Switching to green kitty litter? Read this first.
So you’ve decided to switch your cat to green kitty litter. That’s great! Certain litters can take a huge toll on the environment through the mining operations required to create them. Meanwhile, ecofriendly varieties are often made from recycled and biodegradable materials.
But how does your cat feel about the switch?
Cats are notoriously picky, and this applies just as much to their litter as any other aspect of their lives. They prefer their litter to have a certain smell, texture and even a certain feel between their toes. A cat given unfamiliar litter may become unhappy or anxious and refuse to use the litter box altogether, eliminating elsewhere in the house instead.
This doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your ecofriendly plans—it just means that you need to slowly ease your cat into the litter change so they have plenty of time to adjust.
You can do this by gradually introducing the new litter over the course of a few days, slowly mixing more and more of it with the old litter. For particularly fussy felines, it may also help to add the new litter on the bottom of the pan and put the old litter on the top, so your cat can discover their new and interesting find as they dig.
Most cats will come to accept their new litter with enough time, making the switch without a hitch. However, a few of the more particular cats may reject the change no matter how slowly you go.
Pay close attention to your cat and respect their preferences. Stress (and yes, not having a litter they like is stressful!) can lead to other health problems, such as lower urinary tract disease. If your cat is just not adjusting, return to the old litter for a while to give your cat a break and then in the future, try again with a different ecofriendly brand your cat might accept better.
Remember, you can always reach out to your veterinarian for advice and support.
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