Crucial Solutions for Overcoming Cat Litter Shortages Impacting Leading Brands like Fresh Step

According to a statement from a Clorox spokesperson, the company expects production to ramp up gradually, but there is currently no estimate for when operations will fully return to normal.

Petco has confirmed that its supplies of those particular litter brands are currently affected by the breach. However, they emphasize that other brands of cat litter are still fully stocked in stores. Online pet supply retailer Chewy shows that Fresh Step, Scoop Away, and Ever Clean are out of stock, while other well-known brands like Arm & Hammer and Tidy Cats are still available.

Although non-cat owners may not understand the significance of the shortage, cats can be very particular about their litter. Suddenly switching to a different brand can lead to unwanted behaviors, such as urinating and defecating outside the litter box.

To avoid this problem, it’s best to introduce a new type of litter gradually. Kate Benjamin, author of the bestsellers “Catification” and “Catify to Satisfy,” suggests mixing the remaining supply of Fresh Step, Scoop Away, or Ever Clean with a more readily available brand.

Benjamin recommends adding the new litter slowly until the majority of the litter box is filled with the new type. This way, cats may associate the new litter with their preferred choice.

Whitney Miller, Petco’s chief veterinarian, suggests finding a new litter that is similar to your cat’s usual preference. For example, if you usually use clumping litter, look for a similar product from a different brand.

If your cat continues to avoid the litter box, Miller advises offering different types of new litter in multiple boxes. It’s recommended to have one more litter box than the number of cats in your household. If the issue persists, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problems.