FAQ

Cassava (also called tapioca or yuca) is a starchy root vegetable. When ground into a fine starch and pressed into pellets, it becomes a highly absorbent, clumping cat litter. Our flagship Cassava + Tofu Blend retail line is a 70:30 blend of cassava starch and food-grade pea-fiber tofu — fully plant-based, no bentonite.

Pea fiber, corn starch, and guar gum. No chemical binders, no synthetic fragrance. The same Hebei facility that makes our cassava line makes our tofu line — same QC team, same packaging standard.

Yes. "Bentonite cat litter" and "clay cat litter" refer to the same product category. Sodium bentonite is a naturally occurring absorbent clay. Calcium bentonite is a different mineral, less absorbent, and rarely used for litter. Note: RootPurr does not produce or supply bentonite cat litter — our product line is 100% plant-based.

About 30 days for one cat with daily scooping, or 16–18 days for two cats. Cassava is more absorbent per pound than clay, so 18 lb of RootPurr goes further than 25 lb of clay litter. Tofu is similar in usage rate.

Tofu, yes — one fist-sized clump per flush, septic-safe, biodegradable. Cassava, no — the clumps are too dense and have low water solubility. We're explicit about this because the industry isn't, and clogged plumbing is expensive.

Unscented (default), lavender, apple-mint, and custom essential-oil blends. We don't use synthetic perfumes — they trigger respiratory complaints in long-haired breeds. Scent levels are tunable from 0.05% to 0.3% by weight.

The outer kraft paper bag is curbside-recyclable in most US municipalities (please check your local rules). The inner moisture liner is industrial-compostable. Our roadmap targets 100% home-compostable packaging by end of 2026.

24 months unopened in original packaging, stored below 30 °C and 65% relative humidity. Vacuum-sealed-at-source bags retain clumping performance through ocean transit even in summer container temperatures. We do not recommend warehousing above 35 °C.

Performance is best within 60 days of opening if the bag is resealed and kept dry. After that, clumping speed and odor lock degrade gradually but the litter remains safe to use up to the printed expiration. Resealable zip pouches extend usable life noticeably over kraft tear-tops.

Yes. Both our cassava (1.8–2.2 mm) and tofu (1.5–2.0 mm) pellet sizes are compatible with most modern automatic boxes — Litter-Robot, PetSafe, Whisker. For older units with finer screens, the 1.5 mm tofu spec is recommended.

Because they're made from food ingredients — cassava starch, corn, pea fiber. The smell is the raw material, not artificial fragrance. Cats often accept plant-based litter faster than clay because the food smell is familiar and non-irritating.

Mix 25% RootPurr with 75% old litter for 4–5 days, then 50/50 for 4–5 days, then 75/25 for 4–5 days, then 100% RootPurr. Total transition: ~2 weeks. This gradual approach prevents litter-box rejection — common when cats see and smell a sudden change.

Two main reasons: pellet size (cats accustomed to fine clay sometimes reject larger pellets) and food-like scent. The 14-day mixing transition resolves about 90% of refusals. Persistent refusal usually means trying tofu instead — the pellets are softer on paws and often win over reluctant cats.

Under 3 months: pea-fiber tofu at 1.5 mm is the gentlest option. Cassava pellets at 1.8 mm are also fine after 3 months. Avoid anything larger than 2.5 mm for kittens — they may try to ingest larger pellets.

No published evidence links plant-based litter to urinary tract infections or crystals. The opposite is usually true: low-dust litters reduce respiratory irritation and stress, which can indirectly support urinary health. Choose unscented and low-dust if your cat has a history of urinary sensitivity.

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Pick cassava if clumping speed and clump strength matter most (3-second reaction, hardest clumps in plant-based) and you bag the waste. Pick tofu if you live in an apartment without easy trash access — it's the only formula in our line we recommend flushing. Both are plant-based and manufactured at the same Hebei facility.

Tofu is lighter (~55% lower weight per bag), genuinely flushable, and biodegradable. Clay is cheaper per pound at retail and clumps faster (~10 seconds vs ~30 seconds for tofu). Tofu produces less dust. For asthmatic households or apartments, tofu wins. For lowest sticker price, clay still wins.

Cassava clumps roughly 3× faster (3 seconds vs ~10 seconds for corn), produces denser clumps, and stores better in humid climates. Corn-based litter is cheaper per pound but is more prone to mold growth above 65% relative humidity. Both are biodegradable; only properly tested cassava avoids HCN risk.

Tofu, slightly. ASTM D6940 dust testing puts tofu at ~99.4% reduction vs cassava's ~99% — both well above clay and corn. For severe asthma, tofu plus a covered litter box reduces airborne exposure further during pour and scoop.

