Things to Do With Cat Litter

Clay-based cat litter has more uses than filling your cat's litter box. This inexpensive product is found at almost any grocery or pet supply store and, if kept in a dry location, will keep indefinitely. Non-clumping cat litter is typically much cheaper than the clumping type. Alternative litters aren't as effective as clay-based litters for most of these applications.

  1. Traction

    • If you have to drive in icy conditions it's advisable to keep a bag of cat litter in your car. If you get stuck in a patch of ice or compacted snow, sprinkle a little cat litter in front of each wheel to gain traction. You can also sprinkle cat litter on an icy walkway or driveway to make walking safer. Non-clumping cat litter is best for this application.

    Spills

    • Whether you have an oil spill in the garage or a grease spill in the kitchen, pour a thick layer of cat litter over the mess. The litter will absorb the mess in minutes. If you have an oil stain in your garage or driveway from a leaking car, spread some paint thinner on the stain then pour the cat litter. Let it sit overnight and then clean up the litter. For spills you can use clumping or non-clumping cat litter.

    Repellant

    • For indoor pests such as rodents, spread a section of newspaper near where they nest. Sprinkle some cat urine-soaked cat litter on the paper. For outdoor pests like moles, take the soiled cat litter and pour it directly into the animal's hole. Cat urine repels most other animals. Non-clumping litter is best for this so you can sprinkle the soiled litter.

    Deodorizer

    • Most fresh cat litter has some scent to it and the clay absorbs other smells much like baking soda does. Put a cup or box of cat litter anywhere that smells musty such as closets. If you want to absorb smells from shoes, tents, garbage cans or other areas where it is not convenient to put a box, pour some fresh cat litter into an old sock. Knot the sock closed and use it like a sachet. Clumping or non-clumping litter works, but non-clumping works better for this.