Messes and odors come with the territory of being a cat owner, but that doesn’t mean that they have to take over your whole living space. There are plenty of litter box designs on the market that help cut down on pesky odors so you can live at peace with your feline’s bathroom business. Whether you prefer a hooded-top litter box, a sifting pan design, or something a bit more technologically advanced, there’s no shortage of options for you to choose from. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best of the best litter boxes for odor control to help you find the odor-control litter box that’s right for you.
Best Litter Boxes to Consider
When deciding what type of litter box you want for your cats, it’s important to consider the size of your cats, the type of litter you use, and what design is best suited for your cats. For example, self-cleaning litter boxes can be a lifesaver for busy cat owners, but they tend to be expensive and usually only work with specific types of litter. However, their ability to dispose of dirty litter makes them second to none when it comes to cracking down on odors.
A top-entry design can also help prevent litter spills and keep bathroom odors from wafting through the house, but the design isn’t very practical for elderly or overweight cats that have trouble jumping up onto surfaces. They can also be tricky for large cats because of the agility needed to jump out of the litter box.
Hooded litter boxes can help contain smells within the walls of the litter box and prove to be an all-around great choice for most cats, but even hooded designs may offer varying results based on what kind of litter you use.
No matter what design you pick, it’s important to use quality litter that absorbs waste while masking its scent and to pick a litter box size that works for your cat. Even hooded litter boxes may be a tight squeeze if you order too small a size, so feel free to browse our list and find the litter box that suits your furry friends best.
Amazon Basics No-Mess Hooded Cat Litter Box
One of the simplest ways to reduce litter box odor is to purchase a hooded litter box. The top cover works to give your cats more privacy and to keep odors from spreading throughout the house. It may not be a fool-proof design, but the added coverage of the hood acts as a barrier between the litter and your nose.
This straightforward litter box from Amazon Basics features a no-frills design for practical performance. It’s made of stain and odor-resistant plastic to help keep your litter box clean even after refills, and it also comes in different sizes and shapes to fit your household. It may be a simple design, but it’s effective for keeping odors to a minimum.
Pros:
- Made of stain and odor-resistant plastic
- Comes in rectangle and triangle shape options
- Features carbon filter traps
Cons:
- The front flap is easily breakable
Petmate Arm & Hammer Large Sifting Litter Box
Perhaps one of the most tedious parts of cleaning a cat litter box is the scooping process. Scooping can kick up dust, spread litter outside the box, and cause all kinds of messes. If you’re looking to cut the scooping out of your litter box routine, this sifting litter box may be right for you.
With a built-in sifting pan, this litter box from PetMate makes it easy to separate the clean litter from the dirty litter without ever getting a scoop involved. It even comes with a Microban protection to help prevent bacteria and odors, so it’s great for containing pesky bathroom smells. As an added bonus, it also comes at a great price. For a budget-friendly litter box with intuitive odor solutions, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Pros:
- Built-in Microban to prevent bacteria
- Works with most types of litter
- No scooping required
Cons:
- May be too small for some cats
PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Self-cleaning litter boxes may seem like a thing of the future, but these high-tech accessories are available here and now. They come in a variety of different types and designs, but they’re all meant to be ultra-convenient with minimal maintenance.
This automatic litter box from PetSafe uses a raking system to sift through the litter and scoop all the waste into a disposable tray, making it easy to clean once every few weeks depending on how many cats you have using the box. It also uses crystal litter, which can absorb liquids and dehydrate solids in a matter of minutes. This litter box may be pricey, but for busy cat owners, the convenience is worth every penny.
Pros:
- Great odor control with crystal litter
- Motion sensors to monitor your cat’s activity
- Automatic cleaning
Cons:
- Fairly pricey
- Only for use with crystal litter
IRIS USA Top Entry Cat Litter Box
Keeping odors and litter inside the litter box isn’t an easy task, especially when litter can stick to your cat’s paws and get tracked through the house. If you want an easier way to keep smells and messes contained, a top-entry litter box may be right for you.
These space-saving litter boxes feature a hole at the top that cats can jump in to use the bathroom and then jump out without bringing litter along with them. Since the hole is at the top and is smaller than a standard litter box entrance, it helps prevent odors from spreading. This litter box from IRIS USA is no exception, and it even comes with grooves in the lid to catch any debris. For simple odor protection, you can’t go wrong with this top-entry design.
Pros:
- Comes in different color options
- Great for containing litter and mess
- Includes a scoop that can hang on the side of the litter box
Cons:
- Not suited for elderly or overweight cats
Van Ness Pets Odor Control Cat Litter Box
Hooded litter boxes aren’t rare to come by when shopping, but this budget-friendly litter box from Van Ness Pets features the best that hooded designs have to offer at a great price. It comes with built-in replaceable zeolite air filters, making it great for trapping odors at the source. It also has BPA-free plastic, so it’s perfectly safe for your pets.
It even has a carrying handle to make it easy to disassemble, clean, or transport. It may not be the most glamorous option on the market, but it’s certainly one of the most practical. Given the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find another hooded litter box that traps odors better than this one.
Pros:
- Comes with a zeolite air filter
- Includes a two-way swinging door
- Features a top handle for carrying
Cons:
- Latches are fragile
Frequently asked Questions
What type of kitty litter is best for odor control?
Silica cat litter, also known as crystal litter, is generally regarded as being better at masking odors than traditional clay litter or natural litter. It’s also less prone to creating dust, easier to clean, and longer lasting than most clay litter. However, it’s not environmentally safe and can get expensive depending on what brand you buy.
Do I need to use a litter mat with top-entry litter boxes?
As with all litter boxes, putting a litter mat outside to catch any debris by the entrance isn’t necessary, but it can be helpful. A top-entry litter box is more effective at preventing litter from scattering outside of the box than an open-top design, but it can’t prevent it completely. If you still want an extra hedge of protection around the outside of your litter box, it certainly can’t hurt to use a litter mat along with your top-entry litter box. You can also consider picking up some low-tracking cat litter to help deal with the issue.
Is it hard for some cats to use a two-way door on a hooded litter box?
Cats are stereotypically curious and easily frightened, so it’s not uncommon for something as small as a two-way door to prevent them from confidently using a litter box. If you’re making the switch, it may take some time for your cats to acclimate to their new litter box setup. Most cats will get used to it in time, but if they don’t, you could always remove the two-way door and leave the space open for them to come and go as they please.
What’s the most common form of kitty litter?
Clay litter is typically what most people think of when they picture kitty litter. Its bare-bones composition and affordable price make it a staple amongst cat owners. It may not be as sophisticated as some crystal litters, but it’s a classic for a reason. Top-end clay litters can be very effective at covering and absorbing cat waste.
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