A Senior Cat’s Honest Take on Tuft and Paw Litter (and More)

Tuft and Paw Litter Review: Zoe’s Golden Years

Warning: This is going to be an in-depth review of cat litter. 

I know only the most dedicated cat parents go on litter-research binges. So welcome.

My senior cat Zoe and I tested out Tuft and Paw Litter, aka Tuft and Paw “Really Great Cat Litter,” which is tofu litter made out of soybean byproduct. 

First question: Is the company being presumptuous naming their product “Really Great Cat Litter?”

Tuft and Paw Litter Review: What Makes It Really Great?

The answer is no! I’ll tell you why.

Petful may earn a commission if you click on our links and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps us continue providing trusted pet product reviews. It’s Flushable It’sDust-Free It’s Lightweight Low Tracking Pellet Design

Texture: The smooth, non-stick texture of each pellet comes from low gum content and a triple-screened manufacturing process. 

Shape: The pellets are not as thick as other popular pellet litters like wood or paper, so they're more comfortable on the paws. And if you’ve got a senior cat like mine (or a kitten, or a cat with asthma), you’ll appreciate that it’s low-dust, without sacrificing performance.

From the moment I opened the bag, I could tell this wasn’t your average litter. But would Zoe agree? Before I answer, let me introduce you to Zoe.

A Cleaner Home for a Senior Cat 

Zoe is 18. She’s the sweetest black cat. My husband and I adopted Zoe from a shelter as a 6-month-old scrappy stray, before we were married, before we had kids or a house, and before we also adopted our two dogs. She’s put up with a lot.

A big reason I was drawn to Tuft and Paw is because of how they clearly understand and respect our steadfast friends, our cats! Their mission says, “To Make the most thoughtfully designed, high-quality products for cats and their people.”

This is good. My mission is to keep Zoe as comfortable, healthy, and dignified as possible in her senior years. 

I wanted to try their clumping unscented litter (activated charcoal combats odors) and the scented lavender litter for this Tuft and Paw litter review. Zoe had been using a clay “fresh” scented litter her whole life. Let me tell you. “Fresh” is not the right word. I digress.

I was thrilled when our box came. Tuft and Paw went all out, sending us both the lavender and unscented charcoal litters as well as a few beautiful and functional bonus items that we’ll cover at the end. What a treat.

First Impressions: Tofu Cat Litter Is User-Friendly 

Let’s start with the packaging. Tuft and Paw tofu cat litter comes in a resealable bag with an easy-to-lift-and-pour handle.

Have you ever had a box of cat litter with one of those perforated openings on the side that says, “Push in tab to tear open,” but that’s actually impossible? You end up having to stab and saw your way in with a pair of scissors.

It seems the fine folks at Tuft and Paw understand this frustration and have solved it. I was a huge fan of the handle immediately.

The litter’s shape is more pellety than granule-y. I was worried that Zoe would not like this sudden change of shape and texture.

Testing the Litter: Finally, I’m Not Holding My Breath

Scent Experience

The litter itself smells SO GOOD. I know, gross right? But I’m talking about the pre-soiled litter right now. The unscented charcoal just smells fresh, thanks to the activated carbon neutralizing odors.

The lavender option smells like real lavender, not some chemical-laden perfume. That is thanks to actual dried lavender petals, whose job it is to soak up the stink.

But would it work? The thing about 18-year-old cats is, they aren’t as consistent. Sometimes Zoe covers her litter box deposits. Sometimes she just wanders off. This could be due to some arthritis in her joints that we’re addressing. Either way, I’m good with it. She has more than earned her keep around here as a companion, mood-brightener, bug-catcher, and good girl VIP.

In general I try to stay on top of the scooping as best I can, but if I miss one, the smell will eventually alert me.

Odor Control That Actually Works

With this litter, the odor is somehow magically gone even if I don’t scoop immediately. In comparison to traditional clay litter this is a big upgrade.

The best way I can describe the upgrade is to tell you that if someone comes over and I forgot to scoop, it is no longer an emergency.

The clumping action works perfectly. And when it's time to change the litter, which I traditionally hate doing, I’m not choking on fumes and dust. I’m just breathing normally. Imagine!

Zoe’s Transition

As cats are notorious for being set in their ways, and mine is no exception, I was worried about changing Zoe’s litter out from a traditional clay-based version.

I followed the transition instructions printed on the bag, which suggest:

• Coating the top of your cat’s normal litter the first week. Going half and half the second week. Then ¾ new litter the third week. And by week four, you are done.

At 18-years-old, Zoe had no issue at all. I’m still in shock. Smooth transition.

Not only did she use the litter normally for her Tuft and Paw Litter review, but there was no mess. I haven’t had to dust around her litter box, or vacuum up tracked litter all over the house.

I think for Zoe this little upgrade is nice, but for me it is a game-changer. Litter has always been my least favorite chore. It’s heavy, dusty, and smelly.

All three of those issues are addressed with Tuft and Paw. I’m not sure if it’s Zoe who feels more dignified, or me.

Does “Really Great Cat Litter” live up to its name? Absolutely.

Bonus Round: The Furniture & Extras That Surprised Us

We cannot leave out all of the Tuft and Paw non-litter goodies. Zoe’s space and her routine has seen a major upgrade.

Kip Cat Cushion

We’ll begin with her paws-down favorite. The round nest-like shape of the Kip Cat Cushion was an instant hit. Zoe has shunned her old square bed, and now spends most of her time in the sculpted foam core of her new cozy nap spot. 

Cloud Nine Window Hammock

The Cloud Nine Window Hammock is also a winner. I installed it in the same corner shelf area we built for her years ago, where she mainly hangs out. 

I hadn’t realized how badly she could use the additional vertical space until we installed the hammock (which was very easy to do).

The Cubby + Scoop

Next up, we have a beautifully designed litter box called the Cubby. The walls are both semi-transparent and removable. 

The Scoop, which is sold separately, has slats that are designed specifically for fast sifting, which is great.

Both the Scoop and the Cubby feel like real tools for cat parents, not an afterthought.

Salmon Crunchies Treats

Lastly, we received the Salmon Crunchies Really Great Cat Treats. These are freeze-dried raw treats that smell like the real thing.

She happily munched them down.

Final Thoughts: Worth It for Senior Cat Comfort

Going into this test, I didn’t expect to love a litter this much, but here we are. Tuft and Paw’s products are not just stylish or trendy, they are true problem-solvers. Zoe’s comfort and happiness have clearly improved.

Tuft and Paw's Really Great Cat Litter had the biggest impact on our lives. I'm so happy we did this Tuft and Paw Litter review.

5 Benefits of Tuft and Paw Cat Litter 

1. Extremely low tracking Dust-Free Flushable
2. Lightweight Controls Odor

It can be so hard to figure out what to do for our older cats to make their lives easier. This might be one of the best ways to show a little extra love.

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