Best Cat Litter for Odor Control

How to Get the Most Out of Odor Control Litters? 

Odor control cat litter can be an amazing addition to your litter box, but only if you use it right. If you aren’t removing the solid waste regularly or filling up the tray enough then its quite clear that your home will quickly start smelling bad whatever type of litter you use.   

Thankfully, there are some easy ways in which you can maximize an odor control litter and get the best results possible. That way your litter will be smelling cleaner and fresher for longer.   

Let’s take a look at our best 10 tips for eliminating litter odor in your home…   

Top 10 Tips for Eliminating Litter Odor  

1.   Choose a great odor control cat litter  

Some cat litters are better than others at controlling odors, that’s why it is important to do some research and choose the best one for you and your cat which really does a good job at keeping the litter tray smelling fresh. You don’t want a litter that just hides bad smells with a strong fragrance, as the fragrance can quickly wear off or be too overpowering for your kitty to handle. Odors should be trapped and destroyed. Our best 6 odor control litters are all great choices and their odor trapping and destroying qualities make them all worthy of a position in our best picks.   

2.   Choose a good location 

Placing a litter tray in a busy area of the home is not a good idea, firstly because you will frequently smell your cat’s business and more importantly your cat won’t have any privacy. Cats prefer to conduct their business in a quieter area of the home and are less likely to toilet outside their tray if it is located somewhere where they have privacy. It is also a best practice to put the litter tray in a well ventilated area where any odors can disperse and not a small room where the odor can build up.   

3.   Remove solid waste frequently  

Regularyl removing poop and pee is still an important way to reduce odors. Ideally, solids should be scooped out as soon as possible, that way the associated odor won’t have time to spread. However, we know this isn’t always possible especially if you are out or at work all day. Therefore, solid waste should be removed at least once per day, but more frequently if possible. 

 4.   Clean the box thoroughly 

Thoroughly cleaning the litter tray every time you completely replace the litter helps to remove any stubborn old bits of litter, ammonia odors, and any urine that has made its way to the bottom of the tray. Usually, plain soap and warm water works best to remove stains and odors. How often you need to wash your box depends on your cat, the type of litter you use, and how often the litter needs to be fully replaced. Obviously, you don’t want waste too much by cleaning too often but not washing the litter tray often enough could be causing your tray to stink. Many owners find they need to change the litter every 1-2 weeks, but Tidy Cats Lightweight Glade Scented Clumping Cat Litter and  Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter are two options on our best cat litter for odor control list that if used as directed can last up to a month before having to wash the tray and replace the litter. 

5.   Fill the box with enough litter 

Not filling the litter box with enough litter is a common mistake among cat owners. However, by putting more litter in you could actually make it last longer and have the best odor control. Each brand will have their own recommendations for how much litter depth you should be using. As a general rule 2-3 inches is usually the minimum amount. Some types of cat litters advise a depth of 3-4 inches. Again, it is important to have enough litter so that all the liquid can be absorbed before it reaches the bottom of the tray. Urine at the bottom of the tray is a common reason for a strong odor of ammonia in your home.   

6.   Use a closed litter box 

There are lots of different types of closed litter boxes on the market including top entry litter boxes, litter boxes with a roof, and enclosed boxes with a swing door. This would be the best option if you have a “out of sight, out of mind” point of view.  A closed litter box can help to keep the odor inside where it belongs and not around your home. An added bonis is that many cats prefer closed boxes as they provide more privacy and security while toileting.   

7.   Use a self-cleaning litter box 

 This option won’t be for everyone but if you are unable to frequently clean your cat’s tray or you are struggling with the odor from the litter tray then a self-cleaning box may be the best choice for you. Litter boxes that clean themselves can be expensive but might be a great investment if you just can’t commit to multiple cleanings throughout the day. Keep in mind they aren’t always 100% spot-on with the cleaning, but the best models do a pretty good job of moving waste into lower compartments which trap odors really well. 

