How do I change my cats litter?

How to Change Cat Litter: A Step-by-Step Guide

A clean litter tray is essential for maintaining your cat’s health, reducing odour, and preventing litter tray avoidance. Cats are highly sensitive to cleanliness and routine, so consistent maintenance directly impacts their wellbeing and behaviour.

This guide explains how to change cat litter properly, how often to do it, and how to safely transition between different litter types.

Quick Summary: Cat Litter Cleaning Routine

Scoop waste: Daily (or twice daily in multi-cat homes)
Fully replace litter: Every 1-2 weeks (depending on litter type, household size, and odour levels)
Wash tray: Every full litter change
Ideal depth: 5-7 cm of litter

A consistent routine helps prevent odour, bacterial build-up, and litter tray avoidance.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Cat Litter

Step 1: Prepare Your Supplies

Before starting, gather:

A litter scoop
A rubbish bag
Fresh litter
Mild dish soap or pet-safe cleaner, and a cloth

Having everything ready ensures a quick, stress-free process.

Step 2: Remove Old Litter

Empty the entire tray into a sealed rubbish bag.

Do not flush cat litter down the toilet, as it can cause severe plumbing blockages.

If using a biodegradable litter, this can be used in your garden as compost. Always check your councils’ local guidelines first.

Step 3: Clean The Litter Tray

Wash the tray with warm water and mild, unscented dish soap or a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner.

Avoid the overuse of bleach or harsh chemicals. Cat urine contains ammonia, and mixing ammonia with bleach can create toxic fumes harmful to both humans and pets. A light bleach solution can be used for disinfection, but ensure it's thoroughly rinsed.

A properly cleaned tray removes odour residue and reduces the risk of repeated soiling.

Step 4: Dry The Tray Completely

Dry the tray thoroughly before refilling.

Even small amounts of moisture can:

Reduce litter effectiveness
Cause premature absorption
Increase odour retention

Step 5: Add Fresh Cat Litter

Fill the tray to a depth of approximately 5-7cm (or 2-3in).

This depth supports natural digging behaviour while reducing excessive litter scatter outside the tray.

Step 6: Return to a Consistent Location

Place the tray back in its usual position.

Cats rely heavily on environmental consistency. Frequent location changes can lead to confusion or avoidance.

How to Switch to a New Cat Litter

Cats are routine-driven animals. Sudden changes in litter type can result in refusal to use the tray, even if the new litter is higher quality. Your fluffy feline friend will simply see this as a change in routine and environment and refuse to use the litter tray – you could say they are creatures of habit!

A gradual cat litter transition is strongly recommended:

Days 1-3 (75% old litter, 25% new litter): start with mixing a small amount of the new litter with the current litter. This helps your cat get accustomed to the texture and smell of the new litter.
Days 4-7 (50% old, 50% new litter): gradually increase the proportion of the new litter. Monitor your cat's reaction to ensure they are comfortable with the change.
Days 8-10 (25% old, 75% new litter): maintain regular cleaning during this period. A clean litter tray, regardless of the type, is more inviting to cats.
After day 10 (100% new litter): fully transitioned

Some cats might take longer to adjust. Slow down the transition process and hold the current ratio longer if you notice any hesitation or litter tray avoidance.

Every cat is different. Some may adapt quickly, while others need more time. Patience and understanding are essential during this transition phase.

Remember, the goal is to make the switch without causing stress to your cat. This gradual approach helps maintain their routine and comfort, ensuring a happy cat and a clean home.

Expert Tips for Litter Tray Maintenance

Litter tray maintenance can make a tremendous difference to your cat. So Breeder’s Choice has teamed up with veterinarian Dr Claire Jenkins to share five simple tips for keeping your cat’s litter tray clean, comfortable and odour-free this season.

