How to Successfully Switch Your Cat's Litter

Cats are creatures of habit, and changes to their environment can sometimes be met with resistance. If you’ve decided to switch to a better cat litter—whether for health reasons, better performance, or cost—making the transition thoughtfully can mean the difference between success and your cat protesting by going outside the box. Here’s your complete guide to switching cat litter smoothly.

Why Cats Resist Change

Before diving into the how-to, understanding why cats can be particular about litter helps us approach the transition more effectively.

Sensory Sensitivity

Cats experience the litter box with all their senses:

Smell: With 200 million scent receptors, cats notice subtle odor differences
Texture: Paw pads are sensitive to grain size and feel
Sound: Different litters make different sounds when disturbed
Sight: Even color changes can be noticed

A new litter that seems identical to us might seem completely different to your cat.

Territory and Security

The litter box is part of your cat’s territory. Cats deposit pheromones while using and scratching around the box. When you introduce new litter:

Familiar scent markers are diluted
The box may smell “foreign”
Your cat’s sense of territorial security is disrupted

Past Experiences

Cats who have had negative litter box experiences—even once—may be more resistant to any changes. These cats benefit most from very gradual transitions.

The Gradual Transition Method

For most cats, a gradual transition over 7-10 days works best. This allows your cat to adjust slowly while maintaining some familiarity.

Week 1: Days 1-3

Start with a 75/25 mix

Fill the box with 75% old litter
Add 25% new litter
Mix thoroughly so the litters are evenly distributed

What to watch for:

Normal use of the litter box
Regular digging and covering behavior
No avoidance or hesitation
No accidents outside the box

If your cat uses the box normally for 2-3 days, proceed to the next step.

Week 1: Days 4-5

Move to 50/50

Equal parts old and new litter
Continue mixing well

Monitoring:

Still using the box confidently?
Any changes in frequency?
Normal elimination behavior?

Week 2: Days 6-7

Increase to 75% new litter

75% new litter, 25% old
Almost there!

Check for:

Continued normal behavior
No signs of stress or avoidance
Consistent use patterns

Week 2: Days 8-10

Complete the transition

100% new litter
Observe for a few more days to ensure full acceptance

Signs Your Cat Is Adjusting Well

Throughout the transition, positive signs include:

Confident entry: Walking directly into the box without hesitation
Normal digging: Scratching and digging as usual before eliminating
Proper positioning: Squatting normally in the box
Covering behavior: Attempting to cover waste (some cats never do this regardless of litter)
Relaxed body language: No tense posture or quick exits

Signs of Trouble

Watch for these warning signs that the transition might be moving too fast:

Avoidance Behaviors

Standing at the edge of the box
Entering but leaving without using it
Sniffing excessively and walking away
Meowing or vocalizing near the box

Accidents

Eliminating right next to the box
Going in other inappropriate locations
Targeting specific areas (may indicate stress marking)

Changes in Habits

Going less frequently
Rushing through the process
Not covering waste when they normally do
Spending excessive time in the box

If you notice any of these signs, slow down the transition. Go back to the previous ratio for a few more days before trying again.

Quick Transition: When It Works

Some cats are remarkably adaptable and don’t need a gradual transition. You might be able to switch directly if:

Similar Litters

If you’re switching between very similar products (same type, similar texture), a quick switch might work. For example:

Clay to clay of similar grain size
Same brand, different variety
Very similar unscented formulas

Adaptable Cats

Some cats are naturally more flexible:

Young, confident cats
Cats who have moved homes without issues
Cats from shelters who adapted to various litters
Generally laid-back personalities

Testing the Waters

If you think your cat might accept a quick switch:

Have the old litter available as backup
Make the switch
Watch closely for 24-48 hours
Be prepared to revert if needed

The Two-Box Method

For particularly picky cats, consider offering two boxes during transition:

Setup

Box 1: Old litter (100%)
Box 2: New litter (100%)

Observation

Place the boxes near each other and watch which your cat prefers. Over time, you may see:

Initial preference for the familiar litter
Gradual exploration of the new option
Eventually using both equally
Possibly preferring the new litter

Benefits

This method:

Gives your cat complete control
Removes pressure to accept change
Provides valuable feedback about preferences
Eliminates risk of accidents due to rejection

The Drawback

It uses more litter and requires maintaining two boxes, at least temporarily.

Tips for Success

Timing Matters

Don’t switch litter during other stressful times:

After a move to a new home
When introducing new pets
During household disruptions
After a veterinary procedure
When there are changes in family members

Keep Everything Else Constant

During the transition:

Keep boxes in the same location
Maintain your regular scooping schedule
Don’t change food simultaneously
Keep household routines stable

Maintain Cleanliness

A clean box is always more inviting:

Scoop more frequently during transition
Keep litter at proper depth
Ensure the box is fresh and clean

Stay Calm

Cats pick up on our stress. If you’re anxious about the transition, your cat may sense it. Approach the process calmly and positively.

Switching for Health Reasons

Sometimes switching litter isn’t optional—it’s medically necessary:

Respiratory Issues

If your cat or family member develops respiratory problems related to dusty litter, switching to a dust-free formula becomes urgent. In these cases:

Prioritize the switch but still try for gradual transition
A slightly faster 5-day transition might be necessary
Monitor breathing improvements as you transition

Allergies

For cats with allergies to specific litter components:

Work with your vet to identify safe alternatives
Transition as your vet recommends
Watch for improvement in symptoms

Post-Surgery

After certain surgeries, vets may recommend specific litter types. Follow their guidance on timing and approach.

When to Seek Help

Consult your veterinarian if:

Your cat completely refuses the new litter despite slow transition
Accidents continue after the transition period
You notice changes in urination or defecation patterns
Your cat seems distressed or in pain

Some cats have strong preferences that are difficult to overcome, and there may be underlying issues worth exploring.

The Result Is Worth It

While transitioning litter requires patience, the benefits of switching to a superior product are worth the effort. Better odor control, less dust, improved clumping, and a healthier environment for your cat all contribute to a happier household.

Most cats, given time and a thoughtful approach, adapt successfully to new litter. And many pet parents report that their cats actually prefer the new litter once they’ve had time to experience the difference quality makes.

Ready to make the switch? PurWuf’s premium formula is designed for easy transition with its comfortable texture and superior performance. Most cats take to it quickly!