cat Litter
sWheat Scoop litter is the best litter for declawed cats because the granules are very fine, making them soft, comfortable, and smooth on their sensitive paws. The texture also ensures that the litter is safe for declawed kitties. Wheat litter is great at naturally removing odors and collecting liquids until it reaches the litter box’s bottom.
Although there are many litter options for newly declawed cats, the high absorbency and odor control make sWheat Scoop Multi-Cat Natural Wheat Cat Litter a perfect choice for multi-cat households. Your declawed kitty wants a healthy litter, and you’ve got sWheat Scoop covered!
It is made of 100% wheat without any additional dyes, additives, or perfumes. Vets suggest this litter for responsive and post-surgery kitties. sWheat Scoop is eco-friendly and a safe choice for you, your kitty, and our beautiful planet.
What We Liked:
- All-natural & biodegradable
- Highly absorbent
- No additional dyes, fragrances, or chemicals
- Great for sensitive paws
- Excellent for multi-cat households
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not suitable for long hair cats
#3 Yesterday’s News Softer Texture Cat Litter
The soft paper pellets make this budget-friendly litter a healthy and convenient choice for your kitty. This formula is softer than other formulas for Yesterday’s News as the pellets are made of 100% recycled paper.
If you have got a long hair kitty, this litter is a perfect choice for you because the pellets will not be matted in their long locks. It’s easy on the pocket, safe for your kitty, and environmentally friendly.
Yesterday’s News Softer Texture Cat Litter is basically dust-free, as paper litters usually are. It can consume up to 3x as much liquid as the typical clay litter, and large pellets mean that this litter will not be tracked like small granules. We love how cheap this litter is while still being environmentally friendly and good for your kitty.
What We Liked:
- Cost-effective
- Low tracking
- Eco-friendly
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not ideal for mechanical litter box
#4 ARM AND HAMMER Clump and Seal Multi-Cat Litter
If you’re trying to keep your home fresh and odor-free, this litter formula includes baking soda that destroys foul smells coming out of the litter box. ARM AND HAMMER Clumps and Seal Multi-Cat Litter is specially formulated to provide seven days of odor protection.
It consists of micro-particles that offer a softer feel, making it one of the best cat litter for declawed cats or kitties with sensitive paws. The blend of moisture-activated micro granules produces odors under the litter.
This makes your home fresh and breathable for both you and your kitty. Just remove clumps and solid waste regularly to keep the majority of the litter fresh. Once a month, clean the whole litter box and dispose of the used litter in the garbage.
What We Liked:
- Easy to dispose
- Fresh, neutral scent
- A safe and reliable formula
- Ideal for multi-cat households
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some tracking
- Adequate maintenance required
#5 Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra-Cat Litter
Dr. Elsey’s precious cat ultra-cat litter is extremely soft and gentle on the paws of declawed kitties. It it one of the most popular brands for cat owners.
Along with being soft enough for your kitty’s paws it is easy to clean and scrent-free. This litter is 99% dust-free, which means that no dust particles will stick to your kitty’s paws while it does business in the litter box.
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra-Cat Litter also keeps the house fresh and clean, particularly if you or your cat are allergic to cat litter dust. There are no artificial perfumes, deodorants, or toxic additives added in this litter that could affect the healing procedure.
What We Liked:
- All-natural
- Dust-free
- Suitable for multiple cat households
- Non-tracking
What We Didn’t Like:
- Adequate maintenance required
#6 World’s Best Cat Litter
This litter is perfect for a kitty’s sensitive paws. According to the manufacturers, this litter can last more than 60 days in a home with a single declawed cat because of the concentrated strength that whole grain corn and wood fibers give.
There are many other good things to like about this environmentally-friendly cat litter, too. It’s wood, and corn fibers also have excellent odor control.
World’s Best Cat Litter is softly scented with natural lavender and helps a lot with odor problems. When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your kitty’s litter box, it is pretty easy to use because of its excellent clumping capability. It is a low-dust cat litter with just a little noticeable tracking.
