Can You Mix Clumping And Non-Clumping Litter

One of the least appealing aspects of cat ownership is keeping your cat’s litter box tidy and clean. Cats are naturally very clean animals, so they do a good job of this themselves once they are litter box trained, but the type of litter you provide can also make a big difference to them.

It is not advised to mix clumping and non-clumping litter in your cat’s litter box. The composition and ingredients of the two different types of litter are not the same, and the litter will not work well together when you mix different varieties. It is better to use exclusively clumping or non-clumping litters for performance purposes. 

Aside from the litter not working very well, another con to trying to mix two different types of litter is that your cat may not like the combination of clumping and non-clumping litter combined in the same box.

If your cat doesn’t like the mixed litter, it may act out and start using the restroom in other places throughout your home. To avoid this, it’s better not to combine different types of litter and to try to keep the type of litter you use consistent for your cat throughout its lifetime.

What happens if you mix clumping and non-clumping litter? 

While there may not be a chemical reaction to mixing different types of litter, it is not recommended to do this on a long-term basis. The litters are made with different formulas, and as a result, they do not work very well when mixed together. The two different types are made from different ingredients and formulas, and neither will work well when mixed, which will lead to a smellier and dirtier litter box.

It will be much more difficult to scoop the litter or change it out when clumping and non-clumping litter are mixed. The ingredients in clumping litter are designed with a specific technology that may not work if the litter is diluted down, so you may struggle to remove the pet waste hygienically.

Can you mix clumping litter and crystal litter? 

It is not a good idea to mix clay and crystal litter brands together in your cat’s litter box. Either option is ok to use separately, but the mixture of the two varieties will not work well in the same litter box. Crystal litter works to absorb cat urine, and the clay litter will not be able to adhere to the crystal to form clumps.

You will be left with a big mess in the litter box that may put your cat off from continuing to use it. It is better to provide both litter options separately for your cat to see if they have a favorite between clumping and crystal litter.

What are the advantages to each type of litter?

Each litter type has its own pro’s and cons. Let’s get into the advantages first.

Advantages of clumping litter

Clumping litter is the most popular variety of cat litter for good reason. While it may be more costly and the bags of clumping litter are heavy, it offers what many people believe to be the most low-maintenance approach to litter.

As the name suggests, clumping litter creates lumps where your cat uses the bathroom, which helps with odor control and allows you to change the litter less frequently. It also makes the litter easier to pick up, as it’s easy to see where your cat used the bathroom within the litter box. It eliminates most of the mess, and most cats are comfortable using this variety.

Advantages of non-clumping litter 

Non-clumping litter is the original type of litter and can be composed of various materials. Non-clumping litter is considered the most natural choice of cat litter, as it is often made of ingredients like corn, grass, or wood. For someone who is worried about what chemicals they have in their home, this may feel like the most environmentally friendly option.

The biggest advantage of purchasing non-clumping litter is that it is the cheapest of all the varieties. It doesn’t clump, which may be an advantage if you prefer to refresh your cat litter more frequently.

Advantages of crystal litter

The advantage of crystal litter is that it absorbs the urine in the litter box as soon as your cat goes to the bathroom. It is also made of silicate granules, which are very light compared to other varieties of litter. This is a benefit because the litter is much easier to carry when you purchase it in bulk at the store. 

Many cat owners prefer crystal litter because it also is less likely to get stuck on your cat’s paws and fur and track all over your home. This is an advantage as it can feel more hygienic than other types of litter.

Can you mix different brands of litter? 

From a functionality perspective, mixing different brands of litter together in your cat’s litter box is ok. As long as both litters you are using are both clumping or non-clumping, you shouldn’t run into issues with the litter not working well. While functionally, it will work ok, that doesn’t mean your cat will like when you mix different brands of litter together. 

Many cats have a strong preference when it comes to litter, so it is best to pinpoint which brand works best for your cat’s lifestyle and consistently stick with it. 

Final Thoughts: 

Many cats have strong preferences on the location of their litter boxes and what type of litter goes into the box, so it’s best to keep things simple and not mix different types of litter. Cats are also very sensitive to smells, so they may not like if their litter is a mixture that smells different than usual.

Whether you are switching your cat from one brand of litter to another or you are fully switching them to a different type of litter, the key to doing so successfully is to make the transition slowly over time. Cats can be sensitive and reactive to changes in their home environment, so the only time you would want to combine types of litter is when you are switching them from one litter to another.