Cat Litter TDS & Specs Hub: Density, Moisture and Container Loading, Side by Side
This page is the reference sheet we wish every importer had before comparing quotes. It consolidates the TDS-level parameters that decide whether two prices are comparable — loose bulk density, moisture spec, granule size, odor control, and container loading — across every material we produce: bentonite, tofu, cassava, silica gel, and blend formulas.
Every value below links to the page where it is documented, so you can verify rather than trust. The batch COA for your specific shipment is always the authoritative document.
Master Spec Table (All Materials)
| Parameter | Bentonite | Tofu | Cassava | Silica Gel | Blends (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loose bulk density | ≈ 0.95 kg/L (950 g/L); range 0.85–1.05 g/cm³ (tapped) | 597 g/L (CTI batch) | 600–650 g/L | Per batch COA (loads by weight, not volume) | 0.55–0.75 kg/L (tunable by recipe) |
| Moisture spec | Low (mineral); verify per COA | < 8% at loading; > 10% red flag | < 8% at loading | Per batch COA | < 8% at loading (plant-based components) |
| Granule size | 0.5–2 mm typical | 2–4 mm typical (custom 1.5–3 mm) | 2–4 mm typical | 1–8 mm (custom ranges) | Matched diameters 1.5–3 mm to prevent de-mixing |
| Type | Clumping (sodium-modified) | Clumping, flushable | Clumping, flushable | Non-clumping, full-tray replacement | Recipe-dependent |
| Odor control | Daily scooping cycle | Daily scooping cycle | Daily scooping cycle | 30 days per fill (2–4 weeks per bag) | Recipe-dependent |
| Container load (20GP) | ≈ 26 t (weight-limited) | ≈ 18 t (volume-limited) | ≈ 18 t (volume-limited) | 38 t per 40HQ | 14–18 t per 20GP; 20–25 t per 40HQ |
| Dust | Low after dedusting (5–8% process loss typical) | ≤ 0.1–0.3% by recipe | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% (ISO 8130 sieve) | ≤ 0.1–0.3% by recipe |
What the Numbers Mean (and How to Read Them)
Three parameters deserve more attention than the others, because they are where non-comparable quotes hide:
- Loose vs tapped density: loose density answers "how much fits in a bag"; tapped density answers "how much fits in a container". A COA must state which method it used — the two values differ for the same product. See our bulk density guide for the container math;
- Moisture method: "8% moisture" without a method is meaningless. The standard is oven-dry at 105°C to constant weight. Plant-based lines ship below 8%; above 10% is a red flag on long sea legs — see the pre-export testing protocol;
- kg vs L pricing: a per-kilo price on 597 g/L tofu is not comparable to one on 950 g/L bentonite. Ask for both units and the density basis — the liters vs kilograms explainer walks through the conversion.
Why Density Decides Your Container
The single most common sourcing error is comparing "per container" across materials without accounting for density:
- Bentonite loads ~26 t per 20GP — it hits the weight limit first (and port weight caps like Hamad's ~20.8 t change the math, see our Gulf summer analysis);
- Tofu and cassava load ~18 t per 20GP — volume-limited, so per-tonne freight is higher than bentonite;
- Blends range 14–18 t per 20GP (20–25 t per 40HQ) depending on recipe density;
- Silica gel is quoted at 38 t per 40HQ — a different container economics entirely.
Per-bag, per-kilo and per-container comparisons across materials are exactly why the numbers above are published: so you can run your own math before the freight quote arrives.
Per-Product Detail (linked)
| Product | Key TDS parameters | Full documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Bentonite Cat Litter | 0.85–1.05 g/cm³, ~26 t per 20GP, own mine | Product page |
| Tofu Cat Litter | 597 g/L (CTI), flushable, ~18 t per 20GP | Product page |
| Cassava Cat Litter | 600–650 g/L, < 8% moisture, flushable | Product page |
| Silica Gel Crystal | 1–8 mm, ≤0.05% dust, 30-day odor control | Product page |
| Mixed Blend (custom) | 0.55–0.75 kg/L tunable, gravimetric dosing ±2% | Product page |
| Health Monitoring | pH/blood indicator particles, plant or blend base | Product page |
Verification Workflow (Batch COA First)
Reference ranges tell you what a product family should be. The batch COA tells you what your batch is. The workflow that protects you:
- Compare quotes using the reference values above (with method stated);
- Before production, confirm the formula matches the TDS ranges;
- At loading, get the batch COA with measured values, methods and batch number;
- For critical claims or first orders, add a CTI/SGS pre-shipment inspection;
- On arrival, re-test moisture if the product is plant-based — values can shift in transit.
For the full framework, see our COA reading guide and the private label QC checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cat litter has the highest bulk density?
Bentonite is the densest at about 0.95 kg/L (950 g/L reference, 0.85–1.05 g/cm³ range by tapped method) and loads about 26 tonnes per 20ft container — the best payload per container in the category. Plant-based litters (tofu 597 g/L, cassava 600–650 g/L) and blends (0.55–0.75 kg/L) are lighter and load by volume.
What is a safe moisture spec for plant-based cat litter?
Below 8% at loading is the standard for tofu, cassava and plant blends; above 10% is a red flag, especially on long sea routes where moisture can migrate inside the container. Moisture is measured by the oven-dry method at 105°C to constant weight, and the value should appear on the batch COA.
How many tonnes fit in a 20ft container by litter type?
Bentonite loads about 26 tonnes per 20ft (weight-limited). Tofu loads about 18 tonnes, cassava similar, and blends roughly 14–18 tonnes per 20GP depending on density (20–25 tonnes per 40HQ). Silica gel is quoted at 38 tonnes per 40HQ. Exact numbers depend on the batch density — verify with the loading plan.
What is the difference between loose and tapped density?
Loose (or bulk) density is measured on settled-free product and answers bag-fill questions; tapped density is measured after mechanical tapping and answers container-weight questions. They are different numbers for the same product — a COA should state which method was used. Loose density is what most importers compare.
Where do these spec values come from?
Reference values on this page come from our own TDS documents and CTI third-party batch reports (tofu 597 g/L by CTI), or from stated product specifications on our product pages (bentonite, cassava, silica, blends). Values vary by batch, formulation and method — the batch COA for your specific shipment is the authoritative document.
Cat Litter Bulk Density Guide
Liters vs Kilograms
How to Read a COA
Pre-Export Testing Protocol
Bentonite · Tofu · Cassava · Silica · Blends
