Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Use Cat Litter Deodorizers: 5 Vet-Approved Tips & Guidelines

Share

orange cat beside litter box

It can be hard to mask the smell of cat litter when you share your life with cats. The last thing you want to do is walk in the door and inhale that intense, distinct odor. Many people resort to scented litter or air fresheners to cover up the litter box odors.

Scented litter can sometimes be problematic since the fragrance can deter cats, and some brands aren’t very effective at removing odors. That’s where a litter deodorizer comes in. If you are ready to try this approach, keep reading for tips and tricks on using cat litter deodorizers.

divider 2 cats

The 5 Tips for Using Litter Deodorizer

1. Make Sure the Litter Box Is Empty

When you are ready to use a litter deodorizer to help you control odors, you will want to start with a clean slate. First, you should empty your litter box of all the contents and dispose of the old litter accordingly. Make sure to scrape off the sides and remove any leftover litter or waste.


2. Wash Your Litter Box Thoroughly

After you have everything cleaned out, it is time to thoroughly wash the box. Using hot water will work fine unless the box has a residual smell, but you can add dish soap to help you remove stubborn stains.

Scrub it as needed, and rinse it thoroughly. Once it has been rinsed, ensure the inside and outside are completely dry before you do anything else.

Our Favorite Enzyme Cleaner 

The Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray is our favorite enzyme cleaner out there. It permanently removes even the very worst kitty stains and smells, leaving your home fresh and clean! Click here to learn more about this amazing product and get yourself a bottle.

Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
  • ADVANCED ENZYMATIC CLEANER - Penetrates the most stubborn smells and stains at the deepest molecular...
  • FOR ANY MESS, ON ANY SURFACE - This pet odor eliminator cleans your carpets, floors, furniture,...
  • FRESH, NATURAL ODOR - Our unique formulation doesn't rely on dangerous or unpleasant chemical...

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 products of this cool cat company!


3. Cover the Bottom of the Empty Litter Box With the Deodorizer

Once your litter box is clean, you can add the deodorizer to the bottom of the box. However, you need to read the instructions for the deodorizer you purchased to determine how much to add. Since several varieties are available, the instructions may not be the same for each one.

If you're dealing with stubborn smells in your litter box or elsewhere in your house, a good cat litter deodorizer can work wonders.

Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder
  • Bio Enzymatic Cat Litter Freshener - Smart formulation uses natural ingredients eliminating cat...
  • Save Money - Stuff for cats isn’t the cheapest. With this litter box odor eliminator, you’ll...
  • Every Litter, Every Surface - Are you afraid this additive won’t work on your litter? Fear not!...

We recommend Hepper's Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer, an all-natural litter additive that fights odors using bio-enzymes. This effective deodorizer is fragrance-free and works on all types of cat litter. It's also effective anywhere you have lingering odors, including diaper pails, garbage cans, and kennels!

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!


4. Add in Your Litter

After adding the deodorizer, fill the box with several inches of litter. It is a good idea to use a high-quality cat litter that does well at controlling odors. That isn’t always possible, but most cat litter deodorizers can be added to any type of litter.


5. Monitor Your Cat

Cats have sensitive noses and can easily pick up a different smell coming from their litter box. Though some cats don’t mind this, others may be opposed to it and refuse to use their litter box. It is important to keep an eye on your cat after adding a deodorizer to their litter box to ensure that your cat agrees with the change.

Domestic ginger cat looking at litter box
Image Credit: Duet PandG, Shutterstock

divider 2 cats

Types of Cat Litter Deodorizers

Powder

The most common form of litter deodorizer is powder. The powders are made primarily of baking soda since it has powerful odor-neutralizing effects. They also contain other ingredients, like fragrance.

Powdered deodorizers are poured directly into the litter box and mixed in with the litter. Most cat owners would agree that the powder is the most effective type, which is likely why it is so popular.

Granules

Some cat litter deodorizers come in granules, which are much larger particles than the powder. They are designed to draw the waste away from the litter. For the most part, granule-type litter box deodorizers are made from minerals and tend to be fragrance-free, though that’s not always the case.

Gel Beads

Gel beads are another form of litter deodorizer, and only a few large beads need to be dropped into the box at a time. They don’t create dust but are not as effective as the other varieties.

