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The issue of odor control is often at the forefront of any cat owner’s mind when choosing a cat litter. A litter box that smells unpleasant can quickly become a source of discomfort for both the pet and the owner, not to mention any visitors who may drop by. With an overwhelming variety of cat litter on the market claiming to combat odor effectively, it can be a challenge to find the right product. This article aims to guide you through the best cat litter specifically designed for odor control, helping you make an informed decision.
#1 – BoxiePro Deep Clean Probiotic Clumping Clay Cat Litter -Scent Free- 28 lb- Cat Activated Probiotics- Longer Lasting Odor Control, Stays Ultra Clean, 99.9% Dust Free
BoxiePro Deep Clean Probiotic Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a 28 lb cat litter that offers longer-lasting odor control and stays ultra clean. It is 99.9% dust-free, reducing the spread of waste in the home and targeting waste on a microscopic level with its natural probiotics. It is also scent-free and has won the 2018 Pet Business Industry Recognition Award.
Best For: Best overall cat litter option.
#2 – Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Multi-Cat Complete Odor Sealing Clumping Cat Litter, 14 Days of Odor Control 18lb, Online Exclusive Formula
The Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Multi-Cat Complete Odor Sealing Clumping Cat Litter is a highly effective litter that can control cat odors for up to 14 days. It is designed for multi-cat households and forms rock-hard clumps for easy scooping. This litter has a patented formula that can absorb, seal, and destroy litter box odors on contact, making it a complete odor eliminator.
Best For: Multi-cat households seeking long-lasting odor control.
#3 – Cat’s Pride Max Power: Total Odor Control – Up to 10 Days of Powerful Odor Control – Strong Clumping – Hypoallergenic – 99% Dust Free – Multi-Cat Litter, Unscented, 15 Pounds
Cat’s Pride Max Power is a multi-cat litter that offers up to 10 days of powerful odor control. It features a patented Max Power dual-clay formula that is 99% dust-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive cats and households. For every jug purchased, Cat’s Pride donates one pound of litter to animal welfare organizations.
Best For: Cost-effective option for pet owners who want a quality product. (best on a budget)
#4 – Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Multi-Cat Odor Control, 14 lbs
Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter is a multi-cat litter that provides odor control for up to 10 days. It features ClumpLock technology that helps to lock in liquid and odors, making clean-up easy. This litter is best for multi-cat homes or busy litter boxes.
Best For : Multi-cat homes and busy litter boxes
#5 – BLUE Naturally Fresh Ultra Odor Control Litter, 26 lb
The BLUE Naturally Fresh Ultra Odor Control Litter is a 26-pound bag of cat litter that is made in the USA and is 100% natural and eco-friendly. It offers superior odor control and minimal dust and tracking.
#6 – Purina Tidy Cats Multi Cat, Low Dust, Clumping Cat Litter, LightWeight 4-in-1 Strength – 17 lb. Box
Purina Tidy Cats Multi-Cat, Low Dust, Clumping Cat Litter, LightWeight 4-in-1 Strength is a cat litter designed to accommodate multiple cats. It attacks and neutralizes urine, fecal, ammonia, and bacterial odors while creating strong clumps for easy scooping. The litter has a complex floral scent, low dust formula, and is lightweight for easy pouring. Overall, this product is best for multi-cat households looking for affordable, effective, and low-dust cat litter.
#7 – PETKIT Everclean 5 in-1 Mixed Cat Litter, Strong Clumping Cat Litters, Odor Control and Unscented Ultra Absorbent Water Flushable Bentonite Tofu Cat Litter, Dust-Free, 32 lbs (8lb/Pack)
PETKIT Everclean 5 in-1 Mixed Cat Litter is a highly effective cat litter that offers rapid clumping, maximum water absorption, odor control and is dust-free. It is made of all-natural ingredients, including tofu cat litter, bentonite cat litter, and activated carbon. The litter is also water flushable, making disposal easy and convenient.
Best For: Multi-cat households on a budget.
#8 – Arm & Hammer Forever Fresh Clumping Cat Litter Lavender, MultiCat 18lb with 20% More Lavender Freshness, Pet Friendly with Essential Oils
The Arm & Hammer Forever Fresh Clumping Cat Litter Lavender is a pet-friendly cat litter that features the scent of lavender for long-lasting freshness. It is designed to control odor caused by urine and feces and has a 99% dust-free formulation to prevent mess and tracking. The litter forms rock-solid clumps for easy scooping and is ideal for multi-cat households.
Best For: Pet-friendly odor control with a lavender scent.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Cat Litter for Odor Control?
When looking for a cat litter specifically designed for odor control, there are several key factors to consider:
- Absorbency: Choose a cat litter with high absorbency to quickly lock in moisture, which can significantly reduce odors. Materials like bentonite clay or silica gel are known for their high absorbent properties.
- Odor-Neutralizing Additives: Some litters come with activated carbon, baking soda, or other odor-neutralizing additives that work to eliminate rather than mask odors. Check the ingredient list to see what odor-control mechanisms are in place.
- Low-Dust Formula: Dust can exacerbate respiratory issues for both you and your cat and can also contribute to spreading odors around the house. Opt for a low-dust formula whenever possible.
- Natural Ingredients: If your cat is sensitive or allergic to certain chemicals, look for natural options that use plant-based materials like corn, wheat, or recycled paper. These can also be effective at controlling odor.
- Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: Clumping litters generally do a better job at isolating and eliminating odors, as they form solid masses around waste, making it easier to scoop and remove.
