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11 Best Cat Litter Deodorizers (2024) – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Gregory Iacono

Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

man cleaning smelly litter box

11 Best Cat Litter Deodorizers (2024) – Reviews & Top Picks

man cleaning smelly litter box

If you’re like most cat owners, you adore your cat but don’t enjoy the mess they leave in the litter box. You may have a hard time entering the room with the litter box after your pet has gone potty. That’s when it’s time to get a cat litter deodorizer.

As the name suggests, a cat litter deodorizer is an extra product you put in your cat’s litter to cover up the pungent aroma. Which cat litter deodorizer is best? You’ll find out below with our reviews of the best cat litter deodorizers.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Litter Additive Hepper Litter Additive
  • Fragrance-free
  • 100% biodegradable
  • Extends the life of your litter
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Arm & Hammer Litter Deodorizing Crystals Arm & Hammer Litter Deodorizing Crystals
  • Uses baking soda
  • Dissolves after use
  • Essential oils calm cats
  • Third place
    Arm & Hammer Cat Litter Deodorizer Arm & Hammer Cat Litter Deodorizer
  • Easy to use
  • Economical
  • Moisture-activated
  • NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer
  • Concentrated
  • Neutralizes odors
  • No perfumes or chemicals
  • TriNova Natural Cat Litter Box Deodorizer TriNova Natural Cat Litter Box Deodorizer
  • Economical
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Bio-based product
  • The 10 Best Cat Litter Deodorizers

    1. Hepper Litter Additive – Best Overall

    Hepper Litter Additive

    Package Size: 12 ounces
    Natural: Yes
    Fragrance-free: Yes

    This excellent deodorizer uses bio-enzymes to break down odor-causing agents naturally and is safe for all cats. It can be used on any type of litter and will get to work immediately, destroying odors without a heavy, artificial smell. It’s fragrance-free, but the enzymatic formula eliminates foul odors that linger in the litter box.

    What we really like about Hepper Litter Additive, our choice for best cat litter deodorizer, is that you can use it in other areas that smell, like the trash can where you dump used litter or a crate you use when your cat has kittens. We also like that it extends the life of your litter to save you a few dollars and extend your budget.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Many other uses
    • Fragrance-free
    • 100% biodegradable
    • Extends the life of your litter
    • Safe for all cats
    Cons
    • Might be considered expensive

    2. Arm & Hammer Litter Box Deodorizing Crystals – Budget Buy

    Arm & Hammer Litter Restoring Clary Sage & Mint Scent Cat Litter Box Deodorizing Crystals

    Package Size: 15 ounces
    Natural: No
    Fragrance-free: No

    Arm & Hammer Litter Restoring Clary Sage & Mint Scent Cat Litter Box Deodorizing Crystals uses baking soda and essential oils to control and eliminate odors in your cat’s litter box. Unlike most other products on our list, Arm & Hammer dissolves, so there’s less to clean up later.

    Also, the sage and mint help calm your cat. Because of those features, we picked Arm & Hammer Litter Restoring as our budget buy option. However, Arm and Hammer cover the smell rather than eliminating it like others on our list.

    Pros
    • Essential oils calm cats
    • Uses baking soda
    • Dissolves after use
    Cons
    • Only covers odors

    3. Arm & Hammer Cat Litter Deodorizer

    Arm & Hammer Litter Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder

    Package Size: 20 ounces
    Natural: No
    Fragrance-free: No

    Arm & Hammer Litter Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder instantly eliminates odors the moment you sprinkle it on top of your cat’s regular litter. It is also moisture-activated, and every time your cat uses their litter box, the product jumps into action to eliminate the smell.

    This excellent deodorizer prevents clumping on the bottom of the box when your cat pees, making it easier for you to clean the litter box. As you might have guessed from the Arm & Hammer name, it also uses baking soda, one of the all-time great odor-absorbing substances.

