How do I keep my litter box from smelling?
Daniel Lopez
Updated on March 09, 2026
7 Ways to Reduce Litter Box Smell (and Messes)
- Scoop Daily. The best way to reduce litter box smells is to get rid of the stuff that's smelly. ...
- Wash Thoroughly. ...
- Replace the Boxes. ...
- Add More Well-Sized Boxes. ...
- Ventilate. ...
- Baking Soda. ...
- Clean Messes Quickly and Thoroughly.
How do you neutralize the smell of cat litter?
Baking soda is a great all-purpose cleaner that can eliminate tough odors, including stubborn ammonia-based smells. A little goes a long way too, so sprinkling a small amount on top should be enough to clear out those bad smells. Whatever deodorizer you use, make sure it's one that your cat likes as well.Do covered litter boxes help with smell?
3. No smelly business: With an enclosed bathroom for your cat, you don't need to worry about any unpleasant odors that might (will) come wafting out of the box. Enclosed spaces work wonders for containing the smell — better than any scent, candle, powder, or other witch's brew you can buy.Can I put an air freshener near litter box?
A: You can use air fresheners to help combat pet odors. You should also make sure you clean your cat's litter tray and your home as a whole regularly, as well as keeping your cat clean. If your house does smell of cat, in particular nasty litter box stenches, using an air freshener can be an effective solution.Can I add baking soda to cat litter?
Add baking soda to the litter: Surprisingly, baking soda is a great all-natural deodorizer that is both safe for cats and can help manage the litter box smell. By mixing a little bit of baking soda with the litter, you can help absorb any urine odors also.HOW TO HAVE A SMELL-FREE LITTER BOX | Tips and tricks I've learned the hard way
Can I put Unstoppables in cat litter?
With the kitty litter: To extend the life of your kitty litter (or to mask odors when there's no time to clean the box), sprinkle some Unstopables in along with the litter. Mix in for best results.How do I keep my house from smelling like cat poop?
Keeping Your Home Odor Free
- Use the right cat litter. There are dozens of brands of kitty litter for sale today. ...
- Clean the litter box frequently. In general, if your cat's litter box smells, then it needs to be cleaned more frequently. ...
- Use a covered box. ...
- Change diets.
Is it better to have an open or closed litter box?
In this study, no overall preference was seen for covered versus uncovered litter boxes. When individual cats were assessed, 70% showed absolutely no preference (i.e. used both boxes equally), 15% used the covered litter box more significantly, while 15% used the uncovered more than the covered. Pretty even results.What kind of litter box smells the least?
The 10 Best Cat Litter Box for Odor Control
- Nature's Miracle Advanced Hooded Litter Box. ...
- ScoopFree Smart Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box. ...
- Nature's Miracle Silver Oval Hooded Litter Box. ...
- Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter Box System. ...
- Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan. ...
- IRIS Top Entry Litter Box. ...
- Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box.
How often should you change out all the kitty litter?
Twice a week is a general guideline for replacing clay litter, but depending on your circumstances, you may need to replace it every other day or only once a week. If you clean the litter box daily, you might only need to change clumping litter every two to three weeks.Where should I put the litter box in my house?
A great place to locate the litter box is your own bathroom, as long as you make sure to keep the door wide open when it's not in use. Many people tuck the litter box next to the toilet, between the toilet and tub, or under the sink.Do cats need light to use litter box?
#2 – In the darkIt can make a cat very anxious to not know exactly where the box is or to not know if she'll be ambushed by a hidden predator while she's using it. If you must put the litter box in a dark area such as a closet, basement, or windowless room, plug in a nightlight nearby to help her navigate.
Do cats like lids on their litter box?
Most cats prefer clumping, unscented litter. Your cat may prefer the type of litter she used as a kitten. Most cats don't like box liners or lids on their boxes. Cats like their litter boxes located in a quiet but not “cornered” location.Do cats like corner litter boxes?
Cats need an escape route, they don't like to feel cornered-in. If you have multiple animals in your home, and they're approached while in the litter box, they don't have a way out. One bad litter box experience can cause a cat to abandon it.Are Downy Unstopables toxic to cats?
If your pet actually ingests the beads, take them to the vet. Ingesting these beads could be much more toxic than smelling them and doing your laundry with them.Can I put carpet deodorizer in cat litter?
Litter Box Deodorizing ProductsNever use household cleaning products, ammonia, baby powder, room deodorizers or carpet deodorizer as these cause serious health problems for the cat. Talcum powder, and dust from these products can enter the cat's lungs, causing respiratory ailments, allergies and cancer.