{"id":688335,"date":"2025-02-05T11:19:05","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T11:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=688335"},"modified":"2025-02-05T11:19:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T11:19:05","slug":"how-to-switch-to-eco-friendly-cat-litter-updated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/lifestyle\/how-to-switch-to-eco-friendly-cat-litter-updated\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Switch to Eco-friendly Cat Litter: 6 Steps to Make the Change"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nEco-friendly Cat Litter Overview<\/a>
\nHow to Switch to Eco-Friendly Cat Litter<\/a>
\nEco-Friendly Cat Litters Materials<\/a>
\nWhat to Look For in an Eco-friendly Cat Litter<\/a>
\nDownsides of Traditional Cat Litter<\/a>
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Let\u2019s face it: As much as we adore our cats, dealing with cat litter is not anyone\u2019s idea of a good time! Not only do we need our cats to be happy with the litter, but it also needs to be relatively hassle free for us to clean.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve decided that you want to start using an eco-friendly cat litter, but you\u2019re not sure what kind is best or even how to go about switching over to a new litter, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n

In this article, we discuss the different kinds of eco-friendly cat litter available and how to switch to a new one successfully.<\/p>\n

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What Exactly Is Eco-friendly Cat Litter?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re concerned about the environment and want to keep your carbon footprint as small as possible, eco-friendly cat litter can help. This type of litter is generally made using biodegradable materials that are recycled and renewable. It can also be byproducts from other industries, which means it has gone through minimal processing and is sustainably sourced.<\/p>\n

Disposing of eco-friendly cat litter can also be nearly guilt free, given that it\u2019s biodegradable and compostable.<\/p>\n

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How to Switch to Eco-Friendly Cat Litter<\/h2>\n

Much of this depends on your cat and what you\u2019re looking for in a litter. Still, here\u2019s a general guide:<\/p>\n

1. Do It Gradually<\/h3>\n

Cats are not fans of change, particularly when it comes to their food and litter. The best way to introduce new litter is to do it slowly and gradually.<\/p>\n

Mix a small amount of the new litter with their regular litter. In the first week, aim for about 20% new litter to 80% old. In the second week, do 40% new litter to 60% old, and so on until your cat is only using the new litter.<\/p>\n

While making this transition, place the new litter on the bottom with the old litter on top.<\/p>\n

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2. Avoid Too Much Change at Once<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t introduce your cat to new litter if there are other things already going on in the household. For example, if you\u2019re switching litter because you\u2019re getting a second cat, it\u2019s not a good idea to switch your old cat\u2019s litter. They will be dealing with the stress of the new cat already.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t consider making a change if anything else is going on, like you\u2019re moving, having a new baby, or doing renovations.<\/p>\n

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3. Set Up More Than One Litter Box<\/h3>\n

If your cat seems reluctant to use the new litter, consider setting up a second litter box with yet another new litter. You can do this with more than two if desired.<\/p>\n

For example, you can put down one litter box with walnut, another with pine, and a third with bamboo litter. This gives your cat several new litters to choose from and can help you pinpoint the litter that they like the most.<\/p>\n

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4. Make It Familiar<\/h3>\n

Cats will have preferences on the type of litter box as well, for example they may not be used to a covered or self cleaning box. Keep the type of litter box consistent, and the location similar, when switching to new cat litter. In general cats prefer to use litter boxes that are clean, easy to access and feel \u2018safe\u2019. Avoid placing boxes in noisy areas and put them away from their food and water bowls.<\/p>\n

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5. Reward Your Cat<\/h3>\n

If your cat is still reluctant, give them a treat or praise whenever they use the new litter. Like nearly all animals, cats are food motivated, so giving them a high-value treat when they use the litter might motivate them to keep using it.<\/p>\n

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6. Keep Trying<\/h3>\n

So many things about cat litter can put off your cat, the texture and the smell being the biggest factors. If you\u2019re trying out a litter and your cat would rather pee on the floor than go in the litter box, you should get a new one.<\/p>\n

Trying out multiple litter boxes can come in handy, but it does mean spending quite a bit of money for all the different litters. Opt for the smallest or cheapest boxes\/bags possible. If your cat is regularly going toileting outside of their litter box, or there are any other changes in their behavior, get them checked out by your vet to make sure there are no underlying medical issues that need addressing.<\/p>\n

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What Are Eco-Friendly Cat Litters Made From?<\/h2>\n

There are plenty of eco-friendly cat litter available, from quite a variety of materials! When choosing, be sure to take into consideration any allergies you or your cat may have. The following are all available as cat litter, and each has its advantages and disadvantages:<\/p>\n

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