Per pound, clay is cheaper at retail (~$0.50–1.00/lb vs ~$1.80–2.50/lb for plant-based). But plant-based lasts longer per pound (better absorption), weighs less to ship, and produces less waste. Net cost per month for a single cat is roughly equal. The plant-based premium buys lower dust and biodegradability.

Cassava, by a meaningful margin. Cassava starch absorbs roughly 3× its weight in liquid; pine pellets typically absorb ~1.5×. Cassava also clumps; pine doesn't — pine pellets break down into sawdust that must be sifted, which most cats and owners find inconvenient.

Bentonite, on raw ammonia binding. Walnut shell has a pleasant native aroma that masks short-term but doesn't lock odor the way bentonite does. For multi-cat households needing the strongest odor control, bentonite-based clay litter outperforms walnut shell. Within fully plant-based options, our cassava + pea-fiber tofu blend with 1.5% activated carbon is the strongest non-bentonite alternative.

Tofu, by a clear margin. Tofu clumps in ~30 seconds with strong, scoopable clumps. Corn typically takes longer (~45 seconds) and produces softer clumps that can crumble during scooping. Both are biodegradable; corn is more prone to mold in humid storage.

Our Cassava + Tofu Blend (70:30 cassava + pea-fiber tofu) in a 36 lb family pack, with 1.5% activated carbon for odor lock. Cassava handles the clumping volume from multiple cats; pea-fiber tofu softens the pellet for paw comfort; activated carbon binds ammonia. Daily scooping is non-negotiable in multi-cat homes — no litter type changes that.

Yes — when properly processed. Raw cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides, so testing is critical. We test every shipment of cassava starch for HCN and reject any lot above 5 ppm — half the FAO/WHO food-grade limit of 10 ppm. The certificate of analysis (COA) is available on request and ships with every B2B order.

Incoming starch lots are tested before pelletizing using the alkaline-picrate colorimetric method (the standard reference for cyanogenic glycosides in cassava products). Lots above our 5 ppm rejection threshold are returned to the supplier and never reach our pelletizing line.

ASTM D6940 is the standard test method for measuring pour-out dust generation of clay and substitute litters. We commission third-party D6940 testing per production run against representative sodium-bentonite control samples (the industry reference). Our Cassava + Tofu Blend blend averages ~99% dust reduction; pure pea-fiber tofu averages ~99.4%. Reports available on request.

Per-batch certificate of analysis (COA), HCN test result for cassava lines, ASTM D6940 dust-test report, HTS classification on the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Fumigation certificate is provided where the destination port requires it.

Small accidental ingestion (a pellet on a paw, licked off) is not dangerous — bentonite passes through the digestive tract. Larger ingestion can cause GI upset and, in rare cases, intestinal blockage. Cats over 6 months almost never ingest litter intentionally. For kittens, elderly cats with pica, or owners who simply prefer to avoid clay, fully plant-based formulas (which is what we exclusively make) are the safer default.

Most are, in low concentrations. We use food-grade essential oils dosed at 0.05%–0.3% by weight. Lavender and apple-mint, our standard scent options, are documented safe at these levels. Tea tree, citrus, and pine oils are excluded — those are toxic to cats even in small amounts.

Cassava is the only raw material in our supply chain that naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin and lotaustralin). Tofu's pea fiber, corn starch, and guar gum contain no cyanogens. The HCN concern is specific to cassava processing — which is why we test every cassava starch lot before it touches the production floor.

Yes, on request. Our food-grade cassava starch and pea-fiber tofu suppliers provide routine ICP-MS results for arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury. We can include the heavy-metals report with private-label shipments at no extra charge — request it on your PO.

Yes. Cassava has no commercially available genetically modified varieties — all cassava on the global market is non-GMO. Our suppliers are in Vietnam and Guangxi, regions that produce only conventional cassava. The COA on every starch lot includes GMO-free verification.

We commission third-party testing per production run against representative sodium-bentonite control samples (the industry reference). The lab issues a signed report (PDF) with raw airborne particulate data and the percentage reduction calculation. Reports are available on request and ship with private-label shipments by default.

Free standard shipping on US retail orders over $35 ($5.99 below). Most orders deliver in 3–5 business days from our central Pennsylvania 3PL. We currently ship retail orders only within the continental US.

30-day money-back guarantee on retail orders, full refund, no questions asked. To smooth a transition we recommend mixing 25% RootPurr with 75% old litter for the first week, then ramping up to 100%.

Currently online only — direct from rootpurr.com (free shipping over $35). We're piloting independent pet store partnerships in Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Austin, and Portland in late 2026. To request your local store carry us, email hello@rootpurr.com with the store name and a contact.

