There are a number of situations where you might want to combine two different cat litters. Or maybe, you’re trying to avoid wasting the old litter by clumping two different types of litter. Regardless, it is a good idea to combine two types of litter to avoid wasting the old ones.
You can sometimes mix and match different litters, such as mix clumping and non-clumping litter, but it is not ideal for the long term. They like to have a routine and are more likely to get confused with it. However, contrary to popular belief, mixing two different cat litters are not safe for cats. Inconsistency in the routine can lead to an increase in stress and unwanted behaviors.
What Does Your Cat Want From Their Litter?
It is not crucial for cat owners as long as their cats are happy. But how important could it really be?
For cats, it is imperative that they’re trained to behave appropriately. They can be prone to exhibit behaviors that are out of their control. This behavior can be triggered by a variety of factors that can be traced back to the household. Even though significant changes are evident for most of us, cats can also feel the effects of more minor changes. Even minor changes can result in a big impact on a cat’s behavior. For instance, a new litter can change its appearance.
A consistent routine is vital for cats, as it will keep them happy and satisfied. However, it can also cause issues once they start to act like they have a terrible habit. Sometimes, these issues can be brought about by the cats wanting to urinate and go outside the box to relieve themselves. They could also be looking for a particular bag or basket. It is essential to avoid getting bogged down by house soiling issues when it comes to keeping your cat safe.
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Why It Is Not Recommended To Mixing Cat Litter?
Due to the variety of brands available, it can be hard to determine which one is the best for your cat. Aside from the quality, different factors such as the materials used and the additives added to the product can also affect its shelf life. It is usually not the case that mixing litters will create a better combination. Instead, it will just make both work harder.
The cat may not appreciate it.
Like humans, cats are creatures of habit. They thrive on consistency. A cat’s habit is to look for the things familiar with every time they see it. Even if you find a litter combination that works, it will still require adjusting to the minor differences each time. If you do not have good reason to mix two specific litters, it is better to avoid them.
Less Works Efficiently
When you mix two different litters, the one that gives you more does not actually provide you with that much. Instead, it serves its purpose by producing a clumpy residue. If you mix corn or wheat litter with clay litter, will not absorb the clay litter and you will not be able to flush it down the toilet.
Clay litter does clump better than corn or wheat, but it takes a long time to biodegrade. Also, it leaves a bigger carbon footprint. Although hypoallergenic litter is unscented, mixing it with regular litter will not only make the cats smell bad, it will also defeat its purpose.
Crystal silica litter is an excellent product for minimizing odor and trapping moisture. It can be used for a month and does not require changing. When your cat pees in a mix of clay and crystal litter, the moisture that’s absorbed by the cat urine in a mixture of clay and crystal litter completely evaporates. However, the liquid absorbed by the clumping clay litter still forms a mess.
The cats are usually do not like much change.
Some kitties do not like the litter being placed in their litter box. They prefer to have the litter box for their own. Some cats are okay with sharing their litter boxes with other cats. However, However, when it comes to sharing the litter box, other cats tend to start relieving themselves in other areas of the house. They just follow the behaviors they like to use whenever they get a new litter.
Why Do You Need To Mix Cat Litter?
Some advice is usually given to new owners since their cats would not like to be placed in a different environment. For many people, changing the litter brand can be a slow and gradual process. It can be made to work for your cat’s health and ecological purposes. In this case, mixing the litter helps your cause. However, if you mix a cat litter, make sure that the type of litter you use is the same as the previous one. Also, avoid mixing cat litter with other cat food.
It saves more money.
You can easily switch brands from one litter to another. However, if you’re using clumping litter, go with the same brand. It is because when the parents get rid of their leftover litter, they usually use up the whole lot to avoid wasting it. If your cat is not averse to change, then mixing up as many brands as you like may be beneficial. However, be sure to monitor their reaction to change.
Going Eco-Friendly
Many pet guardians are not happy with the idea of using litter that is made up of toxic chemicals. Instead, they are looking for eco-friendly options such as corn or wheat litter. If you want to go from clay to corn, or vice versa, then you will need to mix a little bit of both.
As your cat gets older, gradually increase the percentage of silica litter they receive. It will give your cat the time it needs to get used to the changes.
You can get a benefit from two specific litter types.
Sometimes, mixing two different cat litters can be advantageous. It can work well when two different litter mixes work well together. When mixed with pine pellets, these two products can provide the ideal combination of absorbency and odor control.
Less waste
It is possible that you have a lot of unused litter from your last brand. However, if it is a small amount, it is unlikely to cause a problem. It is okay to mix it up if the amount of litter is small. This method works for most cats since the litter will still contribute to the box’s depth even though it’s not on top of the pile. You can also help animals by donating litter. Most shelters will use the litter themselves or give it to people in need.
What Can You Do To Make Changing Litter Easier For Your Cat?
If you have decided to change your cat’s litter, there are a few simple steps you can follow to make the transition easier for both you and your pet.
Gradual changes
Changing the routine or diet of a cat is very different from making changes in other animals. It is natural for cats to resist change.
Place old litter to their new litter mix
For those cats that are stubborn and would not act up after a change, you may need to place some old litter pieces on their new litter mix. The smell and the placement of the litter can reassure your cat that it is not in unfamiliar territory.
Avoid harsh punishments
If you’re planning on training your cat, make sure to avoid harsh punishments and negative reinforcement. It will help establish a strong bond between you and your cat.
You may also want to find out more: 3 Best Stick Vacuums for Cat Litter & Pet Dander
Final Thoughts
Being a cat parent can be a bit challenging. There are many responsibilities involved in becoming a responsible pet parent. Each cat has its own personality. Even if you have the same litter of cats, each one will have its own likes and dislikes.
Some types of cats are very fussy about the litter they put in their boxes. They also do not care if the litter they receive is new or old. If you have adopted a new cat, make sure to stick to the things that the old cat likes until it settles in. It is also important to avoid making any changes to the cat’s litter. There are a variety of cat litter brands out there. Each brand has its own best selling point or advantage over the others. For instance, some litter brands are known for their quality while others are known for their price.
