7 Ways to Reduce Litter Box Smell (and Messes)
It is your cat that is the nicest, most affectionate, and most adorable love of your life… Until they accidentally put a land mine in their litter box that is deadly enough to demolish houses and send communities fleeing for their lives, of course. “A demon has arisen!” they scream into the darkness, fleeing for their lives and pinching the bridge of their noses. Your cat’s litter boxes may be a touch… ripe… if they are constantly overripe. Here are some basic techniques and strategies to help you get rid of the odor.
1. Scoop Daily
It is your cat that is the nicest, most affectionate, and prettiest love of your life…… That is, until they place a land mine in their trash can that is deadly enough to demolish houses and drive locals fleeing for their lives. As they flee for their lives and pinch their noses, they yell into the darkness, “A monster has risen!” Your cat’s litter boxes may be a touch… ripe… if they are constantly overflowing… Simple suggestions and strategies to help you deal with the odor are provided below:
2. Wash Thoroughly
As long as you’re scooping at least once every day, it will be much easier to clean the boxes when it comes time to clean them. Once a month, remove the litter from your cat’s litter boxes and thoroughly clean them with soap and water (it might go without saying, but be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself from any urine and fecal pathogens that can also infect humans). Cleaning the boxes is as simple as using soap and water. Even after your cat’s litter box has been thoroughly cleaned, the scent of bleach and other chemicals from strong cleaners may lead them to avoid it.
3. Replace the Boxes
As your cat buries their waste, the litter boxes may become scratched as a result of the constant scratching that occurs. These scrapes provide excellent hiding spots for bacteria, which can grow and establish a foul odor in the area. Keep in mind that you should replace the boxes around once a year.
When looking for a litter box for your cat(s), keep these features in mind:
- If your cat’s tail is fully stretched from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail, the box should beat at least as long as your cat’s tail. At least one of the sides should be low in order for your cat to be able to enter and exit the enclosure comfortably and conveniently
If your cat’s tail is fully stretched from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail, the box should beat at least as long as the length of their tail. In order for your cat to comfortably and readily move in and out of the enclosure, at least one of the sides should be low;
4. Add More Well-Sized Boxes
It’s possible that your cat will avoid the box altogether if you don’t have enough boxes (number of cats + 1 = number of boxes). This is especially true if you have numerous cats (cats don’t really like to go where other cats have gone). The same holds true if your boxes are the incorrect size. Too-small boxes mean that your cat will have less… let’s call it “personal space”… than he or she needs. And they’ll be more inclined to swerve about the edges of the box or simply let their business fall where it may, whether it’s inside the box or right next to it.
It is also important to get a box with sides that are low enough for your cat to easily jump over them. If getting into a litter box seems like climbing Mount Everest, your cat is not going to go to the difficulty of going through it. Nature’s Miracle Cat Litter Box with a High Sided Design
5. Ventilate
Many individuals are tempted to store their cat’s litter boxes in a small, enclosed place that is located far away from the rest of their living space in their home or apartment. Even while this is logical, doing so just has the effect of consolidating scents in a single location. As a result, instead of allowing the odor to evaporate, you may find yourself trapped in a filthy closet of unimaginable dread. Not only will you most likely avoid this area, but your cat will as well, which will almost certainly result in a sloppy mess.
The same is true for boxes with lids.
Your cat, on the other hand, is not going to be happy with the prospect of entering the house.
6. Baking Soda
Cat litter boxes are often kept in a small, enclosed room that is far away from the main living areas of a home or apartment, as a result of this practice. However, although this is logical, doing so just has the effect of drawing scents to a particular location. As a result, instead of letting the odor to evaporate, you might wind up with a stench-filled closet of unimaginable terror on your hands. Besides you, your cat is also likely to avoid this area, resulting in a disaster on the hands of both of you.
The same is true for boxes with lids on their sides.
It’s also likely that your cat won’t be pleased with the prospect of entering.
7. Clean Messes Quickly and Thoroughly
If your cat does not use the litter box, use an enzymatic cleanser to clean up any accidents that may occur (such as right next it). Performing a thorough cleaning will erase the odor, prevent new scents from emerging over time, and discourage your cat from attempting to escape from their litter box in the near future. An efficient cleaner, such as this enzymatic and bio-based cleaner by Unique, works to neutralize the odor by removing it from the environment. If your cat is going outside their box, such as on the carpet in your living room, cleaning the smell out as quickly as possible might help prevent them from sniffing it out and picking the same pee area over and over again.
