How to switch your cat to a new litter
By the Toodle team · Updated · Prices checked daily
Switching cat litter is mostly about patience. Cats notice changes in how their litter feels and smells, and a sudden swap can send them looking for somewhere else to go. A gradual switch over a week or two avoids most problems.
Here's how to do it, followed by litters of each type with today's prices, if you're still choosing.
10 tips for switching to a new cat litter
Choose a similar texture first
Cats get used to how litter feels under their paws. Going from fine clumping clay to a fine clumping plant litter is an easier change than going straight to large pellets.
Mix it in over about a week
Start with about a quarter new litter mixed into the old. Every two or three days, add more of the new and less of the old, until it's all new. Some cats need two weeks; that's fine.
Or set up a second box
Put a box of the new litter right next to the usual one and let your cat choose. Once they're using the new one regularly, remove the old box.
Keep the box where it is
Change one thing at a time. Leave the box in the same spot while you switch the litter.
Don't change the box at the same time
A new box and a new litter together is a lot of change at once. Switch one first, then the other a few weeks later.
Keep the same depth
Fill the box to the depth your cat is used to, usually two to three inches, unless the new litter's maker says otherwise.
Start with unscented
Many cats are put off by strong scents. If you're unsure, an unscented litter is the safer first choice.
Scoop every day while you switch
A clean box makes the new litter more inviting, and scooping lets you see that your cat is using it normally.
Pick a calm week
Avoid switching during a move, a trip, or when a new pet or baby arrives. Cats cope with one change better than several.
Watch, and go back a step if needed
If your cat starts going outside the box, go back to the last mix that worked and slow down. If they stop using the box altogether or seem uncomfortable when they go, call your vet: litter box changes can have medical causes.
At a glance
We found 15 options in stock from 1 store, from $10.45 to $23.99.
- Lowest-priced in Plant-based and blends: World's Best Cat Litter Comfort Care Unscented, $10.45 at Only Natural Pet
- Lowest-priced in Clumping clay: Dr. Elsey's Classic Multi-Cat Strength Clumping Clay Cat Litter, $12.99 at Only Natural Pet
- Lowest-priced in Non-clumping pellets and crystals: Naturally Fresh Non-Clumping Pellet Cat Litter, $10.99 at Only Natural Pet
How we picked
- Cat litter (not boxes, sprays or accessories)
- In stock with a current price
- Grouped by type, so you can see which kind you're switching to
Listed from the lowest price. Prices and stock come from each store and are checked through the day. We haven't tested these products ourselves; the facts come from each maker's listing. Stores may pay Toodle a commission; that never changes what's listed or the order. How Toodle makes money
Plant-based and blends
1. World's Best
World's Best Cat Litter Comfort Care Unscented
Unscented corn-based clumping cat litter from the Comfort Care range.
- Made from corn
- Bags: 8 to 28 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$10.45 at Only Natural Pet · 8 lbPrice checked 4 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
2. World's Best
World's Best Cat Litter Low Tracking & Dust Control
Corn-based clumping litter from the Low Tracking & Dust Control range.
- Made from corn
- Bags: 8 to 28 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$10.45 at Only Natural Pet · 8 lbPrice checked 1 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
3. Naturally Fresh
Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Walnut Shell Cat Litter
Quick-clumping cat litter made from walnut shells, offered in several bag sizes.
- Made from walnut shells
- Bags: 10 to 26 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$10.79 at Only Natural Pet · 10 lbPrice checked 11 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
4. Nature's Logic
Nature's Logic Pine Cat Litter
Cat litter made from Ponderosa pine, offered in 12 lb and 24 lb bags.
- Made from pine
- Bags: 12 to 24 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$12.09 at Only Natural Pet · 12 lbPrice checked 2 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
5. OKO
OKOcat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter
Clumping cat litter made with wood fibers.
- Made from wood
- Bags: 9 to 18.8 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$14.26 at Only Natural Pet · 9 lbPrice checked 4 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
6. Naturally Fresh
Naturally Fresh Quick Clumping Herbal Attraction Walnut Shell Cat Litter
Clumping walnut-shell cat litter with a herbal attractant.
