Guide 2 min read
How to keep a litter box from smelling
Where to put it, how often to clean it and which litter to choose: simple habits that keep the litter corner fresh, for you and your cat.
A litter box shouldn’t announce itself when you walk in the door. And a fresh box isn’t only nicer for you: cats are fussy, and some will go elsewhere if their box smells. These habits make the biggest difference.
Have enough boxes
The usual rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one. Two cats, three boxes. Each box gets used less, so it stays cleaner between scoops, and no cat has to wait or share with a cat they don’t get along with.
Put it in the right place
- Quiet, but not hidden away. A calm corner your cat can reach easily, away from loud appliances.
- Well ventilated. A closet with the door shut traps smells.
- Away from food and water. Cats don’t like to eat next to their toilet, and nobody blames them.
- On every floor, in a home with several levels, especially for older cats.
Scoop every day
Daily scooping does more for odour than anything else. A sturdy scoop with the right slot size makes it a one-minute job. Top up the litter as you go so there’s always enough depth for your cat to dig.
Deal with the waste
Walking each scoop to the garbage is a chore, so it tends to wait. A sealed bin right beside the box, like the Noba Zero, closes waste into fitted bags so smells stay put. Empty it every few days.
Change the litter and wash the box
Even with daily scooping, litter needs a full change from time to time; how often depends on the litter and the number of cats. When you do, wash the box with warm water and mild, unscented soap. Skip strong-smelling cleaners: a box that smells of bleach or perfume can put cats off.
Choose the litter carefully
Many cats prefer unscented litter, and perfume doesn’t fix a smell, it just adds to it. Natural litters, like plant-based soy litter, are unscented and lighter on the planet. If you switch litter, mix the new one in gradually over a week or so.
Let air do the work
Smells come from moisture and the bacteria that grow in it. The Cateco litter box keeps air moving through the litter so it dries out naturally. The maker reports up to 86% less odour, with a full clean-out only every few months.
When the smell won’t go away
If your cat’s urine suddenly smells much stronger, or your cat starts going outside the box, check in with your vet. Changes in litter habits can be a sign of a health problem, and they’re worth catching early.
New cat on the way? The New Cat Starter Kit puts the Cateco box, scoop, Zero bin and refill bags together.