What do you do when you have a stinky kitten box?
Controlling Cat Litter Box Odor
Litter boxes that are overflowing with trash have a noxious odor for everyone. Think about how it would feel if you were the one who had to put your hand in that box. It’s no surprise that studies have indicated that at least 10% of cats quit using their litter boxes on a consistent basis at some time. It is possible that the issues are due to medical or behavioral factors, as well.
However, in many cases, failure to use the litter box may be attributed to nothing more than a filthy litter box. Follow these steps to eliminate litter box stink and keep your home smelling fresh, which should make you and your kitten more content.
Keep It Clean
The most important guideline, and the only thing that will keep litter box odor under control, is to clean it on a regular basis. That involves scooping the litter box out at least twice a day, eliminating solids and liquid clumps if you use clumping litter, and cleaning the litter box thoroughly. For individuals who do not use clumping litter, a big, solid metal spoon (such as a large kitchen spoon) can be used to pull out the most urine-soaked sections of the litter box each time it is cleaned.
Also, if you are using clumping litter, you should wash the box once a week or once every two weeks.
Also, make sure your scooper is clean.
This allows you to add litter as you scoop, which is ideal for cats that don’t enjoy a deep pan of litter.
Does the Type of Litter Matter?
Some litters contain fragrances or other ingredients that, according to the manufacturer, serve to mask the scent of the litter. A cat, on the other hand, may find things offensive and turn the box into an unwelcoming environment. The vast majority of veterinarians advise against the use of these products. Bulk litters, which allow for the simple removal of solids and liquids, are often believed to keep litter boxes smelling fresher. Cats, on the other hand, can be extremely fussy about which litters they want to use.
Does the Type of Box Matter?
Almost any readily cleaned plastic container may be used as a litter box, but make sure to choose the largest box that will fit in your home’s space. According to general guidelines, a box should be at least twice as long as your adult cat and twice as broad as the cat’s body length.
Continued
Cats are quite conscientious, and they will not tread or dig in regions that have previously dirty. It is common for individuals to cut one side of a large, plastic storage tub in order to obtain a larger box. Also, stay away from enclosed crates. In addition, they might trap undesirable scents within, making it uncomfortable for your cat to enter. Many cats are especially wary of plastic liners, which can snag the claws of digging cats when they dig. This also permits urine to leak beneath the liner, where it will not be absorbed by the litter and will instead cause smells to accumulate.
Some cats, particularly those who are wary or huge, may be put off by them.
Location, Location, Location, and Numbers
The guideline is one litter box per cat, with one more box for good measure. As a result, if you have one cat, you will require two boxes. If you have four cats, you will require five litter boxes. Keep the boxes in different parts of your house to prevent them from becoming lost. If a cat is on the third floor and the litter box is in the basement, it is possible that they will not make the lengthy journey. Additionally, consider the most appropriate locations for your litter boxes. Avoid placing a litter box in a small, enclosed space, such as a small bathroom or closet, because this can concentrate litter box odors.
This box should, however, be placed in a quiet, low-traffic area away from your cat’s food, other pets, and anything else that might shock or alarm your cat while it is using the litter box.
In order to keep litter box odors under control, you must make an effort on a regular basis. However, the end effect will be a happy cat as well as a more pleasant-smelling environment.
Control Cat Litter Box Odor
Bethany and Jane Harrell have contributed to this article. Litter box stink might be one of the most difficult aspects of living with a cat. The fact that your friends “smell cat” is humiliating, even if it doesn’t bother you, is a fact. Having guests over who comment on your cat’s appearance but not its scent, on the other hand, is a pleasant experience. Thinkstock is the source of this image. Simple methods you may take to combat the odor and keep both you and your cat pleased are as follows: 1.
- Although the smell of old urine and feces may not be as strong as that of new urine and feces, the longer it is allowed to remain, the more probable it is that the scent will spread throughout your home.
- ’ 2.
- Even if you scoop after your cat every time he or she uses the litter box, you will inevitably miss some.
- To address this, empty the litter box on a regular basis, wash it with soap and warm water (avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, since ammonia can make the smell worse), dry it, and replace the litter with fresh litter.