Not yet. We are planning Amazon FBA launch for late 2026. Direct-to-site purchase is currently better priced because we don't pay Amazon's referral fee. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the Amazon listing goes live.

One full container load (1× 40HQ FCL), approximately 1,500 cases at 18 lb / case — about 27,000 lb total. Smaller LCL trial orders are possible for first-time buyers (logistics surcharge applies). For Tier 1 wholesale (already-printed RootPurr retail bags) the floor is 50 cases.

30–45 days from artwork sign-off and 50% deposit. Breakdown: 5–7 days raw-material QC and HCN re-testing, 14–21 days pelletizing and packing, 5–7 days outer-carton printing and palletization, 3–5 days export inspection and FOB handoff.

Both. FOB Tianjin or Shanghai (your forwarder picks up) and DDP to your US 3PL (we handle ocean freight, US customs, and last-mile) are quoted per formula and volume — see the wholesale program for current pricing. DDP is recommended for first-time importers — we absorb FX, demurrage, and customs-classification risk.

Approximately 1,500 cases at 18 lb / case (4 bags per case) on 25 standard pallets. Mixed cassava and tofu loading is supported at no extra charge. For 36 lb family-pack cases the count drops to ~750 cases per 40HQ.

First order: 50% T/T deposit, 50% against bill-of-lading copy. Repeat orders after the second PO: Net-30 on FOB invoices, Net-60 for Tier 3 (500+ cases) buyers. We accept USD wire transfer or letter of credit (irrevocable, at-sight).

Yes. A custom-formula sample bag (1–2 lb) ships in 7–14 days for $35 plus DHL express. Sample fee is fully credited toward your first PO. Digital artwork mockups for private-label customers return inside 48 hours.

Cassava starch is sourced from food-grade suppliers in Vietnam and Guangxi, China. Pelletizing and packing is done at our dedicated production partner in Xingtai, Hebei. Final QC and US distribution is from our partner 3PL warehouse in central Pennsylvania.

Limited. We ship from our Pennsylvania 3PL on small wholesale orders (50–100 cases), but full dropshipping for retail end-customers under your name is not supported. For dropship-style fulfillment, see Tier 1 wholesale (your sticker label, our packaging, our warehouse).

FCL (Full Container Load) means you book an entire 40HQ container — about 1,500 cases at 18 lb. LCL (Less than Container Load) means you book a portion and share with other shippers. LCL is feasible for trial orders but adds $1,200–2,500 in handling fees and 7–10 extra transit days. FCL becomes cheaper per pound at ~250 cases or more.

Tier 1 (50–99 cases, prepaid): −30% off MSRP. Tier 2 (100–499 cases, Net-30 after 2nd PO): −40% off MSRP, free DDP East Coast. Tier 3 (500+ cases, Net-60 available): custom FOB or DDP quote with direct factory pricing — typically 15–20% better than Tier 2. Volume discounts compound with custom-formula commitments.

Yes. Mixed-SKU loading is supported at no extra charge for both wholesale and OEM. Common splits: 60% cassava monthly + 40% tofu monthly, or 50/30/20 across three sizes. Mixed-formula loads count as one container against your tier minimum.

Selectively, for Tier 3 buyers committing to 4+ FCL annually. Exclusivity is granted by formula and channel — for example, exclusive Amazon FBA distribution for our 18 lb tofu retail SKU in the western US. We do not grant blanket category exclusivity.

Yes. EDI 850 (PO), 855 (PO ack), 856 (ASN), and 810 (invoice) are supported via standard VAN connection. Setup takes ~2 weeks; one-time fee waived for Tier 2/3 buyers with 6+ FCL annual commitment.

Yes. Custom artwork on kraft paper, PE plastic, or resealable zip pouches in 4, 6, 8, 18, or 25 lb sizes. Up to 6-color rotogravure, foil hot-stamping, and custom die-cut windows. Custom-formula development (cassava : pea-fiber tofu blends 50:50 to 80:20, scent profiles, activated-carbon levels) is included for buyers committing to 3 FCL or more. We do not produce bentonite cat litter.

Yes, between 50:50 and 80:20 cassava : pea-fiber tofu. Higher cassava ratios mean faster clumping and lighter weight; higher pea-fiber ratios mean softer pellets and a higher portion of paw-friendly fiber. Pure cassava (with custom binder spec) is also available. We do not blend with bentonite. Custom blends require a 1 FCL minimum and add 7–10 days to lead time.

Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) at final size with all fonts outlined. Minimum 300 DPI for any embedded raster elements. Pantone color callouts are strongly preferred for matching on rotogravure plates. We accept InDesign packaged files but charge a small conversion fee.

