Starting a cat litter brand is more accessible than ever. The market is growing, barriers to entry are lower, and there is room for niche brands that serve specific customer needs. But packaging is one of the decisions that trips up new brand owners the most.
We have worked with dozens of cat litter startups over the years. Here is what we tell every new brand owner before they place their first packaging order.
Step 1: Define Your Niche
The cat litter market is crowded. Competing head-to-head with established brands on price is a losing strategy. Instead, find a niche:
- Eco-friendly litter – Biodegradable, flushable, made from renewable materials
- Premium natural litter – Tofu, wood, or corn-based with superior clumping
- Dust-free litter – For cats and owners with respiratory sensitivities
- Multi-cat household litter – Heavy-duty, long-lasting, high absorption
- Specialty litter – Scented, color-changing, health-monitoring
Your niche determines your packaging needs. Eco-friendly litter needs eco-friendly packaging. Premium litter needs premium-looking bags. Get this alignment right from the start.
Step 2: Choose Your Packaging Format
For new brands, we usually recommend starting with two formats:
A standard size for retail (2kg or 5kg)
This is your main product. Use a flat bottom bag or doypack with resealable zipper and your full brand design. This is what customers see on shelves and in online listings.
A small size for samples or trial (500g or 1kg)
Use a simpler bag with basic printing. This is for getting your product into customers’ hands at a low cost. Our 1kg plastic bags work well for this purpose.
Step 3: Understand MOQ
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest number of bags a manufacturer will produce in one order. Here is what to expect:
- Standard bags, no custom printing – MOQ as low as 2,000-5,000 pieces
- Standard bags with custom printing – MOQ typically 10,000-20,000 pieces
- Custom sizes or materials – MOQ 20,000-50,000 pieces
- Specialty bags (kraft paper, biodegradable) – MOQ varies, often 5,000-10,000 pieces
If you are just starting out, look for suppliers who offer low MOQ for standard sizes. We work with startups and keep MOQ flexible – message us to discuss your needs.
Step 4: Find the Right Supplier
Not all packaging suppliers are equal. Here is what to look for:
- Experience with pet products – Pet packaging has specific requirements. A supplier who mostly does food packaging may not understand the weight and abrasion challenges of cat litter.
- Sample availability – Never commit to a large order without testing samples first
- Communication quality – Can you reach them easily? Do they respond quickly? Do they understand your requirements?
- Flexible MOQ – A good supplier works with you as you grow
- Custom printing capability – Even if you start with plain bags, you will want custom printing eventually
We are a packaging manufacturer in Guangdong, China with over 20 years of experience. We work with cat litter brands of all sizes, from startups ordering their first 5,000 bags to established brands ordering 500,000 at a time.
Step 5: Get Your First Order Right
Tips from brands who have been through this process:
- Order samples first – Test the bag with your actual litter. Check the zipper, the seal, and how the bag looks when filled.
- Start with standard sizes – Custom sizes are more expensive and have higher MOQ. Start with 2kg or 5kg and adjust later.
- Do not over-order – It is tempting to buy a huge quantity for a lower per-unit price. But if you change your product or design, you are stuck with unusable bags.
- Plan for growth – Choose a supplier who can scale with you. Your first order might be 5,000 bags, but your fifth order might be 50,000.
Ready to Start?
Message us on WhatsApp: 008619948324713. Tell us about your cat litter brand and we will help you choose the right packaging for your first order. We offer samples, flexible MOQ, and guidance for new brands.