Switching from bentonite to TOFU – step by step
Your cat knows its litter box inside out: how it smells, how it feels under its paws, how it sounds when it digs. Change the litter and your cat will notice. With the right mix and a few days of patience, switching to plant-based cat litter almost always works.
- Switched in about 10 days with the 4-phase method
- About half the weight – 2.5 kg per 6 L bag
- Firm clumps that don't crumble on the scoop
„Our cats are very picky about their litter boxes and litter. We switched from classic bentonite litter […]. And what can I say – no trouble at all with the switch. On the contrary, they love it.“
What changes when you switch from bentonite to TOFU?
Bentonite is a clay mineral. It's heavy and it clumps, but it often makes noticeable dust when you pour it. TOFU cat litter is made of pressed pellets from pea and soy fiber, corn starch, corn flour and guar gum. The pellets are lighter, longer and softer – and they dissolve in water.
To your cat, that feels unfamiliar at first: a different feel under its paws, a different sound when it digs. For you, three things change most: carrying it home, cleaning the box and getting rid of it.
How do I switch my cat from bentonite to TOFU?
Mix instead of replacing. That keeps the litter box familiar, and your cat gets used to the new litter step by step.
If your cat hesitates, just stay with the current mix for a few more days. Your cat sets the pace.
„I'm so glad we switched from bentonite litter […]! […] Increasing the new litter step by step, the transition went really well.“ – Vera B., Germany
What to watch out for during the switch
„Regular litter needs to be 7–10 cm deep; with this litter, 3–5 cm is plenty.“ – Leonie A., Germany
More in our magazine: New litter? Old habits? How to switch without the drama
Bentonite or TOFU: what's the difference?
Here's how TOFU compares with the clay litter found in most litter boxes. We compare silica and wood in our cat litter comparison.
*Only single small clumps, and only where local rules allow it. **When incinerated with household trash, according to the Building Department of the Canton of Zurich (SRF, Sept. 14, 2026). Comparison based on typical properties; individual products may differ.
What throws cats off when you switch – and what helps
Your cat notices three things right away. All three are easy to soften.
The feel under its paws
TOFU pellets are longer and softer than clay granules. That's exactly why mixing helps: for the first few days, your cat's paws still find what they know, and the share of new litter grows with every change.
The smell
Cats find their way by the smell of their litter box. So start with TOFU Unscented. You can try the lavender scent later, once the switch is done.
The clumps
Bentonite clumps crumble more easily on the scoop; TOFU clumps hold together. For you, that means: clumps out in one go, and the rest stays clean in the box.
„[…] you also use very little litter when removing the business, because really only a small part swells up and absorbs everything […]“ – Leonie A., Germany
Especially important for sensitive airways
When you switch from bentonite, the cloud of dust when you pour the litter disappears too. TOFU is 99.9% dust-free. For cats with feline asthma or breathing problems when the litter is changed, vets recommend reducing dust as a possible irritant as much as possible.
Start with a trial bag
One bag is enough for the first mixes. After that, the subscription with 4 bags every 2 months is just right for one cat.
What cat people say after switching
„No dust at all, really great. My cats took a few days to accept it, but now it's no problem anymore. It hardly sticks to their paws.“
„After 30 years with cats, litter in the bed and just about everywhere eventually drove me crazy … […] really pleasantly surprised by the instant acceptance, absorbency and odor control. […] Vet assistant (me) and cat are happy.“
„Hardly any dust at all. My 6 cats took to it without any problems from day one. […] Still smells pleasant after weeks in the box, clumps great.“
FAQ about switching
How long does it take to switch from bentonite to TOFU?
With the 4-phase method, usually about 10 days. Some cats are faster, others need two weeks. If your cat hesitates, stay with the current mix for a few more days.
Can I mix bentonite and TOFU?
Yes, mixing is the easiest way. Start with about a quarter TOFU mixed into the usual litter and increase the share with every change.
Can I flush a mix of bentonite and TOFU?
No. As long as there's bentonite in the box, everything goes in the household trash, because bentonite clogs drains. Only once you're at 100% TOFU can you flush small amounts, if your local authority allows it.
What do I do if my cat won't use TOFU?
Go back one step to the last mix that worked well and increase more slowly. Keep the litter box in its usual spot and start with the unscented version. If your cat doesn't use the box for a longer time, talk to your vet.
Do I need more or less litter than with bentonite?
With TOFU, a fill height of 3–5 cm (1–2 in) is enough. For one cat with a normal-sized litter box, plan on about 2 bags (12 L) a month: one to fill the box and one to top it up after sifting it daily.
Is TOFU more expensive than bentonite?
Per liter, yes. But since you only remove the clumps with TOFU and fill in less, you use less. We did the math in our magazine: Expensive myth? Why TOFU cat litter often costs less.
Can I keep using my current litter box?
Yes. TOFU works in any open or covered litter box. Clean it thoroughly before you switch to TOFU completely.
Can I also switch to TOFU from silica or wood litter?
Yes, with the same method: mix and increase the share of TOFU with every change.
Sebastian & Mathias
Founders of LucyBalu
From Munich
for all of Europe
Over 100,000 customers across Europe live with LucyBalu
Since 2019, we've been designing cat furniture that fits your home – it all started as a project for the Munich animal shelter.
4.6 / 5 from 3,614 reviews
-
Designed in Munich
We develop every product ourselves – for what your cat needs and what you love.
-
30-day returns
Take 30 days. You can send back unused products during that time.
-
Here for you personally
Elli and Dario personally take care of your questions. You're also welcome to visit our cat store in Munich.