As a dedicated cat parent, I’m always looking for ways to make my animal friends happy and clean our home. No one wants guests to immediately know they have a cat when they enter their home, especially if the cat is nowhere to be seen. One of the challenges I have faced over the years is finding the perfect cat litter. Each type of litter I’ve tried has its merits, but none of them are perfect on their own. That’s when I got the idea of ”trash mixing.”
What is Litter Mixology?
Litter mixology is the art of combining 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 odor control, easier to clean, and more comfortable for your cat. Eventually the litter box becomes a very pleasant place to clean.
Why Combine Litters?
Each type of cat litter has its own unique benefits. Some chew well but are heavy, others are light but don’t control odors as effectively – or stick to my cat’s paws. By mixing different litters, you can create a combination that offers the best of all worlds. Here is my go-to mix:
- Base Litter: Using Clean Unscented Cats as a base, I fill the box about 50% full of this litter. It provides a strong, compact base that is fragrance-free and reliable.
- Light Scent and Weight: 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 store. Sometimes, I replace this with Arm & Hammer’s Clump and Seal for its sweet scent and small, sand-like granules.
- Next Level Odor Control: Finally, I top it off with about 10% fine Skoon litter made of natural, diatomaceous earth. This litter is very good at trapping odors, ensuring that the box stays fresh for a long time.
How to Create the Perfect Litter Blend
- Choose a Base Litter: Start with a high-quality, cohesive litter that forms the basis of your mix. This should make up about 50% of your total mix. Make sure it’s a product your cats approve of.
- Add a second dump: Choose a lightweight or scented litter to add another layer of benefits. This should make up about 40% of the mixture.
- Top with Specialty Litter: Finally, add a special litter that does well in a specific area, such as odor control. This 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 compound with your cat’s litter and gradually increase the amount over the course of a week. Watch your cat’s behavior and adjust the mix if needed. I changed one box over the mix completely and my cats had no problem. But just to be safe, I kept their regular trash box the same in case one of them decides that my research isn’t working for them. Thankfully, they seem to appreciate the change.
Keeping Your Garbage Mix
Maintaining a mixed litter box is just like any other litter box. Brush daily to remove clumps and debris, and completely change the litter every few weeks. Clean the litter box regularly to ensure it stays fresh and inviting for your cat. When I refill the box, I simply use the same measurements to keep the mixture roughly the same.
Product Recommendations
Here are some litters I recommend for your mixology research. You can find them through the links below:
Finally, I switched to stainless steel litter boxes a few years ago and I love them. I found them to be very easy to clean, last a long time and won’t hold any odors. If you are going to try trash mixology, I would highly suggest investing in a stainless steel box. I don’t know why they weren’t invented sooner!
Finally, by experimenting with different combinations of waste, you too can become a mixologist! Your creation will be the perfect combination for you and your cat’s needs and is a great weekend DIY project! Happy mixing!