What We Liked:
- Soft on paws
- Natural scent
- 99% dust-free
- Excellent clumping
- Flushable
- Biodegradable
- Excellent for multi-cat households
What We Didn’t Like:
- Slight tracking noticed
#7 Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Cat Litter
As it is highly absorbent and soft, this litter formula is not only perfect for sensitive paws but also could play a significant role in getting your declawed kitty to use its litter box again. Besides being an excellent absorbent, Naturally Fresh Walnut-Based Cat Litter does a perfect job at controlling odors.
Its manufacturers claim that it has 3x the absorption potential of traditional clay-based cat litters. No harmful additives are used to produce this all-natural type of flushable cat litter. It doesn’t use any grains or clay in the mixture and is also wholly unscented.
What We Liked:
- All-natural
- Soft on paws
- Excellent odor control
- Quick clumping
- Three times better absorption than clay litters
- Unscented
What We Didn’t Like:
- Daily maintenance required
- Slightly dusty
#8 Tea Potty Hinoki Wood & Green Tea Natural Cat Litter
This is another natural cat litter that clumps very well. Made of Hinoki wood and green tea, this litter has a moderate, friendly fragrance, and it naturally suppresses bacteria and odors. It is recommended that you only use a lightly scented cat litter for your feline, and Hinoki Wood & Green Tea Natural Cat Litter fits the bill.
Its gentle scent is not strong enough to keep the cat away from using the litter box; on the contrary, this natural litter is gentle enough to keep them interested while doing business in the litter box. Its soft formula does not harm the sensitive paws of declawed kitties. You can also flush this litter to get rid of the used litter, and it’s immaculate for your cat.
You might find it a little pricey. However, if your kitty loves it and all the convenient features of the best cat litter for declawed cats are there, it is worth it!
What We Liked:
- Flushable
- Low dust
- Quick clumping
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little pricey
#9 Hartz Multi-Cat Strong Clumping Cat Litter
Another best cat litter for declawed cats, this lightweight litter is made of recycled paper. It’s safe for the environment and your declawed kitty. Clumps form immediately upon touch so that the litter box stays clean and odor-free. The clumps turn blue, too, allowing you to see when it’s time to scoop.
We found Hartz Multi-Cat Strong Clumping Cat Litter to be super soft and incredibly light, so it’ll be easy for your cat to dig through. It’s good enough to control odor in multi-cat households, too.
What We Liked:
- Forms blue-colored clumps making it easier to clean
- Environmentally-friendly
- Lightweight
- 99% dust-free
What We Didn’t Like:
- Noticeable tracking
- Comes in small bag
- Can become expensive over time
#10 Pioneer Pet SmartCat All Natural Cat Litter
Pioneer Pet all-natural litter has a very fine texture, as it’s made from grass. It’s comfortable on any paws, especially on sensitive paws. The clumping formula makes it easy to scoop and maintain. Although this litter is pricier than others, Pioneer Pet SmartCat All Natural Cat Litter has premium quality, dust-free, biodegradable formula that offers superior odor control.
The sand-like consistency is comfortable on any paws, particularly for kitties with declawed or sensitive paws. The clumping formula is ideal for fast scooping and maintenance and is manufactured to provide superior odor control.
While this litter is a little pricey than others, we found it a premium quality litter. It’s dust-free, biodegradable, and is excellent for declawed cats.
What We Liked:
- All-natural
- Superior odor control
- Quick clumping
- Excellent absorption
- Virtually dust-free
- Flushable
- Chemical and scent-free
What We Didn’t Like:
- Needs regular maintenance
- Slight tracking noticed
The Best Litter for Declawed Cats Buying Guide
5 Things to Consider While Choosing Cat Litter for Declawed Cats
You must buy a litter that doesn’t irritate the delicate paws of your declawed kitty. Consider the following points when choosing the best litter for declawed cats:
- Buy a soft grain litter for newly declawed cats. Materials like clay can be too hard or rough on their paws.
- Cat litters with little to no dust are the best for declawed cats. Dusty residues and chemicals can irritate the surgery spots.
- Consider getting a non-clumping cat litter to use after declawing. Stepping on clumps can be extremely painful for newly declawed cats. When your kitty has completely recovered from surgery, you should start using a clumping litter.
- For cats that have recently undergone surgery, paper cat litter is considered the safest. The paper pellets won’t get trapped in the paws of your kitty, and the paper is usually dust-free.
