The $1 Old Mexican Trick That Makes Cat Litter Last Twice as Long, by Lupe Santos on YouTube. 12 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Empty the box completely and wash it with mild pet-safe soap and warm water. Rinse well and let it dry fully before adding anything.
Sprinkle a light dusting of plain baking soda across the dry bottom of the box. Keep it thin, never in piles, because a cat can get sick from eating too much.
Fill with clumping litter to about 5 to 8 cm deep. Enough depth lets urine clump before it reaches the bottom of the box.
Scoop once or twice a day. Slide the slotted scoop in from the side, lift the clump and shake the clean litter back into the box.
Top up with fresh litter after scooping instead of dumping the whole box. The baking soda layer keeps working underneath.
Do a full change and wash every two to four weeks, or sooner if the box still smells after scooping.
Store the baking soda sealed and away from your cat. Never use bleach, ammonia or strong cleaners in the box, and never mix cleaners.
Tips and common mistakes
Use only a light dusting of baking soda under the litter, since eating larger amounts can make a cat sick.
Skip scented litter and perfumed sprays, as many cats dislike the smell and may avoid the box.
Watch for bigger or more frequent urine clumps, which can be a sign of illness.
A cat straining with little or no urine needs a vet right away.
Questions
Does baking soda really stop litter box smell?
A thin layer under the litter helps neutralise odour at the bottom of the box, where urine collects. It works best alongside daily scooping and enough litter depth.
Can I use baking soda with non-clumping litter?
Yes, but clumping litter usually lasts longer because urine forms clumps you can remove. With non-clumping litter you will need to change the whole box more often.
How often should I fully change the litter?
Every two to four weeks for most cats, or sooner if the box still smells after scooping. Wash the box each time you do a full change.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