8.   Have multiple litter boxes   

Having multiple cat litters is an important point for lots of reasons. Firstly, cats like to have more than one option of where they choose to toilet. This can significantly help to reduce toileting in other areas your cat shouldn’t be relieving themselves. Most vets recommend that there should be at least one litter tray for each cat in the household plus one extra. So, if you have one cat you should have two boxes, if you have two cats you should have three boxes and so forth. Secondly, in multicat households with a number of litters can quickly become smelly if they are used frequently, so the more boxes you have the less likely they are to become too stinky. 

 9.   Use an air freshener 

Using an air freshener to help keep your home smelling fresh might be an option if you are struggling with the odor coming from your cat’s litter. However, it’s not the best option. We feel it should really be a last resort and should never replace the need to frequently clean your cat’s tray. If you decide to go ahead with a freshener, the plug-in air fresheners are often a good choice as they release scent slowly, are usually inexpensive, easy to refill or replace and come in a variety of scents. It’s best to make sure they aren’t plugged in too close to the box, and that the scent is not too strong, as it may put your cat off altogether. Finally, ensure that you choose an air freshener that is specifically designed to to keep your cat safe. 

10.  Use a cat litter deodorizer 

 Another option to think about is cat litter deodorizer, which comes in a variety of forms, including powders, spray or granules. Deodorizers are usually applied to or mixed with the litter to help eliminate unwanted odor. Our best 6 odor control cat litters do not need any additional deodorizers but may be an option if you end up using other types of cat litters. 

What to Look for in an Odor Control Litter? 

Choosing an odor control litter doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice any other good features that you want from the best cat litter for you and your kitty. 

•        Lock in odors 

You want a cat litter that’s on of the best products that can quickly absorb urine and lock in unpleasant odor. Litters with clumping material seem to do this best, as they can trap the odors when they form a clump. Solid, tight clumps are best as they are easier to scoop out from the box. 

•        Eliminate odors 

Beware, many products use fragrances to hide odors but ideally, you want to eliminate the odor. There are lots of different ways in which odors can be eliminated. Some brands use ingredients like activated carbon or baking soda to get rid of unwanted smells, while others use antibacterial agents to target bacteria producing odors. 

•        Low dust 

It can be really frustrating if your cat frequently tracks litter and dust out of the box and around the home. It means you spend more time cleaning up, and it can seem like a never-ending cycle. Extra dust in the home can also cause problems if you or your cat suffer from dust sensitivities or allergies. Therefore, choosing a product that minimizes dust or is dust-free or one that minimizes dust can make little clouds and dusty paw prints around your home a thing of the past. 

 Which is Best: Scented or Unscented Cat Litter? 

There is no easy answer to this question, since what is best for one cat owner may not be best for another owner. It all comes down to personal preference of you and your cat. Unfortunately, sometimes you two might not agree. 

Although many people might like a strong-smelling fragrance, some cats might find certain strong smells off-putting. If your cat seems very sensitive to smells, then it might be best to stick with an unscented litter. Just remember that your cat has a much better sense of smell than we do! 

Too bad you can’t just ask your cat if they like their new scented litter but you can monitor their tray usage and check for signs of them being unsettled. If you change to a new litter and suddenly your cat doesn’t want to use their box, it is a pretty obvious sign of resistance and indication that you haven’t made the best choice. 

The good news is that there are lots of great scented and unscented cat odor control litters on the market to choose from. Our list of the best 6 litters for controlling odors takes a difficult choice and turns it into a best case scenario. We’ve got you covered, whether you’re looking for trusted names like Arm & Hammer or Dr. Elsey or for specific benefits that an odor control litter offers. 

Final Thoughts 

If you are tired of being greeted with the overpowering smell of a used litter box when you open the front door, then it is time to change your cat’s litter. Thankfully there is a wide range of the best cat litters available that can quickly lock-in and eliminate unwanted odors altogether. You just need to decide what is important for you and your cat, to help you narrow down your choices.

Plus, don’t forget that there are lots of other important ways to minimize litter box odors such as using enough litter, frequently scooping out solids, and regularly washing the box. If you pair our best tips for eliminating odors with one of our best cat litters, then your home will be smelling fresh and clean in no time.