8 Cat Litter Deodorizers to Beat the Stink

You love your cat, but the odors left behind in the litter box…well, that’s another story. The good news is cat litter deodorizers can help reduce or eliminate the stench.

You have many options for products that help tame litter box odors. For example, automatic litter boxes keep odors at bay by scooping for you when your cat leaves the box. There are plenty of litters that could help reduce odors. And air purifiers and unscented odor-eliminating sprays can keep the air smelling clean outside of the litter box. But deodorizers are different because they’re added directly to your kitty’s litter.

Our List

If you’d like to try a litter deodorizer to reduce the stink from your kitty’s litter box, here’s our list of picks to help you decide which is best for your needs.

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Overall Best Cat Litter Deodorizer: Boxiecat BoxiePro Scoop & Spray Litter Extender 
• Best All-Natural Litter Deodorizer: Scent Away Cat Litter Deodorizer
• Best Zeolite Litter Box Filter: Petmate Litter Box Filter
• Best Fragrance-Free Cat Litter Deodorizer: NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer
• Best Charcoal Litter Box Deodorizer: Charcoal House Kitty’s Odor Stopper
• Best Cat Litter Deodorizer Spray: Pooph Kitty Litter Odor Eliminator
• Best Litter Box Deodorizer for Multiple Cats: Hank & Harley Cat Litter Odor Eliminator
• Best Budget-Friendly Cat Box Odor Eliminator: Sapphire Labs Odor Warrior Litter Additive

8 Best Cat Litter Deodorizers of 2024

Here’s some information on the types of litter deodorizers available, their pros and cons, and things to consider before trying them. We’ve also rounded up a list of nine deodorizers that might be the simple solution you’ve been searching for. 

Overall Best Cat Litter Deodorizer

Our Pick: Boxiecat BoxiePro Scoop & Spray Litter Extender 

The BoxiePro Scoop & Spray Litter Extender will not only help you tackle litter box smell but can also help the litter last longer. You can use it on any type of litter every time you scoop, and the convenient spray bottle makes it simple to add the right amount to the box. The only ingredients in this formula are water, probiotics, odor encapsulator, and biodegradable surfactant. 

Highlights

• Traps odors and cleans litter on a microscopic level, so your kitty’s paws can be cleaner, too. 
• Won’t cause clumping when sprayed on litter. 
• Can be used as a litter box cleaner when you do a complete litter change. 
• Scent free. 
• Can be used on any litter. 

Things to Consider

• Remember to scoop the litter at least once a day, even when using this product. 
• Higher price point. 

Best All-Natural Litter Deodorizer

Our Pick: Scent Away Cat Litter Deodorizer

The Scent Away Cat Litter Deodorizer is simple to add to your litter cleaning routine. After scooping the litter, sprinkle a bit into the box. The ingredients are 100 percent natural, there is no fragrance, and this product is non-toxic, so you can feel good about using it. Two ingredients – natural zeolite and activated carbon – can fight odors fast and help the litter last longer between changes.    

Highlights

• Contains natural, non-toxic ingredients that fight kitty litter smell.
• Can extend the life of your cat litter, and can be used on any litter. 
• Fragrance-free. 

Things to Consider

• You can add this to the top of fresh litter and then reapply it after each scooping. 
• Comes in a small bottle, so you might need to purchase it often. 

Best Zeolite Litter Box Filter

Our Pick: Petmate Litter Box Filter

If you’d prefer a filter to help quell odors from your cat’s litter box, consider this charcoal option from Petmate. Thanks to zeolite, this filter works to trap airborne odor molecules. It can be used with single or multiple cats and is easy to load and replace. Best of all, you don’t have to replace the filter for three months.

Highlights

• Eliminates odors rather than masking them. 
• Zeolite/Charcoal particles to trap airborne odor molecules.
• Nontoxic and easy to load.
• Works for all life stages
• One filter lasts up to 90 days
• Available in large or jumbo sizes.

Things to Consider

• Scented filter may not be pleasing to everyone.

Best Fragrance-Free Cat Litter Deodorizer

Our Pick: NonScents Cat Litter Deodorizer

The Cat Litter Deodorizer from NonScents is touted as instantly eliminating cat litter odors. Fragrance-free and hassle-free, the application means more cuddles with kitty and less time eliminating litterbox odors. It is compatible with all types of litter including clumping, non-clumping, clay, and natural litter.

