Ask A Trooper
Sgt. Troy H. Christianson Mn State Patrol Pio
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Question: Hi, I read your “Ask A Trooper” article regarding Winter Travel Survival Kit Essentials. You might reconsider recommending cat litter as an agent for traction. Traditional cat litter is made of small chunks of clay, when one attempts to use it for traction in winter conditions it quickly dissolves into a slippery mess, making traction less viable. That was my experience.