How to Remove Cat Litter Smell From a Room: 8 Vet-Verified Tips & Tricks

Cat owners love their cats; there's no denying that. But not one has ever remarked how much they love the smell associated with owning cats.

There is nothing worse than the scent of cat litter taking over your home. If your cat's litter box stinks up your spaces, you need to reevaluate the litter box system, placement, and cleaning regimen you have in place. Read on to find nine helpful tips and tricks for ensuring your home doesn't smell like cats live there.

The 8 Tips on How to Remove Cat Litter Smell From a Room

1. Choose the Right Litter Box

While it might seem that litter and waste make your cat's box smell, it could actually be due in part to the box you're using. Cats are incredibly finicky creatures, especially when it comes to their toileting habits. A box that's too small can result in messes and behavioral issues, like eliminating in other places around your home and spreading the odor everywhere.

The litter box should be sized appropriately to accommodate your kitty comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to choose a box at least 1.5 times the length of your pet and as wide as your kitty is long. This ensures you're not only managing the litter and waste odors but also keeping your cat comfortable.

2. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals or Heavily Fragranced Cleaners When Washing

Cats are very sensitive to smells, so avoid using any chemical or heavily fragranced cleaner on their litter box. An overpowering chemical scent may make them less likely to return to the box to do their business. Use a cleaner that is not overwhelming. A great tip is to clean the box with a non-scented enzymatic spray cleaner after the wash. This will ensure there is no lingering smell left behind.

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3. Scoop Litter Daily

We don't leave our toilets unflushed all day long, as it's not only gross, but it'll get smelly, too. The same applies to your cat's litter.

Make it a point to scoop the litter in the morning and before bed. This will cut back on odors and make your cat happier, as they're much more likely to use a fresh litter box than one filled with clumps of old pee and poop.

4. Use a Litter Additive

Litter additives are an excellent tool for controlling litter box scents. They're typically formulated with active charcoal or baking soda that helps to absorb and remove the unwanted scents, and since some are fragrance-free, they won't just mask the odor with an artificial scent. There are litter additives that work with all types of litter, regardless of whether you use traditional clay style, crystal, corn, non-clumping, etc.

5. Replace the Litter Often

Unfortunately, scooping away the waste and adding fresh litter on top of the old stuff isn't an effective way to manage odors. You'll need to completely replace the litter in your kitty's box at least once weekly to reduce the smells.

When the box is emptied, clean it thoroughly with a soapy solution and warm water.

6. Bypass Scented Litters

While it might seem as if a scented litter will be the answer to keeping your cat's litter box smelling fresh, these aren't the best types to use. Most cats don't like strong scents, which may make them more likely to avoid using their box if you're using heavily scented litter.

7. Reconsider Your Litter Box Placement

Where you place your litter boxes in your home can have a significant effect on how well the scents carry throughout your spaces. It is especially true to consider your litter box placement when you have multiple cats.

The ideal place for the box is somewhere with good ventilation. There should be one box on every level of your home so they have access regardless of where their day's adventures take them.

You might need to put your litter box in an area you can block off or keep doors shut, such as a laundry room or garage. You'll need to install a kitty door so they still have access, though.

Try to avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or excess noise to ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable when doing their business.

8. Store Used Litter Properly

How you dispose of your cat's used litter can have a significant impact on the odors in your home. Scooping it directly into your garbage can may not only cause awful scents to linger, but the weight of the waste can poke holes in your bag. This may mean you end up with litter particles sitting in the bottom of your can, smelling up your home.

Instead, scoop the litter into the garbage or compost bags and tie the ends in a knot. Take them immediately to your outside trash bin.

You can also invest in a litter disposal system, like the Litter Genie. They come in multiple sizes and can hold up to 4 months' worth of litter.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing worse than walking into someone's home and knowing immediately that they have cats, thanks to that tell-tale litter scent. With our eight tips above, you can not only ensure your home won't fall into that category, but you can also keep your cat healthy and happy with proper litter box hygiene and a regular cleaning schedule.

Featured Image Credit: Robert Petrovic, Shutterstock