Spray

Spray deodorizers are much rarer and made with fragrances that can sometimes be overpowering. Most sprays are meant to be used all over the house to help mask odors. Be careful not to spray too much in the litter box because it will add more moisture.

divider single cat paw oct 2024

Conclusion

Knowing how to properly use cat litter deodorizers is important so that you can best control nasty litter smells. There are several types of litter deodorizers, but it’s wise to research the brands to determine which are very effective products and which ones you should avoid. If your cat dislikes deodorizers and scented litter, you can scoop out the waste more often to reduce odors.


Featured Image Credit: jamesjoong, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Your Cat’s Poop Smells Like a Biohazard

Nobody enjoys litter box duty, but sometimes it gets unbearable. The smell hits you from across the room. You’re scooping faster, lighting candles,...

RIP Your Furniture? Not With This Guide to Cat Scratch Damage Control

Your couch looks like it survived a minor apocalypse. The curtains have mysterious vertical shreds. That new rug you splurged on is already...

Celebrating 15 Years as the Most Popular Resident of No. 10 Downing Street

For almost 300 years, a rather unassuming Georgian building of black bricks with a shiny black door has been the official residence and...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Kitten Pukes After She Eats! (March 2, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

More related

9 Best Cat Litter Boxes in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cat owners’ lives changed forever when Ed Lowe invented kitty litter in 1947. Pets could remain indoors, vastly improving their quality of life....

How Much Should You Feed a Kitten? Vet-Approved Chart

Bringing home a new kitten is exciting but can also be overwhelming, especially for first-time cat owners. It’s very important to nail your...

Litter Champ vs. Litter Genie: How Do They Compare? 2026 Comparison

Cleaning the litter box is a daily chore that comes along with cat ownership, and while we love our kitties, it would be...

Do Cats & Bearded Dragons Get Along? Vet-Verified Facts, Risks & Safety

Although cats have been a common household pet for many years, bearded dragons have only recently come into the spotlight, but their popularity...

Keep reading

Is the Buttercup Toxic to Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

The buttercup plant (Ranunculus acris), also known as butter cress or figwort, is a member of the Ranunculaceae family (that’s a mouthful!). It’s a common yellow plant in the US. If you grew up near them, you might have used...

Catster_Is the Buttercup Toxic to Cats

How Long Does It Take to Train a Cat? 5 Vet-Approved Tips to Speed Up the Process

Training a cat might sound impossible, especially if you’ve ever owned one before (we know how stubborn they can be!). But the truth is that cats are highly intelligent and can be trained easily with the right approach. There is...

Young woman holding meat teaching training calico cat

6 Common Scents Cats Absolutely Hate, And Why That Helps You

If you’ve ever come home to the unmistakable smell of cat pee on your favorite chair or rug, you know the frustration is real. Cats naturally mark their territory with urine, but when they start choosing your furniture over the...

close up of an angry cat facial expression

3-Month-Old Kitten: What to Expect (Vet Approved)

Like children, baby cats go through specific stages of growth and development during their first year of life. As a pet parent, it’s important that you know what to look for as your kitten grows so you can best support...

Small calico kitten walking

Does Hot Water Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Having a cat in your life is wonderful, but it sometimes comes with a catch: dealing with fleas. Apart from being annoying, flea infestations can trigger allergies, irritation, and even illness. So, getting rid of them as quickly as possible...

woman bathing her cat

Why Do Cats Poop When They Are Scared? Cat Behavior Explained

Fight and flight are the two well-known responses to fear. It turns out, however, that it’s a lot more complicated than that! A cat’s response to an imminent threat bypasses rational thought as the nervous system takes over. Strange things...

Scared cat with wide eyes looking at you

Should You Walk Your Cat? Vet-Reviewed Pros, Cons & FAQ

Can you remember the last time you saw a cat on a harness going for a walk with their owner? We’re willing to bet you’ve likely only seen it a handful of times. Cats don’t need walks in the same...

A-woman-with-a-cat-on-a-leash-walking-along-a-path-in-the-park

Can Cats Eat Shrimp? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

So, you know your cat loves fish, but she seems to be drawn to that shrimp you’re enjoying. Naturally, this will lead to your wondering if cats can eat shrimp. Is shrimp safe for your cat to eat? The short...

Can Cats Eat Shrimp

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.