January 6, 2026 Back Home

How to Transition Your Cat to World’s Best (Natural) Litter

New Litter, No Stress

I remember how challenging it was managing three cats and four litter boxes with clay litter. The boxes would get absolutely gross, and the dust and tracking made maintaining them a constant battle.

Having worked at the SPCA of Tampa Bay for years, where we had to use whatever donated litter we could get or the cheapest options available, I knew firsthand how much of a pain cleaning cat kennels and boxes could be with poor-quality litter.

When natural litters started gaining popularity, I was particularly drawn to World’s Best Cat Litter® because of its simple, corn-based approach. It was exciting to discover a clean, natural option that not only performed great but also supports cat shelters through their GiveLitter® program. The transition was surprisingly smooth, and looking back over a decade later, it was one of the best decisions I made for both my cats’ health and my sanity.

As someone who has coached countless new cat adopters on helping their newly adopted cats adjust to litter in their new homes, I understand the concerns about switching litter types. Whether you’re switching your current cat to a healthier litter option or helping a newly adopted cat adjust to your preferred litter at home, the same gradual principles apply. Cats can be notoriously picky about changes to their routine, especially when it comes to their bathroom habits.

Before we explore these transition methods, here’s an important note: while most litter switches go smoothly, sudden changes in your cat’s bathroom routine — especially if accompanied by straining, crying, or avoiding the box entirely — warrant a call to your veterinarian.

Trust your instincts: you know your cat’s normal behavior better than anyone, and when something feels off, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Keep in mind, our aim with the transition is to provide the best litter box experience possible, for you and your cat!

Why Natural cat litter? Benefits of Switching

After using World’s Best Cat Litter® for over ten years, I can personally attest to these key benefits:

Low Dust = Healthier Breathing: Clay litters can create clouds of dust every time you pour or scoop. World’s Best Cat Litter’s natural corn formula is virtually dust-free, meaning less mess and fewer respiratory irritants for both you and your cat. This dust-free advantage is particularly beneficial for cats with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities.

Sustainability Matters: Traditional clay litter comes from strip-mining operations and isn’t biodegradable. World’s Best Cat Litter® is made from renewable whole-kernel corn, creating a product that can be composted (for non-food plants) or even flushed in small amounts.*

*Designed to flush in well-maintained systems. Flush only 1-2 clumps of World’s Best Cat Litter® at a time in the toilet. The state of California encourages the disposal of cat feces in trash and discourages flushing feces in toilets or disposing of them in drains.

Odor Control Without Chemicals: Instead of masking odors with artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive cats, the natural corn fibers actually trap and neutralize odors at the source. I was amazed at how much fresher my litter boxes stayed between cleanings.

Step-by-Step: How to Transition Your Cat

This gradual approach has worked for countless cat parents, and it’s the method I used successfully with my three cats.

Start with a Mix

For the first week, create a blend that’s familiar but introduces the new texture gradually:

Fill your litter box with approximately 75% of your current clay litter
Add 25% World’s Best Cat Litter® and mix thoroughly
Each day, gradually increase the ratio of World’s Best Cat Litter®
By day 7, you should be at about 50/50, then continue shifting the ratio over the second week

This gradual mixing allows your cat to slowly adjust to the different feel and smell of the corn-based litter. Most cats don’t even notice the change when it’s this gradual.

Provide a Second Box

If you have space, setting up a second litter box filled with 100% World’s Best Cat Litter® can make the transition smoother. This approach gives your cat choice and control over the transition while providing a backup option if your cat initially rejects the mixed litter.

Watch for Reactions

During the transition, pay attention to your cat’s behavior around the litter box. Normal adjustment behaviors include sniffing the litter more than usual, tentative pawing, and spending more time investigating before using the box. However, if you notice consistent avoidance, accidents outside the box, or signs of distress, slow down the transition process.

Special Considerations for Newly Adopted Cats

If you’re helping a newly adopted cat transition to World’s Best Cat Litter®:

Find out what they’re used to: Contact the shelter, rescue, or foster home to learn what type of litter your new cat has been using. Some shelters may already be using World’s Best Cat Litter® through the Give Litter program.

Let them settle first: Wait at least a week or two for your cat to feel comfortable in their new environment before beginning any litter transition.

Go extra slowly: Because adopted cats are managing multiple changes simultaneously, extend the transition timeline. Consider spending two weeks at each ratio stage rather than one week.

Troubleshooting: What If My Cat Resists?

Litter Rejection Signs

Watch for these behaviors that might indicate your cat isn’t ready for the current mix ratio:

Consistently going just outside the litter box
Perching on the edge of the box without using it
Frantic or excessive covering attempts
Complete avoidance of the litter box area

If you see these signs, slow down the transition process.

Reduce Stress & Scents

Cats have incredibly sensitive noses, and sudden changes can be overwhelming. During the transition period, avoid using strong cleaners or air fresheners near the litter box and keep the litter box area calm and quiet.

Consult the Vet if Needed

If your cat completely stops using the litter box or the transition isn’t successful after 2-3 weeks, consult your veterinarian. A sudden litter box aversion could indicate stress-related behavioral issues, medical problems like urinary tract infections, or other health concerns.

Natural Litter Success – What to Expect

Once you’ve successfully transitioned to World’s Best Cat Litter®:

Different Texture & Tracking: World’s Best Cat Litter’s corn granules feel softer and lighter than traditional clay litter. Most cats adapt quickly and many seem to prefer the softer feel. Also, World’s Best Cat Litter actually tracks less than most clay litters.

Odor Control and Maintenance: The clumps look different from clay clumps — they’re often lighter in color and may seem softer at first. This is completely normal and doesn’t affect performance. You’ll likely notice less overall odor between cleanings and clumps that scoop cleanly without crumbling.

Long-Lasting Performance: The natural corn formula forms tight, scoopable clumps that remove completely. Based on one average-sized cat, a single bag can last up to 30 days with regular scooping (results may vary). For households with multiple cats, consider World’s Best Cat Litter’s Multiple Cat Unscented formula.

Final Tips & Encouragement

Making the switch to World’s Best Cat Litter® is an investment in your cat’s health and happiness, a cleaner home for your family, and a more sustainable choice for the planet. The gradual transition approach I’ve outlined here has worked successfully for countless cat parents, and with patience, it will work for you too.

Remember that every cat is an individual—some adjust within days, while others need a few weeks. The key is respecting your cat’s timeline while staying consistent with the gradual mixing process.

Ready to switch to natural litter? World’s Best Cat Litter® offers a money-back guarantee, so you can experience the corn-based formula difference with confidence.

Have you successfully transitioned your cat to natural litter? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! And don’t forget to explore more cat care tips on our Clearing the Air blog.