A litter tray is never going to be completely odour-free, but it shouldn’t leave your whole house smelling like one. Regular cleaning, the right litter and a good litter tray setup can make a noticeable difference.
Scoop the Tray Regularly
One of the simplest ways to control litter tray smells is to remove urine clumps and faeces regularly. Ideally, scoop the tray at least once or twice a day, and more often if you have multiple cats using it. Regular scooping also makes the tray more pleasant for your cat, as many cats prefer a clean place to toilet.
Replace the Litter When Needed
Scooping removes the obvious waste, but the litter itself will eventually need replacing. How often depends on the type of litter you use, how many cats you have and how heavily the tray is used. Follow the litter manufacturer’s directions and don’t simply keep topping up old litter indefinitely.
Wash the Litter Tray
When you completely change the litter, give the tray a proper clean as well. Wash it with warm water and a suitable pet-safe cleaning product, then rinse and dry it thoroughly before adding fresh litter. Avoid heavily scented cleaners that may leave a strong smell behind, as some cats can be sensitive to fragrances.
Use Enough Litter
Using too little litter can make it harder for urine to be absorbed or form proper clumps. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the litter you’re using and top it up as needed between complete changes.
Choose a Litter That Suits Your Home and Cat
Different litters handle moisture and odour differently. Clumping, crystal and natural litters all have their own advantages, so you may need to try a few options to find one that works well for both you and your cat. Remember that your cat gets a vote too: a litter that’s great at controlling odour isn’t much help if your cat doesn’t like using it.
Have Enough Litter Trays
If several cats are sharing one tray, it can become dirty very quickly. A commonly recommended guide is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra, placed in suitable locations around the home.
Don’t Just Cover Up the Smell
Litter deodorisers and odour-control products can be useful alongside good litter tray hygiene, but they shouldn’t replace regular scooping and cleaning. If you’ve noticed that your cat’s urine or faeces suddenly smells very different or unusually strong, particularly if there are changes in their toileting habits, speak with your veterinarian. Sometimes a change in odour can be associated with a health problem.