Get Rid of Cat Litter Box Smell for Good

our cat and his litter box

As much as I love my cat, when I have to get rid of cat litter box smell, I don’t fully enjoy the process.

The litter box smell can be a bit overwhelming and unpleasant. Not only it can be unpleasant, but it can also be a health hazard if not dealt with properly. I am going to share all the tricks I found while experimenting with my cat to get rid of the cat litter box smell for good.

Preventing Litter Box Smell:

coco checking how we clean his litter box
Coco checking how we are going to replace the litter in his box
  1. The key factor in eliminating the litter box smell is to prevent it from happening in the first place. One of the easiest ways to do this is by scooping the litter box at least once a day. This will keep it from becoming too full, and reduce the appearance of any odor.
  2. Use a good quality litter: If you choose the right litter you don’t have to worry about odor. Look around the shop for litter that can absorb very good and has nice odor control properties. You could also try to make your own homemade cat litter. I would recommend to avoid cheap and low quality litters as they don’t help with the smell and can cause discomfort.
  3. Place the litter box in a area that has good ventilation as this is essential as well for getting rid of the smell. If you will place it in a small, closed space where the air doesn’t circulate, the odor will build around it.
  4. Use a litter box deodorizer: Litter box deodorizers can be a fantastic way to control the odor from the box and keep you house smelling fresh. There are many to choose from and you should look for one that won’t cause any health problems.
  5. Wash the litter box regularly. In addition to following step number 1 and scooping the box at least once a day, it’s important to wash the litter box regularly. Use warm water and any soap that you want to clean the box thourough, after that you need to make sure that you rinse it well and let it dry completely before filling it again.
  6. Give litter box liners a try: They can make the litter box cleaning process easiers and prevent odors from flowing into the litter box. Look for liners in the shop that are sturdy and rear-resistant. You also want to make sure you are chaging them regularly.
  7. Maintain a healthy diet for your cat and most issues with odor will dissapear. The food your pet eats can affect the litter box smell. Ensure that your cat is eating a healthy died that is high in protein and fiber.

Controlling Odor with Accessories

If you already chose the right litter and you are cleaning the litter box regularly, but want more options of neutralizing odor, there are a few things that can help you. One of them is a litter box liner. We have tried using a liner in our box but didn’t seem to work as it seemed for me that it made the odor more potent.

Another thing to consider is using a litter box deodorizer. This works most of the times as it makes the room smell fresh. However, it’s important to know that deodorizers don’t eliminate the source of the odor, so they should be used as an extra tool on top of cleaning the box regularly and washing it. You need to look for a deodorizer that is safe for cats, as some products contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic for pets.

Air freshners are also a great way to control the litter box odor. There are air freshners on the market that are specifically designed for pets and are free of harmful chemicals

Home Remedies for Cat Litter Box Smell

If you prefer to use natural things to help you with the odor, we also have a few recommendations. Baking soda is one of the most popular choices when it comes to absorbing odors. Simply sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the tray before adding the litter inside.

This will help a lot!

We when we found this simple hack and it was something that we had around the house, didn’t even have to go to the shop for it.

Vinegar is also another effective smell neutralizer. You can mix equal parts of water and vinegar into any spray bottle that you have and sprinkle it over the box while cleaning it. It’s even safe as cats can eat vinegar and is not harmful for them

The last we have on the list is activated charcoal. This is a powerful odor absorber and before cat litter was on the shop people used as as cat litter when making their homemade cat litter box. Simply place a thin layer of activated charcoal in the bottom of the cat litter box before adding litter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about litter box smell that we have answers for:

Why does my cat’s litter box smell so strong?

There are several reasons why the litter box can have a strong smell. Some of them are poop ventilation, not cleaning regularly, and your pet’s diet. All of them are covered in this article

Why does my cat smell like a litter box?

If your cat smells like the litter box, it can be a strong sign that they are not grooming themselves properly. This could be due to a medical issue, such as dental problems or due to behavioural issues.

How do you deep clean a litter box?

To deep clean any litter box, including the homemade outdoor litter box, you should start by emptying the litter and disposing it. There are many ways to dispose of cat litter but we recommend to dispose the green way. We then take the box and scrub it with warm, soapy water, then rinse it thoroughly. You can also take one of our tips and use the mixture of water and vinegar that we recommend to sanitize the litter box. Be sure to let the box dry out completley before adding the new litter.

How often should you replace a litter box?

We recommend replacing it every 6-12 months as a minimum, or sooner if the box becomes damaged, cracked or scratched. This will help with the litter box smell as well as there are less chances of odor being trapped in the litter box

Conclusion

Litter box smell can be a frustrating problem for cat owners, but with the right tricks and products, it can be controlled and made to smell nice. By following our tips you can make sure you keep hour home smelling fresh and clean, and your pet is happy and healthy. Remember to choose the right litter and clean the box regularly, as these are the most important steps to take

How often do you clean your litter box?

Let me know below!

Indre K Williams

Indre K Williams

Indre K Williams (DVM) graduated from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for animals to their writing. With years of experience working closely with pets and their owners, she has developed a deep understanding of their needs and behaviour.

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