How to get rid of litter box smell
Scoop at least once a day, change the litter on schedule, wash the box with mild soap, and replace a scratched plastic box. Most lingering smell comes from one of those four steps.
Start with the basics
- Scoop daily. Twice a day helps a lot in small homes.
- Change the litter regularly. Follow the guidance on your litter, and sooner if it smells.
- Wash the box. Empty it and use mild soap and water. Avoid strong perfumes and harsh cleaners, since they can put cats off the box. Purina warns against heavily perfumed products for this reason.
- Add airflow. Keep the box in a ventilated spot, away from your cat’s food.
Why it still smells after you clean it
If the box smells right after a wash, the box itself may be the problem. Scoops leave small scratches in plastic, and those are hard to clean. Many owners replace plastic boxes regularly for this reason. A stainless steel box has a smooth surface that is easier to wash.
Fixes that help, and ones to skip
- Helps: a thin layer of baking soda under the litter, a charcoal filter, or unscented clumping litter.
- Helps: more boxes. The common rule is one per cat plus one.
- Skip: scented sprays near the box. They hide the smell for you, and your cat may avoid it.
What if the smell gets much worse?
A sudden, strong change in smell, or a cat going outside the box, is worth a call to your vet. It can be a sign of a health problem.
Common questions
Does a covered box smell less?
It can hide the smell from you, but it also traps it inside with your cat. Many cats prefer open boxes.
How often should I replace the box?
Replace a plastic box once it is scratched and holds odor after a wash. Steel lasts much longer.