Clay litter is a popular choice because of its ability to absorb water. When cat waste comes into contact with the clay, it desiccates it, reducing the smell and making clean up easier. Clay litter is available in both clumping and non-clumping.
Stainless steel litter boxes are much easier to keep clean and limit the odor. I use sifting stainless steel litter boxes with pine pellet litter. The pine wood pellets dissolve into saw dust with the pee, but really no odor.
Pine litter or tofu litter is probably gonna be your best bet if you want as scentless as possible.
Invest in washable, non-porous litter boxes (stainless steel or glazed ceramic) if plastic seems to retain odor. Use an air purifier with activated carbon filter near the litter area (not pointed directly at the box) to reduce airborne smells; pair with local ventilation (fan, window). Scoop twice daily. 2.
the best litter for odor control is by far WALNUT pellets. (in an isolated room, pine pellets start smelling like a barnyard very quickly). i've also seen walnut clumping litter but i stick with the pellets because there is no dust.
Any litter with sodium bentonite clay. Any litter with silica crystals or silica dust. Clay litters that claim to be dust-free (some sort of chemical dust suppressant was used)
If you want to make a greener choice for your cat's litter box, our vets recommend Arm & Hammer's Naturals clumping cat litter. Made from plant-based corn fibers, this eco-friendly litter is highly absorbent and offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional clay options.
Vets often discourage closed litter boxes because they trap odors, creating a stressful and unpleasant environment for cats with sensitive noses, and they make cats feel vulnerable by limiting their escape and ability to see potential threats, which can lead to anxiety or litter box avoidance and inappropriate urination/defecation, even though some studies show no universal preference if kept spotless.
How to Keep Your House From Smelling Like a Litter Box
The golden rules for litter boxes are: provide one box per cat plus one extra (N+1), place them in quiet, accessible spots on each floor, scoop daily, offer unscented litter, ensure 2-3 inches of depth for digging, keep them away from food/water, and avoid covered boxes if cats dislike them. Cleanliness, placement, and adequate quantity prevent stress and accidents, promoting good feline hygiene and behavior.
Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter Odor Control, Free and Clean Unscented Multi Cat Litter - 16 lb. Bag.
GreatLitter's single ingredient, natural sodium bentonite, is especially effective for odor control, as it clumps quickly and locks in odors through natural chemistry. GreatLitter is also naturally unscented, which better contributes to odor control than perfumed cat litter and is typically preferred by cats.
However, unscented litter may still contain odor neutralizers such as baking soda or fragrance ingredients with no detectable smell to help control the strong ammonia smell of cat urine and feces. Unscented means no scent and is not the same as fragrance-free (free of any added fragrances).
Mix white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in water to dilute it (usually 1:1 ratio) and spray the solution on any fabric or floor. Use an old hand towel or paper towel to dab or blot the solution. Repeat this process until the area is mostly dry again.
Consider placing the litter box in the living room for easy monitoring. If smell is a concern, you can use odor-absorbing products like a carbon filter and be sure to scoop often. If the living room isn't an option, you can place the litter box in a large linen closet, bathroom, or even on the balcony.
Baking soda is a safe and natural deodorizer for litter boxes and is non-toxic for cats. Mixing baking soda with the litter can help absorb pet urine odors.
Best Places to Put a Cat Litter Box
After scooping, I add the lightest sprinkling of Arm & Hammer baking soda litter deodorizer. Not only does this stuff smell amazing on its own, it's incredibly powerful. A box will last us easily more than a month, and we use it on every litter box, every time.
When you breathe in these ammonia fumes, not only does it smell bad, but it can cause some severe problems as well. If your pet has urinated in a place with reduced ventilation such as a room or even in the house, it could trigger issues like asthma, pneumonia, and in some cases, even suffocation.
For happy cats, follow the "N+1" rule (one litter box per cat plus one extra), place boxes in quiet, accessible spots away from food/water, scoop daily, fully clean monthly, use unscented clumping litter (2-4 inches deep), and generally avoid covered boxes and liners, ensuring boxes are large enough for comfortable turning.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Haley, a veterinary assistant at Glenridge Animal Hospital, told Newsweek that the worst types of litter for cats are those containing sodium bentonite, crystalline silica dust, and scented litter.
"Number 1 cat litter" can refer to the brand Number-1 Cat Litter, known for odor control and eco-friendliness, or it could be a general request for top-rated litters like Boxiecat (probiotic clay), World's Best Cat Litter (corn-based), or Cat's Best (wood-based), all praised for strong odor control, easy scooping, and low dust, with choices depending on preference for clay, natural, or recycled materials.
If your cat is afraid of her litter box, you may notice her running into the box and then leaving again very quickly, sometimes before she's finished eliminating. You may also notice her eliminating nearby, but not inside her box.