Home Remedies to Deoderize Cat Litter

You and your cat will both enjoy an odor-free litter box.
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No one wants their house to smell like a cat's litter box, but before you go crazy with air fresheners and commercial deodorizers, you may want to try some home remedies. Cats have sensitive noses and may avoid using the litter box if you use perfumed deodorizers or air fresheners.

Frequent Cleaning

If your cat's litter box has an odor, you may not be cleaning it frequently enough. Plan to pick the litter box out every day, and completely replace the litter twice a week. You will probably find that many of your odor problems disappear if you follow this schedule. An added benefit is that a clean litter box is much more attractive to your cat, so keeping it clean will lower the odds that your cat may decide to look for somewhere else, like your laundry, to do his business.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an effective deodorizer, and it is odor-free so will not cause any issues with your cat. When you empty the litter box, sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the bottom of the litter box before refilling it with litter. The baking soda will neutralize odors. Baking soda is affordable and readily available, which are two more reasons it makes a great deodorizer.

White Vinegar and Water

White vinegar also works as an effective deodorizer, although the smell may be off-putting to some. You can minimize the odor and make the vinegar more economical by diluting it with water. A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water is a good choice for wiping out the litter box after you empty it. Let it air dry for a few minutes before re-filling.

Adequate Ventilation

One of the easiest ways to minimize odors from the litter box is to move it to a different location. You may have placed the litter box in a dark, quiet corner, thinking your cat would prefer privacy. While the litter box should be in a quiet area, it needs to be in a spot that gets some air flow. Tucking the litter box into a corner allows odors to concentrate, making the area smell. With adequate ventilation, any odors will easily disburse. Placing the litter box in an area with good lighting makes it easier to scoop quickly and to see any messes that have been tracked out of the box.

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