The litter box smells toxic when I remove its contents - why does it smell and should I be worried?

Question

The effect is similar to sniffing a bottle of Clorox Bleach... and what makes me even more confused is that I think its his urine. I haven't changed his food or done anything different, so what is happening?

Answer 1

Cat's urine contains ammonia, which is that 'bleach' smell. You should consider using a cat litter that has odor control or baking soda which will reduce some of the odor. Also, how much of the litter are you using to line the box? Remember that you need to have a good enough depth of litter for it to soak up the urine. If you don't have enough litter, the urine will just soak through to the bottom of the box and not be absorbed, so the urine and the smell will linger on the bottom of the box. Make sure you have a good 3 inches of litter so that the urine is all absorbed. Your cat will also scoop/dig through the litter before peeing, so that will will reduce the depth. Scoop up any stool/urine that you see in the litter as soon as it's there so that it doesn't accumulate any more odor, and once a month throw out the litter , wash the box, and start with fresh litter again.

Answer 2

Is your cat neutered? If not, that contributes to strong smelling urine...I would not use scented litters/crystals cats can smell so much better than we can - so something that smells great to us may actually smell overwhelming to them - making the cat NOT want to use the box. Cats like unscented, scoopable litter that if fine (not course), in uncovered litter boxes.

I would scoop every day, maybe add a second box, and if he is not neutered - get that done - it will help. You can also scoop the box well - then dump all the clean litter in another container and use a mild dishsoap (Ivory) to wash the box - then replace the scooped litter. You may want to completely dump all the litter and start fresh at least once a month. How old is he???? Has he been checked for a medical problem?

Hope that helps...

Answer 3

The smell you smell is Ammonia. Clean the box more often. Buy a fresh litter box and clean the clumps every day. I am not sure what the technical reason is for the ammonia in their urine. Perhaps someone else can enlighten you/us.

Answer 4

Cats urine does have some type of ammonia in it, and it can be awful! If your cat is neutered that will help a lot. Scoop-able litter is a big help also.
Make sure you have at least 3 inches or more of litter in there and scoop it out often.

Answer 5

It will still smell if you take the stuff out because there may be pee at the bottom of the box... what you need to do is take out the old litter and clean the bottom, and put new litter in

Answer 6

If you have a male cat the urine smell is worse. Don't know why.
I have a 12 yr. old Siamese and his is awful! You just have to
keep it clean (litterbox) or it will smell.

You should use a litter with a scent control - this will help.
There are lots out there.

Answer 7

Because the same thing thats in bleach, well cleaning products anyways, is in the cats urine. Ammonia. Its a part of the cat. Don't be worried, just plug your nose :)

Answer 8

How huge are the muddle bins and what are you feeding your cats? both can impact the smell factor, so that you'll favor to ascertain that out. also, for me, international's best muddle has been a lifesaver on smell and frequency in cleansing. slightly extra expensive, yet I see the saving because the clump even as scooped out is okay formed.

Answer 9

its normal, cats have a lot of ammonia in their pee. clean the litter box out more often or use the crystal litter stuff because they absorb smells better

Answer 10

Yes, it's an ammonia smell and it can be awful, to say the least! I suggest you make a plan to clean it more often and then you won't be subjected to such a STRONG, unpleasant smell. (Think of how your kitty must feel!)