How to Keep a Litter Box Clean and Odor Free

There is no big secret to keeping your cat's litter box clean and odor free. Scoop on a regular basis, replace the litter when it gets too funky to scoop any more, and use an air freshener or scented candle, if necessary. Your cat will appreciate your keeping his litter box clean almost as much as you do.

Things You'll Need

  • Kitty litter scooper
  • High-quality kitty litter
  • Scented air freshener or candles (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1
      Some cats have a preference as to the type of litter they prefer.

      Choose a high-quality, brand name kitty litter. You should understand the differences in the types of kitty litter commercially available. Clumping litter forms solid balls from the urine and it is easy to scoop. Clay litter is less expensive and is highly absorbent, but is quite dusty. Pine litter breaks down as it is used. Solids are scooped out and liquid is absorbed by the pine and breaks down into a powder. After a week or so, just toss the litter and start over. Crystals are made of silica and is highly absorbent. The liquid turns the crystals a greenish color and the solids are easily scooped. Corn and wheat are also alternatives to regular kitty litter. Both are less costly than the others and highly absorbent. Some kitty litters are flushable but if it does not expressly state that on the label, do not flush kitty litter.

    • 2
      Some cats will refuse to use a dirty litter box.

      Using the slatted scooper, scoop out the clumps of litter on a daily basis, depositing the clumps in a plastic bag or doggy pick up bag. When the cat litter starts to fall below 2 to 3 inches, just add more cat litter to the cat box. Keeping the cat litter box clean by daily scooping at least twice a day (more if you have more than one cat) will keep the box odor free.

    • 3
      Cats can develop asthma if they inhale litter dust too often.

      Empty the litter box out completely and wash it well every one to two weeks, depending on how many cats you have and how dirty it gets. Odors can become absorbed into the plastic over time so washing your cat's litterbox will help control those odors.