How to Get Rid of Litter Box Smell and Keep It Out of the Room
To get rid of litter box smell, scoop waste every day, wash the box regularly, and keep the surrounding area clean. Good ventilation can also help reduce lingering odors.
Why does a litter box smell so strong?
Cat urine is highly concentrated. As it breaks down, it can release ammonia, which has a sharp, unpleasant smell. Feces add another source of odor. Both become more noticeable the longer waste sits in the litter box.
That's why regular scooping matters more than any single odor-control trick. Purina calls it the "golden rule" of litter box care.
How often should you scoop and change cat litter?
Scoop your cat's litter at least once a day, and empty and wash the whole box every one to four weeks, depending on the litter type. The ASPCA recommends washing and refilling the box at least weekly, although clumping litter may allow for longer intervals.
| Task | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Scoop clumps and solids | At least once a day; twice is better, especially with more than one cat | Waste comes out before it has time to break down |
| Top up the litter | After scooping, as needed | Keeps the depth steady, so your cat can cover what it leaves |
| Empty, wash and refill | Weekly for non-clumping litter; every 2 to 4 weeks for clumping litter | Old litter holds smell even when it looks clean |
| Replace the box | Every 1 to 2 years, or sooner if the smell lingers after washing | Persistent odors after washing may mean it's time for a new box. |
Wash the box with hot water and a gentle, unscented soap.
The University of Illinois advises avoiding strong chemicals and ammonia-based cleaners.
Let the box dry completely before adding fresh litter.
How deep should the litter be?
There's a variety of acceptable depths. Purina recommends approximately two to three inches of non-clumping litter, or three to four inches of clumping litter.
Your cat's habits can offer clues about litter depth. The University of Illinois notes that cats who go on soft surfaces, like bedding or laundry, may prefer more litter, while those choosing hard floors may prefer less.
Does the type of litter matter?
Many cats prefer soft, unscented clumping litter, according to the University of Illinois. Scented or dusty litter, box deodorizers, and liners can discourage some cats from using their box. Clumping litter also makes it easier to remove urine-soaked clumps during daily scooping.
If fragrance makes your cat avoid the litter box, you could end up cleaning an accident somewhere else in your home.
Where should you put the litter box?
The best spot for a litter box is quiet, easy for your cat to reach, and away from their food and water. Good ventilation helps prevent odors from lingering. The ASPCA recommends choosing a quiet, accessible location.
If your home has multiple floors, it's also helpful to have a box on each level.
- Keep the litter box away from food and water. The University of Illinois recommends separating the box from your cat's bowls. It's also a good way to keep litter box odors away from where you prepare and eat meals.
- Give your cat privacy without making them feel cornered. The University of Illinois recommends choosing a spot that's accessible from more than one direction, so your cat can use the box comfortably.
- Make sure you have enough litter boxes. Typically, there should be at least as many litter boxes as there are cats in your home, plus one extra. If two cats share a single litter box, twice as much waste builds up in the same litter between cleanings.
- Choose a spot with good airflow. A bathroom or laundry room with a window or an exhaust fan that vents outdoors can work well, provided your cat can get to the box easily.
Where to put a litter box in a small apartment
In a small apartment, the bathroom can be a practical place for the litter box. Hard floors are easier to clean, and a bathroom exhaust fan can help with ventilation if it vents outdoors. It also keeps the box away from areas where you eat or sleep. Just make sure your cat is comfortable there and can get inside whenever they need to.
If your bathroom is too small, look for a quiet, low-traffic area with a floor that's easy to clean and access to fresh air. Keep the box away from your kitchen and bedroom when possible, and avoid enclosing it in a cabinet.
Should you use a covered litter box?
Covered boxes can hide the litter from view, but they don't reduce how often you need to scoop or wash the box. They also aren't every cat's favorite. The Sacramento SPCA notes that many cats dislike covered boxes.
The University of Illinois also warns that lids and enclosed spaces, like closets, may make some cats anxious about using the litter box.
If your cat is comfortable using a covered box, there's no need to switch just because it has a lid.
