The best cat litter for odor control is a litter that doesn’t necessarily replace the odor with a perfume, but nevertheless masks the odor of cat litter.
The odor of the cat litter can be masked by adding an artificial fragrance or by neutralizing the odor.
The cat litters we have looked at are mainly litters where the odor is neutralized using different methods.
We have also chosen one lightly fragranced product primarily because the perfume used is subtle and not overly fragranced.
Some Of The Best Odor Control Cat Litters Are:
| 1. Fresh Step Advanced – Uses Activated Charcoal |
| 2. Dr Elsey’s Ultra Premium Cat – Controls Odor Naturally |
| 3. Arm And Hammer Platinum Clump And Seal – Uses Plant Derived Particles |
| 4. Fresh Step Multi Cat Advanced/Febreeze – Added Fragrance |
| 5. Purina Tidy Cats Scented Litter/Fresh Scent – Ammonia Blocker & Added Fragrance |
| FAQ For Odor In The Cat Litter Box |
There is nothing worse than coming home to a less than pleasant odor from the cat litter.
Because our cats spend time inside with us, it is normal and to be expected that there may be some less than desirable cat litter box odors.
We can work around this.
1. Fresh Step Advanced Unscented Clumping Litter
- FRESH STEP CLUMPING CAT LITTER: Two 18.5-lb. boxes of Fresh Step Advanced Simply Unscented Clumping…
- 15-DAY ODOR CONTROL: Naturally strong clay enhanced with odor-fighting power, Ammonia Block Technology…
- FORMS TIGHT CLUMPS: Tight kitty litter clumping around cat urine and waste makes scooping easy and helps…
- NO ADDED DYES OR FRAGRANCES: Unscented cat clumping litter uses clay, carbon and minerals to help stop…
How does it work? This is a low dust, unscented litter that uses activated charcoal to contain odors for 10 days.
The litter forms tight clumps so that no clumpy bits are left behind. Activated charcoal is often used to eliminate odors. There is more information about activated charcoal here for your own reference. There are also no dyes in this litter.
Regular daily scooping of this clumping litter and changing the litter at least every 10 days is recommended.
Depending on the number of cats using the litter, the litter may need to be changed more often.
Your nose will be the guide.
We think this is the best cat litter for odor control that is also unscented.
Using activated charcoal also means there is one less chemical coming into your home.
Pros
Activated charcoal is a non chemical method to prevent odors.
This litter lives up to its low dust claims. Whilst there will always be some dust with tis type of litter it can be minimized by pouring slowly into the box to avoid dumping it in quickly.
Cons
Do not flush down the toilet or use in home composting systems.
Specifications
The litter is packaged in a box. This litter contains – sodium bentonite, limestone, activated charcoal, and an antimicrobial agent (borates).
Are you sitting on the fence regarding scented cat litter versus unscented cat litter? This articles explains the good, the bad and the ugly of both types of litter
2. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for…
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic…
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the…
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep…
This litter controls odor naturally, without the use of chemicals, perfume or deodorants.
How does it do that? How it does that is linked to the fact that this is a fast clumping litter which absorbs urine and faecal matter very quickly whilst killing the odor. This coupled with regular scooping is a winner.
For people with an allergy or intolerance to artificial fragrances this is a big plus. No added fragrance.
The litter itself, is a combination of the Dr Elsey’s Classic litter (which are heavier granules) with a medium grade clay.
This results in an excellent clumping litter that prevents moisture from falling to the bottom of the tray.
As with the other litters do not flush the litter. Dispose of in the trash.
This is a very good and natural solution but remember regular scooping the cat litter box is also the key to success.
For best results scoop the cat litter box twice a day.
Cons
The litter does clump into very hard clumps. Ensure enough litter is added to the litter box to ensure the clumps do not stick to the bottom of the box.
What do you think of scented cat litter? It’s either, YES to scented litter or NO. For some it is a saving grace but for others it’s a no go.
3. Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat Clump & Seal Clumping Litter
- 14-DAY ODOR CONTROL GUARANTEED: ARM & HAMMER cat litter odor eliminator guarantees odor control for up to…
- COMPLETE ODOR-SEALING: Experience a cat litter with a patented formula that absorbs, seals, and destroys…
- 10% MORE ODOR ELIMINATORS: Benefit from a 10% increase in odor-eliminating power with this clump and seal…
- ROCK HARD CLUMPS: Simplify clean-up with ARM & HAMMER clump and seal cat litter that forms rock-hard…
This litter is designed for efficient and effective odor control even in households with more than one cat. It is unscented.
How does it work? It works by using plant derived particles to help create rock solid clumps for easy scooping.
In addition a tight seal is formed around the cat waste, while at the same time Baking Soda is used to destroy sealed in odors.
If possible scoop the litter daily to remove the waste and keep the remaining litter fresh. More litter can then be added as required, to replace what has been scooped.
