Cat Attractant Litter: How It Works and When to Use It

Few things are more frustrating than finding that your cat has gone somewhere other than the litter box. It can happen with a new kitten, a newly adopted adult cat, a move to a new home, or a cat who suddenly starts avoiding a box they've used for years.

Cat attractant litter is designed to help. Here's what it is, how it works, and — just as important — what to rule out before you rely on it.

What is cat attractant litter?

Cat attractant litter is litter made to draw a cat's attention to the box and encourage them to use it. Different brands take different approaches. Some add a natural scent or herbal blend to the litter. Others use texture or visual cues.

The goal is the same: make the litter box the most appealing place to go, so that good habits form (or come back) quickly.

When attractant litter can help

Attractant litter is most useful when a cat is healthy but needs a nudge, for example:

• Kittens learning to use the box for the first time.

• Newly adopted cats settling into a new home and a new box.

• After a move, when everything smells and looks unfamiliar.

• After switching litter or box style, when a cat is unsure.

• Cats with mild litter box aversion after a stressful change in the household.

If you're starting from scratch with a new kitten or cat, pair it with our step-by-step guide on how to litter train a cat.

Rule these out first

A cat who stops using the box is often telling you something. Before reaching for an attractant, check:

• Health. Urinating outside the box, straining, frequent trips or blood in urine can be signs of a urinary problem or other illness. Call your vet promptly — urinary blockages, especially in male cats, are an emergency.

• Cleanliness. A box that isn't scooped often enough is one of the most common reasons cats look elsewhere.

• Location. Boxes in noisy, busy or hard-to-reach spots are easy for cats to avoid.

• Number of boxes. Aim for one box per cat, plus one.

• The box itself. Covered boxes, high sides or a box that's too small can put some cats off.

• Scent. Strongly perfumed litter or cleaning products can be off-putting.

Our guide to reading your cat's litter box habits explains what changes in litter box behavior can mean.

How BoxiePro® Glo Attract™ Clumping Litter works

BoxiePro® Glo Attract™ Clumping Clay Cat Litter takes a different approach from scented attractants. It features Boxie's patented Glo™ Light Attractant technology, which uses UV-visible sparkles to guide your cat to the litter box. Its multi-sensory attraction system combines sight and texture to encourage natural litter box behavior, promote healthy habits, reduce house-soiling and help prevent litter box aversion.

It's now made with probiotics, too, so while the sparkles help invite cats in, the probiotics work continuously to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. It's hypoallergenic, 99.9% dust-free, soft on paws, veterinarian recommended and made in the USA. It forms tight, durable clumps and is available in 16, 28 and 40 lb bags.

How to use attractant litter

1. Start with a clean box. Wash it with mild, unscented soap and dry it fully.

2. Fill to 2–3 inches. Enough depth for your cat to dig and bury.

3. Place it in a calm, easy-to-reach spot. Show your cat where it is — gently place them in the box after meals and naps.

4. Scoop daily. A clean box is the biggest attractant of all.

5. Reward good habits. Calm praise or a treat after your cat uses the box helps reinforce it.

6. Be patient. Give your cat a week or two to settle in, especially after a move or a new adoption.

If you're switching from another litter, mix the new litter in gradually over 7–10 days.

Using attractant litter with kittens

Boxie recommends introducing clumping clay litter to kittens after 12 weeks of age. For younger kittens, start with a non-clumping option and switch once they're old enough. Read more in is clumping clay litter safe for kittens?

Frequently asked questions

Does cat attractant litter really work?

Attractant litter can help healthy cats who need encouragement — kittens, newly adopted cats, and cats adjusting to change. It works best combined with a clean, well-placed box. It won't fix a medical problem, so always check with your vet if your cat suddenly stops using the box.

How does Glo Attract attract cats?

BoxiePro Glo Attract uses UV-visible sparkles — Boxie's patented Proactive Glo™ Light Attractant technology — as part of a multi-sensory system that combines sight, smell and texture to guide cats to the box.

Is attractant litter safe for kittens?

Boxie describes Glo Attract as hypoallergenic, low-dust (99.9% dust-free) and soft on paws. As with any clumping clay litter, Boxie recommends introducing it to kittens after 12 weeks of age.

Why has my cat suddenly stopped using the litter box?

Common causes include a medical issue, a dirty box, a change in litter or location, stress, or conflict with another pet. Rule out health problems with your vet first, then look at the box, the litter and the environment.

Can I mix attractant litter with my current litter?

Yes — mixing gradually over 7–10 days is a good way to transition any cat to a new litter.