Cat Odor Control

Cats make great companions, but they can also cause tell-tale odors to invade your home. This is especially true for houses with multiple cats, in which a faint musky or ammonia-like cat odor may linger. By choosing the right cat and cleanup products and exercising a little diligence, you can keep your cat happy and your house smelling fresh and clean.

  1. Spay or Neuter

    • Many cat odors stem from a single problem: Your cat isn't fixed. Typically, intact male cats mark their territory by spraying urine, but female cats may, too. Having your kitten fixed before it reaches sexual maturity will typically solve the problem.

    Clean Litter

    • Providing the proper number of clean litter boxes is integral to eliminating cat odors. The Cornell Feline Health Center recommends having one more litter box than the total number of cats in your house. This means that if you have three cats, you should have four litter boxes.

      Before putting fresh cat litter in the box, spread a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom to control litter box odors. Scoop the box often--once or twice a day.

      Washing the litter box once a week when you change the litter is a good way to cut down on cat odors. Scrub the box with hot water and soap. Rinse the box thoroughly before refilling it with litter.

    General Cleanliness

    • Keeping cat smells from accumulating in your home requires good general cleaning. Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently to remove pet hairs. Wash pet bedding regularly. Use disinfectants on countertops or tables on which your cat has walked. Using an inexpensive air freshener may also help pet odor removal.