- If your cat has shown signs of discomfort or improper elimination, you should need a different litter material. You may also buy an herbal attractor litter that will allow your kitty to start using their box again.
Different Types of Litter for Declawed Cats
As you already know, cat litters are available in several different materials. The following forms of litter are considered safer for declawed cats, and the majority of the best litter for declawed cats are based on these materials:
Grass Litter
This soft, gentle litter is ideal for a kitty’s sensitive paws and is the best litter for newly declawed cats. Grass litter is best for those pet owners looking for a natural, biodegradable litter that clumps well.
Due to the clumping potential, it is not recommended for cats who have recently been declawed. However, after a full recovery, this is a perfect option for sensitive paws. It got a smooth, delicate texture that cats love.
Wood Litter
It can be a safe option after your cat’s wounds have been fully healed. Pellet-style litters can be painful under any cat’s paws, and recently declawed paws are especially tender.
Wood pellet litter breaks down into sawdust when wet, and the dust can contaminate the wounds of your kitty. If you prefer clumping litter, consider a non-pellet wood litter suitable for sensitive paws.
Corn Litter
This soft, comfortable litter is suitable for declawed cats whose wounds have been fully healed. This is a soft litter that’s soft on your kitty’s paws.
It offers excellent clumping too, and it’s easy to scoop. Since clumping litter is not approved for cats with wounds still healing, corn litter is suitable for cats that have been fully recovered.
Clay Litter
This type of litter is often considered too rough litter to use after declawing. It’s best to avoid clay litter when the wounds of your cat are still healing.
Dust and fine granules may go into the wound and cause problems. After healing, many declawed cats prefer fine-grained litters.
Paper Litter
It is the perfect option for the first few weeks after your kitty’s declawing operation. Paper litter is commonly prescribed for veterinary use by cats recovering from surgery.
It has a smooth feel that is gentle on the delicate paws of your kitty, and the paper does not emit dust that may contaminate the wounds. Paper litter is commonly available in pellet shape, which means that it doesn’t clump.
Wheat Litter
Wheat litter is another biodegradable litter that is known for its softness. It is suitable for cats whose wounds have been fully healed.
It clumps, but not as good as corn and several other biodegradable litter forms. Typically, it’s safer to stick with a non-clumping litter before your cat’s paws are completely healed.
What to do if Your Declawed Cat Won’t Use Its Litter Box?
If you have adopted a declawed kitty and it is having trouble using the litter box, here are a few steps you can take to make your cat more comfortable with the experience.
Talk to your Vet
First, talk to your veterinarian and bring your kitty’s behavior to their attention. Let your vet evaluate whether the discomfort or pain needs further surgical or medical attention.
After the examination, your vet may administer medications for pain relief to ease your kitty’s discomfort—which may help them use their cat litter box without aggravating their paw injuries.
Suppose your declawed kitty still has problems using its litter box after medication and/or treatment. In that case, it might be time to start exploring cat litters that are best for declawed cats as they are gentle on the paws of kitties and specifically formulated litter for cats after declawing.
Try Different Cat Litter for Declawed Cats
Although there is an infinite range of cat litters on the market today. Your declawed cat will benefit from specific litter formulas.
In this article, we have outlined some of the best cat litter for declawed cats, the advantages of using cat litter for declawed cats, and the materials that are considered safest for declawed cats, mainly if they are newly recovered from surgery.
If you are confused about which litter to use after declawing, then keep reading!
Final Verdict on the Best Cat Litter for Declawed Cats
While choosing litter for newly declawed cats, it’s important to understand that it may feel discomfort, tension, and trauma when a cat is declawed. It is vital to have a high-quality litter on hand to help them recover from surgery.
If you’ve just rescued a pet who is already completely recovered from being declawed, choose from one of the best cat litter for declawed cats.
It’s always imperative to use a litter that isn’t caught in their paws. A cat uses its litter box many times a day, so maintaining a positive routine can help your kitty maintain a safe lifestyle.
This soft, comfortable litter is suitable for declawed cats whose wounds have been fully healed. This is a soft litter that’s soft on your kitty’s paws. It offers excellent clumping too, and it’s easy to scoop. Since clumping litter is not approved for cats with wounds still healing, corn litter is suitable for cats that have been fully recovered.