A litter box can start to smell even in a home that is cleaned regularly. The most reliable first step is not a stronger fragrance: it is a consistent cleaning routine, a litter setup your cat is comfortable using, and quick attention to unusual changes.
This guide covers practical ways to reduce litter box odour while keeping your cat's needs at the centre of the routine.
1. Scoop the litter box at least once or twice a day
Remove solid waste and wet clumps regularly rather than waiting until the next full clean. Cats Protection recommends removing urine and faeces at least twice daily, with more frequent cleaning if your cat needs it. A cleaner tray is easier to maintain and helps you notice changes in your cat's toileting habits.
2. Wash the tray on a regular schedule
Empty the tray and wash it with hot, soapy water or a cat-safe cleaner. Cats Protection advises a full clean at least weekly. Rinse well and allow the tray to dry before adding fresh litter. Avoid strongly scented cleaners or products that leave a strong residue.
3. Choose litter your cat will actually use
Some cats dislike strong perfumes and scented litter. Cats Protection notes that a cat's sense of smell is sensitive, and strong scents may put some cats off using the tray. If you need to change litter, make the transition gradually and watch how your cat responds.
4. Keep enough trays in suitable places
A common starting guideline is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra, placed in quiet and accessible locations. In a multi-cat home, spreading trays out can help avoid crowding. Make sure your cat can reach the tray without being blocked by noise, other pets or busy foot traffic.
5. Clean around the tray, not just inside it
Loose litter can be tracked onto the floor, while small accidents may leave odour on nearby surfaces. Sweep or vacuum around the tray and clean any soiled area promptly using a cleaner suitable for that surface and safe for use around cats. Follow the product label and keep your cat away from wet cleaning products until the area is ready for use.
6. Check the tray and litter when odour keeps returning
If the tray still smells soon after cleaning, check whether the litter needs changing more often, whether the tray has scratches or retained odour, and whether the location has enough ventilation. A covered tray can hold smells, so it may need more frequent cleaning. Avoid trying to solve every odour problem by adding stronger perfume.
7. Pay attention to changes in toileting
A sudden change in where, how often or how comfortably your cat urinates or defecates should not be treated as a cleaning problem alone. If your cat starts avoiding the tray, strains, cries, passes very little urine or shows a sudden change in habits, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Considering an odour-control product?
Odour-control products may be an additional part of a litter-area routine, but they should not replace scooping, washing the tray or choosing a litter your cat accepts. If you are considering a device or deodorizer, read its full specifications and instructions first, check that it is appropriate for your setup, and follow the manufacturer's safety guidance.
You can review the Paws & Plenty Pet Odor Eliminator for Litter Boxes and its product details here. Keep the regular cleaning routine as the foundation of litter box care.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean a cat's litter box?
Remove waste at least once or twice a day, depending on your cat and the litter used. A full tray clean is generally needed at least weekly, with more frequent cleaning if odour builds up.
Does scented litter stop litter box smells?
Not necessarily. Some cats dislike strong fragrances, and scented litter can make a tray less appealing. Regular removal of waste and washing the tray are better starting points.
Why does my litter box smell even after I scoop it?
The tray may need a full wash, the litter may need replacing, or odour may be lingering on nearby surfaces. Check the tray's condition and clean the surrounding area too.
Should I use an air freshener near my cat's litter box?
Avoid strong fragrances around the tray. Cats have sensitive noses, and heavy scents may discourage some cats from using their litter box.
Keep the routine simple and consistent
Frequent scooping, a weekly full clean, suitable unscented litter where your cat prefers it, and a quiet tray location will address many everyday odour problems. If the smell or your cat's toileting habits change suddenly, ask your veterinarian rather than relying on a deodorizer alone.
Further reading: Cats Protection — Cats & Toileting.