Keep Litter Box Smells At Bay Using An Affordable Kitchen Essential

Your cats are easy to love, but litter box smells are not. If your cat's litter box has a persistent stink even when you are cleaning it once or twice per day and you have ruled out issues with the box, litter, and your cat's health, it may be time to try some unorthodox methods. Those who have dealt with scent issues of any kind before will not be surprised by the low-cost kitchen staple that may help keep your litter box fresh: baking soda. This ingredient is well-known for its ability to neutralize odors, and the science behind it explains why there are so many baking soda home hacks that pet owners swear by.

Cat urine and feces contain acids that cause foul smells. As a mild base, baking soda reacts with them, changing the chemical composition so that they do not stink. For this reason, baking soda is common in many commercial litter deodorizers (and also a convenient kitchen essential that can help eliminate cat urine odors in mattresses, carpets, and other soft surfaces around the house). Rather than picking products with it built in, though, buying plain baking soda or using some that you already have in the home to add to your current litter is a more affordable option.

If you are considering trying out this hack, you first want to make sure it is safe to add baking soda to your cat's litter. Ingesting a large amount of baking soda (between two and four teaspoons per roughly two pounds of body weight) can be toxic to cats and result in vomiting, disorientation, lethargy, and even seizures. It is important to be cautious and monitor your cat's behavior when trying this odor-neutralizing trick and contact a vet if you notice any strange symptoms.

While recommendations for baking soda are common, they often vaguely tell you to sprinkle some on your litter. But there is a bit more to it. Start by cleaning the litter box thoroughly using unscented soap and water. Make sure it is rinsed well, and give it plenty of time to dry. Next, add a light layer of baking soda at the bottom of the litter box. For your cat's health and safety, consider their size and limit the amount of baking soda you apply. Finally, pour your cat litter on top. Gently mixing the litter and baking soda can help with odor neutralization, but it is a good idea to observe your cat's behavior first. After your daily scooping routine, you can also sprinkle a little extra baking soda into the litter to refresh the box.

The first issue you may encounter is your cat no longer using the litter box. If your cat doesn't like the scent of baking soda or the texture it adds, they may avoid the box and relieve themselves outside it, making your smell problem way worse. If that happens, wash the litter box and fill it with litter as you normally do, and do not add any baking soda back. Still, while it may not guarantee results for every cat, this is certainly one of several baking soda cleaning hacks that are worth trying.