How do I stop my cat litter from smelling?
Last updated: February 2025
To stop cat litter from smelling, you need to eliminate ammonia at the molecular level rather than masking it. Scoop waste daily to remove the source before ammonia forms. Use a high-quality clumping litter that isolates urine immediately. Add an activated carbon additive specifically designed to adsorb ammonia gases. The carbon's porous surface binds ammonia molecules, physically removing them from the air. Place the litter box in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources. Avoid scented products that only cover odors temporarily and can irritate your cat's sensitive nose. Wash the entire box with mild soap monthly to eliminate residual ammonia. This combined approach creates a genuinely odor-free environment.
Why baking soda and sprays do not work
Most household solutions only mask odor temporarily. Baking soda has limited surface area and neutralizes acid, not ammonia. Sprays add fragrance that mixes with ammonia, creating an unpleasant chemical smell. Neither removes the root cause.
The science of activated carbon
Activated carbon works through adsorption, where ammonia molecules bind to millions of microscopic pores. One gram has over 1,000 square meters of surface area. This is the same technology used in water filters and industrial air purification.