Keep up the same scooping and cleaning routine you'd follow with an open box.
How do you ventilate a room with a litter box?
To ventilate a room with a litter box, run an exhaust fan that vents outdoors or open a window when outdoor conditions allow. The EPA explains that ventilation can remove or dilute pollutants released indoors.
Make sure your cat can still access the room whenever they need to use the box.
In practice, that looks like this:
- Run an exhaust fan that vents outdoors after scooping to help clear stale air.
- Open a window when conditions allow. The EPA includes opening windows and doors or using a window fan among the ways to bring fresh outdoor air into your home.
- Avoid enclosing the litter box in a closet or cabinet where odors can build up.
Keep the area around the box clean
Odors can linger in the litter mat, surrounding floor, and waste bin even when the box itself is clean.
- Sweep up scattered litter after you scoop.
- Put a washable mat under the box and wash it every week or two.
- Seal scooped waste in a small bag and put it in an outdoor trash bin.
- Clean accidents promptly with a product made for pet urine. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which the University of Illinois also advises against using on litter boxes.
Why does my litter box still smell like ammonia?
If your litter box still smells like ammonia after daily scooping, it may be time for a full litter change or a more thorough wash. An older box that holds odors or too many cats sharing one box can also contribute to the problem.
If the odor doesn't improve, or your cat suddenly starts having accidents, struggling to use the box, or going much more often than usual, contact your veterinarian. The University of Illinois notes that a vet can help identify an underlying medical issue that may be affecting litter box habits.
A simple litter box routine
Every day
- Scoop clumps and solids, twice if you have more than one cat
- Top up the litter to keep the depth steady
- Bag the waste and take it out of the room
- Run the exhaust fan or crack a window for a few minutes
Every week
- Sweep around the box and wash the mat
- Non-clumping litter: empty, wash and refill the box
Every 2 to 4 weeks
- Clumping litter: empty the litter box, wash it with hot water and a gentle soap, then dry it, and finally, refill it.
Every 1 to 2 years
- Replace the box, or sooner if it holds a smell after washing
Adding an air deodorizer to the room
Clarifion ODRx is a compact, plug-in air deodorizer that uses UV-C technology to help freshen indoor air.
It complements your regular cleaning and ventilation habits as part of a more complete home-care routine.
Litter box smell FAQ
Where is the most sanitary place to put a litter box?
Choose a quiet, well-ventilated spot away from kitchens and from your cat's food and water. A hard floor that's easy to wipe down is ideal, and your cat should be able to reach the box whenever they need it.
Why does my house smell like a litter box?
A lingering litter box smell can come from waste sitting too long, old litter, a dirty box, or accidents nearby. If the problem persists or your cat's bathroom habits change, contact your veterinarian.
How often should you completely change cat litter?
The ASPCA suggests that you empty, clean, and refill your cat's litter box at least once a week, or less often if you use clumping litter. Purina states that clumping litter should be changed every 2-4 weeks.
Is it OK to put a litter box in the bathroom?
Yes. A bathroom can work well if it's quiet, well-ventilated, and accessible to your cat at all times.
Does scented litter help with litter box smell?
Scented litter may cover up some smells, but it isn't the best choice for every cat. Many cats prefer soft, unscented clumping litter. Daily scooping and regular washing are better first steps for addressing litter box odors than relying on fragrance alone.
Sources
-
Purina. Top 10 Ways to Control Cat Litter Box Odor
https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/behavior/litter/litter-box-odor-control -
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). General Cat Care
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/general-cat-care -
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Veterinary Medicine. Inappropriate Elimination in Cats (PDF)
https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/VTH-Handout-Inappropriate-Elimination-in-Cats-Small-File.pdf -
Purina. Cat Litter Box Tips and Basics
https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/behavior/litter/cat-litter-box-tips -
Sacramento SPCA. Litterboxes (PDF)
https://www.sspca.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/litterboxes.pdf?1723667309= -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Improving Indoor Air Quality
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/improving-indoor-air-quality -
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Litter Box Problems
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/litter-box-problems