TIP: If you are unsure of how you will react to a fragrance or lack of, try ordering a smaller sized product until you have tested it yourself.
Pros
This litter also has an excellent track record for dust control and tracking.
Cons
Specifications
The litter is packaged in a box. The ingredients include, moisture-activated micro-granules, odor eliminators and baking soda. For exact ingredients click here.
4.Fresh Step Advanced Multi Cat Febreeze Freshness
- FRESH STEP CLUMPING CAT LITTER: Two 18.5-lb. boxes of Fresh Step Advanced Multi-Cat Clumping Litter With…
- 15-DAY ODOR CONTROL: Fresh Step litter with Ammonia Block Technology, activated charcoal and the power of…
- RAPID LIQUID ABSORPTION: Fresh Step Litter Multi Cat formula quickly absorbs liquid, ensuring a dry and…
- FORMS TIGHT CLUMPS: Fresh Step litter with ClumpLock technology locks in liquid and odor on contact and…
How does this litter work to control odor? This is clumping litter that works quickly to clump which traps odors. Plus it uses the added strength of Febreeze to ensure that odors are dealt with quickly. Odor control stated is 10 days.
Febreze is developed specifically for the product application, and it is designed to be used in litter and safe for your cat(s).
The Fresh Step Team
The added fragrance is not an overpowering smell and most people comment positively on the fragrance. This litter is suitable for multi cat use and still control odors well.
If you have a particularly sensitive sense of smell, one of the odor neutralizer litters described on this page would be a better choice for you.
Pros
Low tracking.
Hides odor very well.
Cons
Can have a tendency to get stuck to the bottom of the box. Adding more litter after scooping the box will help with this issue.
Specifications
The litter is in box(es).The ingredients include a proprietary technology containing premium scoopable clay, limestone activated charcoal, fragrance, and an antimicrobial agent
5. Purina Tidy Cats Light Weight Glade Tough Odor Solutions
- One (1) 17 lb. Pail – Purina Tidy Cats LightWeight Glade Tough Odor Solutions Clear Springs Clumping Dust…
- 100% dust-free formula helps you minimize messes to keep it TIDY
- Glade Tough Odor Solutions technology fights strong smells
- Half the weight of leading clumping litter and forms strong, tight clumps for easy cleanup
How does this litter control odor?
The ammonia smell from the litter box is controlled effectively with this litter. It contains an ammonia blocker that lasts for two weeks when used as directed.
In addition, Purina has teamed with Glade to provide a barrier against strong odors and leave behind a fresh scent.
The litter forms tight clumps for easy scooping.
The lightweight litter has proved to be popular in part because bags and boxes of litter can be very heavy. This lightweight version stands up very well with controlling odors and clumping well. It also stores easily.
With limited space, the pail with a handle makes carrying and storing easier than trying to maneuver a bag or box into a small space. The pail weighs17lbs.
For maximum odor effectiveness litter should be scooped daily and topped up to a depth of 3 – 4 inches.
Pros
This litter uses an ammonia blocker which prevents ammonia forming for two weeks (when used as directed).
Easy to handle due to the lightweight nature of the litter.
Cons
Can be dusty and track as it is so lightweight.
Specifications
Different sizes are available. The ingredients in this litter are Natural Clay And Mineral Product with a Deodorizing System.
How To Use Cat Litter Attractant. Come back to the litter box kitty. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Compare Odor Control Litter
- FRESH STEP CLUMPING CAT LITTER: One 14 lb. box of Fresh Step Multi Cat Clumping Litter, Extra Strength…
- 15 DAYS OF ODOR CONTROL: Ammonia Block technology helps fight multi cat litter box odors and guarantees…
- RAPID LIQUID ABSORPTION: Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter quickly absorbs liquid, ensuring a dry and clean…
- FORMS TIGHT CLUMPS: Fresh Step ClumpLock technology locks in liquid and odor on contact and causes…
- EZ Clean Technology – Patented non-stick formula slides out easily for no-scrub clean-up.
- 14-Day Odor Control Guarantee – Keeps your home fresh with powerful odor eliminators.
- 10% More Odor Eliminators – Enhanced formula with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for maximum odor control.
- Rock-Hard Clumps – Moisture-activated granules form tight clumps for easy scooping.
- 14-Day Odor Control Guarantee – Long-lasting freshness for multi-cat homes with powerful odor…
- Patented Odor-Sealing Technology – Seals and destroys odors instantly for a cleaner-smelling home.
- 10% More Odor Eliminators – Enhanced formula with ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for superior odor control.
- Rock-Hard Clumps – Easy scooping with strong clumps that reduce mess and simplify clean-up.
