Indre K Williams 
Your furry friend can dictate how much cat litter per month you are going to need based on her usage of the litter box.
The amount of cat litter you need depends on several factors, including the type of litter you use, number of cats, and how often your cat will use the litter box.
| Type of Litter | Price per Bag | Weight of Bag | Price per Pound | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clumping Clay | $14.99 | 40 lbs | $0.37 | $11.10 |
| Non-Clumping Clay | $10.99 | 50 lbs | $0.22 | $6.60 |
| Silica Gel Crystals | $24.99 | 8 lbs | $3.12 | $93.60 |
| Biodegradable | $24.99 | 24 lbs | $1.04 | $31.20 |
| Paper | $20.98 | 25 lbs | $0.84 | $25.20 |
| Pine | $20.42 | 40 lbs | $0.51 | $15.30 |
Factors Influencing Cat Litter Usage
- Number of Cats: The more cats you have, the more litter you are going to use. It’s generally recommended to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Each cat will have her own litter usage habits, so the amount of litter used
- Cat’s Health Condition: Certain health conditions can cause a cat to urinate a lot more frequent, which will increase the litter usage. Cats with kidney disease, diabetes or infections will visit the litter box more often.
- Type of Cat Litter: With so many variants of cat litter out there, we need to focus on absorbency when we are trying to reduce how much cat litter per month we are using. Clumping litter would be one of the cheapest as it clumps the used litter and allows you to scoop only the clumps.
- Size of the Litter Box: The size of the box will affect how much litter you will need to use as larger boxes will require more litter to be filled. If you have a larger cat or multiple cats using the same box, you might need a larger box and more litter
- Frequency of Cleaning: The frequency with which you clean the box can also impact the litter usage. If you scoop the box daily but use a biodegradable litter that is non-clumping, you may end up wasting more litter. If you clean it less often, you may find that you need to replace all the litter more often than needed.
- Cat’s Preferences: Some of our furry friends prefer a deeper layer of litter to dig into, while some of them are not bothered by the depth. You might need to adjust the amount of litter based on your cat’s preferences. This puts them in charge of how much cat litter per moth you will need to buy
- Diet of the Cat: The furry balls that eat a high amount of wet food may produce more urine than than cats that eat primarily dry food.
These are just a few factors that we can think of, but they can vary greatly from cat to cat. It’s always best to observe your own cat’s habits and adjust the steps as necessary.
Additional Costs Associated with Cat Litter
If you are planning to calculate how much cat litter per month you are going to use, you should probably add the additional costs as well in your budget:
- Litter Box: Over time, litter boxes can become stratched or worn, which can create places for bacteria to hide. You should try to replace the litter box once a year. Depending on the type and brand you will use, these can be anywhere from $10 to 100$. The “Petmate Open Cat Litter Box” is a cheap one that is being sold at around $14.
- Litter Box Liners: We use liners in our litter box for easier cleanup. They are being replaced every time the litter is changed. They are optional but a pack of 5 usually costs $4 and we are happy to pay the price
- Litter Scoop: They are essential for cleaning the litter box, especially if you are using clumping litter. Over time, scoops will become worn or broken and they will need to be replaced. They average around $10-$15
- Litter Mat: Placed under the litter box, they can help to catch any litter that your cat will kick out of the box. Prices can vary but we recommend something around the $20 mark
- Litter Deodorizer: Although not a necessity, they can help to control the smell from the litter box. You can get a 20 oz. pack for 3$
Tips for Efficient Cat Litter Usage
To make the most out of your cat litter, we made a list that will help you to reduce the monthly usage and hopefully save some money in the long run:
- Maintain the Right Depth: Aim for a litter depth of around 2-3 inches. This is enough for your furry friend to burry the waste without using more litter than necessary
- Scoop regularly: If you scoop the litter multiple times, you can extend it’s life and make the most out of it.
- Choose the right litter: If your cat won’t prefer the liter type you are using, she may start tracking it and throwing it out of the box. This will increase the usage and will cost you more money
Conclusion
While the amount of litter usage per month is dependent on multiple factors, with this guide you will be able to make a general idea of how much cat litter per month you are going to use. Understanding what type of litter you should buy will make it easier for you to budget and buy in bulk.
What are the different types of cat litter?
There are several types of cat litter on the market, the most popular being clumping clay, silica gel, biodegradable and pine litter
What factors influence cat litter usage?
Several factors influence the litter usage, including the number of cats in your house, the type of litter you use and the size of your litter box
How can I reduce my cat litter usage?
You can reduce the usage by maintaining the right depth of two to three inches and scooping regularly
How often should I clean the litter box?
We recommend to scoop the litter box daily, and to fully clean and replace the litter every week
