While you might love your cat, you probably don’t enjoy the distinct odor that they bring with them.
Rather than consider getting rid of your cat to preserve the air in your home, you should instead consider installing a quality air purifier to not only get rid of the odor, but to improve the overall air quality inside of your home as well.
Air purifiers are commonly used to remove pet odors and here’s how they tackle the specific smells present in your kitty’s litter.
Understanding Cat Litter Odor
Cat litter boxes can become a source of unpleasant smells that permeate your living space if not managed effectively. Understanding the root causes of these odors is the first step toward mitigating them.
Sources of Litter Odor
Ammonia from Urine
Cat urine contains urea, which breaks down into ammonia—a pungent gas that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. High concentrations of ammonia aren't just smelly; they can also be harmful to both you and your pet.
Fecal Matter
Even the most diligent scooping routine can't entirely eliminate the odor from fecal matter. The smell can linger, especially in smaller or poorly ventilated spaces.
Bacterial Growth
Warm, moist environments like litter boxes are breeding grounds for bacteria. These microorganisms contribute to foul smells and can also pose other risks over time.
The Power Of HEPA Air Purifiers And How They Help Get Rid Of Cat Litter Smells
HEPA, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air, filters are highly efficient at filtering out cat odors as well as pet dander, which are small flakes of skin that cats and other pets are continuously giving off.
Since the flakes are so small they are often left floating in the air, where you can easily breathe them in and start experiencing watery eyes, itching, sneezing, and wheezing.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes dust, dander, and tiny litter particles that cats might kick up, enhancing overall air quality.
But the particulate matter is only part of the story.
The Role of Activated Carbon In Removing Cat Litter Odors
These filters are crucial for odor control. Activated carbon has a porous structure that absorbs and neutralizes odors from ammonia and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from the litter box.
By installing an air purifier you can filter out pet dander and make it easier for you and everyone else in your home to breathe.
Shed fur and dander can cause a faint odor in your home, an odor that can be taken care of with an air purifier.
Look for air purifiers made specifically to eliminate pet odors. Something to take note of with air purifiers is that you’ll want one that has an activated carbon filter.
The reason for this is that activated carbon filters attract and absorb odors and chemicals from the air.
Other Steps to Keeping Your Home Free From Cat Little Odors
An air purifier is a great first line of defense against odors from cat litter. But there are other things you can do to cut down on smells in the first place.
Here are some basic preventative steps to take to prevent cat litter odor from becoming a bigger problem.
Change Your Litter
In addition to installing an air purifier, there are several other things that you can do to take care of cat odor in your home. It’s best that you not allow your cats to share the same litter box. Instead, there should be one litter box for every cat in your home.
For homes with multiple cats, you may want to use a clay-based litter, as these are the most absorbent litter.
Not only do you want a litter that can absorb odors, but you’ll also want one that’s odorless so that your cat will actually use the box.
You might also want to think about sprinkling some baking soda on the kitty litter to add an extra boost of deodorization.
Place the Litter Box in an Open Area
It’s better that you place your cat’s litter box in a more open area rather than a cramped and closed-in area. Your cat might have problems getting to the litter box if it’s placed in a tight utility room or under a cupboard.
By placing the litter box in a more open area you not only give your cat easier access but you allow any odor that is produced to spread out a bit, which is usually effective for diluting the smell.
If you have more than one cat in your home, it’s best that you not keep the litter boxes in a single location since your cats might fight over the boxes. Spreading boxes out also makes sure there’s not one single area of your home that has a powerful cat odor.
Change Your Cat’s Diet
What your cat eats can go a long way in determining how they’ll smell as well as how much waste they make. Switching to high-quality cat food, though expensive, can improve your cat’s overall health.
The problem with some of the cheaper brands of cat food is that they often have fillers in them as well as by-products that your cat might not be able to digest efficiently. Low-quality food results in more waste and smellier waste.
Clean Litter Boxes Every Day
While it might be a pain, it’s best that you scoop out your cat’s litter box every day. Air filters, the right litter, and spreading litter boxes out won’t do you much good for controlling odors if you only clean the litter box once a week or less.
If you like, you can buy special devices that allow you to deposit waste in them and store them inside for a week or two before you dispose of everything.
These devices can lock in odor so that you don’t have to worry about dumping the waste in the dumpster or trash receptacle every day, which can be quite beneficial if you live in an apartment.
Use Carbon Litter Box Liners
Before you change your cat’s litter, consider placing a carbon litter box liner at the bottom that looks like fine sandpaper.
If you do decide to add a box liner to your cat’s box, you’ll want to replace it every three or four weeks. You might also be interested in a litter box with a carbon filter system or one that’s built with special slots for the carbon box liners.
Use Cat Wipes
Even though cats are usually good about cleaning themselves, their fur can still have a distinct odor to it if they have a skin infection.
Pay close attention to your cat for signs of an infection, which include hair loss, itching, and red or swollen skin. If you also have a dog who likes to play with your cat, the dog might be to blame for your cat’s smelly fur. Use cat wipes to help your cat keep itself clean, cut down on odors, and get rid of everyday detritus and dust. You may want to take your cat to the vet if you think the skin infection is a serious issue that wipes can’t handle.
Filter Replacement
Don't overlook the importance of regular filter maintenance. Filters need to be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain the purifier's effectiveness. Some models have filter replacement indicators, making it easier to keep track.
Air purifiers are invaluable allies in managing the challenges posed by cat litter, especially regarding odor control and air quality improvement. By understanding the features that matter most—like HEPA and activated carbon filters, CADR ratings, and noise levels—you can choose the right air purifier to create a healthier, more pleasant home environment. Investing in a quality air purifier doesn't just benefit you; it also contributes to the well-being of your furry friend.
Before you take another picture of your cat’s hilarious antics or take out some time to play with him or her, consider putting some of these tips to good use to get rid of and prevent cat odors. Buy a quality air purifier, and quality food, and utilize an additional method to keep the air in your home clear and clean. Avoiding an odor cat-astrophe is quite easy with a few expert tips.
