How to stop litter box odor: cleaning guide
Learn how to stop litter box odor with a cleaning routine, unscented litter and better box placement. Know which changes mean your cat needs a vet.
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To stop litter box odor, start by removing waste every day and washing the box regularly. Choose unscented litter, and check whether the box itself still smells after cleaning. Cornell, International Cat Care and the ASPCA explain the routine below.
If your cat strains to pee but passes little or no urine, contact an emergency vet immediately. Cornell warns that a urinary blockage is a medical emergency.
Start with this cleaning routine
- Scoop out poop and urine clumps. Cornell recommends doing this daily. International Cat Care recommends at least twice a day, so a morning and evening check is a useful routine.
- Wash the whole box. The ASPCA recommends a weekly clean with warm water and unscented soap, followed by fresh litter. International Cat Care gives different intervals for different litter types, explained below.
- Rinse and dry the tray before refilling it, as International Cat Care advises. Use fresh litter for the clean box.
- Check the empty box. Cornell recommends replacing old trays that still smell or have cracks.
How often should you replace all the litter?
The sources give different schedules. International Cat Care advises a full clean every two to four weeks for clumping litter and weekly for non-clumping litter, while the ASPCA recommends cleaning the box and replacing the litter weekly. Scooping is still a daily job.
Cornell says to change litter often enough to keep it dry and clean, with more frequent changes when more cats use the box. If it already smells dirty, clean it now.
Use unscented litter and skip perfume
Most cats prefer unscented litter, according to Cornell and the ASPCA. International Cat Care warns that the scent of some litters and deodorants can overwhelm cats and lead them to toilet elsewhere. Adding a stronger scent can create another problem.
International Cat Care also warns against heavily scented detergents and disinfectants such as chloroxylenol, found in some Dettol products, which are toxic to cats. Its cleaning advice is hot water and biological detergent, then a thorough rinse and dry. The ASPCA recommends unscented soap.
For kittens or a foster cat, follow the shelter's litter instructions. Our cat fostering guide explains the different setups for adults and kittens.
Check the lid, location and number of boxes
A covered tray can hold smells inside. Cornell says most cats prefer an open box, and recommends a quiet spot away from food that the cat can reach at any time.
The ASPCA advises one box per cat, plus an extra. Keep them away from loud appliances and busy walkways. Choose places where your cat can see someone approaching and leave easily. In a home with several cats, International Cat Care recommends spreading the boxes out so one cat cannot block access to all of them.
Short on room? See where to put a litter box in a small apartment for layout ideas. Work out where your cat can use the box comfortably before hiding it in furniture.
If the room still smells after cleaning
Check for accidents outside the tray. The ASPCA recommends an enzyme cleaner made for pet odors on soiled areas. Follow the cleaner's instructions for the surface you are treating.
If your cat has started peeing or pooping outside the box, arrange a vet check. The ASPCA recommends ruling out medical problems before treating this as a behavior issue. Cornell warns against punishing a cat for house soiling.
When to call a vet
Watch what your cat does in the box as well as how it smells. Cornell lists painful urination, repeated trips, crying while peeing and blood in the urine among the signs of lower urinary tract disease. Call your vet if you notice these changes.
Straining with little or no urine needs emergency care. Don't wait. Cornell explains that a blocked cat may make repeated attempts to pee and become increasingly distressed. A vet needs to check the cause.
Your litter box checklist
- Waste scooped out today.
- Tray washed and litter replaced when needed.
- Unscented litter and a clean, dry box.
- Quiet location with access at all times.
- Enough boxes for the cats in the home.
- Changes in toilet habits discussed with a vet.