- CLUMPING LITTER: One 17.5-lb. box of Fresh Step Advanced Heavy Duty Clumping Litter With Febreze…
- 3X ODOR-ELIMINATING CARBON (1): Fresh Step clumping cat litter formulated with black carbon odor shield…
- 30-DAY ODOR CONTROL GUARANTEE: Odor-fighting clumping cat litter fights odor on contact and guarantees…
- FORMS TIGHT CLUMPS: Fresh Step cat litter heavy duty formula has ClumpLock technology that forms tight…
- ONLINE EXCLUSIVE! Fill your cat litter box with the refreshing scent of fresh lavender fields with ARM…
- LAVENDER-SCENTED FOR A REFRESHING EXPERIENCE. This lavender-scented kitty litter contains ARM & HAMMER…
- PET-FRIENDLY WITH ESSENTIAL OILS. Essential oils are the inspiration behind ARM & HAMMER Forever Fresh…
- LONG-LASTING ODOR CONTROL. Our cat litter features a highly-effective formula using Baking Soda-coated…
- PREMIUM QUALITY: A combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay for…
- LOW DUST: Ideal for cats and owners who suffer from allergies with a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic…
- HARD CLUMPING: Hard clumping medium grain clay helps prevent moisture from reaching the bottom of the…
- SUPERIOR ODOR CONTROL: Formulated for single or multi-cat households with natural ingredients to keep…
- GUARANTEED ODOR CONTROL: 40-day odor control guarantee (2x longer than leading competitors). Compared to…
- 99.9% DUST FREE: Low dust levels means minimal tracking and less dust accumulating in your home…
- EASY TO CLEAN: Self-cleaning due to blend of probiotics that work 24/7 to clean litter after every use…
- MADE TO LAST: Boxie litter products last between 30-40 days (2x longer than other litters), making it the…
- CLUMPING CAT LITTER: One 14-lb. box of Fresh Step Clumping Litter with Febreze Gain Original Scent…
- 15 DAYS OF ODOR CONTROL: Fresh Step litter combines natural clay with carbon, Ammonia Block technology…
- RAPID LIQUID ABSORPTION: Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter quickly absorbs liquid, ensuring a dry and clean…
- FORMS TIGHT CLUMPS: Fresh Step ClumpLock technology locks in liquid and odor on contact and causes…
- 14-Day Odor Control Guarantee – Eliminates urine and feces odors with moisture-activated odor…
- 99.9% Dust-Free Formula – Keeps the air clean with virtually no dust during scooping.
- Dander Shield Technology – Reduces airborne dander for a healthier litter box experience.
- Hypoallergenic Light Scent – Free from 26 known allergens; ideal for sensitive households.
- PREVENTS BACTERIAL ODOR: This unique, patented formula works in seconds to prevent bacterial odors from…
- POWER TO THE MAX: Our patented Max Power dual-clay formula delivers 10 days of powerful odor control and…
- 25% LIGHTER: Take a load off; Our flagship Max Power litter is twenty five percent lighter, making it…
- ANIMAL LOVERS UNITE: For every Cat’s Pride jug purchased, one pound of cat litter is donated to animal…
FAQ For Cat Litter Odor
Why Does My Cat’s Urine Smell Like Ammonia?
Cat urine smells like ammonia because cat urine contains urea. Urea is a waste product of protein breakdown. Cats are big protein eaters.
Bacteria breaks down the urea and this is what releases ammonia and the along with it the strong smell that is often associated with cat litter.
You could try feeding your cat a different source of protein to see if that makes a difference.
To help combat the ammonia smell, litter needs to be changed frequently. If the ammonia smell if very strong or has changed and is now noticeably stronger than usual see your vet for advice.
The only way to really get rid of the ammonia smell is to use an enzyme cleaner to remove cat’s urine.
What Is In A Homemade Litter Box Deodorizer?
An additive for odor control in litter is often sodium bicarbonate or baking soda.
Here is a homemade solution for cat owners to help with odor control in the litter box.
Sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into the cat litter. You do need to be diligent about doing this and repeat as necessary.
It will work in the same way as placing sodium bicarbonate inside a refrigerator to absorb odors, which is by simply leaving an opened packet of bicarb soda in the fridge.
How Can I Keep Cat Litter Odor Under Control?
Regular scooping is the best way to help keep odor in the cat litter box under control. Team this with an odor busting litter and you are on the way to success.
Scooping is most easily done with a litter that is readily scoopable such as a clumping clay litter.
This way it is possible to remove the hardened lumps from the litter and top up the litter box with some fresh litter.
The removal of the scooped litter is largely the removal of odor.
My nose is rather pathetic and is there only for show as it seems to work only part time.
I have to ask other people about pet smells that may be happening in the house, that I am not even aware of. We are all different.
What smells like a bad odor to some is barely noticeable by other people.
Some are supersensitive to any odors and perfumes.
With cat litter, it has to be a bit of trial and error to find something that is okay and that you can happily live with.
Last update on 2026-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
