• 10 Jan 2024

Introduction to commonly used tofu cat litter raw materials

There are now thousands of tofu cat litter brands on the market, but is every tofu cat litter pure tofu cat litter? What kind of raw material upgrades has the tofu cat litter undergone? 

Tofu cat litter, also known as plant-based or bean curd cat litter, is gaining traction for its use of renewable resources and its environmentally sound disposal options. It is typically made from by-products of the food industry, which would otherwise go to waste.

After tofu cat litter was invented, many manufacturers joined the ranks of making tofu cat litter. But soon everyone discovered that although tofu dregs has many advantages as a cat litter raw material, there are still some problems in the actual production process. First of all, the production of tofu dregs has limited, it is difficult to meet market demand. In addition, as a biomass material, tofu residue has certain variability in quality and properties and is unstable, which may lead to unstable quality of cat litter produced. In addition, as an organic material, tofu residue will easily rot, ferment, produce odor and pollute the environment if not handled properly. Therefore, excellent tofu cat litter manufacturers began to look for other raw materials. Common raw materials for tofu cat litter currently on the market include wood chips, bamboo chips, paper pulp, corn residue, wheat grass, etc. Each of these raw materials has advantages and disadvantages, and we have summarized the best raw materials currently on the market.

The main ingredients of tofu cat litter

Tofu dregs: 

The main raw material of tofu cat litter. The process used in tofu cat litter is actually to process the soy milk dregs in the tofu production process through high temperature and high pressure treatment to remove the moisture and become a material with water absorption and solidification. This kind of The most notable feature of the material is that it has no dust, no chemical components, and no heavy metals. It is a very environmentally friendly and safe material.

Properties and Benefits:

• High Absorbency:Soybean curd residue is rich in fiber and has a porous structure that allows it to absorb liquids rapidly.

• Odor Control:It naturally neutralizes odors due to its ability to absorb and lock away ammonia from cat waste.

• Biodegradability:Being a plant-based material, it decomposes easily, making it a green choice for environmentally conscious pet owners.

• Low Dust:This material is less likely to produce dust compared to mineral-based litters, which is beneficial for both the cat's and owner's respiratory health.

Cornstarch: 

When cornstarch is added to tofu cat litter, it can help the tofu residue form a tighter structure, thereby improving the firmness and stability of the entire tofu cat litter. At the same time, cornstarch has certain hygroscopicity and thickening properties, which can help the tofu cat litter better absorb the cat's urine and feces and form lumps for easy cleaning. In addition, corn starch also has good biodegradability and can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by microorganisms in nature, thereby reducing environmental pollution. Therefore, corn starch, as one of the raw materials of tofu cat litter, can not only improve the performance of tofu cat litter, but also reduce its impact on the environment.

Role in Tofu Cat Litter:

Corn starch is sometimes added to tofu cat litter to improve its clumping ability.

Properties and Benefits:

• Natural Binder: It acts as a natural binder, helping the litter to form clumps when it comes into contact with liquid.

• Biodegradable:Like soybean curd residue, corn starch is also biodegradable, contributing to the eco-friendliness of the litter.

Plant fiber:

The plant fiber added to tofu cat litter is a natural material, usually coming from plant waste such as bamboo, corn cobs, and sawdust. After treatment, they can have better adsorption properties and can enhance the durability of cat litter. It has water absorption, reduces the ammonia smell and odor of cat litter, and can also improve the clumping and stability of cat litter. Specifically, plant fiber can absorb odor molecules such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide in cat urine through the formation of pore structure and surface chemical adsorption, thereby reducing the odor and rancid smell in the cat litter box and providing a cleaner, more comfortable litter box for cats. Comfortable sanitary environment. In addition, adding plant fiber can also improve the water absorption performance of tofu cat litter, making it more effective in absorbing cat urine, reducing the frequency and amount of cat litter replacement, thereby saving cat owners' time and energy. At the same time, plant fiber can also help the tofu cat litter form stronger agglomerates, making it easier to clean and clean, and improving the experience of cat owners.

Guar Gum:

It is a natural high molecular polysaccharide, a sticky substance extracted from the seeds of the leguminous plant guar. It is a kind of water-soluble cellulose with strong water absorption and thickening properties. It is widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics and other fields. Guar gum is commonly used as a thickening and binding agent in cat litter making. By adding guar gum, the viscosity and cohesion of tofu cat litter can be increased, making it easier to shape and solidify. In addition, guar gum also has good water solubility and biodegradability, and is environmentally friendly, so it is widely used in the manufacture of cat litter and other biomass materials.

Fragrance Additives:

Role in Tofu Cat Litter:

Some manufacturers add natural fragrances to the litter to provide a fresh scent and further mask odors.

Properties and Benefits:

• Fresh Scent:Fragrances like lemon, lavender, or unscented options are available to suit different preferences.

• Natural Ingredients:Fragrances are derived from natural sources to ensure they are safe for pets.

Conclusion

Tofu cat litter represents a significant step forward in sustainable pet care, leveraging the benefits of natural, by-product materials. Its production relies on a careful balance of raw materials that offer high absorbency, effective odor control, and a low environmental impact. As pet owners become increasingly aware of the ecological footprint of the products they use, tofu cat litter stands out as a smart, green choice that aligns with a healthy and eco-conscious lifestyle for their feline companions.

Therefore, manufacturers will choose different raw materials for production based on their advantages and disadvantages to meet the needs of consumers.