- Change the litter box at least once a year.
- These grooves are more difficult to disinfect and have a tendency to retain odours.
- 4.
Putting a small amount of baking soda or deodorizer in your cat’s litter box can go a long way toward making your house smell better.
Every time you scoop the litter box, sprinkle a small amount of the deodorizer over the top of the litter.
Make an experiment out of it by putting a different litter in each litter box in your home and observing (a) which litter your cat likes and (b) which litter best reduces odor.
6) Make sure that the litter box is in a well-ventilated space.
This only permits the odor to become more concentrated.
Maintaining your litter box in a well-ventilated area allows the aroma to readily dissipate, and there is enough light and space for your cat to go into, move about in, and emerge out of the box without difficulty.
Why my house doesn’t smell like cats
Every time a friend learns that I live in a small studio apartment, they immediately wonder how I manage to live with a cat. “Doesn’t he make the place smell?” they inquire. Unless we’ve been gone for an abnormally extended amount of time, we don’t detect a litter box scent in our apartment, which I always mention to our guests. If we do, it’s a clear indication that we need to scoop up as soon as possible! Even if your cat is as little as adoptableZorro, you must ensure that the litter box is well maintained.
- I used to be one of them.
- I hadn’t grown up with one, but my roommate had, and so I took after her lead.
- Initially, I assumed the scent was unavoidable.
- Toby’s litter box is now scooped at least twice a day, if not more.
- Stephanie Janeczko suggests cleaning the litter box at least once or twice a day.
- Here are a few additional things we do to keep the aroma under control:
- Toby’s box is being aired out. Given that we had been unable to locate a box with high enough sides to confine some of Toby’s less appealing behaviours, our behaviorist recommended a covered box as a workaround. Every day, I open Toby’s box entirely and leave it open for a few minutes to allow the box to air out thoroughly. I have a friend who, on the same idea, opens her human bathroom window for a few minutes every day, even in the middle of winter, because we are washing the scooper there. While I understand that it seems like basic sense, one of my friends only washed his scooper once a week, which was a big mistake. I shivered at the notion of the accumulation on that scoop of water! We rinse ours after each usage to ensure that nothing is left behind to cause a bacterial infection
- We also wash the litter box. We empty the litter box and thoroughly clean it once a week, after which we dry it and reload it with new, fresh litter
- We sprinkle the litter box. When we scoop the litter, we sprinkle it with baking soda from a box that sits next to the bag of litter. Baking soda on carpets and keeping a basin of water in your refrigerator are both examples of the same concept. My grandmother was absolutely correct in stating that it absorbs practically any stench.
I’ll admit that anytime we have guests around, we make an additional trip to the litter box to ensure that it is as clean as possible for everyone. This would be counterproductive if we didn’t clean Toby’s litter box on a regular basis the rest of the time. However, we attribute this to the fact that no one has ever inquired about the aroma of Toby after visiting – they are well aware that there isn’t a smell.
7 tips to make a stinky litter box smell fresh & clean.
I’ll admit that anytime we have guests around, we make an additional trip to the litter box to ensure that it is as clean as possible for everyone. This would be counterproductive if we didn’t clean Toby’s litter box on a regular basis the rest of the time. However, we attribute this to the fact that no one has ever inquired about the aroma of Toby after visiting – they are well aware that there isn’t a smell.
Try these seven tips to keep your litter box from stinking:
I’ll admit that anytime we have guests around, we make an additional trip to the litter box to ensure that it is as clean as possible for everyone. This would be counterproductive if we didn’t clean Toby’s litter box on a regular basis the rest of the time. However, we attribute this to the fact that no one has ever inquired about the aroma of Toby after visiting – they are well aware that there isn’t a smell.
2. Add baking soda to the litter.
It’s an excellent all-natural deodorizer for your litter box as well. Some individuals have inquired as to whether baking soda is safe for cats, and the answer is an unequivocal affirmative! Baking soda is non-toxic, and by including a small amount of it into the litter, you may assist to absorb the smells associated with pet pee.
It is important to note that even if you add baking soda into the litter, you will still need to scoop the litter, refresh it, and wash the box. Again, you’ll want to avoid any sodas that have a strong aroma to them.
