7 Quick Fixes That Actually Work
No fancy products required (mostly). These are the things you can do right now with stuff you probably already have.
Scoop Twice a Day (Yes, Really)
⏱ 2 min eachEasyWe know you've heard this before. But here's the thing: once a day isn't enough. Ammonia starts forming within hours of your cat using the box. Morning and evening scooping makes a massive difference.
Pro Tip: Keep a small trash can with a lid right next to the litter box. The easier you make it, the more likely you'll actually do it.
Add a Layer of Baking Soda
⏱ 1 minEasyBefore adding fresh litter, sprinkle about 1/4 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the box. It neutralizes acids in cat urine and is completely safe for cats. Want something more powerful? See how activated carbon compares.
Pro Tip: Don't put it ON TOP of the litter - cats don't like the texture. Under or mixed in only.
Use Activated Carbon (The Secret Weapon)
⏱ 30 secEasyThis is the real game-changer. Activated carbon physically traps odor molecules in its microscopic pores. It doesn't mask smell - it eliminates it. Products like Purrify use coconut-based carbon that's safe if ingested.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle a thin layer on top of fresh litter. Try the trial size - one application lasts about a week.
Check Your Litter Depth
⏱ 1 minEasyToo shallow = urine hits the bottom and creates concentrated smell zones. Too deep = waste gets buried and rots. The sweet spot is 3-4 inches for clumping litter. Check out this complete litter guide for more tips.
Pro Tip: Use a ruler the first few times until you can eyeball it.
Move the Box Location
⏱ 5 minMediumCorners trap smells. Areas near air vents spread them throughout your home. Look for spots with mild air circulation but not in direct paths of your HVAC system. Living in a small apartment? Location matters even more.
Pro Tip: Near a bathroom with an exhaust fan is often ideal - just leave the door cracked.
Add a Second Litter Box
⏱ 10 minMediumThe golden rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. More boxes = smell distributed across locations rather than concentrated. Plus, cats prefer options. Have multiple cats? Read this guide.
Pro Tip: Put the second box in a different room entirely, not right next to the first one.
Deep Clean the Box Monthly
⏱ 15 minMediumEven with daily scooping, plastic absorbs odors over time. Once a month, empty the box completely, wash with dish soap and hot water, and let it dry completely before refilling.
Pro Tip: Skip the bleach - the ammonia in residual urine can create toxic fumes. Dish soap is enough. Then add Purrify activated carbon for ongoing protection.
Want the Full Deep Dive?
These quick fixes work, but understanding WHY your litter box smells helps you prevent the problem entirely.