How to Switch Your Cat to a New Litter (Without the Drama)

Because cats can be such creatures of habit, they often have strong opinions about their cat litter. Cats rely strongly on their sense of smell and feel, so sudden changes to their cat litter cause stress and may even lead to litter box avoidance. The good news is that a planned, gradual transition can help you switch your cat to their new litter without the drama, provided you follow their lead. 

In this article, we’ll go over why cats reject their litter, and what to consider before you switch. We'll also guide you through the process for how to switch cat litter, including best practices for transitioning your cat to a new litter and what to do if your cat is refusing to use their litter box. 

Here at Tuft & Paw, we are cat experts. This article is based on input from veterinarians, consultation with cat behaviorists, online research, and our own experience as cat parents.

Why Cats Reject New Litter

As previously mentioned, cats love consistency. Kristiina Wilson, MA, a clinical feline behaviorist at Cattitude Adjustment, adds that cats are often cautious and fearful of new things, especially in their safe home environment. “Your cat may be really used to the smell, texture, feel, depth, and even SOUND of their current/previous litter and not like any changes you are trying to make, no matter how wise you think those changes are”.

Changing your cat’s litter too suddenly is one of the most common reasons for a cat to reject a new litter. They’re also more likely to reject a new litter when there is a change in brand, a change in texture (such as clay to plant-based litter), or added fragrance.

Before You Switch: Getting Started

Before switching your cat’s litter, offer them a chance to get acquainted with the new litter. Try setting up a second box with the new litter, or simply leave the open bag nearby so they can investigate the new scent at their own pace. This early exposure increases curiosity and interest, and makes the cat litter change seem less abrupt. 

It’s also best to switch cat litter when there are no other changes or stress in your cat’s life. Cristy Brusoe, certified cat behavior consultant and founder of Cat By Cristy, recommends avoiding changing other variables about your cat’s litter box set-up at the same time, as this adds further stress and makes it difficult to tell what factor might be the problem should your cat start avoiding their litter box. This means continuing to use the same box, keeping the litter box in the same location, and following the same litter box cleaning routine.

How to Switch Cat Litter: Step-By-Step

Changing litter gradually is the best way to transition your cat to a new litter. In fact, research published in Animals found that many cats were able to successfully transition between litter materials, such as from clay to plant-based litter, when given adequate time to adjust and when litter box conditions remained consistent. Based on our experience and customer feedback about Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter, most cats successfully switch in 2-3 weeks.  However, this schedule should always be adjusted based on your cat’s feedback. 

1. Start with a clean litter box: Wash the litter box and scoop with mild, unscented soap. Once the litter box has fully dried, refill it with your cat’s old litter to a depth of 2-3 inches.

2. Begin the transition: Every time you scoop your cat’s litter, check that the litter is still at the ideal depth. If it’s not, top it up with the new litter. Over time, you’ll have more and more of the new litter in your cat’s box. A recommended pace of transition is:

3. Monitor your cat’s behavior: If you notice your cat avoiding their litter box, using their litter box less frequently, or showing signs of discomfort, follow their pacing. Stay at your current ratio for an extra 3-5 days to give your cat extra time to adjust. If a cat begins eliminating outside the box, Brusoe recommends returning to the litter they were successfully using while ruling out any medical causes with a veterinarian. Once the cat is reliably using the box again, the transition can be restarted much more gradually. 

4. Fully transitioning: Signs that your cat has comfortably transitioned include normal litter box use, consistent waste-covering behavior, and no changes in their overall demeanor. After fully transitioning your cat to a new litter, it’s recommended to keep your cat’s old litter for two weeks as a backup option. 

Cat Litter Transition Tips for Success

These cat litter transition tips can help reduce the likelihood of litter box avoidance, especially if your cat is showing hesitation or refusing to use their litter box.

• Check litter box maintenance: Cats are fastidious creatures and can be even more discerning when changes have been made in their environment. Check that you're scooping your cat’s box at least once per day (twice is even more effective) and that the sides and area around the box are kept clean.

• Watch litter box depth: 2-3 inches is the recommended litter box depth for most cat litters. If you’re using less litter, your cat might not be pleased, as they don’t have enough litter to comfortably dig and cover their waste. 

• Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement in the form of praise and treats can go a long way in motivating a reluctant cat. Reinforce when they show an interest in their new litter and when they use the box.

• Check for scent: It's best to use unscented litter to keep your cat comfortable. However, some plant-based litters, like pine and corn, have a natural scent that your cat may need to get used to. Wilson suggests scooping some of your cat’s waste from the old box to the new one. This creates a familiar smell and helps your cat adjust to the new environment.

• Try pheromones: Wilson says some research shows that certain brands of pheromones can help reduce feline stress during elimination. These are diffusers or sprays that you can use in the same room as your cat’s litter box to ease stress.

• Offer a second box: Having one litter box filled with the new litter and one litter box filled with the old litter allows your cat to show you which one they prefer. Brusoe says this gives cats a sense of control and allows them to explore the new substrate at their own pace. 

• Consider stress-based avoidance: Brusoe says that signs of stress-based avoidance include hesitation when approaching the box, frequent trips in and out without eliminating, vocalization, increased vigilance, or eliminating outside the box altogether.If your cat won’t use their new litter, don’t force it. Instead, switch back to your cat’s old litter (or a similar type if no longer available) and check with your vet to rule out any medical causes. If the behavior continues, they may recommend seeing a cat behaviorist to help further understand the behavior.

How Long Does It Take a Cat to Transition to a New Litter?

Some cats adapt comfortably within a few days, while others may need several weeks, according to Brusoe. Your cat’s age, personality, health, and past litter experiences can all impact the speed of transitioning your cat to a new litter. Multicat households may also need a slower transition, as you’ll be transitioning at the pace of the most resistant cat. 

Conclusion

Whether you're switching litter types for odor control, reducing dust, or trying a more sustainable option, a gradual transition is usually all that’s needed. With Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter, most cats successfully switch within 2-3 weeks when introduced slowly. However, some cats may need more time, especially if you're switching litter brands, using a different litter texture, or have multiple cats. In any case, patience and consistency helps make the process smoother for both you and your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Switch Cat Litter

What is the best way to change cat litter brand?

The best way to change cat litter brand is gradually because different brands have different scents and textures that your cat needs time to adjust to. Adding small amounts of the new litter to your cat’s litter box at a time gives them this time to adjust so they don’t start avoiding their litter box.

How long should a cat litter transition take?

We’ve found that most cats can transition to Tuft & Paw Really Great Cat Litter within 2-3 weeks. However, all cats are individuals, so some may be able to transition more quickly while others need a slower pace. No matter which camp your cat falls into, respect their pacing to prevent litter box aversion. 

Why won’t my cat use their new litter?

If your cat won’t use new litter, it’s often because it smells or feels different to them. Giving them time to adjust gradually to the change can help them get used to it. You can also sprinkle some of your cat’s old litter across the top of the new litter to help with adjusting to different smells. 

Sources 

Amat, M., Camps, T., & Manteca, X. (2016). Stress in owned cats: Behavioural changes and welfare implications. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 18(8), 587–596. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X15590867 

ASPCA. (n.d.). Common cat behavior issues: Litter box problems. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/litter-box-problems 

Cornell Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Feline behavior problems: House soiling. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-house-soiling 

Frayne, J., Edwards, M., Templeman, J. R., Croney, C. C., MacDonald-Murray, S., Flickinger, E., Verbrugghe, A., & Shoveller, A. K. (2022). The behavioural impact on cats during a transition from a clay-based litter to a plant-based litter. Animals, 12(8), 946. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12080946