BEST CAT LITTER FOR ODOR CONTROL
Not very late I got a lot of messages people asking to upload a blog on Cat litter for odor control, so I have researched for like about 10 days and got to know these top 5 best cat litter for odor control. Other than that I have also covered some other things for you that are related to cat or pet supplies.
Q. What is Odor and why people prefer to control odor of cat's litter?
Ans.
An odor, or smell, is a sensation we perceive when one or more volatile chemical compounds are released into the air and detected by our olfactory system.
Odors can be pleasant, like the smell of a fresh-baked pastry, or unpleasant, like the smell of rotting food.
Why Do People Prefer to Control Cat Litter Odor?
People prefer to control the odor of cat litter for several reasons, which are important for both human comfort and a cat's well-being.
Human Comfort and Living Environment: The primary reason is simply to maintain a pleasant living environment. Cat urine and feces, if left unmanaged, can produce strong, unpleasant odors, particularly the smell of ammonia from urine. These odors can permeate a home, making it an uncomfortable place for residents and guests.
Cat Health and Behavior: A clean, odor-free litter box is crucial for a cat's health and behavior.
Cats are Fastidious Animals: Cats are naturally very clean and have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans. An overly smelly litter box can be extremely off-putting to them.
Litter Box Avoidance: If a litter box smells too strong, a cat may stop using it and instead urinate or defecate in other areas of the house.
This can lead to stress for both the cat and the owner and can also be a sign of underlying medical or behavioral issues. Health Monitoring: A healthy cat's waste shouldn't be overpoweringly foul. A sudden increase in odor can sometimes be an indicator of health problems, such as digestive issues or urinary tract infections. Controlling the baseline odor allows a pet owner to more easily notice these changes.
Preventing Odor Buildup: The bacteria that break down waste thrive in a dirty environment, which creates a cycle of stronger and stronger smells. Regularly cleaning and controlling the odor prevents this buildup and keeps the home smelling fresh.
In summary, managing cat litter odor is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. It not only ensures a more pleasant living space but also supports the cat's health and encourages them to use their designated litter box, which is a key part of their domestic routine.
BEST ODOR CONTROL PRODUCTS :
Types of Cat Litter for Odor Control
Cat litters control odor primarily through three mechanisms:
Absorption and Clumping: They quickly absorb liquid and form tight clumps, which traps the odor-causing compounds before they can evaporate into the air. This also makes it easy to scoop out the waste, removing the source of the smell.
Odor-Neutralizing Additives: Many litters contain ingredients like activated charcoal or baking soda, which are known for their ability to absorb and neutralize odors.
Scented Formulas: These litters use added fragrances to mask unpleasant smells. While effective for humans, some cats are sensitive to strong scents and may refuse to use a scented litter.
Here are some of the most highly-rated types of litter for odor control, along with key features to consider:
1. Clay-Based Clumping Litter
This is the most common type of cat litter. Clumping clay (typically sodium bentonite) is excellent at forming hard, scoopable clumps, which is a key part of odor control.
Pros: Highly effective at trapping odors, readily available, and generally affordable.
Cons: Can be dusty and is not biodegradable. Some cats and people may be sensitive to the dust.
Top-rated brands include:
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Unscented: Praised for its excellent clumping and odor control, even in multi-cat households.
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal: Known for its tight clumping and powerful odor-sealing technology.
Tidy Cats Naturally Strong: A popular choice for its good odor control and lack of added fragrances.
2. Silica Gel Crystal Litter
These litters consist of highly absorbent crystals that rapidly soak up urine and dehydrate solid waste. They are particularly effective at controlling odor because they absorb moisture so quickly.
Pros: Exceptional odor control, low dust, and lightweight. A single bag can last a long time, as you only need to scoop solid waste and stir the crystals.
Cons: Does not clump, and can be more expensive than clay. Some cats may not like the feel of the crystals.
Top-rated brands include:
PrettyLitter: A well-known brand of crystal litter that also changes color to help monitor a cat's health.
PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter: Designed for use with automatic litter boxes but also works well in a traditional tray.
3. Natural or Plant-Based Litter
These litters are made from renewable materials like corn, wheat, wood pellets, or walnut shells. They often have a natural, subtle scent and are a popular choice for eco-conscious owners.
Pros: Biodegradable, flushable (check specific brand instructions), and often low-dust. Many have natural odor-neutralizing properties.
