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.

Litter Deodorizer vs Baking Soda: Our 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

While we love our kitties, we aren’t overly excited about the odors and mess they can leave behind. That’s where litter deodorizer and baking soda come into play. Both are readily available and can help eliminate the unwanted odor associated with our cats, their litter boxes, and the smelly urine they leave behind. The question is, which one is better?

Below, we’ll take a look at litter deodorizers and baking soda to give you the pros, the cons, and our final verdict on each. Hopefully, in the end, you’ll be able to control the odors in your kitty’s litter box.

divider 1 paws

Overview of Litter Deodorizer:

hepper bio-enzymatic cat litter deodorizer

Even the best cat litter can quickly start smelling bad. To avoid the expense and inconvenience of constantly replacing your litter, you can try a great additive like Hepper’s Advanced Bio-Enzyme Cat Litter Deodorizer, which is a natural product that uses bio-enzymes to neutralize odors.

Litter deodorizers are a go-to for many cat owners because they target litter box odors. Let’s take a deeper look at litter deodorizers so you can understand what they provide to you and your kitty.

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!

How Litter Deodorizers Work

A litter deodorizer has an absorbent base powder. More often than not, the base powder is baking soda. It absorbs the odor caused by your cat’s urine. It even eliminates the odors that linger in the air. The most significant difference between using litter deodorizers and plain baking soda is the scent. Many of the deodorizers on the market include scent crystals or fragrances that release each time your cat decides to scratch inside the box.

Smelly cat poop
Image Credit: catinsyrup, Shutterstock

When Should I Use Litter Deodorizer?

Although litter deodorizers and baking soda work the same way, if you want a pleasant scent around your litter box, you may prefer using a litter deodorizer. The fragrance crystals are ideal for multi-cat homes. You’ll also notice that litter deodorizers are much easier to work with. They aren’t as fine as baking soda and make less of a mess.

Are There Downsides?

While litter deodorizers are excellent for most cat owners, there are a few downsides. Unfortunately, not every cat and owner will enjoy the deodorizers’ strong fragrances. It is also important to note that some deodorizers use essential oils, which can be dangerous if used for extended periods.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Less mess
  • Leaves boxes smelling fresh
Cons
  • Fragrances may be too strong
  • Some brands use essential oils

divider 2 cats

Overview of Baking Soda:

baking soda
Image Credit by: NatureFriend, Pixabay

Baking soda is one of the most common substances for controlling odors. It removes unwanted odors in carpets, fridges, and litter boxes. It is even safe enough to cook with.

How Baking Soda Works

Baking soda has disinfecting abilities, is used in food, and is used in most toothpastes. When it comes to eliminating odors,  it can’t be beaten. With a sprinkle of powder, you can refresh a room without leaving strong fragrances behind.

The biggest difference between baking soda and litter deodorizers is the fragrance. For pets and owners who aren’t fans of fragrances, baking soda is ideal to add to the litter box.

When Should I Use Baking Soda

Baking soda is safe to use at any time. If your kitty’s box smells foul, a few shakes of the low-cost option can quickly eliminate the odors. You can also safely use baking soda to remove vomit and urine stains on carpeting. Baking soda is a favorite of cat lovers due to its low price and availability.

woman with jar of baking soda
Image Credit: Dragon Images, Shutterstock

Are There Downsides?

The only true downside of baking soda is the lack of fragrance. If you want a fresh scent to linger in the litter box, using litter deodorizers is ideal. Baking soda is a natural way to eliminate odors and not leave fragrances behind.

Pros
  • Common around the house
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • Leaves no fragrances behind
Cons
  • Does not use fragrances (if that’s what you want)

divider 1 paws

Benefits of Litter Deodorizer and Baking Soda

Pros of Litter Deodorizers
  • Available in powders and sprays
  • Often comes with fragrances
  • Less mess
Pros of Baking Soda
  • Common around the house
  • Safe to use anywhere
  • Eliminates odor without fragrances

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

Our final verdict regarding litter deodorizers vs baking soda is difficult to call, but we chose baking soda. While litter deodorizers do the job, the fragrances can be strong for some pets and their owners. The last thing you want is your cat sneezing each time they visit the litter box or refusing to do so due to the aroma. If you want to eliminate odors without spending much money, baking soda is the way to go. The unwanted cat urine aroma will be gone, and you’ll enjoy an odor-free home.


