Start by filling your litter box up with about an inch and a half of your new litter. If you're using a self-cleaning litter box with very specific load limitations, fill your litter box 75% of the way full with the new litter. Then, top it off with about a half-inch (or the remaining 25%) of your old litter.
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.
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.
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.
Most times, kittens bond strongly during the early weeks of their lives as siblings. Some sibling pairs carry this bond into adulthood, while others do not. It is nearly impossible to predict whether a littermate pair will remain friends once they grow up.
Behavioral Causes
Some of the reasons your cat may pee outside of the litter box include: Changing to a new and unfamiliar litter. Moving their litter box to a different spot. Not cleaning out their litter box often enough.
If you have multiple cats, do not place the boxes side-by-side, right next to each other. Your litter box should have multiple exits. Cats need an escape route, they don't like to feel cornered-in. If you have multiple animals in your home, and they're approached while in the litter box, they don't have a way out.
Since not all cats will share their litter boxes with housemates, it's important to have enough boxes to take care of all your pets, she says. “In multi-cat households, you definitely don't want to put litter boxes right next to each other,” since cats will see the two as one litter box, Garber says.
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. Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on your circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week.
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.
Healthy cats will generally visit the litter box between three and five times each day, and this includes going both number one and number two. If your cat is relieving itself more than five times each day, this doesn't necessarily point to a health issue.
Cat owners and women who are exposed to cats should follow these tips to reduce exposure to Toxoplasma. Avoid changing cat litter if possible. If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
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.
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.
If multiple cats are using the same litter box, chances are one of them could get sick from the excess waste in the box if it isn't cleaned and managed well. So while having multiple litter boxes lying around your home may seem like more of a hassle to clean, it's the more sanitary option.
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.
Make Sure There are Multiple, Well-Placed Stations
Litter boxes define territory, and every box should serve its purpose as a signpost by being placed in different locations in the home. Think of it as having multiple door mats. You wouldn't stack them all at your front door.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Urinary tract infection, diabetes, and kidney disease are all common conditions in cats that can cause an inability to make it to the litter box or an aversion to using the box. If your cat urinates on your bed or anywhere else that isn't the litter box, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away.
In particular, a cat that feels unsafe or vulnerable in any way can take to peeing on your bed. Similarly, a bored or under-stimulated cat can also start peeing in inappropriate areas as a way to communicate their need for more stimulation with you.