Scoop daily
Removing solid waste every day is the easiest way to stay ahead of smells and keep your cat happy.
Refresh weekly
Empty the tray and replace the litter once a week, giving the box a quick wash with mild soap and warm water before refilling.
Skip the harsh chemicals
Avoid bleach or strong disinfectants, which can put cats off using their litter box. Stick to gentle, unscented cleaners.
Choose the right litter
Not all litters are created equal. Natural, dust-free options like Breeder’s Choice, made from recycled paper, are gentle on paws, absorb odours effectively and create less mess around the home.
Watch the weather
Warmer temperatures and humidity can intensify odours and moisture. Switching more frequently in spring will keep things fresher for longer.

“Cats are fastidious creatures, and a clean litter tray is essential for their wellbeing,” says Dr Claire. “By following these simple steps, you’ll create a healthier environment for your cat and a fresher home for the whole family.”

Breeder’s Choice litter is proudly made in Australia from 99 per cent recycled paper, offering a sustainable, dust-free choice that both cats and their owners love.

Choose The Right Litter

Effective litter should be:

Low dust to support respiratory health
Unscented or lightly scented to avoid sensory stress
Highly absorbent for better odour control
Safe and non-toxic for daily use

Paper-based litter is often recommended for kittens, senior cats, and sensitive cats due to their softness, low dust levels, and safety if accidentally ingested.

Maintain Daily Cleaning & Scooping

Consistency is key.

Scoop at least once daily
Remove waste immediately, or as soon as possible
Keep the tray visually clean at all times to keep the tray appealing to your kitty

Cats are naturally clean animals and may avoid trays that are not regularly maintained.

Use An Appropriate Tray Location

For best results:

One tray per cat, plus one extra
Place in quiet, low-traffic areas
Keep away from food and water bowls
Ensure constant, easy access

In multi-cat households or multi-level homes, multiple trays significantly reduce stress and territorial issues.

Wash The Tray Fortnightly

Besides scooping, the litter tray should be thoroughly washed and dried during the litter change process. This helps maintain hygiene and prevent the buildup of bacteria and odours.

Using liners can simplify the cleaning process. They help quickly dispose of used litter and keep the tray cleaner. However, some cats may not like liners, so observing your cat's preferences is crucial.

Replace The Tray When Necessary

Over time, plastic trays develop microscopic scratches that trap odours and bacteria.

If persistent smells remain despite cleaning, replacing the tray is recommended.

It’s recommended to have a cat litter tray that has shallow sides for a kitten to access, as your kitten grows you can replace this with a bigger tray for an adult cat to enjoy more comfortably.

Common Litter Tray Mistakes to Avoid:

Flushing cat litter down toilets
Using bleach or strong chemical cleaners
Transitioning between litter types too quickly
Infrequent scooping or inconsistent cleaning
Placing trays in loud or high-traffic areas
Using strongly scented litter that may deter use

Why Is My Cat Not Using the Litter Tray?

If your cat suddenly stops using the tray, it usually indicates an environmental or health issue. The below are some of the top reasons that your cat may suddenly stop using their litter tray – even if they’ve had no issues with using the tray in the past.

1. Cleanliness Issues

The most common cause is a dirty or saturated tray so the first step to take is fully clean the tray and replace the litter, especially with cat litter they are familiar with (which is important if you are transitioning between litter types).

2. Location Problems

Ensure the tray is in a quiet, stable, and easily accessible area. If you have shuffled around your home environment (even just a little bit) this could cause some confusion or anxiety with using their tray.

3. Litter Type Sensitivity

Cats may reject:

Sudden texture changes
Strong scents
New litter types introduced too quickly

Patience is your best ally here, as finding the right litter is a key step in ensuring your feline friend's bliss and well-being.

4. Health Concerns

If the behaviour persists, consult a veterinarian to rule out urinary or gastrointestinal issues and discuss behavioural issues with an expert.

Final Thoughts

Changing cat litter correctly is simple, but consistency is what ensures long-term success.

A stable routine, the right litter choice, and a calm environment work together to support:

Better hygiene
Reduced odour
Improved litter tray habits
Lower household stress

By understanding your cat’s preferences and maintaining a predictable routine, you create a cleaner home and a more comfortable environment for your cat to thrive.