Are you a proud cat owner who loves their pet but can’t get over its stinky litter box?
Truth is, stink from the cat’s toilet is a common and annoying trouble. When dirty and full of “deposits”, the litter box creates a stink zone and even the cat doesn’t want to be close to it or use it.
But don’t worry you’re in the right place.
We at The Catington Post have prepared several simple tips on how to minimize the cat’s litter box odor and keep your home fresh.
1. MAKE SURE TO SCOOP DAILY
The first and most important step to fight the cat’s litter box smell is to eliminate the stink source.
It’s essential that you scoop regularly or you risk cleaning cat poop from the carpet. Scoop at least 1-2 times a day. This way feline excrements don’t get the chance to stay longer and spread any disgusting scent.
Daily scooping leads to a happy and thankful cat, too.
With a clean litter box, it won’t pee and poo outside of it and create more chores for you to handle. According to the zero-waste living & lifestyle enthusiasts, the best you can do is composting to use as fertilizer down the road.
Check out our guide The Scoop on Poop: What You Can Learn from the Litter Box
2. DON’T FORGET THE LITTER
During scooping, you might miss small bits that still release stink. To avoid that,
- Replace the litter at least once a week.
- Use clumping litter because it’s easier to maintain and to remove solids and liquids.
- Stay away from litters with added aromas because they might make the stink situation worse and irritate your cat.
3. WASH THE BOX THOROUGHLY
When you dump the old litter and empty the box, wash it well. Use warm water, unscented mild soap, and a brush to scrub all spots and stains. Let the litter box dry and spray it with an antibacterial solution for better results.
Choose safe cleaning agents for the pet’s and your own sake. It takes no time and it’s that simple to keep good hygiene in your home with a kitty around.
Take our QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About Your Cat’s Litter Box?
4. PUT THE LITTER BOX IN A LARGE AND VENTILATED AREA
We understand that the cat’s toilet isn’t your favorite decoration and you prefer to hide it in a small space like the storeroom, the basement, the garage, etc.
But, when the litter box is in a tiny room, its smell actually stagnates and concentrates. Plus, your cat doesn’t enjoy going to a small, dark, and lonely space to do its business. So, you’ll end up with a useless litter box and foul urine stains on your pricey rugs.
To avoid this, the experts from Fresh Air Guide recommend placing the feline toilet in a well-ventilated corner along with an air purifier budget up to $100 can make the smell disperse while keeping the comfort of your cat.
Read also: 5 Ways to Keep Litter From Tracking All Over the Freaking House!
5. ADD BAKING SODA
If the litter box stink is stubborn and you still can’t get rid of it, try baking soda. Substitute chemical fragranced sprays, tablets, and plug-ins with baking soda. Sprinkle it between the bottom of the box and the litter to absorb the smell.
Baking soda is natural and completely safe for your cat, so don’t hesitate to give it a try. Add baking soda every time you replace the litter. It has the ability to absorb the feline urine and feces smell and you’ll be amazed by the results.
6. TRY CHARCOAL FILTERS
The eco-friendly charcoal filters are great for removing litter box odor thanks to their porous structure and anti-toxins powers. Charcoal filters are also perfect for a zero-waste lifestyle because they are made from renewable resources and restore from the sun.
7. CHANGE THE LITTER BOX WITH A NEW ONE
Cats are often playful and wild. They scratch the furniture, doors, and even their own litter box. Cats can also create small grooves on the bottom or sides of the litter box when they bury their waste.
These scratches retain bacteria and bad smells. At a certain moment, the cat’s litter box will continue to stink despite the cleaning and sanitizing. This is when you should consider buying a new one to combat the odor or a self-cleaning litter box.
We recommend replacing your kitty’s litter box once per year. If this seems too much and you can’t afford it, a more inexpensive and temporary alternative is any kind of plastic container. Size and convenience are important features to look for when you pick a new box. The length of the litter box should equal at least 2 times your cat’s length. One of its sides should be lower, so your pet can get in and out easily.
Wonder what to do with the old litter boxes? There is a simple and noble solution – donate them to shelters and contribute to the care of stray animals.
8. NUMBER AND TYPE OF THE LITTER BOXES
Are you aware of the following rule:
Number of cats + 1 = Number of litter boxes
This means that you need 2 litter boxes if you own 1 kitty to establish optimal conditions for it. Choose boxes that match the size of your cat and litter that your pet will like.
Experiment to find the best combination preferred by your feline friend. Your cat will actually use its litter boxes, which results in less mess and stink. Having the right amount of cat toilets also helps reduce the spread and density of the unpleasant smell.
Make sure to read our guide: Help! Solving Litter Box Problems
9. BEAR IN MIND WHAT YOU FEED YOUR CAT WITH
Sometimes the cause of the disgusting litter box smell is the food you give to your fluffy friend. Pay attention to what your cat eats and switch or remove a product from its menu. It’s best to consult with a vet to find out what food is healthy for your kitty.
ALL IN ALL
Keep the cat’s litter box from smelling up your house by following these tips for a clean pet’s toilet. Not only you’ll have a fresh-scented home, but your cat will be content and healthy, too. Instead of thinking about the bad odor, you’ll focus on playing with your kitty and the joy it brings to you.
