Foster Cats: Image by SneakerDog, FlickrAs wonderful as cats are, their litter often isn't. Sometimes it seems like, no matter what you do, you just can't get rid of that awful litter smell. With the right strategies, however, you can learn to deodorize your litter with very little effort on your part.
Scoop Clumps Daily
Sometimes all it takes to keep your litter smelling fresh is choosing a clumping litter like Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter. That is, if you keep the litter box clean. For the best results, scoop you litter at least once a day, but preferably twice to keep the odor at bay. This alone can work wonders in keeping your kitty's litter smelling fresh.
Get A Disposable Liner
A disposable litter box liner like Jonny Cat Jumbo Litter Box Liners will cover the surface and edges of your cat's litter box to make clean up easy. Simply set up the liner before adding litter and deodorizer. The liner will keep the litter pan free from messes, and make clean up substantially easier. When you're ready to clean up, think of the liner like a garbage bag for the litter. Pull the liner up over the litter and tie the drawstring for clean up.
Use A Deodorizer
Baking soda or a good litter deodorizer like Purina Tidy Cats Litter Deodorizer can work wonders to freshen up your cat's litter. Simply pour the baking soda or deodorizer into the bottom of the litter pan (or liner) before you pour in the litter. Spread it around so that it's even on the bottom of the litter pan. When your cat uses the litter box, he'll bring up the deodorizer for a fresher smell. The baking soda or deodorizer will also help to absorb odors, making them less noticeable.
Try An Onion
Don't Be Surprised: Image by Me and the Sysop, FlickrBelieve it or not, placing an onion in the litter box room can do wonders to hide the smell. Any onion will do, simply cut the onion in half and hide the onion halves in different parts of the room. The fumes from the onion will counteract the urine smell and kill any airborne bacteria that rises from the litter box. Don't worry about onion smell, it shouldn't be noticeable.
Pine Pellets
You can choose to purchase a pine litter like Feline Pine Original Cat Litter instead of a clumping litter. Pine litter tends to be more efficient at hiding the smell of waste than normal litter, and emits a fresh pine scent. It breaks down when it gets wet, and is very easy to scoop. You may need to get your cat used to the pine litter gradually, so begin by substituting small amounts of regular litter for pine litter. Eventually your cat will get used to it, and you can completely switch over.
With these strategies, your litter will be smelling better in no time. Is there anything you do to deodorize your litter box? Feel free to comment!