There is no doubt about it, nobody appreciates a stinky litter box. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also be a sign that your cat is not using the litter box as intended. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to reduce or eliminate litter box odor.
Keep the Litter Box Clean - This one seems like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. A clean litter box will go a long way in reducing odors. Scoop out waste daily and completely empty and wash the litter box weekly (or more often if needed). Consider scooping first thing in the morning and then right before bedtime, for the best odor control (or as needed if you have multiple cats using the same box).
Choose the Right Litter - Not all cat litters are good quality - some are downright cheap and do little to help with odor control. Some litters are much better at reducing odor than others.
If odor control is a priority for you, look for a litter that contains baking soda or zeolite crystals, which are known for their absorbent properties. Baking soda, in particular, is a proven odor absorbent that goes a long way toward eliminating obnoxious litter odors.
Consider Your Cat's Diet - Believe it or not, what your cat eats can also have an effect on litter box odor. A diet that is low in calories and high in fiber will produce less odor than a diet that is high in calories and low in fiber.
So, if you're looking to reduce litter box odors, be sure to feed your cat accordingly. The premium cat food brands are more expensive, but check the nutritional breakdown - sometimes it is worth the additional investment.
Use an Air Purifier - An air purifier can also help to reduce odors around the litter box by circulating and filtering the nearby air on a regular basis. This is especially helpful if you have multiple cats or live in a small space.
This can be so effective that we've done an entire product review about specific air purifiers that can help eliminate litter box smell.
For tips on choosing an air purifier that can get rid of cat box smell, tap the button below!