To stop litter box smell, scoop the box at least once a day, change all the litter and wash the box regularly, use one more litter box than you have cats, and clean any accidents with an enzyme or odour-neutralizing cleaner instead of just covering the smell. To stop scattered litter, use a box that is big enough and put a litter-trapping mat at the exit.
Litter box odour and litter tracked across the floor are two of the most common complaints of cat owners, especially in apartments and in winter, when windows stay closed. The good news is that both are easy to fix with a simple routine.
Why does the litter box smell?
- Not scooped often enough: urine and waste build up quickly.
- Old litter: even clumping litter holds odour after a few weeks.
- A dirty box: plastic scratches and absorbs smells over time.
- Too few boxes: one box shared by several cats gets dirty faster.
- Accidents outside the box that were not cleaned properly.
How often should you clean a litter box?
- Scoop: at least once a day, twice for multi-cat homes.
- Change all the litter: every one to two weeks for clumping litter, more often for non-clumping litter.
- Wash the box: with warm water and mild unscented soap when you change the litter. Avoid strong-smelling cleaners and bleach, which can keep cats away from the box.
- Replace the box: once a year or when the plastic is badly scratched.
How many litter boxes do you need?
A common rule is one box per cat, plus one. Put them in quiet places your cat can reach easily, away from food and water bowls.
Which products help with odour?
- For accidents and the area around the box: a pet urine odor eliminator breaks down the source of the smell instead of masking it. Cats tend to return to places that still smell like urine, so this step matters.
- For fabrics and the air: a light natural pet odor spray for beds, blankets and furniture.
- Do not spray scented products directly into the litter while your cat uses it. Many cats dislike strong perfumes.
How do you stop litter from being tracked everywhere?
- Use a litter mat: a double-layer cat litter mat catches granules from your cat's paws. Place it right at the exit of the box. To empty it, open the layers and pour the litter back.
- Choose the right box: a larger box or one with higher sides reduces kicking.
- Keep the litter level: about 5 to 7 cm is enough. Too much litter gets kicked out.
- Try a different litter: heavier, larger granules stick less to paws.
When is a smell a health warning?
If the smell suddenly gets much stronger, or your cat pees more often, strains, cries in the box or goes outside the box, call your vet. These can be signs of a urinary problem, which can become serious quickly, especially in male cats.
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Frequently asked questions
Does baking soda help with litter box smell?
A thin layer under the litter can help absorb some odour, but regular scooping and washing the box matter much more.
Are covered litter boxes better for smell?
They keep the smell inside the box, which some owners like, but they can also trap it for your cat. If your cat avoids a covered box, try an open one.
Where should I put the litter mat?
Right at the exit of the box, so your cat steps on it when leaving. A mat slightly wider than the opening catches the most litter.
Written by Hicham, Zootly. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.