Let's face it; no matter how much we love our feline companions, we are constantly battling the issue of how to keep their litter box area smelling fresh. With so many litter products on the market these days promising to diminish odors, it makes fighting this smelly battle an all-out war! Here are a few ways to get a better atmosphere all around.
Choosing the Best Litter
The scenario is the same for all of us. We walk into the local mega-store and stand in the pet aisle looking through an endless array of cat litter brands; each providing a promise to control box odor. However, the truth is, there are so many more variables that control this issue than what the vendors lead you to believe through their packaging and commercial ads. Be aware of where your box is located. Is the area ventilated? Near the outer door? Consistently hot or cold? Take into account what kind of odor control you need, and how your litter box impacts that.
Read the Fine Print
Did you know there are many variations as to how cat litter can be made? Consequently, it is important when picking it out that you determine which ingredients will do the best job at controlling the odor while protecting your pet in the process. Baking soda and similar ingredients are usually a sure bet.
Daily Maintenance
Once you have found the perfect litter for your feline, it is crucial that you perform various other tasks to keep the scent of the litter box at bay:
- Scoop out the box daily
- Replace the litter 1-2 times per week
- Use a baking soda based powder as an additional source to deodorize the litter box
- Keep the litter box in an area where there is good ventilation
So, now that you've learned a few tips on how to battle the odors coming from your cat's litter box, there are a few things you can do in the surrounding area to help eliminate any additional odors that may linger.
As mentioned earlier, baking soda is a good scent deterrent when used in the litter box. However, it can also be used as a carpet powder to absorb odors and smells that get trapped in the fibers as well. To give the baking soda a little 'flavor', you can add essential oils to the powdery mix just prior to vacuuming. It is important to choose essential oils that won't harm your pet and are safe for the environment, such as doTERRA products. Just a few drops of their essential oils will help diffuse the odors that you may miss when cleaning out your cat's litter box.
Happy Cat…Happy Home!!
