We’ve all been there. We run out of our usual cat litter, run to the nearest store, and purchase whatever cat litter brand or type they have available. Go home, fill the box, and don’t give it a second thought.

Well, I can assure you that your cat may have a thought or two regarding this new cat litter occupying its box. It smells different, it feels different, and your little feline friend may decide that he or she will have none of it. What happens next? You’re picking up cat poop and cleaning cat pee everywhere in the house except the cat litter box.

It’s quite simple to introduce a new litter box to your cat with success. But it’s important to keep a few things in mind when switching your cat’s litter brand or type. We all want to avoid upsetting kitty and consequently finding little gifts in inappropriate places in the house.

Make Life Easier for You and Your Cat During Litter Transition

So how do you transition your cat to a new litter box? Cats are creatures of habit. Litter transition can be stressful for them. Help your cat get used to its new litter brand or type and life will be good for every party involved.

Introducing the new litter slowly will assure a successful transition.

STEP 1
Layer ¼ of the new litter on the bottom of the litter box. Cover with ¾ of kitty’s old litter. No need to mix the contents, your cat will naturally do that when he or she uses the box.

STEP 2
On the next litter box change, use ½ of the new litter (on the bottom) and cover with ½ of your cat’s old litter. Repeat this process a few more times, adding less of the old litter and more of the new litter to the box every time.

STEP 3
When you feel that your cat is ready to accept the new litter, remove the old litter completely.

STEP 4
Observe your cat’s behavior regarding the new cat litter and check for any picky or unusual behaviors. Excessive scratching or aversion to getting in the box may be signs that your cat needs more adaptation time.

STEP 5
Be patient!

‍If you have more than one litter box in the house, do these steps for all of them at the same time. The cat won’t even notice that there is a transition going on if you take your time and do it gradually.

When to Switch Your Cat's Litter

There are a few reasons why you may want to switch your cat’s litter.

• The litter brand that you normally buy is no longer available.
• Your cat is having avoidance issues with the existing litter and is relieving itself outside of the box.
• You want to switch to a new type of litter. For example, from non-clumping to clumping.
• You want to start using a more responsible and green kitty litter.

Helpful Tip: Try to choose a time when there is nothing else stressful happening in your cat’s life. Changing the litter type during a house move is probably not a good idea.