- Long-Lasting: Check reviews or product descriptions to see how often you will need to change the litter. The longer a litter can last while still controlling odors, the more cost-effective it will be in the long run.
- Fragrance: Some litters come scented to mask odors, but be cautious with these, especially if your cat is sensitive to smells. Sometimes the scent can be overpowering and deter your cat from using the litter box.
By focusing on these aspects, you’re more likely to find a cat litter that effectively controls odors while meeting your and your cat’s other needs.
What Are Some Tips for Reducing Odor from My Cat’s Litter?
Reducing odor from your cat’s litter box involves a multi-faceted approach that considers not just the type of litter you use but also the maintenance and location of the litter box. Here are some tips to help you minimize odors:
- Regular Scooping: The most effective way to minimize odors is to scoop the litter box daily, or even more often if possible. This removes the primary sources of odor before they have a chance to permeate the room.
- Use Clumping Litter: Clumping litters usually do a better job of isolating and absorbing waste, making it easier to scoop out the offending material and thereby reducing odor.
- High-Quality Litter: Choose a litter known for its odor-controlling properties. Many specialty litters are designed to neutralize rather than mask odors. Ingredients to look for include activated charcoal or carbon, zeolite, and silica gel beads.
- Clean the Litter Box Regularly: A deep clean of the entire litter box every week or two can significantly help to reduce odors. This includes throwing out all the old litter, scrubbing the box with soap and water, drying it completely, and then refilling it with fresh litter.
- Use a Litter Deodorizer: Some people opt to use a deodorizer in conjunction with their regular litter. These usually come in powder form and can be sprinkled in a layer at the bottom of the litter box or mixed in with the litter.
- Optimal Litter Box Placement: Believe it or not, where you place the litter box can also affect how well odors are controlled. A well-ventilated area can help to disperse odors more effectively than a small, enclosed space. However, make sure the location is also convenient and private for your cat.
- Consider a Covered Litter Box or Litter Box Furniture: A covered litter box or one that is integrated into a piece of furniture can help to contain odors, although be warned that not all cats like covered boxes. If you go this route, make sure to still clean the box regularly, as a dirty, covered box can become unbearable for your cat.
- Dietary Changes: Sometimes the food your cat eats can contribute to stronger odors in their waste. Consult your vet for recommendations on a balanced diet that could potentially result in less smelly waste.
By implementing these tips, you can keep your home smelling fresh and make the litter box a more pleasant place for your feline friend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Litter for Odor Control
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1. What types of cat litter are best for controlling odor?
Clumping litter made from bentonite clay is often considered effective for odor control due to its high absorbency and clumping ability. Some natural litters, such as those made from corn, walnut shells, or pine, also offer good odor control. Odor-control crystals or baking soda can also be mixed into the litter to enhance its ability to neutralize smells.
2. How often should I change the litter for maximum odor control?
For best results, it’s recommended to scoop out waste daily and completely change the litter at least once a week. Frequent removal of waste will help to control the odor. Not changing the litter often enough can result in a buildup of bacteria and a stronger smell.
3. Are scented litters better for controlling odor?
Scented litters can mask odors but may not eliminate them. Additionally, some cats and people are sensitive to the artificial fragrances used in scented litters, which can cause respiratory issues or skin irritation. Unscented litter with good clumping and absorbent properties is often a better choice for controlling odors.
4. Can I use baking soda to enhance odor control?
Yes, baking soda is a common household item that can be sprinkled at the bottom of the litter box before adding litter. It’s a natural deodorizer that can help control odors without introducing harmful chemicals or irritating fragrances.
5. Are automatic litter boxes effective in controlling odor?
Automatic litter boxes can be effective at reducing odor since they remove waste regularly. However, they can be expensive and some cats may be reluctant to use them. Ensure that the type of litter you use is compatible with your automatic litter box for best results.
6. Do diet and hydration affect litter box odor?
Yes, a cat’s diet and hydration levels can impact the smell of their waste. Well-hydrated cats and those on high-quality, balanced diets generally produce less odorous waste. Feeding lower-quality foods can result in waste that has a stronger smell.
7. How important is litter box placement for controlling odor?
Litter box placement can play a role in odor control. Boxes should be placed in well-ventilated areas, but not in places where drafts can scatter litter. Good air circulation helps disperse odors, but drafty areas can lead to litter being tracked around the house.
8. Can I use liners for better odor control?
While liners can make cleaning easier, they don’t necessarily improve odor control. In fact, if a liner inhibits the litter from absorbing moisture effectively, it might even worsen the smell. Choose a liner only if it doesn’t compromise the litter’s ability to control odor.
9. Is it safe to use litter additives for controlling odor?
There are various commercial litter additives available that claim to control odor. While some may be effective, always read the ingredients and consult your veterinarian, especially if your cat has a history of allergies or respiratory issues.
10. How do I know if my cat dislikes the litter I’m using for odor control?
Cats are particular about their litter and may show signs of dissatisfaction by eliminating outside the litter box, scratching the box excessively, or avoiding it altogether. If this occurs, it may be necessary to experiment with different types of litter to find one that both controls odor and is acceptable to your cat.
Conclusion: Best Cat Litters for Odor Control
Managing litter box odors doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. With the right cat litter, your home can remain a fresh and pleasant space for everyone. While each cat may have different preferences and sensitivities, finding an odor-controlling litter that suits your needs is crucial. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and brought you one step closer to a more odor-free living environment for you and your feline friend.