Featured Image Credit: focal point, Shutterstock (R)

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

Catster Photo Contest: Cats of the Week Winners (November 1, 2024)

This Week’s Winner Silliest Cutest Most Dignified Most Expressive Best Action Shot Sleepiest Enter Your Cat Submit your kitty for a chance to...

6 Breeds of Long-Haired Tortoiseshell Cats (With Info & Pictures)

Are you a fan of longhaired cats? Maybe you love unusual cats that are a bit rare. If this describes you to a...

Cat Blood Types: How to Find Out (Vet-Approved Guide)

If you’ve ever given blood before or had surgery, you probably know your blood type. Humans have four blood groups—A, B, AB, and...

Cat Litter Box Tips: 9 Vet-Approved Ideas For Placement, Cleaning & More

Cats are notorious for being particular about their litter boxes. Most have specific ideas about where their facilities should be located, what type...

More related

Why Does My Cat Purr When They’re Asleep? Vet-Reviewed Feline Behavior

Is there anything sweeter than seeing a cat curled up in a cozy nook, purring in their sleep? We can’t think of much...

Can Cats Be Hermaphrodites? Vet-Approved Feline Facts

Cat lovers who spend a lot of their time learning about their feline friends have probably heard tales of hermaphrodite cats that have...

Siberian Cat vs. Ragdoll Cat: Main Differences (With Pictures)

With so many incredible cat breeds to choose from, which feline would make the best pet for you? Two of our favorites are...

Can Cats Drink Smartwater or Flavored Water? Vet-Approved Nutritional Science & Advice

Water is one of the most important elements that living things need for survival as it plays an important role in proper body...

Keep reading

10 Best Grain-Free Cat Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats can be picky eaters, making deciding what to buy challenging. Sometimes, it takes trial and error to find a cat food your cat will actually eat, and it may take a while to find something your cat will scarf...

Orange and calico cats with brown and white kittens eating from their food bowls

Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants

We love our cats, and we want what’s best for them. So, when it comes to choosing houseplants, we want to make sure that they’re safe for our feline friends. But are air plants toxic to cats? The short answer...

Catster_Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats

Can Cats Eat Roast Beef? Vet Reviewed Benefits & Concerns

It is difficult to ignore the urge to spoil our pets. After all, we do it all the time for ourselves, so we want to give our lovely cat a tasty treat from our plate. But before you give human...

Can Cats Eat Roast Beef

Why Do Cats Meow & Yowl? 10 Vet-Approved Reasons Behind the Behavior

Your cat’s meow can have many different motives, and there is usually no reason for concern. Cats will meow when they’re hungry, full, happy, sad, and everything in between, and this sound is used to convey their emotions and intentions...

cat sitting on wooden floor

How to Get Your Cat to Use a Litter-Robot: 7 Tips & Tricks

Litter-Robots are a big deal for cat owners since they clean the cat’s litter, and the odor trap system keeps odors at bay! So, you’ve spent top dollar on this massive litter box and brought it home. But what if...

cat-using-litter-robot-4-black

Can Cats Eat Feta Cheese? Vet-Approved Risks & Alternatives

It’s a common scenario: you’re enjoying a delicious snack or meal, and your feline friend gazes up at you with those pleading eyes (or reaches up with a desperate paw!). If your treat of choice is feta cheese, you might...

Can Cats Eat Feta Cheese

Can Cats Have Pepto Bismol? Vet-Approved Safety Tips & FAQ Explained

Pepto Bismol is a medication used to treat an array of digestive symptoms in humans—as the jingle goes, “when you’ve got nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea…” Pepto Bismol seems like a wonder drug for these unpleasant issues, and cat...

Can Cats Have Pepto Bismol

Cat Pouncing: Vet-Verified Behavior Explained & Solutions

Cats love to pounce! While it’s a normal activity that’s linked to their hunting skills, there are times when your cat’s pouncing can become a bit too enthusiastic and cross the line into aggression, particularly in indoor cats that don’t...

Burmese cat face before pounce hunting to toy mouse at home