7 tips to make a stinky litter box smell fresh & clean.

A stinky litter box is no fun. Not for your cat. Not for you.

Litter box odor can be a sign of a health problem in your cat or a hygiene problem in your home. 

Either way, it's time to take action.

Your cat's litter box needs the same attentive consideration you give your home’s other bathrooms. In fact, we think your box deserves even more care.

A cat's olfactory senses are 14 times stronger than ours. Even if things smell fine to you, litter box odor may knock your cat back a few paces — and turn him away from the box for good.

About 10% of cats will suddenly refuse to patronize their litter boxes, and cat box smells are one reason why.

Try these seven tips to keep your litter box from stinking:

1. Select the right brand of kitty litter. 

Have you ever stood in the pet aisle at your local retailer and looked at all the litter options available? 

Corn, wheat, good, clay, grass, paper — with so many choices, how can you determine which cat litter is right for your pet?

To determine the best litter option for odor control, we suggest you set up an experiment. 

• Purchase the smallest bags of several different litter types. 
• Scoop one cup of each litter type into a different container. 
• Pour in ¼ cup of ammonia. (Warning: keep this concoction far away from the cats!). 
• Let your mixture sit undisturbed for several hours. 
• When you're ready, sniff each container of ammonia-soaked litter. 

Your nose will tell you the best litter for odor control.

Keep in mind that cats do best when you introduce a new litter slowly. You can mix the new brand with the old one for a few days until your cat gets used to the unfamiliar scent.

2. Sprinkle baking soda in your box.

We know that baking soda makes a great all-natural litter box deodorizer. You probably use it in your fridge already.

But is baking soda safe for cats?

Yes! 

Baking soda is 100% non toxic. Mixing a little baking soda with the litter can help absorb pet urine odors. Cats typically detest artificial scents, so we recommend you avoid any scented soda options.

Despite its impressive odor-control powers, though, baking soda is no replacement for a consistent cleaning schedule. Scooping the litter, refreshing it, and washing the box are still necessary even if you sprinkle baking soda on your litter.  

3. Use charcoal filters to minimize litter box odors. 

Environmentally friendly charcoal filters can help remove stubborn cat odors.
Like baking soda, charcoal is an affordable, all-natural, and 100% non-toxic odor-control system.

Modkat sells an odor control kit that includes two bamboo charcoal filters. Bamboo charcoal lasts longer and is more effective at litter box odor control than other activated charcoals. Even better, bamboo is a renewable resource.

Our bamboo filters last for up to three months. After that, you can recharge your filter by refreshing it with some time in the sun. 

4. Nix floral sprays, scented plug-ins, and potpourri.

Many scented air fresheners smell heavenly to humans but are gag-inducing to cats. 

Even worse, some fragrant household products can actually harm cats. Potpourri oil, for instance, can burn a cat's skin. 

An all-natural cat-odor filter is probably your best choice. If you like for your house to have a spicy, tangy smell, though, try a DIY alternative to toxic air fresheners.

5. Practice good litter box hygiene.

Your cleaning calendar should look something like this:

• Daily: Scoop the cat's box. Clumping litter can make this task easier.
• Weekly: Refresh the litter entirely. Dump out the old. Add 3-4 inches of the new.
• Weekly: Wash out the box with warm water and a mild, unscented dish soap. 
• Quarterly: Recharge and replace your cat-odor filter.

If your box tends to hold smells over time, you may also want to spray the interior with an antibacterial solution that's safe for cats. 

Keeping your litter box clean could be the most important step you take toward making your kitty litter smell better.

6. Place your cat's box in a well-ventilated area.

Some cat parents hide the box in a dark, out-of-the-way place like a garage or basement. Bad idea. 

Shy cats often hate going into dank, dark, or lonely spots to do their biz. A bully cat can take advantage of the isolation to start a fight or even prevent a smaller cat from accessing the bathroom. 

If you put the box where you can't smell it, you might even forget to clean it regularly. Cat Daddy, Jackson Galaxy says to keep your litter boxes in socially appropriate areas such as the living room or a guest bedroom.

Since it's going to be out in the open, choose a sleek litter box that won't attract attention from nosy guests.

7. Talk to your vet about your cat's diet.

Particularly pungent poo may be a sign of a serious problem. Ask your veterinarian or feline nutritionist to recommend a safe and healthy dietary change. New food may be the effective odor-control solution you've been looking for.

Keeping your home and your litter box clean and fresh is important both for your cat's health and your own peace of mind. 

By maintaining a stink-free litter box, you can make it easy for your cat to eliminate in the appropriate place, helping her or him stay healthy and happy.

Shop the Modkat litter boxes and accessories to freshen up your cat litter area today!

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