Natural Ways of Removing Kitty Litter Odors

Cats can be great pets, but caring for a cat also means dealing with the scent of a litter box. There are different types of litter, depending on your -- and your cat's -- preferences, and many of them do not use harsh chemicals. There are also substances that mask or eliminate the smell coming from a used litter box, and natural options in this category. Common-sense tactics such as placement and care go a long way toward keeping things fresh.

  1. Choosing the Right Place

    • Carefully consider the location of the litter box. A basement often is a good choice because the smell will stay below the most used areas of the house. Try to avoid small places, if possible, since odor can quickly overtake the space. An ideal litter box location offers good air circulation. If you have multiple cats, provide multiple boxes to keep things fresh, according to the Humane Society of the United States..

    Types of Litter

    • Biodegradable litter is often made of paper, wheat, pine or corn. Many of these choices can be flushed down the toilet. Check the packaging for instructions. For people who are allergic to the dust that comes from clay used in traditional litter, this option often is far preferable.

    Add-Ins and Other Products

    • Baking soda is a great option because it is natural and absorbs odors very well. Many pet stores sell litter brands infused with baking soda, but often these are at the high end of the price range and these clay-based litters are not biodegradable. Sprinkling a layer of baking soda into the litter box before you add fresh litter keeps odors under control.

      Other options at pet stores are crystals and sprays. Most of these are not natural, and some will only mask the odor -- not absorb it.

    Maintenance and Care

    • Clean the litter box at least once a day. Scrub the box and change the litter on a regular basis so waste does not build up.