    Pros
    • Moisture-activated
    • Uses baking soda
    • Easy to use
    • Economical
    Cons
    • Scent might be overpowering

    4. NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer

    NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer

    Package Size: 16 ounces
    Natural: Yes
    Fragrance-free: Yes

    NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer goes to work immediately after sprinkling it on your cat’s litter. The key is its natural zeolite, which doesn’t just mask odors but eliminates them at the source. NonScents is also concentrated, so a little goes a long way, and it extends the life of your litter, so you don’t have to change it as often.

    Although most reviews for this product are stellar, several customers said the smell of bleach or chlorine was overwhelming. This might be problematic for some cats with sensitive noses, but most users say it works like a charm.

    Pros
    • Extends litter’s life
    • No perfumes or chemicals
    • Neutralizes odors
    • Concentrated
    Cons
    • Has a very strong bleach smell

    5. TriNova Natural Cat Litter Box Deodorizer

    TriNova Natural Cat Litter Box Deodorizer

    Package Size: 16 ounces
    Natural: Yes
    Fragrance-free: Yes

    TriNova Natural Cat Litter Box Deodorizer is a bio-based product that absorbs odors rather than simply covering them with a heavy fragrance. Like most on this list, Trinova helps extend the life of the litter and can keep your cat-related budget under control. The formula is also hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free.

    The manufacturer recommends putting the cat litter deodorizer on fresh litter or after scooping out poop in your cat’s litter box. It’s also suitable for any litter, but some customers say it doesn’t work as well as they thought.

    Pros
    • Bio-based product
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Economical
    Cons
    • Must be used before potty time

    6. SCENT AWAY Cat Litter Deodorizer Litter Box Odor Eliminator

    SCENT AWAY Cat Litter Deodorizer Litter Box Odor Eliminator

    Package Size: 10.5 ounces
    Natural: Yes
    Fragrance-free: Yes

    This all-natural, odor-fighting cat litter deodorizer uses active carbon to eliminate smells and remove greenhouse gases at the same time. Yes, cat feces emit greenhouse gases. Scent Away Cat Litter Deodorizer Litter Box Odor Eliminator also contains zeolite, which is a natural ingredient that absorbs moisture and prevents clumping.

    Scent Away extends the life of your litter with less frequent changes, which saves money. One common complaint was that it stuck to the feet of cats after using their litter box, which could be problematic. Some users also claimed it didn’t cover odors as well as they would have liked.

    Pros
    • Uses active carbon
    • 100% non-toxic
    • Extends litter life
    • Removes greenhouse gases
    • Carbon and zeolite formula
    Cons
    • Sticks to cat’s feet
    • Slightly expensive

    7. Fresh Step Cat Litter Crystals

    Fresh Step Cat Litter Crystals

    Package Size: 15 ounces
    Natural: No
    Fragrance-free: No

    We like that Fresh Step Cat Litter Crystals dissolve after application, making cleanup a bit easier and faster. Even better, it only activates when your cat goes potty, so you don’t always smell it.

    One major drawback of Fresh Step is that if several cats use the same litter box, it might not sufficiently cover up the smell. In other words, it might not work as well as you hope in a multi-cat household unless you have multiple boxes.

    Pros
    • Activates on contact
    • Dissolves for less cleanup
    Cons
    • Very strong odor
    • Doesn’t last long
    • Not good for multi-cat homes

    8. Nature’s Pure Edge Cat Litter Odor Control Deodorizer

    Nature's Pure Edge Cat Litter Odor Control Deodorizer

    Package Size: 16 ounces
    Natural: Yes
    Fragrance-free: Yes

    Nature’s Pure Edge Cat Litter Odor Control Deodorizer is a good choice if you have a single cat since it doesn’t last as long with multiple cats. It’s commercial strength, however, and will usually work well with one cat even if they have pungent waste. Because it’s concentrated, you don’t need to use as much product. Plus, Nature’s Edge is odor-free, so there’s none of the chemical smell you get from many cat litter deodorizers. Although Nature’s Pure Edge is effective for most customers, it’s not ideal for multi-cat homes.

