I have two cats and have been trying to switch to FP litter. I placed a new box filled with FP litter near the box they have been using with the standard litter. So far, neither cat has used the FP box. I’m afraid to remove the old litter box completely until I know they’re using the new one. How do I get them to use the FP? I gently set each cat on the FP litter to acquaint them with it, but that hasn’t worked. Any suggestions?

Hi squinker! Welcome to the world of the Pine! :D

You may want to read some of the other FP (Feline Pine) threads about switching litters. Try http://www.naturesearth.com/forums/viewthread/115/ and http://www.naturesearth.com/forums/viewthread/99/

The method that seems to work the best is the one they printed on the back of you bag of FP. Go back to one litter box in the room, you can move the second box to another area of the house and follow the same proccedures with it too. Sprinkle some FP on top of your current litter and let them have at it. The vast majority should be the litter they’re used to, with a smidgen of that weird new stuff on top. Let them get used to it for a whole litterbox cycle, then at the next change decrease the amount of old litter and increase the amount of FP. Wait another litter change cycle and repeat the process as many times as needed, each time using less of the old litter and adding in more of the new stuff until you end up using all FP. If at any time they balk at using the litterbox, BACK UP! Add in more of the old litter till you get back to the last level where they were comfortable. Go at cat-speed, not people speed… the pickier your cats, the slower the changover will be.

Unfortunately some cats can be very finicky, about their litter as well as their food. My two cats could care less what I put inside the poopy-box… as long as the can dig around in it they’re just fine. Yours sound like they’re a little on the picky side, so just remember to work at THEIR pace, not yours. You didn’t mention which FP you were trying, the original pellets or new clumping variety, but it will be the same process for both versions. However, if your cats are very finicky and if you’ve already been using one kind of clumping litter, it might be easier to switch to FP clumping rather than the pellets.

Let us know how it goes!

Thanks, Charlene. I did read the other posts, but none were as specific as yours. My cats are almost 13, so the process may take longer. Thanks for your help.

p.s. The instructions you provided are not on the box of FP clumping litter.

Sorry, I dont use the clumping kind so I haven’t seen what’s on the box. *moseys over to read bag*

A-HA!! They’ve changed the packaging on all the products, so what I was describing was on the OLD bags of FP (at least the pellet ones). The whole back of the old-style bag had pictures showing how to use it, one set for transitioning your cats, and the the other set for regular use. This new bag is prettier and more professionally designed, but the useage instructions are relegated to two small areas near the bottom. I’ll have to post pictures of it later, I have to go get ready for work now : (

They actually recommend you put the old litter on top of the FP, but since you have older finicky cats, I’d still just sprinkle a little on top in there the first run thru, maybe sprinkle a little of the old stuff over the sprinkling of the FP, you’ll have to see how fussy they are. I don’t know that it will make a difference, they’re only going to dig around in it anyway… : P But when it comes to adding in more of the FP, you may want to try putting their old stuff on top while you’re weaning if they’re still fussy about it.

Transitioning instructions off the current original pellet-style FP bag:

“ Switching to Feline Pine
Pour two inches of your current litter over one inch of Feline Pine. Do not mix, you cat will mix as it is used. Each time you change the litter box, reduce the amount of your old litter brand. After a few changes, most cats will be comfortably adjusted to Feline Pine.  “

“ Are you transitioning a finicky cat? Call 800-749-PINE or visit felinepine.com for tips on switching to a new litter. “

That’s us!! : P

The old bag said it might take 3 or 4 box changes. Mine were ok with it after one, but I think yours are a little set in their ways and might take a little longer. Just take it slow, do a little at a time, and work on sticking to their speed. All we want is for them to be happy!

Dont forget to keep us posted!

Thanks for the suggestions. I’m using FP clumping litter.  I assume the transition time/ instructions are the same?

I would think the general instructions are the same no matter what litter your were switching to, but as for the time, that depends on your kitties. Notice the dircetions said “most cats” Just try to wean them slowly but surely, if you go too fast for them it will freak them out, and no one wants any litter box nightmares!