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

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

How to Keep Ants Out of Cat Food (Quick & Simple Vet-Approved Tips)

Ants! Ugh! They can get into anything, and annoyingly, they seem to love your cat’s food. If you see one ant, there’s going...

Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Fleas on Cats? Effectiveness & Safety Reviewed by Our Vet

If your cat has a serious flea problem, you could become desperate enough to try anything to resolve the issue. Waking up with...

How to Care for an 8- to 12-Week-Old Kitten (Vet-Verified)

Eight to ten weeks old is usually when many breeders and shelters let you take your kitten home, and while they’re certainly adorable...

7 Best Glucosamine for Cats of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Glucosamine can relieve joint problems in humans, and it can probably do the same thing for your cat. Whether your cat has arthritis...

More related

Do Anti-Vomiting Cat Bowls Work? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

If you have cats in the home, you’re most likely familiar with the unwanted sound of one vomiting somewhere in the house. It...

6 DIY Cat Popsicle Recipes (Vet-Approved)

Popsicles are tasty treats, but they’re usually not safe for cats to eat because they can contain added sugar, artificial colors, and other...

How to Keep Neighborhood Cats Away: 8 Tips for Dealing With Outdoor Cats

Feral, strays, and outdoor felines are generally harmless for the most part. They tend to stay away from strangers and try to go...

Fear-Free Vet: Vet-Verified Advantages, Disadvantages & FAQ

Vet visits have always been instrumental in promoting our pets’ health and longevity. But for most cats, the experience can be more stressful...

Keep reading

Are Gardenias Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Explained

Known for their strong fragrance and huge blooms, gardenia bushes are a gorgeous addition to your outdoor space. Cut blossoms make beautiful indoor decorations and dried flowers, but if you share your home with cats, you’ll want to proceed with...

Catster_Are Gardenias Toxic to Cats

Why Does My Cat Keep Licking Their Lips? 5 Vet Reviewed Reasons

Cat’s licking their lips can be a very common behavior, but now every time you look over they seem to be doing it. Maybe you wrote this as normal, but they just won’t seem to stop. So, if they didn’t...

grey cat just finished eating

How Long Do Cats Live? Feline Lifespan Facts Explained (Vet Approved)

We’ve all heard that cats have nine lives. But how much of that is actually true? Do cats seem to escape brushes with death regularly? If the cat lives an expected average of years, how long is that usually? According...

Silver Tabby Norwegian Forest Cat

Can Cats Eat Pine Nuts? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

There are many safe and unsafe human foods that you could feed your cat. For humans, nuts are famous for their health benefits. Pine nuts in particular are great for boosting energy levels and keeping skin healthy. But are they...

Can Cats Eat Pine Nuts

Why Does My Cat’s Tail Twitch? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cat ownership would be a lot easier if our pets could tell us their thoughts. However, until someone develops a cat-to-human translator, we have to use context clues and our pet’s body language to decipher their moods. A cat’s tail...

A-curled-cats-tail-close-up

How to Save a Cat From Choking: Can I Do the Heimlich Maneuver? Vet-Reviewed Guide

True choking occurs when something is stuck at the very back of the throat, which leads to the windpipe being obstructed. This often occurs when the animal doesn’t chew thoroughly or eats something that they shouldn’t. Fortunately, cats are quite...

cat cough

Are TNR Programs for Feral Cats Ethical? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Roughly 3.3 million cats enter shelters annually, with many of these cats being euthanized.1 Many felines are strays that escaped their homes, with some thankfully being reunited with their families. However, feral cats are another story. They’re essentially wild animals...

kittens in a cage of a shelter for homeless animals

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection: Vet Reviewed Causes, Signs & Care

Respiratory infections are unfortunately pretty common in cats, but are they something your cat will get over, or do you need to take them in to see the vet? And what about secondary illnesses? We’ll take a closer look at...

A cat having a check-up at a small animal vet clinic