3. Use charcoal filters to manage a stinky litter box.
Charcoal filters are effective in removing persistent cat scents, and they are also beneficial to the environment. Modkat supplies an odor control kit that comprises two bamboo charcoal filters that are more effective than other charcoals and are manufactured from a sustainable resource. Bamboo charcoal filters last longer and are more effective than other charcoals. Using our bamboo filters for up to three months before re-hydrating them in the sun will ensure that they last as long as possible.
4. Don’t mask the odors with sprays, plug-ins, or potpourri.
Many scented air fresheners smell divine to humans, but they are nauseating to cats due to their strong scents. Furthermore, several scented home goods might be harmful to cats if they are consumed in large quantities. Potpourri oil, for example, can cause skin irritation in cats. If you want your home to have a spicy, tangy scent, consider making your own homemade air freshener instead of purchasing one from the store.
5. Practice good litter box hygiene.
Pick up after your cat’s litter box on a daily basis. This process can be made easier by clumping the litter. Once a week, completely restock the litter by removing the old litter and replacing it with 3-4 inches of new litter. During the time when the kitty box is empty, thoroughly clean it with warm water and unscented soap. It’s possible that your box’s inside may begin to smell after a while, in which case you may wish to spray the box with an antibacterial solution that is suitable for cats.
6. Make sure your litter box is situated in a well-ventilated area.
Keeping the litter box hidden in a dark, out-of-the-way location like as a garage or basement might be quite appealing. However, refrain from doing so. The elimination of many timid cats is made more difficult by the presence of a bully cat, who can take advantage of the isolation to initiate a fight. If the box is out of sight and scent, it’s possible that you’ll forget to clean it on a regular basis. Jackson Galaxy, the cat’s father, recommends that litter boxes be placed in “socially suitable settings,” such as living rooms.
7. Ask your vet or feline nutritionist about your cat’s diet.
If your cat’s droppings are exceptionally foul-smelling, consult with a specialist about making a safe and healthy food modification that may help to alleviate the odors in the litter box. It is critical to keep your house and litter box clean and fresh, both for the sake of your cat’s health and for your personal peace of mind as well. Approximately 10% of cats will abruptly refuse to use their litter boxes, and the scent of the litter box is one of the reasons behind this.
By keeping your cat’s litter box clean and clear of odors, you may make it easier for him or her to excrete in the proper location, so assisting him or her in remaining healthy and happy. Shop the Modkat litter boxes and accessories to give your cat’s litter area a new look. Order today!
I Finally Got Rid of Litter Box Smells With This Genius Hack
Traditional remedies weren’t working for me in terms of making the litter box smell less bad, so I tried something different—and I’ll never go back. Each product that we showcase has been picked and vetted by our editorial staff after being thoroughly researched and tested. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links on this page, we may receive a commission. In case you’re a cat fan, you already know that the best part of their sometimes fickle habits and cat behaviors is that they take care of themselves – and the worst part is that they do it in your home.
- Instead of putting up with the foul litter box odors, I got inventive and invested in a different kind of remedy.
- These days, I’ve moved into a house with a designated litter box laundry room, which is a huge improvement.
- The advent of a second cat, on the other hand, made me rethink my decisions.
- I scoop the box twice a day, but unless you remove the excrement outdoors, it will remain in your home, causing a foul odor.
- Pet items of this sort need the use of specific bags, filters, and replacement components, and the vast majority of them are constructed of plastic, which is porous and enables smells to escape when exposed to the elements.
- These containers include a sliding top that closes with a baby-proof lid lock, and the aperture is covered with rubber to prevent odor leakage.
- I was able to completely eliminate litter box odors with the use of this little pail.
- With weekly clean-outs, my refrigerator is never completely empty.
- I still scoop every day, but now I put the garbage into the pail and down into the bag, which is secured to the top by a plastic ring that is attached to the pail.
- Approximately once a week, I empty the pail, spray it down with the hose, then sprinkle it with baking soda to give it a little extra protection against insects.
The product is even available in a nice pink hue, which isn’t a choice when purchasing a cat-specific product, but my felines believe that it should be.
