If you own a cat you will know that the litter can become smelly very quickly. Whilst there are litters that claim to reduce odour, often after a day or 2 the room will still be a bit smelly. Then there are other options that although better at reducing odour, can cause problems with tracking and/or can be expensive.
Over the years I’ve tried many different cat litters with my various cats. Some work well but not for very long and some actually do a good job at reducing the odour. Usually those that work best will be very good at clumping and will have some kind of neutraliser included.
Table of Contents
What can help reduce odour
Not all ‘Odour Control’ Cat Litters are the same. Those that do work better will usually do the following:
- Clump well – If it clumps well the urine will form a hard clump that can be completely removed. If it doesn’t clump well then the urine will sit at the bottom.
- Have an odour absorbent such as activated charcoal or bicarbonate of soda rather than strong fragrance. Strong fragrances don’t really reduce the odour, just mask it. The best will reduce it.
- Low dust – Litters that are high in dust can make the odour worse when cleaning.
Best types to reduce odour:
Most commonly people will go for a clumping clay litter. Those that use a good quality bentonite clay and include an odour reducing ingredient will work well. They create a hard clump so waste can be easily removed. Many people use these as they are reliable.
Crystal/Silica Gel litters can be brilliant. They absorb liquid and trap the odour. Usually you won’t scoop the urine but just the solids. They don’t need to be changed as often so are great for many cats but aren’t liked by some due to texture.
Natural/Plant litters (Walnut, Wood, Corn & Grass) have come on a lot. Some of the best do really well at reducing odour and are low in dust. However they don’t always clump as well so care may need to be taken when scooping. Some cats prefer these.
A mixed or premium odour reducing litter will often contain a combination of clay and charcoal/absorbent. These are often the best if you want to reduce odour as much as possible but don’t want to use crystals.
Things to look out for:
- Does it clump well so the urine can be fully removed?
- Does it actually reduce odour (has charcoal, bicarbonate etc) or is it highly perfumed?
- Is it low in dust?
- Will your cat use it? Some cats don’t like certain textures.
- How often does it need to be completely changed?
Monthly price is more important than the price of the bag. If you have to change it every few days it could be more expensive than a higher quality litter.
Top tips to help your litter reduce odour:
Even a good litter won’t work well if the litter box isn’t looked after.
Scoop daily. This is the main thing. If you leave the clumps to build up it will make any litter smell. I noticed a huge differnce when I began scooping twice a day.
Make sure you are using enough. Most litter boxes require around 2-3 inches of litter to stop the urine hitting the bottom. Not enough will cause more odour.
Clean the litter tray. Even with a good litter, over time the plastic tray will hold onto the odour. A deep clean every couple of weeks will help.
Location – Having a covered litter box in a small enclosed space will cause more odour. Some cats prefer an open litter box.
If you have multiple cats you will usually need more litter boxes and will need to scoop more. With 2 or 3 cats in one litter box it rarely will work well with any litter.
Common problems:
Some litters work well at reducing odour but can cause tracking issues. Some are low in tracking but don’t work as well. Often you will have to decide which is the worst for you.
Cats can be fussy. If you change the litter and your cat begins to go outside of the litter box then it doesn’t matter how well it reduces odour. Introduce the new litter slowly by mixing with the old.
Sometimes strongly perfumed litters can make it worse for sensitive cats/people. The fragrance combines with the ammonia.
Final Thoughts:
For most people a good quality clumping clay litter (with good odour reduction) or silica crystal litter will work best. Plant based ones have come on a lot.
Daily scooping and using enough litter is just as important as the brand. A decent litter with good habits will usually work better than an expensive litter that isn’t scooped regularly.
Try to find one that suits your cats preferences and your cleaning habits. What works for one may not work for another.
This is based on common experiences with different litters and cats. Results may vary. If your cat is having issues with their litter box or health issues please consult a vet.
FAQs
What is the best cat litter for reducing odour?
Generally a good quality clay litter with an odour absorbing agent or silica crystal litter will work best. This will depend on your cat and how often you scoop.
Do crystal litters reduce odour better than clay?
Many people find that crystals work very well for reducing odour and don’t need to be changed as often. However some cats don’t like the texture.
How often do I need to change my cat litter?
Scoop daily. Clumping litter should be changed every 2-4 weeks depending on brand and amount of cats. Crystals often last longer.
Why is my litter still smelly?
Not enough litter, not scooping regularly and/or not cleaning the litter tray. The type of litter can also be an issue.
1 thought on “Best Cat Litter for Odor Control in 2026”