Managing Litter Box Stink

Marmalade is trying out the tofu extrudates litter.  Jepster | Flickr

Dealing with the dreaded cat litter box odor just may be the ultimate challenge for all cat owners. While completely eliminating the smell is a tall order, various strategies can significantly mitigate it, making your home a more pleasant environment for both you and your feline friends.

Litter Material Matters

The type of litter you choose plays a crucial role in odor control.

• Bentonite Clay Litters: These are popular for their ability to form solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop out urine and stool, thus removing odor sources. These can come in a variety of scents to mask the odor of the litter box. Look for varieties advertised with activated charcoal or baking soda for enhanced odor absorption. The downside of this type of litter material is that it forms a thick sludge if there is too much liquid, and there are also some concerns about the environmental impact of bentonite strip mining. They can also produce a lot of dust, so make sure you wear a suitable mask (I use an N95 type) when you are handling this material.
• Silica Gel Litters: These highly absorbent litters trap moisture and odors effectively. They require less frequent changing than clay litters but can be more expensive. Their superior absorption capabilities mean less liquid waste to generate smells. I have to admit that I have no experience with these types of litter material. My sister sent me a bag once, but I never used it. It didn't help that I was living in a condominium at the time, and I was more into flushable litter. I think that these types of litter, although excelling in liquid absorption, don't actually clump, so I'd imagine it's something that has to be changed out in one go when it cannot absorb any more liquid. Scooping the stools will be the same process, I guess, and I just hope that your pet doesn't have the runs, or that would be one hell of a clean-up job.
• Natural Litters (Tofu, Sawdust, Pine, Corn, Wheat, Paper): These eco-friendly options offer varying degrees of odor control. Pine litters, for example, often have a natural, fresh scent. While some natural litters excel in odor absorption, others might require more frequent scooping and changing. Experiment to find one that suits your needs and your cat's preferences. I have used litter made from recycled paper with good clumping properties, and that changes color when soaked with pee. I also used to buy flushable cat litter exclusively when I was living in a condominium for the convenience. I found that tofu litter can have excellent odor control, especially when infused with activated carbon. They can be pricey, but there are some brands that are budget-friendly. I'd personally stay clear of non-clumping types like sawdust as it requires a different scooping method (I'm not really averse to it, I'm just not used to non-clumping litter, and my current setup is not ideal for this type). Some are in pellet form that disintegrates into finer dust when wet, thus you will need to sieve and discard the fines while the stools are scooped in the normal fashion.  

Tofu cat litter. This is not the brand I use. Jepster | Flickr

The Power of Additives and Sprays

Beyond the litter itself, several products can be employed to combat odor.

• Litter Box Deodorizing Sprays: These sprays are designed to neutralize odors on contact. Many contain enzymes specific for cat urine that break down odor-causing molecules (I have not used this on the litter box, but have used something similar for the sofas and curtains with positive results). Apply them after scooping or as needed. I am now using Arm and Hammer's Daily Litter Fragrance Booster with good results (this is not a paid endorsement). Some sprays that just mask the smell and are overly scented might irritate your cats, and they might avoid using the litter box entirely.

Arm and Hammer Daily Litter Fragrance Booster. Jepster | Flickr

Cat deodorizing spray. Jepster | Flickr

• Litter Additives: These granular or powdered products are mixed directly into the litter. They often contain activated charcoal, baking soda, or other odor-absorbing agents. I'm currently using this crystal type of deodorizing additive.

Fresh Steps. Litter Deodorizing Crystals. Jepster | Flickr

Baking Soda: A Versatile Odor Fighter

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a remarkably effective, safe, and inexpensive weapon against litter box odors. Its versatility lies in its ability to absorb and neutralize acidic and alkaline odor molecules (Baking soda is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acids and bases). Note that you don't actually need to buy that specially packaged baking soda for litter box deodorizing. 

Application:

• Direct Application: Simply sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda at the bottom of a clean litter box before adding fresh litter. This creates an absorbent barrier that tackles odors from the start. You can also mix about half a cup to a full cup of baking soda into the fresh litter itself each time you change it. This distributes the odor-absorbing power throughout the box.
• Daily Freshening: For ongoing odor control, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the top of the litter daily and gently rake it in.

Cat litter deodorizer. Jepster | Flickr

The Optimum Ratio: Cats to Litter Boxes

One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of litter box odor management is providing an adequate number of litter boxes. A general rule of thumb is:

Number of Litter Boxes = Number of Cats + 1

This means if you have two cats, you should ideally have three litter boxes. This "plus one" rule ensures that each cat has multiple options, reducing the likelihood of a box becoming excessively soiled too quickly. When litter boxes are readily available and not overly full, cats are more likely to use them consistently, and waste can be scooped more regularly, significantly cutting down on odor.

Beyond the Basics: Other Important Measures

• Frequent Scooping: This is paramount. Aim to scoop at least twice a day, or more frequently if you have multiple cats. The sooner waste is removed, the less time odor has to permeate.
• Regular Full Litter Changes: Even with diligent scooping, the entire litter box should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled with fresh litter periodically. For clay and natural litters, this might be weekly or bi-weekly. For silica gel, it could be every few weeks.
• Thorough Box Cleaning: When changing the litter, wash the litter box with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals or strong-smelling cleaners, as these can deter your cat from using the box.
• Placement Matters: Place litter boxes in well-ventilated areas, but avoid high-traffic spots that might make your cat feel exposed. They need their privacy!
• Diet: A high-quality diet can sometimes lead to less pungent waste. Consult your veterinarian if you notice particularly foul-smelling stools, as this could indicate a dietary issue or underlying health problem.

By implementing a combination of these strategies, with particular attention to the power of baking soda and the crucial cat-to-litter box ratio, you can effectively manage and significantly reduce the unwelcome odors associated with your cat's litter box, ensuring a happier and healthier home for everyone.