Cons: Some have a distinct natural smell (e.g., "barnyard" or pine) that may not appeal to all users or cats. Clumping ability can vary.
Top-rated brands include:
World's Best Cat Litter (corn-based): Renowned for its strong odor control and flushability.
Sustainably Yours (corn and cassava): Known for its tight clumping and excellent odor control.
Feline Pine (wood-based): Highly absorbent and has a natural, fresh scent.
Other Factors for Odor Control
While the type of litter is critical, it's not the only factor. For the best results, remember to:
Scoop Daily: The most important step in odor control is regular maintenance. Remove solid waste and urine clumps at least once a day to prevent odors from developing.
Use the Right Amount: A deep layer of litter (2-3 inches) allows your cat to properly bury their waste, which helps contain smells.
Clean the Litter Box Regularly: Even with daily scooping, a plastic litter box can absorb odors over time. Clean and replace the litter completely on a regular basis (every 1-2 weeks for most litters, or as needed).
Consider a Different Box: A non-porous stainless steel litter box can be easier to clean and resist odors better than a standard plastic one.
Dr. Elsey's Ultra
Pros
- Medium-sized granules clump easily and control odors
- Works well for self-cleaning litter boxes
- Appropriate for multi-cat households
- Handle on the side helps you lift the bag
Cons
- Dusty only when you first pour it in
Some brands we tested were like fine-grained sand, which can cause clumps of cat waste to break apart as you attempt to scoop. Others had large granules that didn't clump at all. Dr. Elsey's Ultra Premium cat litter had medium-size bentonite clay granules that form hard clumps, making scooping easy.
In our at-home tests, daily litter-box cleaning became a 20-second chore with this litter. Because of its reliable clumping it's also among the best cat litters to use with self-cleaning litter boxes, specifically the Litter-Robot 4.
Dr. Elsey's has no added scent, which veterinarians prefer, but controls odor well, even with multiple cats. While this 35-pound bag is heavy, the brand has added handles to the side to make it easier to lift. There will dust that rises up when you first pour this into the litter box, but we found that it quickly settled. The large bag can last up to two months with one cat.
Special Kitty Odor Control
Pros
- Fantastic price
- Clumps well
- Used in many multiple-cat households
- Recyclable jug
Cons
- Tracks a bit
- Strong scent is not for everyone
If you're looking to pay less and don't mind the occasional sweep around the litter box to pick up a few tracked granules, this Walmart exclusive costs much less than others. Like our best overall choice it's comprised of bentonite clay which forms tight clumps and helps speed up your scooping time.
This "fresh scent" choice receives the most five-star reviews, but it is strongly fragranced, so it's best for cats (and owners) who are less sensitive to perfume. Alternatively there's a fragrance-free variety. Many online reviewers using this litter have multiple cats and need to clean daily, so this light-on-the-wallet brand is especially attractive for them.
Each 20-pound, easy-pour plastic jug lasts at least a month for one cat, and the jug can be recycled. If you like the litter, you can bump up to the 40-pound box, which saves you even more — that size brings the cost per pound to just 32¢.
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum
Pros
- Clumps for easy scooping
- More than 34,000 five-star Amazon reviews
- Another good choice for a Litter Robot or other automatic litter box
- Among the best we tried for odor control
Cons
- Some online reviewers don't like the added scent
- Cats might track this out of the box
If you've got an indoor cat with a box in your living space, you're probably scooping every day, and having something that clumps well is key. We like all the various Arm & Hammer cat litters but Clump & Seal stands out for being the easiest to scoop. We've seen it recommended on Reddit forums and it's got more than 34,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Because of its superior clumping ability, this is another great choice for any automatic cat litter box (like the Litter Robot). But unlike our best overall pick, this one has a scented added — a pro for some, a con for others. The brand also uses its signature baking soda to absorb odors.
We tested Arm & Hammer cat litter in an open-top litter box placed just outside the kitchen of a home with one senior cat. To our noses, there was no telltale smell even after it was left unscooped for several days.
"The cat tracks this litter and also knocks it out of his box, but that's not entirely the litter's fault — that's the cat, and the fact that my litter box doesn't have a lid," our tester noted. "The litter is still worth it for the odor control."
Arm & Hammer also makes a Cloud Control variety for cat owners who are especially sensitive to dust their cat might kick up if it vigorously rakes its litter.
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