4 Ways to Make Your Own Cat Litter

Tired of spending too much on commercial cat litter? Or maybe you’re in a pinch and the pet store is too far away? Whatever the reason, making your own cat litter is easier than you might think. With a little creativity and some household (or local) resources, you can whip up a litter box solution that’s budget-friendly and surprisingly effective.

Here are four smart ways to make homemade cat litter, each with its own pros, quirks, and tips. Let's dig in (pun intended).

---

📰 1. Shredded Newspaper Litter: The Old-School Favorite

If you've ever searched for DIY cat litter, this one’s probably the top hit. Making litter from newspaper is a classic, eco-friendly approach—and honestly, kind of fun if you enjoy crafty projects.

Here’s the process:

1. Tear, soak, and bubble: Rip old newspapers into shreds and drop them into a large bucket. Add warm water and a small squeeze of dish soap. Let it sit until the paper turns to a pulpy mush.

2. Rinse and repeat (without the soap): Drain the soapy water and soak the pulp again in clean water. Stir it up, drain, then mix in a teaspoon or so of baking soda to help with odor.

3. Squeeze and crumble: Press out as much water as possible. Use a strainer or mesh basket. Then crumble the damp pulp into tiny bits.

4. Dry it out: Spread the pieces out to dry for a few days. Once fully dry, your homemade newspaper litter is good to go!

📦 Tip: You’ll need quite a bit of paper for a decent supply. Ask neighbors for old newspapers, or collect unused office paper (as long as it’s not sensitive stuff). Bonus: you're recycling!

---

🌲 2. Sawdust or Wood Shavings: Rustic and Readily Available

If you live near a furniture workshop or sawmill, you may be sitting on a goldmine of unused sawdust and wood shavings. These byproducts often get tossed or burned—when they could be used as cat litter instead!

To use it safely:

• Inspect before use. Look for foreign objects like nails, glass, or metal bits.

• Dump and go. Once clean, pour it into the litter box and let your cat try it out.

✅ Pros: Naturally absorbs moisture and smells.
⚠️ Cons: Fine sawdust can produce airborne particles, which aren’t great for lungs—yours or your cat’s. Some studies even link long-term inhalation to respiratory risks.

🚫 Important Warning: Do not use wood from chemically treated lumber. These may contain dangerous substances like varnish, oil, or industrial preservatives.

---

🏖️ 3. Sand: Simple, Natural, and Surprisingly Effective

Believe it or not, plain sand can be a pretty decent stand-in for cat litter. It's free if you collect it responsibly (or left over from construction), and cheap if bought in bulk from hardware stores.

But you’ll need to give it a makeover first:

1. Sift and clean: Remove rocks, twigs, and debris using a sieve or strainer.

2. Wash thoroughly: Place sand in a tub, add water, stir until the water is cloudy, then pour off the murky water. Repeat until the rinse water is mostly clear.

3. Boil for safety: To kill off microbes, simmer the sand in a large pot of boiling water for a few minutes.

4. Dry it out: Once cooled, strain the sand and dry it completely—either by sun-drying or roasting it on low heat in a pan.

5. Add odor control (optional): Mix in a little baking soda to keep things fresh.

😺 Note: Sand does tend to stick to your cat’s paws and track around the house, so be prepared to sweep a bit more often.

---

🐔 4. Chicken Feed Pellets: An Odd but Functional Option

This one might surprise you: chicken feed pellets can serve as a DIY litter option. The texture is similar to some biodegradable commercial litters.

🪶 How to use:

• Only use the pellet form, not powder or mash.

• Sprinkle a bit of baking soda into the mix to neutralize the strong feed smell.

🚫 Watch out: Chicken feed can attract bugs, rodents, or other unwelcome guests. If you live in an area with pest problems, this may not be the best long-term solution.

---

🧠 Final Thoughts: Litter Doesn’t Have to Come in a Fancy Bag

The truth is, cats don’t care if their litter is name-brand or DIY—as long as it’s clean, safe, and smells neutral. Making your own cat litter can be a fun experiment, a money-saver, and even a sustainable habit.

Of course, there are probably even more ways to DIY cat litter beyond the four listed here. Got a trick up your sleeve? Share it with fellow cat lovers—you might just spark the next big litter life hack.