Cats are the second most popular pet in the world. These adorable little furballs have many qualities that make them wonderful animal companions: they’re cute, fun, cuddly, and charismatic. Fluffy is also very clean. You don’t have to rush home to walk her, and you won’t have to clean her messes out of the yard. Of course, there are some downsides to dealing with litterboxes: They’re not exactly attractive to look at, and can also get quite stinky. A Chesapeake, VA vet offers some tips on beating those litterbox smells below.

Cleaning

First things first: the most effective way to defeat litter box odors is keep it clean. You may want to get a modern litterbox that makes this easier. Just read reviews before purchasing one. You may also want to ask your vet for tips.

Litter Choice

Litter choice can make a difference. For the most part, you can choose whichever you and your kitty like. However, avoid clay and clumping litters for kittens, as there is a risk of accidental ingestion. 

Avoid Overcrowding

If you have more than one cat, you’ll need to set out multiple litterboxes. A general rule of thumb is one box per kitty, with at least one extra.

Deodorizers

There are many different deodorizing products available that are made specifically for this. That list includes liners, sprays, and special litters. There’s no reason not to experiment with these options. You can also just use plain baking soda.

Diet

Fluffy’s powder room will probably never smell like roses, but as long as you keep it clean, it shouldn’t reek. A particularly foul smell could be a sign of a medical issue. Reach out to your vet. 

Air Fresheners

One would think that any air freshener or room spray would work. To some extent, that’s true. However, many products just mask smells with perfume. In the end, these add to the smell, rather than eliminate it. Look for products that break down scent molecules. You may also want to put a battery-operated freshener on a timer near the litterbox.

Plants

Plants can also help filter the air. Hang one over your kitty’s box, or put a small table over or near it, and put some pet-safe plants nearby. Some that are good at filtering air include Boston ferns, Spider plants, and Snake plants. You’ll find more listed online at the ASPCA website here.

Please contact us, your local Chesapeake, VA pet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!