Quick answer
- Scoop: at least once a day, and twice a day with more than one cat.
- Top up: add fresh litter every few days to keep the depth.
- Full change: every 2β4 weeks for clumping litter, or about once a week for non-clumping litter.
- Wash the box: at every full change, with soap and hot water.
A clean litter box keeps odor down and keeps your cat happy to use it. But "changing the litter" can mean two different jobs: scooping out waste, and emptying the whole box. This guide covers how often to do each, how the schedule changes with litter type and number of cats, and the signs it's time to change the litter sooner.
In this guide
- Scooping vs changing litter
- How often to scoop
- How often to change litter, by type
- How to do a full litter change
- Multi-cat homes
- Signs to change it sooner
- Making the daily scoop faster
- FAQs
What's the difference between scooping and changing cat litter?
Scooping means removing clumps and solid waste and leaving the clean litter in place. A full change means emptying the box, washing it and refilling it with fresh litter.
Scooping is the daily job. A full change is the deeper clean that clears out the odor that builds up in old litter over time.
How often should you scoop the litter box?
At least once a day. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) advises removing waste at least once a day and adding litter as needed. With more than one cat, scooping twice a day keeps each box cleaner.
Daily scooping matters for two reasons. Waste left in the box is the main source of litter box smell, and many cats will avoid a dirty box. The CDC also recommends cleaning the litter box every day, because the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis isn't infectious until 1β5 days after it's passed.
How often should you change cat litter completely?
It depends mainly on the type of litter. Clumping litter traps urine in clumps you can scoop out, so the rest stays fresh for longer. Non-clumping litter soaks up urine, so it gets saturated faster and needs replacing more often.
| Litter type | Scoop | Full change (1 cat) |
|---|---|---|
| Clumping clay | Daily | Every 2β4 weeks |
| Non-clumping clay | Daily (solids) | About once a week |
| Silica crystal | Daily (solids) | About every 3β4 weeks |
| Pine, wood or paper pellets | Daily (solids) | About every 5β7 days |
These are general guides for one cat. Follow the instructions on your litter bag, and change it sooner if the box still smells right after scooping.
Using CatSheets? They work with most litter types with pieces under 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). Large pellets and extra-large crystals won't sift through the holes.
How to do a full litter change
Do a full change on the schedule above, and wash the box every time. AAFP guidance is to wash the litter box every 1β4 weeks with soap and hot water only, and to avoid strong chemicals and ammonia-based cleaners. Strong smells can put cats off using the box.
- Empty it. Tip all the old litter into a bag and tie it closed.
- Wash it. Scrub the box with hot water and a mild, unscented soap.
- Dry it. Rinse well and let the box dry completely.
- Refill it. Add fresh litter, deep enough for your cat to dig and cover.
How often should you change litter with multiple cats?
Plan for one litter box per cat, plus one extra, in different spots around your home. This is the AAFP's rule of thumb. Scoop each box at least once a day, and twice if you can.
More cats means the litter saturates faster, so plan on more frequent full changes. With clumping litter, that's often every 1β2 weeks.
Signs it's time to change the litter sooner
- The box still smells right after you scoop.
- Clumps break apart or stick to the bottom.
- The litter looks wet, dusty or discolored.
- Your cat hesitates, scratches around the box, or goes outside it.
If your cat suddenly stops using the box and a clean box doesn't help, check with your vet. Avoiding the litter box can be a sign of a health problem.
How to make the daily scoop faster
The daily scoop is the job most people put off. CatSheets sifting litter box liners are a 13-piece system that sits in your litter box: 12 sifting sheets on top of one solid base liner.
To clean, lift the top sheet. Clean litter falls back through the holes, and the waste stays on the sheet, ready to toss. With clumping litter in a standard-size box, it takes about five seconds.
CatSheets fit litter boxes up to 21.75 x 16.75 x 6.5 inches. Keep at least 3 inches of litter in the box so the sheet can sift properly. Shipping is free in the US.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to change cat litter once a week?
Yes. For non-clumping litter, once a week is about right. For clumping litter, a weekly full change is more than most homes need. If you scoop every day, every 2β4 weeks is usually enough.
Can you just keep adding fresh litter on top?
Topping up between changes is fine and keeps the depth right. But it doesn't replace a full change. The old litter underneath still holds moisture and odor, so empty and wash the box on schedule.
How long can you leave cat litter without scooping?
Aim for no more than a day. Waste left longer builds odor quickly, and some cats will start avoiding the box.
How often should you replace the litter box itself?
A common guideline is every 6β12 months for a plastic box, or sooner if it's badly scratched. Scratches trap odor that washing can't remove.
How deep should cat litter be?
Deep enough for your cat to dig and cover its waste. If you use CatSheets, keep at least 3 inches of litter in the box.
Is it safe to change cat litter when pregnant?
The CDC advises that, if possible, someone else changes the cat litter. If no one else can, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
Related: Sifting Litter Box Liners: How They Work and How to Use Them Β· Why Your Litter Box Still Smells (And How to Actually Fix It)
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