Thinking to switch your cat litter with a new one, but in dilemma, how to transition cat to a new litter without making her annoyed?
Well, my friend, you landed on the right page.
Recently, we have done a survey on how much time felines take to switch to a new litter box or litter.
From that study, we have jotted down some interesting ideas which will surely help you in the transition process.
Scroll down, to get useful ideas or tricks to handle your kitty to smoothly adapt to the change.
Tips on Switching to New Cat Litter
A research paper published in PubMed Central suggests that an adult cat can transition from one litter product to another over 6 days if it is exposed to the new litter prior to the old litter being replaced.[1]
But for these 6 days, you need to emphasize on certain points to make the transition successful. Let us get through these points that will help you transition your kitty to new litter easily.
1. Trick Your Feline
One of the most crucial steps of transitioning your kitty to new litter is to pour new litter with the old one and mix it. This will trick your kitty’s mind that she is using her comfortable old litter.
For this process to be effective, you will need to gradually increase the proportion of new litter. In simpler words, on the first day, use 1/4th part of the new litter on the top layer and 3/4th part of the old litter on the bottom layer of the litter box. On the other days, keep increasing the amount of new litter and decrease the proportion of old litter.
Now, just observe whether she is using the box or not, once she gets into the trap it’s good for you because by that time she will get used to the new litter texture and smell.
After a week, simply replace the old litter with a new one. Your fluffy pal will not get annoyed as now she is now fully accustomed to the new litter,
2. Reward Her for Good Behavior
One of the best ways to make your feline get used to new litter is by giving her rewards for her good behavior.
In other words, feline learns best when they are appreciated for their outcomes. Just like human beings like appreciation for their effort and efficiency.
So, if you notice that your kitty is trying to get used to new litter and following your instruction that time gives her treats or play with them to make them happy.
3. Make It Easy on Your Feline Pal
As we all know, cats are very picky by nature and they don’t like any type of changes done in their life or surrounding. As it makes them uncomfortable and easily gets stressed out.
Once, you made up your mind to change her litter, make sure that you don’t force her to get used to it easily.
She will take time in adapting to new changes, for instance, in the initial days she will simply ignore it and will not use her litter box to do her business.
In such a situation, you have to calm yourself and give her time so that she doesn’t get scared or cranky. In other words, be easy on your feline pal during the transition to a new litter.
4. Consider Your Kitty’s Sensitivity
One of the simple ways to swap your kitty’s litter is by considering your feline pal sensitivity at the time of purchase.
Here’s a friendly tip for you go for litter that is smooth and non-allergic to your feline, doesn’t have a strong smell and its smooth texture doesn’t hurt her paws. So that your kitty can easily get comfortable with new litter and start using it.
Note:- Environmental-friendly litter is a great choice as it does not include any harmful ingredients and will have a soft texture plus a natural fragrance.
5. Use Similar Scent Litter
Cats have strong smelling power, it helps them to identify their dear ones and object. Their sense of smell is much better than human beings.
So, if you are planning to switch her litter, here’s advice for you go for a similar scent type.
For instance, if your kitty is allergic to something then make sure it is not included in that litter and if she likes a light natural smell, then go for environment-friendly litter.
This trick will help you a bit to convenience your kitty to adapt to new litter easily.
6. Keep the Old Litter Box
Here’s one more tip on switching to new cat litter. You can keep your kitty’s old litter box beside the new litter.
Got confused? How is it going to help?
Well, relax let me explain to you.
Keep two replicate litter boxes, one contains old litter and another one includes mixed litter. Now, you must be wondering how it gonna work, right?
All you need to do is keep the feces in the mixed litter because felines have strong smelling glands and feces smell is one of their marking point which indicates to them it’s their territory.
Well, it sounds gross, but you heard it right. Felines do their business in their marked territory, and the feces smell indicated to them that they can use this place. So, to make your kitty use new litter you have to trick her or trap her with this smelling hack.
7. Seek Vet Help for Easy Transition
Cats are complicated creatures, even after parenting her for a long time there are a few behavioral issues that might not click you at that current time.
So, while changing her litter there are chances she will act weird, try to avoid using her litter box, prefer some other part of the house to do her business like toilets, corner of the house, backyard, etc.
In such a scenario, before things go out of your hand, consult the vet for better guidance. Follow their instructions like which type of litter you should swap with the old one.
And if the appropriate litter is being used and still your kitty is taking time to adapt to the change. In such cases, they will first check her health to see if any underlying health issue is there or not and then will go for further process.
8. Keep Your Kitty Happy During Transition Process
If you are parenting a cat for a long time, you must have observed one thing cats are prone to changes. Even a small change in their routine or household can affect them which might affect her health.
So, when you are thinking to change her litter, make sure you follow the process slowly and keep her happy during the transition process.
In other words, make one change at a time, and don’t give her any kind of stress which might make her more cranky. Such as no changes in household items, her food or treats, no addition of a new pet animal in the family, etc.
Make her happy give her your attention and time so that she can easily adapt to the change and if she is not using new litter don’t force her, have patience and give her time.
9. Make Sure You Select Appropriate Litter
Well, we have one more solution to your query about how to switch your cat to the new litter.
After making up your mind, all you need to do is jot down the points which you need to check before buying new litter for your kitty. Such as litter texture should not hurt your kitty’s paw, and considering your feline pal’s sensitive nose and the environment.
A similar texture, scent, and clumping type will not help you to convince your kitty to adapt to a new litter. But, it will not affect her health or cause a breathing issue, as the new litter fragrance will not affect her.
Make your decision wisely, so that you don’t have to swap it again a few months down the road.
FAQs
1. Can changing cat litter make cats sick?
When you are changing your kitty’s litter make sure that you are replacing it with the appropriate one. This is because it might affect her respiratory system and can also create a viral infection. Make sure new litter doesn’t include any ingredients which are allergic to your kitty.
2. Do cats get upset when you change their litter?
As we all know, cats hate changes, and if it is related to their personal stuff then it might make them more upset. Well, you won’t be able to simply swap the old litter with a new one. You have to handle this situation wisely because your feline pal will not simply adapt to the change. There are chances that she will stop using her litter box.
3. How often should I change my cat’s litter?
As per the survey, it has been observed that you should change your kitty’s litter at least twice a week. However, it also depends upon your circumstances if it’s getting messier then you need to change it on an alternate basis.
For those who use clumping litter then it’s advisable for them to scoop it on a daily basis as it is easy for them, and can change the whole litter in two weeks gap or monthly basis.
Conclusion
Confidently, we were able to serve the appropriate content to the table.
As you have already gone through our tips/suggestions on how to switch to new cat litter. Try any of the ideas it will surely help you out.
Keep one thing in mind while purchasing new litter for your kitty it should be non-toxic and allergic-free.
References:
- Frayne, J., Edwards, M., Templeman, J. R., Croney, C. C., MacDonald-Murray, S., Flickinger, E., … & Shoveller, A. K. (2022). The behavioral impact on cats during a transition from a clay-based litter to a plant-based litter. Animals, 12(8), 946.
- Frayne, J., Murray, S. M., Croney, C., Flickinger, E., Edwards, M., & Shoveller, A. K. (2019). The behavioral effects of innovative litter developed to attract cats. Animals, 9(9), 683.
- Neilson, J. C. (2011). Litter preference in cats: scented vs. unscented. Schedule of Events.
- Cottam, N., & Dodman, N. H. (2007). Effect of an odor eliminator on feline litter box behavior. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 9(1), 44-50.