How to Make Cat Litter at Home

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you find yourself out of cat litter (it happens to every cat lover at some point), you can try to make it from scratch at home or while traveling. You may also find this is a budget-friendly, easy and eco-conscious alternative worth sticking with for future use.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. It is easiest and more even to do this using a paper shredder. If not, use your hands or scissors, trying to keep the strips even. Then collect the shredded paper in a large bucket or similar container. [1]
  2. The shredded paper will take on a cooked oatmeal consistency. The paper won’t become completely clean, but the water will turn grey. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Then repeat the soaking, this time without using soap.
  4. Knead it in to the mixture. [3]
    • You might want to wear gloves to avoid getting ink on your hands.
  5. Continue squeezing until it’s as dry as you can get it.
  6. Leave to dry. Drying it will take a few days. [4]
    • You could use an old window screen, a flat mesh colander or similar wire screen implement. If you have an envelope or paper making screen, that will be ideal.
  7. You have perfect litter for your cat!
    • Most cats will learn to accept this litter quickly. To encourage your cat, add the litter to a tray with low sides so the cat can enter it easily.
    • If using this litter with a kitten, consider confining it to a small room (a bathroom works well as it is easy to clean) until the kitten gets used to using the box and litter regularly.
    8. Advertisement

The Takeaway: DIY Cat Litter

Shred some old newspaper into strips and soak them in a mixture of warm water and biodegradable dish soap. Drain the water and soak the strips again using just water. Knead baking soda into the wet paper, squeeze out any leftover moisture, and let it dry before using.

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use any paper, such as bond paper?
    Community Answer
    You may use only non-waterproof paper. Bond paper might be too extreme; try using newspaper instead.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 21
  • Question
    What do I use if I don't have a box to put it in?
    Myonlinevet
    Community Answer
    You may use any container big enough to put your pet in it. If the container is closed, you can carve it into any shape you want.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12
  • Question
    How much baking soda should I add?
    Community Answer
    Just a teaspoon.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 23
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Newspapers
      • Dish soap
      • Baking soda
      • Screen

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Retrain a Cat to Use the Litter Box
      How to
      Train a Cat to Use a Litter Box
      How to
      Train Your Cat to Use the Toilet (And, Should You?)
      How to
      Find Cat Urine With a UV Light
      The Easiest Ways to Prevent Your Cat from Chewing on Wires
      How to
      Get a Litter Trained Cat to "Go" Outside
      How to
      Keep Litter from Clumping in Your Kitty's Paws
      How to
      Prevent Cats from Urinating on Carpet
      How to
      Train an Outdoor Cat to Use a Litter Box
      How to
      Keep Cats out of Rooms
      How to
      Train a Kitten to Use a Litter Box
      How to
      Stop a Cat from Urinating in the House
      How to
      Get Your Cat to Come Out from Under the Bed
      How to
      Stop a Cat from Peeing on the Floor
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://recyclenation.com/2010/07/make-recycled-kitty-litter/
      2. ↑ https://blogs.sierraclub.org/greenlife/2012/08/eco-your-pet-diy-cat-litter-poop.html
      3. ↑ https://lifehacker.com/make-your-own-kitty-litter-at-almost-no-cost-5311810
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FN4XCWCn5E
      5. ↑ https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/environment/litter
      6. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/preventing-litter-box-problems

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 158,395 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement