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 For many cats, the slightest change in what
they’re used to can create stress. So if
you’re thinking about changing their brand
or type of litter, plan ahead and decide the
best way to do it based on your particular
cat.
Method #1. Gradual transition.
When a cat enters the litter box, she
expects to encounter the same scent (or lack
of) and texture on her paws every time. If
she steps in and is confronted with a
foreign scent or texture, it could
potentially create enough confusion for her
to feel as if another location would be a
better option for elimination.
Unfortunately, her location choice might not
be to your liking.
If you have to change brands or types of
litter, add just a little of the new kind
into the current litter at a time. Each day,
increase the amount of the new litter so
that the transition lasts about four or five
days.
If you’re switching from a traditional clay
litter to a clumping formula, keep in mind
that the new litter won’t perform as
expected during the transition.
Method #2. Multiple choice.
If you suspect that your cat doesn’t like
her current brand of litter, but you don’t
know what kind to replace it with, then
Method #2 is best. Get another litter box,
fill it with the new brand of litter, and
place that near the current box. This way,
your cat will make the decision herself
about whether she’d like to try the new
brand. This method also works quite well if
you’re switching to the soft clumping
formula.
For step-by-step help with litter box
issues, refer to the book
Think Like a
Cat.
© 2009 Cat Behavior Associates, LLC |
