How do you control litter box smell w/multiple cats?

United States
March 30, 2007 8:41am CST
We just acquired 2 kittens. They use the litter box but how can I control the odor? My cat that died went to the bathroom outside and came back in the house when she was finished. The kittens have yet to learn to cover their "deposits" with the litter. Is this something they will learn on their own? I cannot stand the smell of cat waste. I have been changing the litter out daily, but this will become costly. Sorry, I am used to older cats. My last kitty was adopted as an adult.
1 person likes this
6 responses
3 Apr 07
Most of the things I would suggest have been already said! I think it is easier to teach the kittens to cover their toiletries. Just cover it up in front of them. They'll soon get the knack! Also when you feel they are ready to go outside and explore the garden, put the litter tray outside. Make sure every time you move the box though you put the kittens in the box so they know it has moved! Another tip for kittens.... If you have one decide they are going to make a new toilet for themselves inside the house, it will always go back to that spot! So block it off so that they can't get in again! Good luck.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
30 Mar 07
When they go, you show them what to do like their mother would. If you buy a clumping litter you don't have to dump the box every day. Just scoop whatever they leave behind. I suggest Arm & Hammer Multi-cat. This has worked great for our cats. There is no odor and we live in a small apartment.
@cassidy22 (2974)
• United States
30 Mar 07
Put the litter box someplace accessible to the cat, but NOT in a common area where you hang out - ours is in the upstairs bathroom that we never use. I know others have put them in the basement, with a cutout in the door for the cats to have access. use arm and hammer cat litter - the baking soda helps remove the odor. Get a covered litter box, that will also help contain the odor. And change the bos REGULARLY!! If you don't, they'll go elsewhere. Cats need to feel clean, and if the box is dirty, they won't use it.
• United States
30 Mar 07
Well, let me think. You may want to try the clumping cat litter. That way you can scoop out the pee in clumps and the poopy. That will elimanate the smell. Also, you may want to get one of the "Oust" air freshners. They don't cover the smell, they kill the bacteria in the air that creates the smell as well. Just place it by the litter box or at least in the same room.
30 Mar 07
It is something they should learn to do on their own. Perhaps showing them when they go, by pushing the litter over their mess in front of them? You shouldn't need to change the litter daily, just scoop the poop out. They also sell products at the pet store to put in litter trays to help the smell. It's like a gritty deodorising powder. It's worth asking about. Good luck!
@Sengrath (210)
• Romania
30 Mar 07
well no matter how many cats u have u should scoop the litter a couple a times a day ..and u'll see there will be no smell left . Or if someone is permanently around the house ...they can scoop right after the "incident" :)