Highlights

• Made in the USA.
• Non-toxic.
• No added fragrance.
• Free of phthalates.
• Ensures efficient moisture-wicking

Things to Consider

• Not a large amount of product for the price compared to some other options

Best Charcoal Litter Box Deodorizer

Our Pick: Charcoal House Kitty’s Odor Stopper

The Kitty’s Odor Stopper from Charcoal House contains granular activated charcoal. It is a non-toxic, all natural, odorless deodorizer that doesn’t have any fillers or chemicals. And this is another great option to consider when you want to get rid of odors instead of hiding them under fragrances. Adding one-half cup of this to your cat’s litter might be exactly what you’ve been looking for if you’ve been struggling to find a stinky cat poop remedy. 

Highlights

• Helps extend the life of your litter. 
• Works with the power of activated charcoal. 
• Scent-free, non-toxic, and safe if ingested. 
• Non-GMO, food grade, made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Follow the directions to mix the right amount into your cat’s litter. 

Best Cat Litter Deodorizer Spray

Our Pick: Pooph Kitty Litter Odor Eliminator

Would you prefer using a spray deodorizer to fight cat litter smell? Check out the Kitty Litter Odor Eliminator from Pooph. It contains water, surfactants, and a patented odor eliminator blend. Spray this odorless product into your cat’s litter, as well as in the area around the box, to get rid of unpleasant smells on a molecular level. It can be used on any type of litter, and on empty or full boxes.  

Highlights

• Eliminates odors safely, won’t cause staining, and works fast. 
• Can be sprayed in and around the litter box. 
• Fragrance-free.
• Doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

Things to Consider

• The manufacturer recommends testing this spray on an inconspicuous area first. 
• Higher price point than other choices.

Best Litter Box Deodorizer for Multiple Cats

Our Pick: Hank & Harley Cat Litter Odor Eliminator

When you have multiple cats, keeping your home odor-free can be harder, but a good deodorizer might be a game changer. The Cat Litter Odor Eliminator from Hank & Harley contains zeolite to remove ammonia. It also neutralizes odors with baking soda. And it contains probiotics and enzymes that break down odors and waste. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and it works on all types of litter.    

Highlights

• Features a triple-action formula. 
• Can remove odors so your litter lasts longer. 
• Fragrance-free and safe.
• Easy to use because you just sprinkle it on litter. 

Things to Consider

• Mixed reviews on urine odor elimination.

Best Budget-Friendly Cat Box Odor Eliminator

Our Pick: Sapphire Labs Odor Warrior Litter Additive

The Odor Warrior Litter Additive from Sapphire Labs contains only activated charcoal and nothing else. The charcoal is made from coconut shells that are a sustainable resource. Instead of relying on fragrance to cover up smells, it traps and neutralizes odors so it’s easier to keep your litter box smelling clean. Mix it into any type of litter whenever you do a complete litter change. You might notice that your litter lasts longer with the help of this odor eliminator.

Highlights

• Contains activated charcoal made from coconut shells. 
• Fragrance-free and non-toxic. 
• Works with all types of litter. 

Things to Consider

• Follow the directions to be sure you use the right amount for the best results. 

The Potential Benefits of Litter Deodorizers

A good deodorizer will make you and your cat happy. It should trap odors in the litter so you don’t smell them and your cat isn’t tempted to avoid the box because it’s too stinky.  

Using a deodorizer doesn’t mean you can avoid scooping your kitty’s litter. With or without an odor eliminator, you should scoop the litter at least once a day, in addition to doing a complete litter change and washing the box regularly. However, a deodorizer may help extend the life of your litter between refills, so it might even help you save some money.

Because you can simply add a deodorizer to your cat’s box, and many products can be used with all types of litter, you don’t need to worry about switching to a different litter or changing your routine in any major way. Whether you opt to go with a deodorizer in a spray or powder form, mixing it into the litter is a snap and takes no time at all.  

The Potential Drawbacks of Litter Deodorizers

Before deciding to give a litter box deodorizer a try, there are some things to consider. 

Avoid fragrance products, whether you use a covered or uncovered litter box. Remember that your kitty’s sense of smell is much better than yours. “A cat’s nose is approximately 14 times more powerful than ours. This means that a pleasant fragrance for us is likely overpowering and potentially stressful for our cats, leading them to avoid the litter box entirely,” advises Molly Kelsey, a feline behavior specialist who runs The Cat Counsellor in New Zealand.

