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Enter the number of cats. This cat litter calculator plans 7 kilograms of litter per cat per month, then divides kilograms by 5 for the number of 5 kilogram bags, so 2 cats need 14 kilograms, or 2.8 bags. Real use varies with litter type, box size, litter depth and scooping routine, so treat the result as a shopping plan, not an exact bill.
Seven kilograms (7 kg) per cat per month is a planning average for usage in a scooped litter box. Competitor guides give a wide range, because litter type and routine matter so much: clumping clay often runs 15 to 20 pounds, about 7 to 9 kilograms, per cat per month with daily scooping, while a standard household table puts one cat at 25 to 30 pounds, about 11 to 14 kilograms, for two boxes. This calculator sits at the lower, well scooped end of that range. If you change the full box weekly rather than every few weeks, or if you keep litter very deep, plan well above 7 kilograms.
The standard rule is one litter box per cat plus one extra: 2 boxes for 1 cat, 3 boxes for 2 cats, and 4 boxes for 3 cats. Two boxes side by side count as one location, so spread boxes around the home rather than lining them up. More boxes mean better hygiene and less chance a cat avoids the box, but they also mean more litter to fill at the start. A grown cat needs a box about 1.5 times its body length, so a large cat needs a larger box, and a larger box needs more litter per fill.
Most cats prefer litter about 2 to 3 inches deep, about 5 to 7 centimetres, in a standard box. Cats that dig a lot may prefer 3 to 4 inches. Too shallow, and clumps stick to the base and smell rises fast. Too deep, and litter gets kicked over the sides and wasted. Check depth weekly: if it falls below 2 inches after scooping, top it up to restore the 2 to 3 inch standard. Kittens under 12 weeks should start shallower, at 1.5 to 2 inches, so they can climb in and out safely.
Clumping clay is the most common litter type, and the easiest to compare. With twice daily scooping and a full change every 2 to 3 weeks, one cat typically uses 15 to 20 pounds, about 7 to 9 kilograms, per month. Non-clumping clay needs more, because the whole box must be changed instead of scooping out clumps, often weekly, pushing use up by 30 to 50 percent. Lightweight clay weighs less per litre, so a bag that claims to equal a heavier bag can cut the weight you carry home, but check the volume, not just the weight, when comparing prices.
Silica crystal litter, also called silica gel litter, absorbs urine without clumping and usually lasts longer between full changes. One cat typically uses 10 to 12 pounds, about 5 kilograms, per month, or one pad based system refill, with solids scooped daily and crystals stirred. Crystals control odour well and stay dry, but they cost more per bag, so compare cost per month, not cost per bag. Some cats dislike the texture of crystals under their paws, so switch gradually if your cat is fussy.
Natural litters cover pine pellets, wheat, corn, walnut, grass, paper and tofu types. Pine pellets run about 12 to 18 pounds per month per cat, wheat about 10 to 15 pounds, and recycled paper about 14 to 20 pounds, all with daily scooping. Plant based litters break down faster when wet, so they need full changes every 4 to 14 days depending on type, against every few weeks for clay. They suit households that want a biodegradable option, but they can attract pantry moths if stored badly, and some are flushable only in small amounts, so check local rules before flushing.
Scoop at least once daily, and twice daily in multi cat homes. Daily scooping removes waste before it breaks down, keeps odour down, and stretches the litter, because clean litter is not thrown away with dirty litter. A full change every 2 to 4 weeks for clumping litter, every 3 to 4 weeks for crystal litter, and weekly for non-clumping litter, keeps the box fresh: empty it, wash it with warm water and mild soap, dry it fully, and refill to the right depth. Cats that avoid the box, dig excessively, or urinate beside it may be reacting to a dirty box, wrong depth, or a litter type they dislike.
A self cleaning litter box sifts out only dirty clumps after each use, leaving clean litter in place, so makers report savings of up to 50 percent on litter. In practice, automatic boxes still need standard litter volumes per fill, about 8 to 10 pounds for a typical globe, and the cycle frequency and any double scooping decide the real saving. Fill to the marked fill line, never above it, or the weight sensors may fail. Self cleaning boxes suit busy households, but they do not remove the need for a regular full clean and a check that the cat is comfortable using the machine.
To find cat litter cost per month, multiply bags per month by the bag price. At 7 kilograms per cat, 2 cats need 2.8 bags of 5 kilograms, so buying 3 full bags covers the month with a little spare. Buying in bulk cuts cost per kilogram, but only if you store it dry and use it within its shelf life, usually 1 to 2 years. Compare bags by cost per kilogram or per litre, not by bag price alone, since bag sizes range from 5 kilograms to 20 litres and more. Keep one spare bag at home, so a busy week never leaves you with an empty box.
About 7 kilograms in this calculator, or 1.4 bags of 5 kilograms. Competitor guides range from about 7 to 14 kilograms depending on litter type, box size and scooping routine.
About 14 kilograms, or 2.8 bags of 5 kilograms. Buy 3 full bags to cover the month with a little spare.
One box per cat plus one extra: 2 boxes for 1 cat, 3 for 2 cats, and 4 for 3 cats, spread around the home, not side by side.
About 2 to 3 inches, or 5 to 7 centimetres, for most cats. Digging cats may prefer 3 to 4 inches, and kittens should start at 1.5 to 2 inches.
Every 2 to 4 weeks for clumping litter, every 3 to 4 weeks for crystal litter, and weekly for non-clumping litter, with daily scooping in between.
Silica crystal litter usually lasts longer between full changes and uses about 10 to 12 pounds per cat per month, against 15 to 20 pounds for clumping clay. Compare cost per month, not per bag.
Yes. Daily scooping removes only waste, so clean litter stays in the box longer. Twice daily scooping is ideal in multi cat homes.
It can save up to 50 percent by sifting out only dirty clumps, but the saving depends on cycle frequency and fill level. Fill only to the marked fill line.