Litter Box Smell?

Question

Hi,
Like I said earlier, I am taking care of my neighbor's two cats while they are on vacation, which includes cleaning the litter box. It really smells awful. It didn't smell this bad when they left, but now it's disgusting. Please help!!

Answer 1

Have you changed the litter in the box or only scooped it out? Regular maintenance requires that you change out the litter in the box at least once a week or so, because even if you scoop out the solids, something gets left behind - soaked into the litter itself.

Once you do that, the smell should take care of itself.

Answer 2

The longer poop and pee sits there, the stronger the smell will be, especially the amonia smell from the urine.

Don't scoop and toss into the kitchen garbage, there's less smell if it's put into a bag or wrapped in newspaper and put outside in the garbage.

Two cats won't build up much poop, but cats do pee twice a day on normal so make sure you're getting it all. It might help to get a cheap box of baking soda and sprinkle some just under the top layer of litter (so it won't get tracked through the house). It can tone down the scents but won't eliminate them if the box isn't scooped regularly.

Answer 3

Take the litter box outside and dump it. Clean it with clorox and water. Buy litter box deodorizer... Arm and Hammer works best or you can buy basic arm and hammer baking soda. Sprinkle the deodorizer in the bottom, fill with the kitty litter, and sprinkle more on top. Remove any cat feces everyday - this will help with the smell. If you let it build up the smell with knock you down upon entering the house. Make sure they are eating dry food... this will also help with the litter. Good luck and happy kitty sitting.

Answer 4

The tips you have received so far are all good ones. Assuming you are cleaning the box propperly, consider a couple of other things. Have the cats had a change in food? Are you giving them edible treats that might make their poo stinky? Do they seem stressed? Tummy stress can cause stinky poo, too. Does the poo and pee look ok? If you see things in the box that don't look right, a call to the cats' vet is in order. Good luck. You're a wonderful kitty sitter. I wish I had you here.

Answer 5

hello~ I have 2 cats and i know about that stink problem...if you go to anys tore they should have, Arm & Hammer Cat Litter Deodorizer w/ Baking Soda...after you're done cleaning the box sprinkle a good amount of the deodorizer and blend in.....that should help, and cleaning it out every week or so!

Answer 6

U have to clean it out everyday. Once u remove the little poops, the smell will go away.

Answer 7

I have found that Scoop Away litter works the BEST! I've tried sooooo many others!

Answer 8

I ONLY use Fresh Step and since you have 2 cats, you should have to only change it once a week. I have 3 cats and you cannot tell by the litterbox that I even have cats in my apartment. ~♥~