9 Litter Attractant Additives Worth Trying

Updated December 18, 2020
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Cat Sitting in Litter Box

Cat litter attractant products are easy to use and safe for your feline buddy. If your cat is urinating outside the box, litter additives attract felines so they urinate in an actual litter box. Always rule out medical issues with your vet, as urinary problems can be serious, and one reason cats avoid the box.

Select a Safe Cat Litter Attractant

Cats end up at shelters when they don't use the litter box. If your veterinarian does not find a medical problem or health issue, you can try a litter box with a cat litter attractant. You only need to sprinkle a small amount of the litter additive in your cat's box. The natural ingredients attract cats, and the herbs typically smell delicious.

Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract Litter Additive

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Attract Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 20 lb. Box

Designed by a veterinarian, this natural herb blend is popular with cats. Cat Attract works so well that some pet owners used the product only a few times before their cat was back using the litter box appropriately. A few reviews say this product doesn't have any odor, and cats went back to the box with just a few sprinkles.

Bottles cost about $16 and should last one cat for close to three months. To use, mix one-fourth of the 20-ounce bottle in 20-25 pounds of fresh, unscented litter. When you add more litter to the box, mix in another one-eighth of the bottle.

Simple Solution Cat Litter Attractant

This litter additive attracts cats with an herbal blend that mimics a garden to pique your kitty's interest. The formula works with any litter and is used by sprinkling one-fourth of the package contents into your cat's litter box and mixing well.

You can purchase a pouch for $20. This attractant carries a 3.9-star rating on Amazon, and consumers say the earthy smell attracts their cats back to their litter boxes even after several other similar products did not help.

Fresh Step Litter Box Attractant

One of the largest cat litter companies, Fresh Step, tackles cat litter box aversion with their version of a litter additive. This formula attracts cats back to their litter boxes and helps train kittens to start using a litter box. You can use this product with any litter. The Amazon reviews show this product helps with feral cats too!

To use, sprinkle a generous amount in your cat's litter and mix well. You can purchase a nine-ounce bottle for just under $8.

Jorvet Litter Magnet

Jorvet uses an all-natural, strong scent in their additive to attract cats to the litter box. Litter Magnet averages close to four out of five stars on Amazon. Customer reviews mostly talk about the earthy texture and pet parents say their cats now eliminate in their boxes after months of litter aversion.

You can use this attractant with any clumping or clay litter. A 20-ounce bottle provides coverage for up to 100 pounds of litter, and this product is under $20. A client education brochure explains how to use it properly.

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Litter Attractant

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 40lb Bag

This litter additive is perfect for clumping clay with no perfumes. With a review of 4.5 out of five stars at Walmart, pet parents say cats were back at their litter boxes after a few weeks.

This additive is $12. To use, mix one-fourth of the attractant with 20-25 pounds of clumping clay litter. When you add more litter to the box, mix in another one-eighth of the bottle.

VetMD FFP9556ST Litter Box Attractant

Vet MD's herbal blend is a lifesaver, according to many pet parents. The reviews on Amazon focus on the variety of ingredients the brand uses in the product. One pet owner says her cat no longer urinates outside the box.

The directions recommend a generous amount of attractant needs to be mixed in the litter. Use approximately two ounces per litter change. You can purchase this for under $10.

Dr. Elsey's Kitten Attract Clumping Clay Cat Litter

Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Kitten Attract Clumping Clay Cat Litter, 20lb Box

Kitten formula is for kitties in training. Kitten Attract contains a kitten-specific natural herbal attractant that entices a cat to use the litter box. Reviews on Chewy give this product almost five stars. Pet parents love this formula as kitties that have accidents on the carpet now use the box.

The brand recommends pet parents use three to four inches of this litter. This depth allows your cat to dig and cover their waste naturally. This formula sells for under $16.

Naturally Fresh Herbal Attraction Scented Clumping Walnut Cat Litter

Fresh walnut-based herbs attract cats to the litter box according to the rave reviews on Chewy. Pet parents say this herbal litter helps their cat's urine stay in the box, not on the rug.

To use, place one to two inches of Naturally Fresh Litter in a clean cat litter box. Top it with enough of your current cat litter to cover the additive. This sells for under $14.

Certain Smells May Turn off Your Cat

Cats are extremely sensitive to certain scents, and your feline may not enjoy strong smells. Always look at the ingredients before you add the additive to your cat's litter.

  • Baking soda
  • Perfumes
  • Deodorants
  • Vinegar

Try a Homemade Cat Litter Attractant

A DIY herb litter box attractant may do the trick. Many herbs smell fabulous to cats and are non-toxic, even if ingested in small amounts. Dry a few herbs and grind them with a food processor into a fine powder for the litter box. Mix the powder with equal parts of cornstarch to absorb the odors. The cornstarch will block some of the scents so the mixture isn't too strong.

  • Lavender
  • Calendula
  • Sage
  • Spearmint
  • Echinacea
  • Lemon-balm

Sprinkle a teaspoon over the litter.

Cats Like Catnip

Cat eating Catmint

Different cats have varying reactions to catnip. Pet lovers can safely add small amounts of this dried herb to the litter box. First, add catnip to a scratching post to ensure your cat has a positive reaction to this herb.

Rule out Medical Conditions

Urinating or defecating outside the litter box may be the only sign of a serious problem. A vet checkup is the first step if your feline buddy stops using the box for any reason. Your cat must receive a clean bill of health from the vet before you try anything new, including litter additives.

Eliminate Litter Box Aversion

If a medical condition is not the cause, then a litter additive may solve the problem. With regular scooping and litter changes, cat litter box attractants may be the answer. Try the DIY formula, catnip, and the products to determine what your feline friend enjoys the most.

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9 Litter Attractant Additives Worth Trying