Why and How to Get Rid of Cat Litter Smell?

Last Updated on February 28, 2023 Ashley Camelia

Have you ever walked into your house and been overwhelmed by the smell of cat litter? It’s not a pleasant smell, but unfortunately, it’s one that many cat owners have to deal with on a regular basis. How to get rid of cat litter smell?

Cats are known for their litter box habits, and more specifically, for the smell that often comes with them. If your cat’s litter box is creating an unpleasant odor in your home, don’t worry – we’re here to help! 

Luckily, there are ways to reduce or eliminate the cat litter smell altogether. In this post, we’ll take a look at what causes the smell and some tips for getting rid of it. Keep reading to learn more!

So, the first question in your mind must be why does my cat litter smell gross?

how to get rid of cat litter smell

 

Why Does My Cat’s Litter Smell So Bad?

Cat litter can smell in a variety of ways, depending on the type of litter you are using. Some litters have a strong chemical odor, while others have an unpleasant earthy smell. No matter what the smell is like, it’s bound to be stronger than the smell of fresh air!

There are a few different reasons why your cat’s litter might smell bad. Knowing it is crucial so that you can take preventive measures.

  1. Poor Litter Box Hygiene

One of the main reasons why cat litter smells bad is because of poor hygiene. If you’re not cleaning your cat’s litter box regularly and thoroughly, it can become smelly very quickly. Not only is this unappealing, but it can also be dangerous for your cat. Dirty litter boxes can lead to bacterial growth and other health problems.

  1. Old Litter Box

Another reason why cat litter might smell bad is if it’s been sitting in the box for too long. When litter starts to age, it tends to produce a stronger odor. If you’re using old litter, it might be time to switch or replaces it with a new batch.

  1. Urine Odor

If your cat is urinating outside of the litter box, the smell can be very strong and difficult to get rid of. In this case, it’s important to rule out any potential health problems and address the behavior issue.

  1. Ammonia in Cat Urine

One of the most common causes of strong cat litter box odor is ammonia in urine. This particular odor is difficult to get rid of and can require a lot of effort on your part. In order to reduce the amount of ammonia in your cat’s urine, you’ll need to make some changes to their diet and provide plenty of freshwaters. You might also need to clean the litter box more often.

So, how can I get rid of the cat litter smell? Or how do you keep cat litter from smelling?

 

How to Get Rid of Cat Litter Smell? 10 Ways.

10 tips to get rid of cat litter smell

There are a number of ways to get rid of the cat litter smell in your home. Here are a few of our favorites:

  1. Clean the Litter Box

One of the main causes of bad litter box odor is poor hygiene, so the first rule is to keep the litter box clean. Make sure you are cleaning your cat’s litter box regularly, using a good quality scoop and disinfectant.

  1. Switch to an Odor-Absorbing Litter

If your current litter isn’t doing a good job of absorbing the smell, try switching to a new type. There are many different odor-absorbing litters on the market, so you should be able to find one that works for you and your cat.

The best cat litter to eliminate odor is a type that is made from plant-based materials, such as corn or wheat. These types of litter are biodegradable, which means they don’t produce any harmful fumes or smells. If you’re looking for an odor-free solution, you might want to try a plant-based cat litter.

  1. Add a Deodorizer to the Litter Box

If the smell is still bothering you, consider adding a deodorizer to the litter box. This will help to mask the odor and make it less noticeable.

  1. Change the Litter Box Location

If the litter box is located in a particularly smelly area of your home, consider moving it to a different spot. Try to choose a place that is well-ventilated and has plenty of sunlight.

The frequency with which you should change your cat’s litter depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of litter you are using and how often your cat uses the box. Most experts recommend changing the litter at least once a week, but it might be necessary to do it more or less often than that.

  1. Keep the Area Around the Litter Box Clean

Make sure you are keeping the area around the litter box clean. This includes sweeping and vacuuming with a pet vacuum regularly, and cleaning up any spills or accidents as soon as they happen.

  1. Wash Your Cat’s Bedding

If your cat’s bedding is starting to smell bad, consider washing it in hot water. You might also want to try using a pet-specific laundry detergent.

  1. Use an Air Purifier

An air purifier can help to get rid of bad smells in your home, including the odor from cat litter. Look for an air purifier that has a built-in carbon filter, which will help to eliminate odors.

  1. Open the Windows and Doors

The other way to get rid of the cat smell in the house is by opening up windows and doors. If the weather permits, try opening up your windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate in your home. This will help to get rid of any unwanted smells.

  1. Try a Home Remedy

There are a few different home remedies that can be used to get rid of cat litter box odor. One popular remedy is baking soda, which can be sprinkled on top of the litter or mixed in with the litter itself.

You can also try using vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the smell. If none of these methods work, it might be necessary to take your cat to the vet for a check-up. 

  1. Take Your Cat to the Vet

If you’ve tried all of these methods and still can’t get rid of the smell, it’s possible that there is an underlying health problem. In this case, it’s best to take your cat to the vet for a check-up.

As you can see, there are many different ways to get rid of cat litter box odor. It might take some trial and error to find the method that works best for you and your cat, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.

Also read:

Why is My Cat Pooping Outside the Litter Box?

How Do Cats Know to Pee in a Litter Box?

How to Train a Cat to Use a Litter Box In 5 Easy Steps?

 

Conclusion

Cat litter can produce some unpleasant smells. We’ve outlined 10 ways that you can help reduce or eliminate the smell of cat litter in your home. 

We hope this article has helped you understand the sources of cat litter smell and given you some tips on how to get rid of it.

Each person’s experience with getting rid of smells will be different, so we want to hear from you! What has worked for you in combating cat litter stinks?

Share your tips and advice in the comments below. Smelly kitty problems are solved!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Is there a cat litter that doesn’t smell?

Yes, there is a type of cat litter that doesn’t produce any odor. This type of litter is made from plant-based materials, such as corn or wheat, and it is biodegradable. If you’re looking for an odor-free solution, you might want to try a plant-based cat litter.

  1. Can you spray Febreze on cat litter?

You can definitely spray Febreze on cat litter, but it might not be effective in getting rid of the smell. Febreze is a household odor eliminator, and while it might work for some smells, it isn’t likely to be effective against the strong odor of cat urine. If you’re looking for a product that specifically targets cat litter box odor, you might want to try a pet-specific deodorizer.

  1. Can you put baking soda in cat litter?

You can definitely put baking soda in cat litter, and it might help to get rid of the smell. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, so it can be used to neutralize odors in a variety of places, including the cat litter box. You can sprinkle it on top of the litter or mix it in with the

  1. Is non-clumping litter better?

There is no one “best” type of cat litter box, but some types are better suited for eliminating odor than others. Non-clumping litter is a good choice for odor control because it absorbs urine and eliminates the smell. Clumping litter, on the other hand, can trap urine and feces inside the box, which can lead to bad smells.

  1. Can you put scent boosters in the litter box?

You can put scent boosters in the litter box, but it’s not necessary. Scent boosters are designed to mask the smell of urine and feces, but they don’t actually get rid of the odor. If you’re looking for a product that will eliminate the smell of cat urine, you might want to try a pet-specific deodorizer.

  1. Can fleas live in kitty litter?

Fleas can’t live in kitty litter, because the sand or other materials used in cat litter are too abrasive for their bodies. However, if your cat has fleas, they will likely jump off of your cat and onto the floor, where it can live and breed. It’s important to treat both your cat and your home for fleas, in order to get rid of the infestation.