- Made from walnut shells
- Bags: 14 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$17.99 at Only Natural PetPrice checked 11 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
Clumping clay
7. Dr. Elsey's
Dr. Elsey's Classic Multi-Cat Strength Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Clumping clay cat litter for litter-box use, offered in 18 lb and 40 lb bags.
- Made from clay
- Bags: 18 to 40 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$12.99 at Only Natural Pet · 18 lbPrice checked 5 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
8. Dr. Elsey's
Dr. Elsey's Ultra Multi-Cat Strength Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Clumping clay litter from Dr. Elsey’s Ultra multi-cat range, offered in two bag sizes.
- Made from clay
- Bags: 18 to 40 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$12.99 at Only Natural Pet · 18 lbPrice checked 2 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
9. BoxieCat
Boxiecat Gently Scented Natural Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Gently scented, clumping bentonite clay cat litter.
- Made from clay
- Bags: 16 to 40 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$19.04 at Only Natural Pet · 16 lbPrice checked 6 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
10. BoxieCat
Boxiecat Cat Unscented Premium Clumping Clay Litter
Unscented clumping clay litter in standard and Extra Strength options.
- Made from clay
- Bags: 16 to 40 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$20.99 at Only Natural Pet · Unscented / 16 lbPrice checked 2 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
11. BoxieCat
Boxiecat BoxiePro Probiotic Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Clumping clay cat litter from the BoxiePro range.
- Made from clay
- Bags: 16 to 28 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$23.99 at Only Natural Pet · 16 lbPrice checked 2 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
12. BoxieCat
Boxiecat Glo Natural Attractions Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Clumping clay cat litter from the Boxiecat Glo range.
- Made from clay
- Bags: 16 to 40 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$23.99 at Only Natural Pet · 16 lbPrice checked 2 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
Non-clumping pellets and crystals
13. Naturally Fresh
Naturally Fresh Non-Clumping Pellet Cat Litter
Non-clumping cat litter made with walnut-shell pellets.
- Made from walnut shells
- Bags: 10 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$10.99 at Only Natural PetPrice checked 2 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
14. Catkins
Catkins Aspen Wood Pellet Non-Clumping Cat Litter
Non-clumping cat litter made from aspen wood pellets.
- Made from wood
- Bags: 10 to 20 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$16.19 at Only Natural Pet · 10 lbPrice checked 5 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
15. BoxieCat
Boxiecat Glo Natural Attractions Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
Non-clumping crystal litter from the Boxiecat Glo range.
- Made from silica crystals
- Bags: 6 lb
- Free shipping over $49 at Only Natural Pet
$21.99 at Only Natural PetPrice checked 6 hours ago
Buy at Only Natural Pet
Compare them side by side
Switching from clay to a plant-based litter
Most clumping plant litters (corn, wheat, walnut, grass seed and tofu) feel similar enough to clay that cats switch easily with a gradual mix. Expect them to look and smell a little different: some are darker, and many have a light natural scent from the material they're made of.
Switching to pellets
Pellets are the biggest change for a cat used to fine litter. Go slower, keep a thin layer of the old litter on top of the pellets for the first week or so, and consider a sifting box, which lets the sawdust from used pellets fall through to a tray below.
Why cats can be picky about litter
Cats rely heavily on smell and touch, and the litter box is somewhere they need to feel safe. A sudden change in texture or scent can make the box feel unfamiliar, which is why a slow switch works better than an overnight one.
Questions
- How long does it take to switch cat litter?
- Usually about a week, mixing in more of the new litter every two or three days. Some cats need two weeks or more; go at their pace.
- Can I switch cat litter all at once?
- Some easygoing cats won't mind, but many will. A gradual switch avoids accidents, so it's worth the extra week.
- What if my cat won't use the new litter?
- Go back to the last mix they were happy with, then increase the new litter more slowly. Offering a second box with the new litter next to the old one also helps. If your cat stops using the box altogether, talk to your vet.
- Should I switch litter and litter box at the same time?
- It's better not to. Switch one, let your cat settle for a few weeks, then switch the other.