A Brief History of Cat Litter (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

If you're a cat parent, chances are you’ve given more thought to your furball’s dinner than to what goes in the litter box. Totally fair. But, cat litter has a surprisingly fascinating history, and understanding where it came from can help you make better choices for your cat’s health and your home’s wellness. Let’s scoop into the story (pun 100% intended).

What Did People Use Before Kitty Litter?

Before the 1940s, people used sand, ashes, dirt, or even sawdust to manage their indoor cat’s business. It was dusty, smelly, and not very sanitary.

But in 1947, everything changed.

Enter Ed Lowe: The Inventor of Modern Cat Litter

Ed Lowe was working in his family’s industrial absorbents business when a neighbor asked for some sand for her cat’s litter box. Lowe handed her some clay granules instead—specifically, a type called Fuller’s Earth, known for its absorbent qualities.

She loved it. Word spread. And just like that, modern cat litter was born.

Lowe eventually branded it as Kitty Litter and began selling it in grocery stores. The rest is, well, cat-pee-free history.

Cat litter now

In 2003, Josh and his cat Goldie were frustrated with the litters that were available on the market. Many cat litters claimed to be low dust and low tracking, but did not deliver. By 2007, Josh was inspired to create Boxie cat litter to address the common problems that many cat parents face. Boxie probiotic cat litter was created to be the first litter that includes probiotics that eliminates odors at the source, providing 40 days of odor control.

Take Boxie’s litter quiz to see which Boxie litter is right for you!