Cats are naturally clean animals. They don’t need to be bathed as frequently as other animals like dogs and don’t develop any unpleasant smells even with infrequent baths. However, the same can’t be said about their litter. The odour from a litter box can be especially repulsive to the point where you may feel embarrassed about having guests over. Here we’ll look at what you can do to keep the litter box from smelling.
1. SCOOP THE LITTER BOX DAILY
Regularly cleaning out the litter box is perhaps the most important step to reduce unpleasant odours. If the litter box is not regularly cleaned, your cat may even avoid it and find another place to do its business instead. Set a time to scoop the litter box at least once or twice a day. Then the place the contents in a plastic bag and immediately place it outside to keep the smell away.
2. REPLACE THE LITTER WEEKLY
Consider using clumping cat litter if you don’t already. This kind of litter is designed to make it easier to scoop up excrement without emptying the whole box. However, no matter how diligent you are in scooping the litter box, you’re bound to miss some. Replace the litter box with fresh litter at least once a week to keep any smells from building up. You can also try using deodorisers like baking soda in the litter box, which helps to absorb some of the odour.
3. WASH THE LITTER BOX MONTHLY
Even after scooping out the litter box and replacing the litter with fresh litter, you may still notice a lingering smell after a while. At least once a month, take the time to dump out the litter and thoroughly wash the litter box with water and unscented soap. Avoid using any harsh cleaners as these can cause your cat to avoid the litter box. Be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself from any faecal pathogens.
4. REPLACE THE LITTER BOX YEARLY
Plastic is the most common material for litter boxes. It’s incredibly durable and easy to clean. The problem though is that over time your cat’s claws can make small grooves on the inside. These can make it difficult to thoroughly clean and they hold in odour. Replace the litter box entirely with a new one at least once a year and either donate the old box to a nearby shelter or recycle it.
5. FIND A WELL-VENTILATED AREA
Avoid placing the litter box in a confined space like a closet, as that will only cause the odours to concentrate in one place. Instead, find a well-ventilated area for the litter box. Having a window with a screen is preferable as you can open it to dissipate the smell.
Written by: Alex Morrison
