Rather than changing over the litter all at once, gradually incorporate the new litter by mixing it with the old. On the first week - go for an 80/20 ratio, and the next, try 60/40. Over time, increase the ratio until your cat is exclusively using the new litter.
It can be done but cats can be so finicky with their litter it's best to keep things the same unless absolutely necessary.
Some cats adapt to a change of litter without any problem at all, while other cats may feel uncomfortable using a type of litter that they didn't use when they were young. If you think your cat may dislike her litter type, texture or smell, try offering her different types of litter to use.
Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.
How Often Should You Change the Cat Litter? If you use a clumping litter, it's best to scoop the box daily and change it out completely at least monthly. If you have more than one cat, it may be best to change the cat litter more often, every 2-3 weeks.
Gradual is good
Begin by mixing a small amount of the new cat litter in with the current brand every day for several days. Continue this method for three to five days. If your cat is particularly adverse to change, you might want to give yourself even longer for the changeover.
If you can, you should aim to replace cat litter at least once per week. However, if you scoop the litter frequently, it is possible to stretch litter changes to once every two weeks.
Having multiple boxes prevents overcrowding into one, where your cat has to step on others' waste and may feel like there's not a spot clean enough to “go.” Not finding what she needs in her litter box, she'll choose another spot where no stepping over waste is required.
Most cats prefer an open litter box. Most cat owners prefer a covered litter box. Covered litter boxes may trap odors and make the human environment smell better but for those reasons they may not be as desirable for the cat. If boxes are not cleaned regularly, the odor may be aversive to them.
On one hand, too much litter in your cat's litter box can cause overflow and spillage problems all over your bathroom floor. On the other hand, too little litter in the box can create smelly and messy poo problems when your cat isn't able to dig enough litter to hide their solid waste.
Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist, says the distension that comes with the passing of a large stool causes the vagus nerve to fire, resulting in a drop in the heart rate and blood pressure which in turn decreases blood flow to the brain. The resulting mild lightheadedness can lead to a high and hence cat zoomies.
Your cat could be just trying to maintain her scent in the box, even though you're cleaning it. Animals usually go to the bathroom to give us a message. If it's outside the litter box, they could be stressed or in need of a clean place to go.
How often should I clean my cat's litter box? Scoop waste daily. How often you replace the litter depends on the number of cats you have, the number of litter boxes and the type of litter you use.
Mixing the two types of litter will result in greater difficulty scooping the box because the clumping properties of the clay litter are lessened from the non-clumping litter. This will cause you to empty the box more often, which will add more waste to the landfills and require you to purchase cat litter more often.
Cats can share a litter box but that should be a choice they make. Forcing them to share could result in aggressive behaviour and litter box aversion. The best thing you can do is to give each cat its own litter tray. If they decide that they want to change where they go to toilet, they have somewhere to go.
Litter trays should be placed in discreet corners or adjacent to walls so that your cat has a full 180° view of approaching danger but is protected from behind.
Covered litter pans help contain litter “scatter”, and they can also confine odors. Unfortunately, while these attributes make covered boxes a preferred choice for cat owners, they are not preferred by our feline friends. While urinating or defecating, cats are in a vulnerable position.
Multiple locations trumps number of boxes. 4. Amount of light: Contrary to belief, cats do need some light to see. Try placing a night light near their litter box and turning it on in the evenings so they feel safe and can navigate to their box easily.
After months of testing, our overall favorite is Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Litter, which clumps well, absorbs scents even better, and won't spread dust everywhere. We've found it to be especially effective in multi-cat households.
Give Each Cat Their Own Food Bowl - They Don't Want to Share! Although having cats share a bowl is often easier, saves space, and creates fewer dirty dishes, there are so many reasons cats need their own bowls! Eating separate is instinctively how cats eat most comfortably.
Each cat in your home should have its own litter box plus one extra. For a household with three cats, for example, experts suggest that you have four litter boxes. This assures that each cat has its own place to go and an extra one if all of the litter boxes are dirty or otherwise disagreeable—you know how cats are.
For the most part, all experts agree…the litter box should be scooped 1-2 times each day. “Litter boxes should be scooped at least once or twice a day, and it's even better if you can get to it as soon as your cat has finished his business,” said By Dr. Stephanie Janeczko in this featured post on Petfinder.
In most cases, the litter should be disposed of in the rubbish bin like any other waste - it isn't suitable for recycling, as toxins found in cat waste can be harmful to health.
Just 2-3 inches of litter in the box is the ideal amount for you and your cat. But don't worry, your best bud will most certainly let you know if you're using too much litter. Keep an eye on your feline if you feel they're having a hard time and be sure to to talk to your vet if you have concerns.
A good rule of thumb is to change your cat's litter every 2-4 weeks. However, you might not need to change it that frequently because it all depends on your pet and their bathroom habits. It also depends on the number of cats that use the litter box and the type of litter that you use.