    Pros
    • Charcoal and zeolite formula
    • Fragrance and odor-free
    • Commercial strength
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last long
    • Not for multi-cat homes

    9. Nature’s Miracle Litter Box Deodorizer, 20 oz, Litter Deodorizing Powder

    Nature's Miracle Litter Box Deodorizer, 20 oz, Litter Deodorizing Powder

    Package Size: 20 ounces
    Natural: No
    Fragrance-free: No

    We think the best thing about Nature’s Miracle Litter Box Deodorizer is that you only need a little to get a lot of odor neutralization. That makes it one of the more economical on our list, but it’s not as highly rated by consumers as some of the others. One reason might be that the fragrance can be overpowering.

    Still, it is a good choice for multi-cat homes since it’s concentrated, and you don’t need to use as much in every litter box. Also, since Nature’s Miracle absorbs moisture, it makes clean-up time easier and quicker.

    Pros
    • Economical
    • Soaks up moisture
    • Only need a small amount
    Cons
    • Fragrance can be overwhelming
    • Not great with non-clay litter

    10. Gizmo Pet Supplies Odor Eliminator – Organic and All-Natural Cat Litter Odor Neutralizer

    Gizmo Pet Supplies Odor Eliminator

    Package Size: 8.82 ounces
    Natural: Yes
    Fragrance-free: Yes

    Gizmo Pet Supplies Odor Eliminator is unique in that it uses granules of different sizes to capture and eliminate odors. These small and large granules capture more odors and maximize the coverage area when using the product. We also like that it’s 100% organic, something you don’t see with many litter deodorizers. It has no fragrances, artificial scents, or other chemicals and solvents, making it very safe for your precious cat.

    Possibly the biggest drawback is that Gizmo’s litter only comes in 250-gram (8.82 oz) packages. That’s a tiny amount, and if you have multiple cats, it probably won’t last long before you need to purchase more.

    Pros
    • 100% Organic
    • Non-scented
    • Coconut-activated charcoal
    • All-natural
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Very small package
    • Not for multi-cat homes

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    Buyer’s Guide – Selecting the Right Cat Litter Deodorizer

    Like any product you purchase for your cats, some characteristics make one cat litter deodorizer better than another. We’ve listed the most important of those below to help you choose the right cat litter deodorizer for your cat, whether you have one or multiple felines in your home.

    The Number of Cats That Live with You

    One of the most important factors when purchasing a cat litter deodorizer is how many cats you have in your home. If you have one cat, the type of deodorizer you choose isn’t as crucial since most will work well for one cat. For multiple cats, however, it’s best to choose a deodorizer that’s quite a bit stronger. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a bio-enzymatic deodorizer works best for multiple-cat households.

    several litter boxes for many cats in a household
    Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

    The Litter Box You’re Using

    Depending on the litter box you have, a litter box deodorizer might work better or worse. For example, if you have a motorized litter box, deodorizers can make the odors worse in some cases. If that’s what you use, you might need a stronger deodorizer or more litter with every application. However, a milder litter box deodorizer will work just fine for regular, tray-type litter boxes.

    Cat Allergies and Sensitivity

    If your cat has allergies or is sensitive to strong smells, you must purchase a cat litter deodorizer with no fragrance. It would also be a good idea to purchase a hypoallergenic cat litter deodorizer or one that’s all-natural. If you’re not sure, check with your veterinarian.

    The Location of Your Litter Box

    Although the location of your cat’s litter box isn’t a huge factor, if it’s inside a closet or other small space, the smell can be much worse than if it’s in the open. For litter boxes in small spaces, a stronger deodorizer is recommended.

    Cat near litter box_New Africa_Shutterstock
    Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

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    Final Thoughts

    Our best overall choice for cat litter deodorizers goes to Hepper Litter Additive because it’s all-natural, biodegradable, fragrance-free, and works remarkably well. Arm & Hammer Litter Restoring Clary Sage & Mint Scent Cat Litter Box Deodorizing Crystals is our budget option for its price tag and the essential oils they use that help your cat stay calm.

    The rest of the cat litter deodorizers on our list are all excellent products and worth considering. Whichever you choose will help reduce the admittedly awful odors many cats make when they go potty. That, in turn, can make your life a little more pleasant for you and your precious cat.


    Featured Image Credit: xamnesiacx84, Shutterstock

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