Step-by-Step Guide: Customized Cat Litter Through OEM/ODM Services

Customizing cat litter via OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) / ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) is a strategic path for pet brands wanting to launch or expand a private-label product line. The following is a structured approach, from concept to market launch.

Define Your Product Strategy & Requirements

a) Market positioning & target customers

Decide whether your product will compete on premium, eco-friendly, budget, or specialty (e.g. health monitoring) basis.

Identify your target segments (e.g. urban cat owners, multi-cat households, eco-conscious buyers).

Research competitors, trends, and customer pain points (odor, dust, flushability, packaging) to decide selling points.

b) Technical / functional specifications

Choose litter base type(s): bentonite clay, tofu/plant-based, cassava, or mixed formulations.

E.g. Mimine offers bentonite, tofu, cassava, and mixed litters. 

Hebei Lena Pet Products Co., Ltd.

Set granule size, shape (pellet, “sphere broken,” bar, etc.), dust level, clumping speed, moisture absorption, odor control.

Optionally include functional additives:

Fragrance (e.g. apple, lavender, jasmine) 

Color particles

Deodorizing beads / microcapsules

Activated carbon, zeolite for adsorption

Advanced features (pH indicator granules, hemoglobin-reactive granules for health detection) 

Decide on allowable impurities, safety / non-toxic standards, biodegradability, flushability, etc.

c) Packaging and branding

Decide on outer packaging: bags (Kraft, woven, ton-bag), cartons, etc. 

Hebei Lena Pet Products Co., Ltd.

Determine branding: private label, logo, artwork.

Choose formats (e.g. weight per bag, multi-packs).

Think about shelf appeal, ease of handling, and regulatory labeling (net weight, disposal instructions, warnings).

d) Volume forecast, budget, and pricing

Estimate your initial and long-term order quantities.

Set a target cost and margin.

Plan acceptable minimum order quantity (MOQ).

Consider factors like shipping, customs, taxation, certification costs.

Search & Select Qualified OEM/ODM Suppliers

a) Supplier sourcing

Look for litter manufacturers with experience in customized (OEM/ODM) production.

Check for factories with their own raw material sources and production capacity (e.g. Mimine claims exclusive mine resources and 6 automated production lines) 

Look for certifications (ISO, safety, export compliance) and quality assurance systems.

b) Evaluate technical capabilities & communication

Ask for their R&D team, lab testing capability, quality control process.

Request sample portfolios or previous custom projects.

Evaluate responsiveness, communication clarity, language compatibility (especially for overseas cooperation).

c) Audit the factory (if possible)

If you can, visit or commission a third-party audit to check on production conditions, cleanliness, equipment, safety, and capacity.

Check raw material sourcing, storage, and traceability.

Initial Sampling & Prototyping

a) Sample requests & formulations

Provide your specifications or allow the supplier to propose formulations.

Request sample variants (e.g. different granule sizes, additive concentrations, fragrance levels).

Test multiple prototypes in your target markets.

b) Testing & validation

Assess clumping strength, moisture absorption rate, odor control, dust level, durability.

Test with cats (user trials) for acceptability, behavior, and feedback.

Evaluate packaging sample durability, sealing, shelf life.

Optionally perform lab tests (e.g. chemical safety, pH, emissions, biodegradability).

c) Feedback & iteration

Provide feedback to the supplier about what works / what needs adjustments.

Iterate with several rounds until you reach your desired product profile.

Finalize Agreement & Mass Production Preparation

a) Signing contract & specifications

Define a clear technical specification sheet (materials, tolerances, performance, packaging).

Include quality control standards (e.g. acceptable defect rate, testing methods).

Define payment terms, delivery schedules, penalties, warranty terms, and intellectual property (IP) protection (e.g. private label design).

Clarify who is responsible for import/export, certifications, customs clearance.

b) Pre-production sample (PP sample / pilot run)

Request a small “pilot run” batch before full production to verify all parameters under real production conditions.

Approve before mass production begins.

c) Quality control & inspection

Plan in-line QC during production (e.g. sampling at granule stage, packaging stage).

Consider third-party inspection before shipment.

Ensure traceability (batch coding, production records).

Mass Production, Logistics & Delivery

a) Production oversight

Monitor production schedule, raw material arrivals, lab checks, yield rates.

Keep regular communication with supplier for updates, deviations, and problem resolution.

b) Packaging & labeling

Oversee printing and packing to ensure consistency, logo fidelity, and correct labeling.

Ensure protective packaging to avoid damage during shipping.

c) Shipping, customs & distribution

Select appropriate transportation (sea, air, land) paying attention to volume, cost, and handling concerns (dust, moisture).

Prepare export documentation, certificates, customs clearances.

Plan warehousing and distribution to your end markets.

Post-Launch Support & Iterative Improvement

a) Market feedback & quality tracking

Gather user feedback (reviews, returns, complaints).

Monitor metrics like repeat purchase, defect rates, product returns.

b) Continuous improvement & versioning

Based on customer feedback, work with the OEM on upgrades, new scents, improved formulations, or cost optimizations.

Introduce seasonal variants or limited editions (fragrances, packaging).

c) Branding & marketing support

Use promotional materials, sampling packs, social media campaigns, point-of-sale displays.

Educate users about your product’s unique features (e.g. low dust, health indicators, eco-friendliness).

Summary & Tips

Clarity of specifications is key — the more precise you are about granule size, odor control, dust, additives, the better the results from your supplier.

Iterative sampling and testing help ensure product quality and customer satisfaction.

Strong QC, legal contracts, and IP protection safeguard your brand in OEM/ODM cooperation.

Maintain close supplier relations — reliable communication, trust, and alignment help resolve inevitable challenges.

Long-term partnership mindset often yields better cost control, consistent quality, and innovation.

Why Choose Mimine Wholesale Cat Litter?

1. Mimine owns exclusive bentonite mine resources with up to 2 billion tons storage, ensuring a continuous and reliable supply.

Factory area of 125,000㎡ with 6 fully automated production lines supports a daily output of 5,000 tons. Able to meet demands from large distributors, retail chains, and online wholesale buyers worldwide.

2. Wide Range of Cat Litter Types

Bentonite Cat Litter: Superior clumping, low dust, varieties include granular, spherical, flushable.

Tofu Cat Litter: Natural soybean fiber, biodegradable, safe for sensitive cats.

Cassava Cat Litter: Lightweight, eco-friendly with fast odor control.

Mixed Cat Litter: Combination formula with balanced absorption and dust control.

3. Support OEM/ODM for packaging, formula, scent, and branding customization.

Help wholesalers create exclusive products under their own brand.

Flexible MOQ tailored for bulk orders.

4. Strict quality control throughout production.

Dust control and odor neutralization technologies applied.

Environmentally friendly and biodegradable options available to meet different market regulations.

5. Mimine Cat Litter factory hold certifications including:

ISO9001 Quality Management System

ISO14001 Environmental Management System

OHSAS18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management