As a dedicated cat parent, I’m always looking for ways to make my feline friends happier and our home cleaner. Nobody wants visitors to find out they have a cat as soon as they walk into their home, especially if the cat is nowhere to be found. One of the challenges I’ve faced over the years has been finding the perfect cat litter. Every type of litter I’ve tried has its merits, but none of them are perfect on their own. That’s when I came up with the idea of ”litter mixology.”
What is Litter Mixology?
Litter mixology is the art of mixing different types of cat litter to create the perfect mix that meets all of your cat’s needs. By combining different litters, you can take advantage of their individual strengths and create a litter box that is more effective at controlling odors, easier to clean, and more comfortable for your cat. . Ultimately the litter box becomes a more pleasant place for you to clean.
Why Mix Litters?
Each type of cat litter has unique benefits. Some clump well but are heavy, others are light but have less odor control – or they stick to my cat’s paws. By mixing different wastes, you can create a blend that offers the best of all worlds. Here’s my go-to mix:
- Base Litter: I use Tidy Cats Unscented as a foundation, filling the box about 50% full of this litter. It provides a solid, clumping base that is odorless and reliable.
- Light Fragrance and Weight Loss: Next, I added about 40% Tidy Cats Lightweight litter. This helps reduce the overall weight of the litter box, making it easier to clean and maintain. Sometimes, I replace it with Arm & Hammer’s Clump and Seal for its pleasant smell and small, sand-like grains.
- Next Level Odor Control: Finally, I top it with about 10% Skoon fine grain litter made from natural, diatomaceous earth. These litters are great for stopping odors, ensuring the box stays fresher for longer.
How to Create Your Perfect Litter Blend
- Choose Your Base Litter: Start with a quality, clumping litter that forms the foundation of your mix. It should make up about 50% of your total mixture. Make sure it’s a brand your cats approve of, too.
- Add Secondary Litter: Choose a light or scented litter to add another layer of benefits. It should make up about 40% of the mixture.
- Top with Specialty Litter: Finally, add a specialty litter that does well in a specific area, such as odor control. It should make up about 10% of the mixture.
Switching to Litter Mix
Introducing a new litter mix to your cat should be done gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new mixture into your cat’s current litter and slowly increase the ratio over the course of a week. Watch your cat’s behavior and adjust the mixture if necessary. I moved one box across and my cats had no issues. But just to be safe, I keep their standard litter box in case any of them decide that this experiment of mine isn’t working for them. Fortunately, they seem to appreciate the change.
Maintaining Your Litter Mix
Maintaining a mixed litter box is the same as any other litter box. Scoop daily to remove clumps and dirt, and completely replace the litter every few weeks. Clean the litter box regularly to ensure it stays fresh and attractive for your cat. When I refill the box, I just use the same ratios to keep the mix the same.
Product Recommendations
Here are some of the litters I recommend for your mixology experiments. You can find them through the links below:
I finally switched to stainless steel litter boxes a few years ago and love them. I found them to be very easy to clean, very durable and they won’t hold any odors. If you are going to try litter mixology, I suggest investing in a stainless steel litter box. I don’t know why they weren’t invented sooner!
Finally, by experimenting with different litter combinations, you too can become a litter mixologist! Your creations will be the perfect blend for you and your cat’s needs and are a great weekend DIY project! Happy mixing!
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