There are plenty of reasons you might consider switching your cat’s litter. Maybe it’s pesky allergies (yours or your cat’s), too much tracking, irritating odors, or perhaps your cat just woke up one day and decided they don’t like their litter anymore.
Here at tuft + paw, we’re cat experts. We know, from personal experience and plenty of research, what features that are most important to cats and cat parents. Whatever the reason for wanting to switch litters, we’re here to help make the transition smooth and easy for both you and your cat with these tried-and-true tips.
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5 Reasons You Should Consider a New Litter
1. Your Cat Isn't a Fan of Their Current Litter
Cats are typically pretty good at letting us know when they’re feeling “off” about something. Some cats are picky about texture, while others might dislike high-tracking litters that get stuck in their paws. And many cats will refuse to use litter that has any scent at all—whether it’s natural or synthetic.
If your cat completely stops using their litter box, or if they start missing the box or going outside of it, it's a sign that they may not like their litter or litter box. Also, if you haven’t been cleaning the litter box thoroughly or regularly, that could be part of the problem. Remember, cats have a much stronger sense of smell than we do, so what might smell like a clean and odor-free litter box to you could still be very unpleasant for them.
2. You’re Not a Fan of Their Current Litter
While your cat’s preferences are important, so are yours! If you're bothered by issues like dust, litter tracking, or unpleasant odors, it might be time to explore new options.
The key is to find a litter that works for both you and your cat—one that meets both your needs.
3. Long-Term Health Concerns
Many traditional cat litters have a long list of health concerns associated with them. For example, inhaling clay dust or ingesting clumping clay litter can lead to respiratory issues or gastrointestinal distress.
We recommend avoiding litters that contain:
- Sodium bentonite (often found in clumping litters, which can cause potentially fatal digestive issues if ingested)
- Silica (a known lung carcinogen for both cats and humans)
- Fragrances (especially citrus, eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil, which are toxic to cats)
4. Environmental Concerns
Conventional cat litters can also take a toll on the environment. With so many cats around the world, the amount of litter used and discarded each year is staggering. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly options (more on these below) available that are safer for you, your cat, and the planet.
The Best Cat Litters for Picky Cats
If you’ve decided it’s time for a change, you’ll need to choose a litter that works for both you and your cat. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular litter options for picky cats (you can also check out our full guide on cat litter options for more details):
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1. Clay Litter
Full disclosure: we’re not the biggest fans of clumping clay litters, mainly due to the health risks they pose. If a cat ingests clumping clay, it can swell in their digestive tract and cause serious harm and even death. If your cat is prone to eating things they shouldn’t, it’s best to avoid clay litters in general.
That said, clay litter does have excellent absorbency, which helps with odor control, and many cats like the feel of it under their paws. It also clumps well for easy cleaning. And it’s cheap.
If you’re not ready to ditch clay litter altogether, we recommend opting for an unscented option that you can clean regularly to keep the litter box smelling fresh. Cats prefer a clean environment to do their business, just like we do.
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2. Walnut Litter
Walnut litter is (you guessed it!) made from crushed walnut shells and is a natural, eco-friendly option. While it doesn’t clump as effectively as clay litter, walnut litter is much safer for your cat and produces minimal dust. It’s relatively easy to clean and produces minimal dust, making it a good option for cat parents who like to keep their home tidy.
Unfortunately, some cats don’t love the texture of walnut shells on their paws, so while this option tends to be a great pick for humans, it’s not always the top choice for cats.
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3. Tofu Cat Litter
So far, we’ve discussed one option that cats typically like, and one option that humans typically like. Is there another option that works for both humans and cats? Enter, the rising star of the litter world–tofu cat litter.
We might be biased, but we really feel that tofu litter is the best litter option available, which is why we created our own version–Really Great Cat Litter.
Made from soybean byproducts, it’s biodegradable, flushable (seriously, it disintegrates in water!), and produces practically zero dust. It’s super low tracking because it’s made of larger cylindrical pellets that don’t get stuck in your cat’s paws and tracked around your house. Plus, it’s absorbent and great at controlling odors.
It clumps effectively without the safety risks associated with clay litter, making it a safe and easy-to-scoop option. Learn more with our full guide to Really Great Cat Litter.
How To Transition to Really Great Cat Litter
Even the best litter won’t be a hit with your cat if you don’t approach the transition properly. Cats are creatures of habit, so it’s important to approach the change gradually to avoid causing any alarm. Here are some easy tips you can implement to set your cat up for a smooth transition:
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before you can introduce the new litter, it’s important to lay the groundwork and start with a clean litter box. Empty the box entirely and clean it thoroughly before refilling with your current litter to the usual depth.
We recommend jotting down your transition start date so you can monitor your progress.
2. Take it Slow
Cats are smart and observant, so an overnight change in their litter will likely be noticed. For the best results, make the transition gradual. Scoop your cat’s soiled litter as you usually would, but top up with Really Great Cat Litter. Each time you remove soiled litter, top up the litter box with Really Great Cat Litter and mix it in with the old litter. With each top-up, you’ll gradually increase the ratio of old litter vs new litter.
It helps to have your cat around when you top up the litter box so they can sniff and explore. Positive reinforcement can help, too—give your cat lots of praise for showing interest!
3. If Needed, Take a Step Back
If your cat resists the new litter, don’t worry! Sometimes, they just need a little extra time. If you notice unusual behavior, like avoiding the litter box, take a step back and top up with your usual litter without mixing. Continue topping up with your usual litter for two days after your cat’s behavior returns to normal.
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4. Gradually Increase the New Litter
Continue to top up with Really Great Cat Litter, replacing your old soiled gradually. Eventually, the litter box will contain only the new litter, and your cat will be fully transitioned.
5. Post-Transition Deep Clean
After one month of your cat using the new litter, you can give yourself a pat on the back for a successful litter transition. The final step is to empty and deep clean your litter box. Once it’s squeaky clean, fill it back up only with Really Great Cat Litter. Ta-da!
6. General Tips
While steps 1-5 are the basic steps that should help most cats successfully switch litters, here are some additional tips and tricks you can try:
- Stick to One Big Change: Try to avoid other big changes in your cat’s routine during the transition, as this could make the process more stressful for them
- Regular Cleaning: Maintain a consistent cleaning routine to keep the box inviting for your cat
- Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners: Use mild, unscented cleaners for your litter box—harsh chemicals can deter your cat from using it
- Transitioning from Silica Litter: If you're switching from silica crystals, the transition process may be a bit different. Feel free to reach out to us at purr@tuftandpaw.com for silica-specific tips!
Ready to Make the Switch?
With a little patience and time, you can provide your cat with a safer, higher-quality litter that benefits everyone. Whether you have questions about the transition process, your litter box setup, or you just want to share cute cat pictures (please!), we’d love to hear from you.
Check out our full guide to the best cat litter brands or watch our YouTube video below.
