There is no doubt that litter can be one of the most delicate issues to deal with when owning a cat. If we are able to establish a routine, it does wonders for our relationship with our pet, but, if we can’t manage to do so, it could be disastrous for the entire family.
Litter box problems can appear for various reasons; nonetheless, no matter what the root of the issue is, one of the most effective solutions is transitioning to a new type of litter, which creates a new environment for your cat to feel more comfortable. The key for this to work is knowing how to properly make this change.
Keep on reading to find out some tips and tricks to ease litter transition for your cat,
- ¿When does my cat need to change litter?
- ¿How do I pick the right litter for my cat?
- Cleanliness and hygiene
- ¿How can I transition gradually?
- Follow up and control
¿When does my cat need to change litter?
Cats are known for their personal hygiene habits, being some of the cleanest domestic animals. They require an adequate space for their litter, and, if they feel slightly uncomfortable, they will reject their box.
If you have noticed that your cat is moody or stressed out or that it is not properly using its litter box, there is definitely a hygiene problem.
It is time to take action and improve its personal hygiene habits with a change of litter.
¿How do I pick the right litter for my cat?
Now that you have identified the need for a change, you may be wondering how to pick the right litter. There are so many options that it is normal to feel a little bit overwhelmed by this decision.
Every cat is unique, so no type of litter is better than the other, we simply have to find the one that best suits our pet. For example, if your cat has delicate paws, it will need a softer litter such as the Sepicat Lightweight Extreme.
Your needs are also important, so you should also take into consideration cleaning requirements and odor retention when picking your cat’s new litter.
We recommend you visit our Sepicat litter selector, where you can find out which litter type is the best for your home.
Cleanliness and hygiene
As per mentioned, cats highly value hygiene. It is important that before, during and after the transition we maintain litter cleaning habits, specially while we are doing the change.
Constantly cleaning the litter box as we are making the change will make your cat relate this transition to something positive and favorable, and in return will accept the new product easier.
Remember that the scooping of droppings and clumps should be done at least once a day, and that the type of litter you end up choosing will dictate how often you should replace it. We recommend that when emptying the litter box you wash it with water and soap.
¿How can I transition gradually?
Cats are extremely sensitive and love their routines, so, naturally, any sudden alteration can create stress. For this or any other change in your cat’s routine you should always make sure that you are introducing it gradually.
Don’t wait until your old litter runs out, it is best if you save some of it to make the transition. Add small amounts of the new litter mixed with the old one to your cat’s box, and as the days pass, increase the amount of new litter until you reach full transition.
Another way to do it is to put a completely new box with the new litter next to the old one so that your cat gets used to it. When you feel that your pet is ready, remove the old box and you will see how it becomes easier to embrace the change.
Follow up and control
Lastly, you will need to monitor your cat’s reaction. Learning how to communicate with our pet will allow us to notice if the transition actually brought a benefit to its life.
If you notice that the discomfort remains, wait a few days or reach out to your veterinarian.
We hope that these tips are useful and help your cat fall in love with it’s new litter and don’t forget to tell us in the comments all about your experience with litter transition.