Let’s be honest = a smelly litter tray is one of the less glamorous sides of cat ownership. But with the right approach, you can keep your home fresh and your cat happy. Follow these simple but effective tips to eliminate litter tray odours for good.
Why Do Cat Litter Trays Smell?
If your cat’s litter tray smells, it’s usually down to one (or more) of these common culprits:
- Ammonia from urine – Cat urine is packed with urea, which breaks down into ammonia—a strong-smelling gas that can make your home reek.
- Faeces – A cat’s high-protein diet can lead to pungent stools that linger.
- Poor maintenance – If you’re not scooping daily, odours will quickly build up.
- Low-quality litter – Some litters fail to absorb moisture or neutralise smells properly.
- Breed factors – Larger breeds like Maine Coons produce more waste, while shy breeds like Persians often prefer enclosed trays, which can trap odours.
Daily Maintenance: The Key to a Fresh Litter Tray
Regular cleaning is the easiest way to stop a litter tray from smelling. Make these steps part of your daily routine:
✔️ Scoop daily – Remove waste at least once or twice a day to prevent odours from building up.
✔️ Top up fresh litter – After scooping, add a little fresh litter to maintain effectiveness.
✔️ Use clumping litter – It locks in moisture, making it easier to remove urine-soaked areas.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you have multiple cats, use the 1 per cat +1 rule—this means if you have 2 cats, you need at least 3 litter trays to avoid overcrowding and odour buildup.
Deep Cleaning: A Must for Odour Control
Even with daily scooping, you still need to deep clean your cat’s litter tray regularly:
🧼 Wash the tray weekly – Use warm water and unscented soap. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can deter your cat from using the tray.
🔄 Replace the tray annually – Over time, scratches in the plastic can trap bacteria and odours.
💨 Dry thoroughly – Ensure the tray is completely dry before refilling with litter to prevent moisture buildup.
Choosing the Right Litter to Prevent Odours
Not all litters are created equal! The right choice can make all the difference:
🌟 Clumping litter – Easy to scoop, locks in moisture, and keeps the tray fresh.
💎 Silica crystal litter – Absorbs moisture instantly and some brands even change colour to indicate health issues.
🌱 Plant-based litter – Eco-friendly and naturally deodorising without artificial scents.
🔍 Recommended Brands: KatKin’s Scoop Planet or Scoop Health are great choices for effective odour control.
Extra Odour-Fighting Tricks
If your cat’s litter tray still smells, try these extra solutions:
🛑 Baking soda – Sprinkle a thin layer at the bottom of the tray to absorb odours naturally.
🌿 Odour-neutralising sprays – PowAir’s Cat Litter Box Odour Block uses plant-based ingredients to eliminate smells (not just mask them!).
🌬 Better ventilation – Place the tray in a well-aired area to stop smells from lingering.
🚫 Avoid scented sprays – Many air fresheners contain chemicals that could put your cat off using the tray altogether!
Where to Put the Litter Tray to Minimise Smells
Did you know placement matters when it comes to controlling odours? Here’s where (and where not) to put your cat’s litter tray:
✅ Best spots:
- A quiet corner where your cat feels safe.
- A well-ventilated area to stop smells from building up.
- A bathroom or utility room, if possible.
🚫 Worst spots:
- Near food and water bowls – Cats hate this!
- Next to a radiator or heating vent – Heat intensifies odours.
- High-traffic areas – Your cat needs privacy, and you don’t want to smell it constantly!
Does Your Cat’s Diet Affect Litter Tray Smell?
Yes! What your cat eats directly affects stool odour. Here’s how to fix it:
🥩 Upgrade their diet – High-quality food = less waste and fewer odours. Look for brands with high meat content and low filler ingredients.
🔍 Monitor stool health – Loose stools or excessive smell could be a sign of a food intolerance or health issue. If in doubt, check with your vet.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fresh and Odour-Free
Keeping your cat’s litter tray from smelling is simple when you get the basics right: daily scooping, deep cleaning, quality litter, and smart placement. A little effort goes a long way in keeping your home fresh and your cat comfortable!
Try these tips today and enjoy an odour-free litter tray! 🐾
