How to Control Cat Litter Box Odor

Determine the best place in the home for the litter box. Laundry rooms or entry ways often work well, but be cautious about placing the box in a small space. Confining odor to tiny areas can make it worse. Keep the box hidden. Your cats appreciate the privacy and your guests would prefer not to have a litter box in their eyesight.

Purchase clumping litter. It is the most effective when controlling cat litter box odor. Purchase baking soda or cat litter box odor control powder. These products are very affordable. You may also choose to purchase a lid for your cat box. Lids do help contain odor, but their effect is minimal.

Spray down the empty cat litter box with a weak disinfectant or bleach spray. The bleach spray should contain 2 percent bleach. When dry, add a small amount of clumping litter to the cat box. On top of the thin layer of litter, spread a thin layer of baking soda or odor- control powder. Then add another layer of litter. Finish with another layer of baking soda. Make sure the overall amount of litter sits under the halfway point of the cat box. When the cat uses the box, their natural method of covering their waste will spread the baking soda and help to diffuse the smell. Your cat is helping you control the odor!

Scoop your cat's waste into a bag immediately after they have utilized the litter box. If you are not able hang around all day, pick a time to regularly check the box and scoop. If you have multiple cats, this will be more difficult; however, scooping is an important part of the process. Waste that sits for long periods of time greatly contributes to cat litter box odor.

Keep a matchbox in a safe spot near the cat litter box. Once you have scooped, light a match and blow it out. The combination of the smoke and the baking soda will help to control short term pungent odors and stale long lasting odor.

Add a few cups of fresh cat litter to the box once you have removed the major clumps. Since you did not place a large amount to begin with (see Step Three) it will be easy to add litter without overflowing the box. Change out the entire litter box once a week.