How to Reduce Cat Litter Box Odor

Using quality cat litter and the following 7 tips can help you significantly reduce unpleasant litter box smells.

Cat parents know all too well how annoying a smelly litter box can be. We love our cats—but we don’t feel the same about their toilet habits. Fortunately, there are simple, low-effort ways to help control litter box odors.

Keep in mind, owning a cat doesn’t mean your home has to smell like one. Using Meow Cat Litter, the best Iranian-made cat litter, along with a few easy habits, can make life more pleasant for both you and your furry friend.

7 Ways to Reduce Litter Box Odor

You can’t fully avoid odor from your cat’s waste, but with good litter and cleanliness, you can enjoy a fresher home. We recommend following these 7 tips to manage litter box odor:

1. Scoop Clumps at Least Once a Day

One of the most effective ways to reduce litter box odor is by regularly removing clumps. Experts suggest scooping at least once a day, and more often if you have multiple cats. Ideally, scoop immediately after your cat uses the litter box. This has the greatest impact on odor control—but only if you’re using high-quality litter that clumps quickly and completely.

It’s also important to remove even the smallest clumps. This again comes down to litter quality—good litter clumps instantly, preventing liquids from spreading and creating smell. Poor clumping leads to lingering odor.

2. Deep Clean the Litter Box Monthly

In addition to changing the litter itself, it’s essential to wash the box thoroughly at least once a month. Even if you scoop regularly, tiny waste particles can stick to the box walls and won’t come off without a deep clean. The longer they stay, the worse the smell gets.

3. Replace the Litter Box Once a Year

Did you know that after a year, waste particles can become so embedded in the plastic that they’ll never fully come out? Scratches from your cat’s claws also allow bacteria to grow in the crevices, which increases odor. That’s why replacing the litter box once a year is recommended.

When buying a new litter box, keep these tips in mind:

• It should be large enough for your cat to comfortably turn around and bury waste. If it’s too small, your cat may refuse to use it.

• Not all cats like covered litter boxes. Only choose a covered one if your cat is okay with it.

• Place the box in a quiet, low-traffic area. Never keep food and water bowls near the litter box.

4. Have Enough Litter Boxes

If you have multiple cats, you need multiple litter boxes. Cats are territorial and don’t like sharing their toilet. A good rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. This prevents crowding and helps reduce odor.

5. Place the Litter Box Near a Window or Vent

Some owners hide the litter box in out-of-sight areas—but that often means poor ventilation. Instead, place the box somewhere with good airflow. If your bathroom has a window, consider putting the box nearby.

6. Use Activated Carbon Litter or Add Baking Soda

Both activated carbon and baking soda absorb odors very effectively. Just don’t overdo it—cats are sensitive to foreign substances and may reject the litter if it smells different. We recommend using Meow Cat Litter with carbon and zeolite for the best results.

7. Feed Your Cat a Healthy Diet

Finally, just like humans, cats need a balanced, healthy diet. Low-quality food filled with preservatives not only harms your cat’s health but also makes their waste smell much worse. Choose high-protein food that doesn’t rely on fillers like corn or gluten. Look for ingredients like chicken, meat, fish, or duck. Avoid foods listing corn, wheat, or gluten, and if they contain carbohydrates, they should come from sweet potatoes, peas, or vegetables.

With better nutrition, you’ll likely notice significantly less odor within a few weeks.

Summary

Your cat’s litter box doesn’t have to be banished outdoors. If you live in an apartment, maintaining good hygiene, using high-quality litter like Meow Cat Litter, and feeding your cat nutritious food is more than enough. Follow these simple steps, and we promise—you won’t be bothered by litter box odor anymore.