Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh by Odor Control Cat Litter Boxes
Do you know that the right litter box for a cat owner has to be chosen? It is a means by which your home remains fresh and keeps you away from those stinky mishaps. In this article, we will discuss some of the best options available in the market. You can make a better decision to choose the best litter box for you and your little feline friend.
Why Odor Control Is Important
Odor control is probably one of the most important things when owning a cat. A house that smells fresh is a cleaner and more comfortable house for everybody. A good litter box will trap and neutralize smells effectively.
Features to Look for in Odor-Control Litter Boxes
When selecting a litter box, there are only a few features that you want to look out for. These features determine if it is odor-controlling or not.
1. Covered or Enclosed Design
A covered design traps the odors inside the box. It prevents the smell from spreading throughout your home. Enclosed litter boxes are the best for small places such as apartments.
2. Carbon Filters or Air Filters
Most litter boxes include carbon filters. Carbon filters remove the smell and minimize bad odors. Some more modern boxes also have an air filtration system to reduce unwanted odor.
3. Self-Cleaning Mechanism
A self-cleaning litter box cleans waste automatically. This reduces odor because the litter is kept clean. Regular cleaning is important for controlling odor, so this feature can be a big advantage.
4. Material that is easy to clean
The material that constitutes the litter box also makes a difference in controlling odor. The smooth, non-porous material is easy to clean. It doesn’t capture smells, so the litter box remains fresh for much longer.
Top 10 Cat Litter Boxes for Odor Control
1. Purina Tidy Cats Breeze XL Litter System
The Purina Tidy Cats Breeze XL is one of the top contenders in controlling odors. The litter system uses pellets that separate liquid and solid waste, which helps significantly minimize awful smells. The pellets absorb moisture and smell much longer than ordinary litters. Disposable pads underneath absorb urine, helping to keep odors under control.
2. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The best fit for cat owners who really have very low levels of maintenance, the PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra provides a self-cleaning mechanism that takes away waste automatically. In crystal litter, moisture is absorbed, and odors are locked in for up to 30 days. This system decreases the necessary frequent cleaning.
3. Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box
The Nature’s Miracle High-Sided Litter Box is designed simply but effectively. It has a high side that does not allow litter to spill out; thus, there is minimal mess. This box also has an antimicrobial coating, which helps control odor by killing bacteria. The ease of cleaning and low price makes it one of the most purchased litter boxes.
4. Modkat Litter Box
The Modkat Litter Box is a style and functionality mix. Its top-entry litter box reduces the tracking of litter, and the controlling of odors will be well within your hands. Reusable liners make cleaning so easy, plus you are cutting down on waste.
Keeping in mind modern houses, this sleek box will not let odors take the show.
5. Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean Litter Box
Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean Litter Box is hands down one of the most affordable options on the market. This litter has an innovative mechanism of rolling that separates the waste from clean litter. This function helps keep the litter box clean without scooping. The design of an enclosed box traps all the odor inside to improve control over odors.
6. IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box
This IRIS litter box is suitable for small spaces. The compactly designed litter box saves room while offering remarkable odor control. Litter is kept contained with the top-entry system, and the mess is reduced. This product also comes with grooves on the lid to avoid litter tracking.
7. Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box
One of the most fashionable litter boxes on the market is by Petmate Booda Dome. Its dome shape traps the odors inside while keeping your view on the litter surface covered. With a charcoal filter, this particular litter box is able to maximize odor control. The stair-step entry reduces litter tracking around your home from this box.
8. LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box
Suitable for homes with more than one cat, LitterMaid Automatic Multi-Cat Litter Box uses a mechanism that automatically cleans the waste. This means you always find the box odor-free and clean. The extra carbon filters added to the box aid in smell control.
9. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
This Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan offers sufficient space to larger cats. Its hood ensures that odors are not as easily released and keeps litter tracking to a minimum. The in-house bag anchor allows for the efficient removal of waste without spilling. The carbon filter eliminates smells, making this box the top pick for odor control.
10. Van Ness Odor Control Large Enclosed Litter Pan
Made specifically for odor control, the all-inclusive litter box by Van Ness catches odors within the litter box. The replaceable air filter will absorb and neutralize odors. The litter box itself is easy to clean and works well even in homes of multiple cats.
How to Maintain Odor Control in a Litter Box
Good litter boxes are only half the battle. It is actually in their maintenance that helps control odors best. Here’s how to keep the smell in your litter box away.
1. Scoop Daily
Scoop your cat’s litter box at least once per day. The quicker you remove waste, the less chances there are of odors to spread. This is a simple step that makes big changes in odor control.
2. Change Litter Regularly
Even with the best litter, it loses the ability to absorb moisture over time. Replace the litter as directed by the manufacturer. Wet litter absorbs more moisture than dry litter and controls the odor more effectively.
3. Clean the Litter Box Weekly
Cleaning the litter box regularly prevents the smell from accumulating in the litter box. Use a mild soap with warm water to wash the box. Avoid the use of extremely smelly cleaning products since they may irritate your cat.
4. The Right Amount of Litter
Use enough litter to absorb odors effectively. Most boxes need about 2-3 inches of litter. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.
5. Quality Litter
Choose a high-quality, odor-absorbing litter. Clumping litters often work well for odor control. Consider low-dust options for respiratory health.
6. Multiple Boxes
If you have multiple cats, provide enough litter boxes. The rule of thumb is one box per cat, plus one extra.
7. Strategic Placement
Place litter boxes in well-ventilated areas. Avoid humid spaces like bathrooms. Good air circulation helps reduce odors.
8. Replace Filters and Pads
If your litter box needs filters or absorbent pads, replace them as needed. Dull filters lose their odor-trapping ability. Replacing them ensures your box keeps controlling smells effectively.
9. Use Baking Soda
Sprinkling a thin layer at the bottom of the box also helps with neutralizing odors. Baking soda is a natural odorizer; many cat users say it works well with most kinds of litter. Just make sure your cat does not have any sensitivities to it, however.
Types of Litter for Better Odor Control
Choosing the right litter is the same as choosing the right litter box. These are the options with recognized odor control properties.
1. Clumping Clay Litter
This clumping clay litter forms tight clumps around the waste. This makes scooping easier and keeps odors contained. It is one of the most popular choices among cat owners.
2. Crystal Litter
Crystal litter soaks up the moisture immediately and keeps the smells trapped. It lasts much longer than a regular litter and requires less maintenance. Great for a busy cat owner, this category is very low maintenance.
3. Pine Litter
This pine litter comes in compressed wood fibers. Because of its natural absorption qualities, this litter can eliminate odors. Ideal for cats with sensitivity to clay, this eco-friendly litter works well.
4. Pellet Litter
Pellet litter is typically created from recycled materials such as paper or wood. There can be much less odor and minimal dusting with the litter. The litter is light and cleanable as well.
Natural Odor Control Methods
In addition to a good litter box, try these natural odor control methods:
1. Baking Soda
Sprinkle some baking soda in the litter. It’s a natural odor absorber. Mix it gently into the top layer of litter.
2. Activated Charcoal
Place activated charcoal near the litter box. It absorbs odors from the air. Replace it every few weeks for best results.
3. Essential Oils
Use pet-safe essential oils in a diffuser. Lavender or citrus scents can help mask litter odors. Always check with your vet first.
4. Air Purifiers
An air purifier near the litter box can help. Look for models with activated carbon filters. They’re great for removing pet odors.