Marilyn Krieger, award-winning author, and Certified Cat Behavior Consultant known as The Cat Coach, agrees that scented deodorizers can deter cats from using their litter box. “Cats often avoid litter boxes that smell. Although the scented litter deodorizers may smell good to humans, they don’t smell good to cats.” 

The best way to control odors is by scooping daily and doing complete litter changes often. “Only if, after practicing consistent litter box management, there are still lingering litter box odors, then cat parents might want to consider using litter box deodorizers that are unscented and non-toxic. Never use litter deodorizers that contain fragrance. When buying cat litter deodorizers, ensure they are unscented,” advises Krieger.

What Type of Litter Deodorizer is Right for You?

Deodorizers come in a few forms that are convenient, easy to use, and available in unscented varieties. Here are some examples of how to get rid of litter box smell with deodorizers:

• Powders and crystals: Deodorizers that come in powder or crystal form are sprinkled on top of your kitty’s litter and mixed in. They typically work with every type of litter, and you can add more every time you scoop out waste to keep the box smelling as fresh as possible. You don’t need to use a lot; they help by absorbing moisture and odors. However, it might be hard to find unscented crystal deodorizers.   

• Sprays: You can spray deodorizers onto the surface of your cat’s litter to fight odors. These products can be used after each scooping and should be formulated not to cause litter to clump. You might also use them to clean the box before refilling it with new litter. And some products might even work outside of the box and on other surfaces.  

• Homemade: Some pet parents prefer using a homemade litter box deodorizer so they’re in control of the ingredients. This might be as simple as adding baking soda to the litter. Remember to avoid scents, even from essential oils, as they can deter cats, and certain essential oils can be harmful. You also want to be sure you’re using safe ingredients.   

Our Top Cat Litter Deodorizer Picks Criteria

We used the following criteria to select the products that we recommend:

Unscented and fragrance-free deodorizers – Our list features deodorizers that help reduce litter box odors without using any fragrances. Because artificial and natural fragrances might be offensive to cats and discourage them from using the box, it’s wise to use an unscented or fragrance-free deodorizer. 

Ingredients and safety—The ingredients in a deodorizer will determine its effectiveness, so we analyzed the qualities of each deodorizer when considering whether to include it in our list. We also considered whether the ingredients are safe for cats and people. 

Price and size – Because deodorizers are products you’ll need to buy again and again, we looked for affordable ones that give you a good amount for your money.

Litter Box Deodorizer Buyer’s Guide

When you’re on the hunt for the best litter box odor eliminator, keep the following in mind:

Read ingredient lists – Check the ingredients in any deodorizer to make sure the product is safe for people and animals. If anyone in your family, including your pets, is sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients, this will help you make the right choice.

Ditch fragrances of all kinds – Every cat behaviorist we spoke to recommended against the use of scented deodorizers. The last thing you want is for your cat to start eliminating outside of the box because she doesn’t like the way it smells. Thankfully, there are plenty of fragrance-free options, such as those listed above, that can get the job done without leaving a scent. Check ingredients for any type of fragrance, whether it’s natural, artificial, or from an essential oil. 

Choose low dust and low tracking – Avoid deodorizers that create dust or can be tracked. Not only will this be messier but it might also be harmful for your cats or family. Kelsey recommends using deodorizers that are “low-dust/tracking to reduce harm from inhalation and ingestion.”

Check the litter you use – Ensure a deodorizer is compatible with the litter you prefer, whether you’re using clumping, non-clumping, clay, natural, etc.    

How to Get Rid of Cat Litter Smell: Pro Tips

Establish a litter cleaning routine that works for you. For example, you might scoop the box in the morning and again in the evening to remove urine and feces. Also, set a schedule for making a total litter change (e.g., every two weeks), and use that time to wash the box. 

If you’re using a deodorizer to help keep odors to a minimum, follow the directions to apply it correctly and safely. You might add some to the box every time you scoop, every time you add more litter, and every time you do a complete litter change. 

Bear in mind that your cat might need some time to adjust to a deodorizer. “Many cats are sensitive to textural changes (litter included), so the addition of a new deodorizer may take some getting used to,” says Kelsey.   

It can’t be stressed enough: carefully consider whether a litter deodorizer is right for your cat, and shop carefully to ensure you select a high-quality product. Avoid deodorizers that are scented, stick with those that contain natural ingredients, and steer clear of ingredients that might be harmful if your cat ingests or inhales them. If you have questions, consult your veterinarian, especially if your kitty has allergies, sensitivities, or health concerns. 

Litter Deodorizer FAQs