How to Reduce Kitty Litter Smell
One of the most irritating aspects of being a cat owner is having to deal with stinky kitty litter. Not only does cat urine smell bad, but the stink may also permeate throughout your home, making it difficult or humiliating to have people over to your home for dinner. And it’s for this reason that we all want to make sure that our kitty litter boxes smell the least amount feasible. Here are some short suggestions for how to get rid of the smell of kitty litter:
1: Scoop Your Kitty Litter Twice a Day At Least
If you leave your toilet unflushed for an extended period of time, it will begin to smell. The same may be said for your cat litter box. You should empty your cat’s litter box at least twice a day, using a metal spoon to pick up both the cat’s excrement and any wet urine stains. If your cat has difficulty using their litter box on a continuous basis, cleaning it will encourage them to do so since many cats dislike the scent of pee, especially when it comes from other cats.
2: Replace the Litter Twice a Week or More
Even if you scoop out your kitty litter box on a regular basis, odors can still remain in the litter because you may have missed a few small bits of pee or feces when scooping. As a result, changing the litter at least twice a week can greatly lessen the scent emanating from the litter box. Keep in mind that when you clean your litter box, you should not only remove the old litter, but you should also clean the box itself. You may clean with soap and water, but you can also use a bleach solution (one part bleach for every three parts water).
It’s also important to clean your metal scooping spoon after each use.
Most cats do not appreciate litter boxes that are overflowing with litter and will refuse to use them.
3: Get a New Litter Box
Even if you scoop out your cat’s litter box on a regular basis, odors might remain in the litter because you may have missed a few microscopic bits of pee or feces when scooping. Changing the litter at least twice a week can assist to considerably lessen the scent of the litter box, which is beneficial in many situations. Keep in mind that when you clean your litter box, you should not only remove the old litter, but you should also clean the litter box itself. You can clean with soap and water, but a bleach solution is also effective (one part bleach for every three parts water).
Make certain that your metal scooping spoon is clean as well, as described above.
Generally speaking, cats dislike litter boxes that are overflowing with litter and will refuse to use them.
4: Get a Bigger Litter Box
Cats may be fussy when it comes to food. Even if cats had previously been trained to use a litter box, if they have a problem with their present box, they have the right to refuse to use it in the future. Then they go to the bathroom in various locations throughout your home, spreading the fragrance throughout the house.
In order to determine the appropriate cat box size, follow this rule of thumb: your box should be twice the length of your cat’s body and twice the width of your cat’s body. If the box becomes any smaller, it could become too tiny for them to comfortably utilize.
5: Get Another Litter Box, Especially If You Have More Than One Cat
Cats, in contrast to dogs, despise urinating in areas where other cats have peed. If you have more than one cat in your home, you will need to purchase numerous litter boxes to suit each of the cats. According to general rule, you should have one additional litter box for every cat that lives in your home. In the case of two cats, you should have three litter boxes, and so on. Furthermore, if you have only one cat, you should have two litter boxes available.
6: Avoid Perfumes and Scented Litter
Cats are not fond of perfumes or other strongly scented products (which is why citrus scents like lemon are a great deterrent for unwanted stray cats). Therefore, while using scented cat litter may seem like a smart approach to reduce smells, doing so actually increases the likelihood that your cat will avoid using their litterbox altogether. When it comes to odor management, unscented litter may be the most effective option for you and your cat. A lot of veterinarians strongly advise using it, and you might discover that it works better than the perfumed stuff.
7: Use Deodorizer to Freshen Up Your Litter Box
Perfumes and other strong aromas are not liked by cats (which is why citrus scents like lemon are a great deterrent for unwanted stray cats). Therefore, while using scented cat litter may seem like a smart approach to reduce smells, doing so actually increases the likelihood that your cat will avoid using their litterbox entirely. When it comes to odor management, unscented litter may be the most effective choice for you and your cat. You may discover that it works better than the perfumed substance, which is widely recommended by veterinarians.
8: Put Your Litter Box In a Bigger Space
You’ve certainly heard more than one cat lover advocate that you keep your litter box in a small cabinet (we’ve definitely advised it in the past), and we agree. Some homes find that concealing their litter box is effective, while others find that the restricted room increases the smell of their cat. By relocating the litter box to a larger area with improved ventilation, you will be able to prevent the scents from becoming overwhelming and making your litter smell too bad. The garage, the laundry room, or even an enclosed catio are all excellent sites for a litter box since they provide ample air circulation and ventilation.
