This may be the biggest source of cat smell in your home, so turn your attention here first.
Scoop the litter boxes daily, if not more often. And, of course, get the waste out of your house! You might consider using a product like the Litter Genie, which stores scooped cat waste in plastic bags inside an airtight container until you’re ready to go to the garbage.
Use unscented litter. Like air fresheners, scented litters only “mask” smells. Plus, lots of cats are turned off by scented litters and may choose another location for bathroom purposes. That will definitely make your house stink!
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the litter box. Many people swear by this method to help minimize odors.
Change the litter frequently. Experts recommend a couple of times a month. Also, each time you change the litter, wash out the box with mild soap and water.
And don’t forget to replace boxes completely once a year. No matter how well you wash them, over time, plastic boxes can trap bacteria and begin to smell.
Ruthie asks, “Why oh why do my cats feel the need to 'christen' their litter box every time I either clean it or add new litter? I love them, but it makes me crazy!”
So, I got a little sidetracked while researching an answer this week. I stumbled upon the fascinating story of Ed Lowe, who was the founder of cat litter. His family business manufactured a grainy clay, which was marketed to machine shops to clean up grease and oil spillage.
In 1947, his neighbor was complaining about her cat tracking ashes throughout the house, so he gave her a sample of fuller’s earth to try. The substance worked so well for her, Ed began to market his product to local pet stores. Business boomed, and he never looked back.
In 1964, Ed Lowe founded Tidy Cat, the first commercially available kitty litter. Many people were impressed at Ed’s marketing prowess. At the time, most cat boxes were filled with sand or ash, which was cheap but messy. Ed gave samples of his new litter away to cat owners and quickly won them over!
When it comes to squeezing into tiny apartments, Sydneysiders are certainly at making it work. But cohabitating with your feline friend in tiny digs certainly sets a challenge, thanks to cumbersome, ugly and stinky litter boxes. The versions at D&C Lifestyle are stylishly suited for small spaces. There's a range of choices from the Cat Condo, a complete self contained apartment for cats thru to the Modko FLIP or the sensationally uber MODKAT.
This may be the biggest source of cat smell in your home, so turn your attention here first.
Scoop the litter boxes daily, if not more often. And, of course, get the waste out of your house! Scoop the hard bits and discard in a plastic bag. Knot the end so that smells do not escape. Place in the outside garbage bin.
Use unscented litter. Like air fresheners, scented litters only “mask” smells. Plus, lots of cats are turned off by scented litters and may choose another location for bathroom purposes. That will definitely make your house stink!
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the litter box. Many people swear by this method to help minimize odours.
Change the litter frequently. Experts recommend a couple of times a month. Also, each time you change the litter, wash out the box with mild soap and water.
Article adapted from Catster.