1× FCL (~1,500 cases) per SKU per design. Below this, plate-making and color-setup costs make per-unit price unworkable. Multiple SKUs sharing one design (different bag sizes, same artwork) count toward the same FCL minimum.

Yes. UPC-A, EAN-13, GS1 DataBar, and ITF-14 carton barcodes, plus your internal SKU. We verify barcodes scan correctly before mass production by running a test print through a calibrated scanner. Barcode rejection at retail (Walmart, Target, Chewy) is one of the most common private-label failures — we won't ship bags that fail this check.

Yes. We support standard QR codes and dynamic QR codes (where the code links to a URL you control). You supply the URL; we print at the spec resolution and test scan-ability under typical retail lighting before approving the print plate.

Inside 48 business hours from receipt of your dieline-ready files. Proof iterations are unlimited but each round adds ~24 hours. Most private-label projects converge in 2–3 rounds. Digital proofs are free; physical pre-production samples are $150 per SKU and credited to your first PO.

Yes. We supply Adobe Illustrator dieline files for every bag size we offer (4 / 6 / 8 / 18 / 25 lb in kraft, PE, and zip pouch). Templates include bleed marks, safe area, and seal zones. Email hello@rootpurr.com to receive the latest set.

Yes. Mixed-formula POs are common — most US private-label brands launch with at least one of each. Each formula counts separately toward the 1× FCL minimum unless you commit to a Tier 2 (3+ FCL) program, in which case mixed-SKU FCLs are supported.

1404.90.9000 ("vegetable products not elsewhere specified") for our Cassava + Tofu Blend blend, since our formula is fully plant-based with no significant inorganic content. Pure cassava products may classify under 1108.14.0000. The duty rate is currently 0% under the general (column 1) tariff. We supply the HTS classification on every commercial invoice to prevent CBP delays.

1404.90.9000 for pea-fiber based formulas ("vegetable products not elsewhere specified"). Pure cassava starch products would classify under 1108.14.0000. We supply the HTS classification on every commercial invoice to prevent CBP delays.

No. Fumigation is required only for raw plant materials with viable seeds or pests. Processed cassava starch and pelletized cat litter are inert and exempt. We provide a fumigation certificate where the destination port specifically requests it (rare for our HTS lines).

0% under the current general (column 1) tariff for our HTS lines (1404.90 for cassava + pea-fiber blends, 1108.14 for pure cassava and pure tofu). Section 301 China tariffs may add 7.5%–25% depending on the current schedule — we monitor this and notify buyers of any changes that affect landed cost.

No. Cat litter is regulated by the EPA and individual state agriculture departments, not the FDA. There is no Prior Notice filing, FSVP, or food-facility registration required. Some states (CA, OR, NY) have their own labeling rules — our private-label artwork is reviewed against these by default.

Long Beach / Los Angeles for West Coast (10–14 day transit from Tianjin/Shanghai), and Norfolk or Savannah for East Coast (28–35 day transit). We avoid New York/New Jersey due to chronic chassis shortages and higher demurrage risk. Our 3PL is in central Pennsylvania, rail-served from both Norfolk and Savannah.

West Coast (LAX/Long Beach): 14–18 days from Tianjin, 12–16 days from Shanghai. East Coast (Savannah/Norfolk): 28–35 days from Shanghai via Panama, 30–37 days from Tianjin. Add 5–10 days during Lunar New Year congestion.

On FOB shipments, the buyer's forwarder owns demurrage and detention starting at port of loading. On DDP shipments, RootPurr absorbs all demurrage and detention up to delivery at your US 3PL. This is the main reason most first-time importers choose DDP.

25 standard pallets (48"×40", GMA grocery spec). Each pallet holds 60 cases of 18 lb litter (~1,080 lb gross). For 36 lb family-pack cases, the count is 13 pallets at 30 cases each. Loading is double-stacked with slip sheets between pallets and lashed per shipper's standard.

Three layers of protection: vacuum-sealed inner liner against moisture, outer kraft or PE bag with reinforced seams, and corrugated export carton with desiccant pouches per pallet. The container itself is inspected for leaks pre-loading. Loss/damage rate on our shipments is well under 0.5%.

On DDP shipments, we file the cargo insurance claim and deliver replacement product. On FOB, the buyer (or buyer's forwarder) files with the carrier; we provide all required documentation — B/L, COA, photos pre-loading. Cargo insurance is included on DDP and available as add-on for FOB.

Yes, on DDP shipments. We support Amazon's PARTNERED carrier program for FBA inbound, including labeling per FBA requirements (ASIN labels, FNSKU, expiration dates where required). FBA's prep-and-pallet requirements are stricter than typical 3PL receiving — confirm FBA compliance specs with us before locking your PO.