9: Block Off Your Litter Box
After all, it’s not your fault if you don’t like how much the kitty litter scent spreads. While putting your box out in the open is beneficial for minimizing the scent itself, placing your box behind a closed door is the most effective approach to prevent the stench from spreading around the house and causing discomfort. The garage or laundry room are good choices for this solution since they have doors that you can close when you are not using it.
Afterwards, you can incorporate a cat flap or a cat hole into your door or wall to provide your cat with access to their litter box anytime they require it. If you get a cat door for your cat, be sure to instruct them on how to utilize the door properly.
10: Consult Your Veterinarian
If the stench of your cat’s urine or excrement has changed significantly, or if this fragrance issue has only recently occurred, it may be necessary to contact with their veterinarian. underlying health or food difficulties might be the source of the strong odor that is emanating from your cat’s litter box When in doubt, always consult with a veterinarian. We adore our cats even when their litter box starts to smell. Having a pet always has a dirty side, but it doesn’t stop us from loving them.
10 Hacks For Smelly Litter Boxes That All Cat-Owners Should Know
Photograph courtesy of Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News courtesy of Getty Images There are a plethora of advantages to having a cat as a companion (or multiple cats). In addition to being the most excellent cuddlers (when they’re in the mood, of course), they make you feel less lonely, they’re cute and always photogenic, and they can do the funniest things to make you laugh even when you’re having a horrible day. However, as every cat lover will tell you, there is one significant drawback to keeping cats: they can be really stinky.
- Put it out of your mind.
- Let’s face it: no matter how much care you pay to it or how frequently you clean it, a litter box will never smell pleasant.
- You can experiment with various hacks and tactics to make the box smell nicer, but it will never be as fragrant as a field of wild roses will be.
- That being said, just because you adore your cat does not imply that you must live in a filthy environment all of the time.
- The litter box must be physically disturbed in order to prevent it from stinking up the entire house.
1 Add Dried Green Tea Leaves
Organic Three Rivers Loose Leaf Tea, 1 pound, $59.95, Mighty Leaf Tea Co. There are a variety of deodorizers available for purchase to use in your litter box, but if you like to keep things more natural, you may simply make your own using green tea. Purchase loose leaf green tea and allow the leaves to dry before mixing them into the trash.
Green tea leaves have inherent anti-bacterial and odor-absorbing capabilities, and they are also used to make herbal tea. The caffeine content of a tiny number of them should not be harmful to your cat, but it is always best to prepare them in advance and dry them out to be absolutely certain.
Use Baking Soda On The Bottom
Amazon has ArmHammer Cat Litter Deodorizer for $15.40. Baking soda is an excellent litter deodorizer since it absorbs smells more effectively than almost any other substance. Just keep in mind that baking soda may be harmful in big quantities, so don’t use too much of it – just a sprinkle here and there will enough. It’s very normal for your cat to consume a small amount of water when grooming their paws. Basically, you’ll want to sprinkle a thin coating of baking soda over the bottom of the box before pouring the litter on top of it.
Clean The Box Daily
Nobody loves cleaning the litter box, let’s be honest. It’s offensive, it’s disgusting, and it’s uncomfortably hot. It’s also a bit discouraging to clean up after your cat’s excrement since they insist on sitting there, watching you do it, and lording their dominance over you while you do it. However, cleaning the box on a regular basis is the most effective method of preventing it from stinking. Yes, every single day of the week! The fact that you clean the box every night prevents things from stacking up and generating an unpleasant scent – not to mention that it is more sanitary for your cat.
Use A Box Liner
Amazon has Johnny Cat Heavy Duty Litter Box Liners for $7.73. If you despise the thought of cleaning your cat’s litter box, you might want to consider investing in litter box liners. What they do is precisely what the name implies: they line the litter box to make cleaning up a breeze; all that is required is to wrap everything up and toss it away all at once. Liners also help to keep the inside of the box cleaned, which can help to reduce the scent. The negative, on the other hand, is that liners are a significant waste of material.
The second issue is that you still have to clean the box on a regular basis; they’re simply making it a little bit easier to do so with the new system.
Wash The Litter Box Once A Week
Cleaning out the litter box is generally something you do on a regular basis, whether it’s once a day or once every few days. But what about cleaning the physical box? It’s possible that this is something you forget to do more often than you remember to do it. It is not enough to simply replace the litter and scrape out all of the debris in your litter box; you must also wash it on a regular basis in order to maintain it clean. At the very least, you should be cleansing the box once a week to prevent items from building up and scents from becoming more noticeable.
