A smelly litter box is a common complaint among cat owners, and the most common fixes make it worse. Perfumed litter, deodorizing powders, and covered boxes can all push a cat to avoid the box entirely. The real answer is simpler and backed by feline veterinary guidelines: get waste out faster, use the litter cats actually like, and give them the right box in the right place. Here's how.
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Because waste sits in it. The AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats state plainly that no product reduces or removes the need to regularly clean and maintain litter boxes. The same guidelines note the average cat eliminates about three to five times a day, so waste adds up fast.
Here's what most odor guides miss: the cat cares about smell even more than you do. A dirty or perfumed box can drive a cat to go elsewhere in the house, and that's when odor really becomes a problem. If your cat suddenly stops using the box, call your vet, since house-soiling can be a sign of a medical issue.
Fine, unscented, clumping litter. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines recommend a fine, sand-like, non-scented clumping material at a depth of at least 1.25 inches (3 cm) in most cases. Clumps trap urine so you can lift it out completely, which removes the smell at its source instead of covering it up.
The guidelines also point out that litter is marketed to people, not to cats. Labels like "scented" appeal to us, but cats often find aromatic litters offensive. If you want to test what your cat prefers, offer two boxes side by side with different litters.
Calitti Fresh White Cat Litter, Unscented, 20 lbs
Unscented clumping litter, the type feline guidelines recommend.
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Calitti Extreme Clumping Cat Litter, 20 lbs
Hard clumps make it easy to scoop out every bit of waste.
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Purina Multi-Cat Low Dust Clumping Litter, 17 lb
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At least once a day, and more often for small boxes or multi-cat homes. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines note that unless owners remove soiled litter regularly, many commercial boxes prove too small to stay fresh. Scoop all clumps, top up to keep the depth, and fully replace the litter and wash the box on a regular schedule.
Litter that tracks out of the box carries odor with it, so a mat at the entrance helps too. Wash the mat when you wash the box.
Stainless Steel Litter Scoop with Long Handle
A sturdy metal scoop that won't hold odor like old plastic.
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Pet Life One Two Scoop Litter Scooper
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Waterproof Double Layer Litter Mat
Traps litter that sticks to paws before it spreads.
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Super Size Honeycomb Anti-Tracking Litter Mat
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Cat Litter Rug with Waterproof Back
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A large, open one. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines say an open box avoids trapping odors, and recommend a rectangular box about 1.5 times the length of your cat from nose to base of tail. Cats are split about evenly between covered and open boxes, but a cover holds odor in, so covered boxes need more frequent cleaning.
Self-cleaning boxes attack the root cause by removing waste soon after each visit. They still need their waste drawers emptied and a full clean now and then. If you'd rather hide the box, our hidden litter box furniture guide covers enclosures that leave room for airflow.
Self-Cleaning Litter Box with App Control, Open Top
Removes waste automatically, with an open design.
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Self-Cleaning Litter Box for Multi-Cat Homes
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The ones that cover smell instead of removing it. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines specifically recommend avoiding liners, slotted grills, and deodorizing powders, and warn against placing food and water near the box. Here's what to swap.
| Common fix | Why it backfires | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Scented litter or deodorizer powder | Cats often find strong scents offensive and may avoid the box | Unscented clumping litter, scooped often |
| Small covered box | Traps odor inside and can cramp larger cats | A large, open box when possible |
| Liners and slotted grills | Guidelines recommend avoiding them | Plain box with enough litter depth |
| Box next to food bowls | Cats avoid eliminating near food | Separate feeding and litter areas |
| One box for two cats | More waste, more odor, more conflict | One box per cat, plus one |
Based on the AAFP and ISFM house-soiling guidelines.
From simple enclosures to premium automatic boxes, these upgrades make daily litter care easier. Heading out of town? See our guide to traveling with two cats for travel litter tips.
Cat Litter Box Enclosure with Nightstand Top, White
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3-in-1 Litter Box Enclosure with Movable Divider
Keeps the litter zone separate from the rest of the room.
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Litter Box Enclosure Cabinet with LED Light and 2 Drawers
A furniture-grade cabinet with storage for supplies.
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Purrclean Self-Cleaning Litter Box with Wi-Fi App
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Remove waste often. The AAFP and ISFM house-soiling guidelines say no product removes the need to regularly clean and maintain a litter box. Scoop at least daily, use a fine, unscented clumping litter, choose a large box, and wash the box when you change the litter.
Not for your cat. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines note that cats often find aromatic litter and litter deodorizers offensive, and recommend fine, unscented, clumping litter instead. A strong perfume can push a cat to go somewhere else, which makes odor worse.
The AAFP and ISFM guidelines recommend a depth of at least 1.25 inches (3 cm) in most cases, though cats vary in their preferences. Deep enough litter lets cats dig and cover, and gives clumps room to form so you can scoop them out cleanly.
They can hold it in, which is part of the problem. The AAFP and ISFM guidelines note that an open box avoids trapping odors, and that cats may avoid a covered box that smells. If you use a covered box or enclosure, clean it more often.
They help because they remove waste soon after each visit, which is the main driver of smell. They still need emptying and cleaning. Introduce one slowly and keep a regular box available until your cat uses the new one consistently.
Sources: Carney, Sadek, Curtis et al., Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, AAFP and ISFM Guidelines for Diagnosing and Solving House-Soiling Behavior in Cats (2014), retrieved 2026-10-05. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat stops using the litter box, contact your veterinarian.
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