How often should you change cat litter?

Cats are naturally very clean animals, and if there’s one thing they appreciate, it’s a clean and tidy litter tray. While scooping their business is one of the less glamorous tasks of being a cat owner, it’s an important part of keeping them healthy and happy.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how often to change a cat litter box, including how often to scoop and change the litter, tips on litter tray hygiene, plus the best products for keeping their toilet area spotless.

Ideally, you should scoop your cat’s litter tray at least once a day, as this helps to keep smells at bay and ensures your cat always has a clean space to go to the bathroom. Some cats may prefer more frequent scooping – if their litter tray isn’t up to scratch, they might start avoiding it altogether.

If you have multiple cats or if your cat has health conditions that affect their toilet habits, it’s a good idea to scoop more frequently. ​R​emember: a clean tray equals a happier cat.

Wondering how often to change cat litter? While daily scooping is important, it’s just one part of the routine. You should change all the litter and give the tray a proper clean at least once a week. If you use non-clumping litter, you may need to change it every few days, to stay on top of odours.

How often you change cat litter depends on the type of litter; how many cats you have, and your cat’s preferences. Watch out for signs such as strong smells or your cat digging more than usual – both could indicate it’s time to freshen things up.

Cleaning your cat’s litter tray with warm water and mild, unscented soap every time you change the litter helps prevent bacteria build-up. Avoid using bleach or harsh cleaning products, as even small traces of these can irritate your cat’s sensitive nose or paws – and some are even toxic to cats.

Look out for cat-safe, unscented cleaning products designed specifically for litter trays, such as one recommended by your vet. This type of product is effective, gentle and less likely to leave behind lingering scents that your cat might dislike. Due to ingredients such as ammonia and chlorine, some cleaning products can smell like cat urine to cats!

Skipping cleans can lead to some unpleasant consequences for cat owners. A dirty litter tray can:

• Discourage your cat from using it
• Cause health issues, such as urinary infections or stress
• Contribute to bad smells in your home

Some cats will even start going outside the tray if it’s not clean enough, which can create a whole new set of challenges.

If you’re struggling with changes to your cat’s hygiene habits or behaviour, always speak to your vet. Once they have ruled out medical reasons for the change in toileting habits, then they may refer you to a qualified behaviourist, such as a member of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council.

Petplan customers with cat insurance can also access our Pet Expert Chat to ask any litter tray questions. Log into your My Petplan account to find out more.

Always check the packaging of your chosen litter to see how it should be disposed of. Most litter – especially clay or clumping types – should go in the general waste bin.

Biodegradable options, such as recycled paper or wood-based litter, can sometimes be composted, but only if it’s not soiled with faeces (and never used in compost for edible plants).

Flushing cat litter down the toilet​ isn’t recommended – even if it’s labelled as ‘flushable’ – as it can block pipes and contain harmful parasites known as ‘toxoplasmosis’.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best litter for your cat depends on their preferences and any health conditions they may have. For instance:

• Clumping litter makes scooping easier and controls odour well, while ‘ultra-clumping’ types tend to be finer and therefore softer for paws.
• Non-clumping litter usually needs changing more often but is safer for young kittens.
• Silica gel litter is low-dust and absorbs moisture effectively, although it can make a hissing sound which is understandably off-putting to cats.
• Biodegradable options, such as wood pellets, corn or paper, are more eco-friendly, but some pellets can be too hard for cat paws.

In general, cats prefer a very fine, heavy, unscented litter which is 3cm deep. This is soft for their paws and allows them to have a good dig. Cat behaviourist Nicky Trevorrow offers further insight: “While the preference for litter type often depends on what the cat used as a very young kitten, in the absence of this information, I find that most cats seem to prefer a non-scented, ultra-clumping litter.”

You may need to experiment with a few different types to find the right fit for your cat.

It’s tempting to place your cat’s litter in a spot that’s convenient for you, but you should always opt for a quiet, private spot that’s easy for them to access.

Cats need privacy and a sense of security when using the litter tray, so it's best to place it away from busy walkways or noisy appliances. Loud or high-traffic areas can make them feel anxious or vulnerable, which may cause them to avoid using their tray altogether. Similarly, keep it away from their food and water bowls.

If you live in a multi-cat household, it’s best to have one litter tray per cat — plus one extra — in different locations around your home, to stop any territorial disputes and to help your cats maintain hygiene.

When it comes to litter trays, bigger is usually better. Your cat should have plenty of room to turn around and dig. A tray that’s at least 1.5 times the length of your cat (from nose to tail) is a good rule of thumb.

As for depth, aim for sides that are high enough to contain litter scatter (roughly 15cm), but low enough for your cat to step into comfortably. For small kittens or senior cats, you might need one with a lower entrance to protect their joints.

Self-cleaning litter trays – robotic boxes that scoop waste automatically – can help to keep the tray cleaner between full changes. However, these can be pricey, and cats can be put off by the noise and movement. They are also of concern for cats with medical conditions, such as diabetes, renal disease or cystitis, who may need to make more frequent trips to the litter tray.

If you’re thinking of buying one, check the reviews and make sure it suits your cat’s temperament. Keep in mind, a self-cleaning litter tray doesn’t mean zero maintenance, and you’ll probably still need to give it a manual clean.