Wipe The Box Down With Vinegar
Heinz White Vinegar, $3.02, available on Amazon. Add a new degree of sophistication to the cleaning process by wiping the box down with vinegar afterward. Vinegar is excellent in absorbing smells and cleaning surfaces to a high degree of cleanliness. Once it’s dried, it shouldn’t smell like vinegar, though it’s still definitely superior to cat urine in terms of unpleasantness.
Use Clumping Litter
Target sells Purina Tidy Cats Instant Action Clumping Cat Litter for $7.89. If your cat’s litter boxes are in poor condition, you may want to consider switching to a different kind of cat litter.
Clumping litter is an excellent choice since it makes it much easier to scoop up the lumps and keep the litter clean because the lumps are smaller. The easier it is to clean, the more efficiently you will be able to do it, and the less it will smell.
Use Unscented Litter
Walmart sells ArmHammer Unscented Clumping Cat Litter for $7.78. Scented litter may appear to be one of the most effective methods of keeping the stench from becoming unbearable, but it is not a good idea in the long run. As a rule, unscented litter is preferable for cats since scented litter may cause them to become agitated, preventing them from using the litter box or causing them to perform their business in a sloppy manner. Furthermore, scented litter can occasionally combine with an unpleasant aroma already present, resulting in an unpleasant combination.
Keep It Ventilated
Your cat’s litter box should be located in a well-ventilated place to ensure that the stench does not become suffocating. Putting the box under a table or covering it with a lid to attempt to keep the stench at bay is not a good idea since it retains the scent and makes cleaning them a miserable experience, which is not what you want.
Replace The Litter Completely Once A Week
Along with removing lumps from the litter and cleansing the box, you should be replacing the litter at least once a week, or more frequently if necessary. Simply scooping the clumps out of the litter box will help to alleviate the problem, but leaving the same litter in the litter box for days on end will simply exacerbate the problem. When you wash the box, make sure you’re also changing all of the litter in it completely.
9 Tips to Control Litter Box Odor
Michelle Lievense contributed to this article. Cats can make a bad day better, a chilly day warmer, and a difficult day fluffier. They are sweet, fluffy, affectionate, and occasionally naughty, and they can make a terrible day better. When their litter box begins to smell, it has the potential to transform any space into a shockingly poisonous nightmare. How is it possible that something so fluffy and pleasant can generate such a foul odor? Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce litter box odor.
- Cats that live inside will use the litter box three to four times each day.
- The ideal situation is for you to scoop immediately after your cat has used the bathroom, but this isn’t always possible.
- When you are unable to scoop as frequently as you would like or are in a hurry, you can use a product such as Skout’s Honor Litter Box Deodorizer for a brief refresh between cleanings to help reduce litter box odor.
- However, emptying the litter and cleaning out the litter box withSkout’s Honor Cat UrineOdor Destroyer, while less pleasant than scooping, is a good and cat-safe way to stay on top of smells that can stick to the sides and bottom of the litter box.
Even smooth plastic has a little amount of porosity, which means that scents can slowly seep into the material over time.
Despite the fact that you scoop every day, there are always a few bits left over. It is recommended that you replace your cat’s litter at least once or twice a week in order to keep his paws clean and to reduce odor in the litter box. Remove all of the litter from your litter box, give it a thorough cleaning, and then replace the box with completely new litter.
- You’ll always find bits and pieces of food left behind, no matter how diligently you scoop each day. It is recommended that you replace your cat’s litter at least once or twice a week in order to keep his paws clean and reduce odor. Discard all of the litter in your litter box and clean off the box well before refilling it with completely new material.
The proper number of litter boxes will not only guarantee that your cat has a variety of alternatives, but it will also prevent smells from accumulating during the day. There should be one more box in the house than there are cats living in it. Consequently, if you have only one cat, you should have two litter boxes. In addition, there should be at least one litter box on each floor of the building. So, even if you only have one cat and your house has three levels, you’ll need three litter boxes to accommodate him.
- If possible, place the litter box in an open area with good ventilation rather than hiding it away in the corner of the closet.
- Deodorizers are a frequent method of controlling the odor of the litter box.
- It has the ability to build a chemical sludge that is hazardous to both your and your cat’s health.
