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 pets do spend time inside with us, it is normal and to be expected that there may be some less than desirable odors.
We can work around this.
1. Fresh Step Advanced Unscented Clumping Litter
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
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 is also the key to success.
For best results scoop the 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
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
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
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
This information below shows the price you pay per ounce or per pound for each product.
Image | Title | Price | Buy |
---|---|---|---|
Top Top Top Top | Fresh Step Advanced Extreme Clumping Cat Litter with Odor Control | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | ökocat Super-Soft Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter with Odor Control | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Fresh Step Advanced Cat Litter, Clumping Cat Litter, 99.9% Dust-Free, Gain Scent | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Naturally Fresh Cat Litter - Walnut-Based Clumping Litter, Unscented, Multi-Cat Ultra Odor Control | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Boxiecat Premium Clumping Cat Litter - Scent Free - Clay Formula | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Cat's Pride Fresh Scent Pure & Fresh Multi-Cat Clumping Litter | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter for Litter Box Odor Control | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter, Instant Action Multi Cat Litter | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | Fresh Step Advanced Simply Unscented Clumping Cat Litter, Recommended by Vets | Check Price | |
Top Top Top Top | So Phresh Lightweight Advanced Odor Control Cat Litter | Check Price | |
Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter with Hypoallergenic Light Scent, 14 Days of Odor Control, 27.5 lbs, Online Exclusive Formula | View on Amazon | ||
Naturally Fresh BLUE Naturally Fresh Ultra Odor Control Litter, 26 lb | View on Amazon | ||
ScoopFree Premium Lavender Scent Crystal Litter, Superior Odor Control, Absorbs 5X Faster, Low Tracking for Less Mess, Lasts up to 2 Months, Lightly Scented (8 lb Bag) | View on Amazon | ||
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 | View on Amazon |
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.
Note: This is a very good article which explains exactly how to remove cat urine and what should be used (also talks about using vinegar and baking soda).
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.
There is a lot more detail concerning looking after a litter box in this article.
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.