- The revolutionary mineral-based deodorizer does not simply mask cat stink; it really eliminates the odor molecules, eliminating the need for any additional scent that might be annoying to you or your cats.
- When it comes to the many sorts of litter boxes available, there are a plethora of possibilities.
- Large litter boxes will prevent your cat from creating a mess on the edges of the box, which will save you money on litter.
- It’s also possible to get something fancy and technologically advanced, like as theCat Genie, which automatically cleans itself after every usage.
- Many litter boxes will come with a scoop, but how much of the litter is actually picked up by the scoop?
- Choose a broad scoop with narrow slits for the best results.
It will also guarantee that as little as possible is left behind to contaminate the box and your house with foul odor.
There is possibly no more heated argument among cat guardians than that over which litter is the finest. Some people prefer all-natural materials such as paper, grass, or maize. Others prefer clumping clay in the old-fashioned way. Others, on the other hand, are drawn to absorbent crystals. Whatever you select, make certain that it will be gentle on your cat’s paws and that it will be simple to clean up after your cat. When it comes to odor, consider determining the stickiness of the litter. When litter adheres to your cat’s paws, it will be tracked out of the litter box, potentially spreading the stink of the litter box to the rest of the household.
- Cat litter box smells can be caused by a variety of conditions including liver disease, digestive difficulties, renal disease, and urinary tract infections.
- Foods that are simpler to digest can also be tried, however you should avoid changing the diet too frequently or too rapidly because this can also create intestinal discomfort in your cat’s digestive system.
- Every cat owner is confronted with the subject of how to keep the litter box odor under control from time to time.
- Following these recommended practices can help to ensure that you and your cat live in a warm, comfortable, and odor-free environment together.
I Found a Litter Deodorizer That Keeps My Two-Cat Home From Smelling Like One
Salmon and Tuna, on the left, with their litter box, which is virtually odorless. Julia Kramer contributed to this image. The age-old trade-off of living in New York City is that you will have to give up some of your own space in order to make the city your permanent residence. A large number of New Yorkers, whether they live alone or with roommates, are putting this trade-off to the test because of the epidemic. If you’re one of the latter, you’re probably aware that things may be more difficult when you’re obliged to work and live with others—and that things can be considerably more difficult when some of those people are pets.
- There have been some high points, such as the cats’ occasional and entertaining feuds with pigeons on ourfire escape, and some low points, such as the sinking (stinking?) feeling that hits me every time one of them walks toward the litter box.
- Two cats not only increase the stink factor of litter, but they also increase the frequency with which you will be smacked in the face with a nasty odor in your home.
- It was years ago when Tuna, Salmon, and I moved to Manhattan and shared an apartment with two human roommates.
- I cleaned it every day, but the litter smell always seemed to linger, piercing our nostrils when we were walking by or didn’t notice it was there.
- The following products were tried: charcoal filters, odor-absorbing balls, and an ArmHammerdeodorizing powder, but none of these were effective.
- The same could be said for the odor-absorbing balls (which had excellent initial benefits but had a short shelf life), and the ArmHammer powder just did not accomplish anything to eradicate odors.
- Then there’s February 2019, when Tuna and Salmon, as well as our two human housemates and me, moved into a larger apartment that included a fourth human as well.
In the beginning, we were able to tolerate the smell by keeping it more or less in the bathroom — we used a powerful air freshener, I cleaned the box on a daily basis, and I added some live eucalyptus to give the room a spa-like aroma — but it wasn’t long before I was on the hunt for something even more effective.
To my astonishment and happiness, it turned out to be the first — and so far only — thing I’ve found that adequately hides the odor of trash.
Approximately once a month, after thoroughly cleaning the litter box (by tossing everything out and thoroughly washing it), I shake a big number of the pellets into the empty box, pour in fresh litter, and then lightly sprinkle some more pellets on top.
While I am not a scientist, it appears that the product absorbs scents rather than masking them; when I use it, the litter box smells more like nothing than it does anything else.
The RoccoRoxie deodorizer also lasts far longer than any other deodorizer I’ve tried – I’m still using the same bottle I purchased in December, despite the fact that I’ve been using it several times a week.
“I just got a whiff of…
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We update links as often as we can, but please keep in mind that bargains sometimes expire and that all prices are subject to change. This deodorizer helps to keep my two-cat house from smelling like a cat shelter.