Reasons for a smelly cat-litter tray
There are several reasons why a cat-litter tray is likely to smell. The main reason is that cat urine has a strong odour anyway because it is highly concentrated and smells of ammonia. However, faeces also has a strong smell because cats eat a lot of protein. The type of cat litter also makes a difference. A cat-litter tray will smell more quickly when the litter is of a lesser quality. The position of the cat-litter tray can also play a part in producing a cat-litter tray smell in the house. The smell will spread faster if it is close to the living room or in a poorly ventilated room. And finally, it matters how often you clean the cat-litter tray of course.
No more smelly cat-litter trays with HG; how to get rid of cat litter smell fast
With HG it is now easy to do something about cat litter odour control. With HG litter tray deodoriser you produce an odourless cat-litter tray. This 100% animal-friendly and organic spray neutralises the cat-litter odour. Our cat-litter deodorant does not mask the odour, but actually breaks down the odour molecules and only starts to work when it comes into contact with urine. This means it stays effective longer and makes sure the cat-litter tray continues to smell fresh. And perhaps most importantly: the cats won’t notice. Cats do not like change or strange smells. Because our cat-litter trays deodoriser does not contain perfume and only works on contact with urine, the cats will continue to use the tray.
Alternative tips for how to get rid of cat litter smell in the appartment
There are few alternative products for a cat-litter tray that smells of urine. However, there are some convenient methods for preventing this as much as possible. Needless to say that it is a good idea to change the cat-litter tray regularly.
- Clean the cat-litter tray with baking soda
Baking soda can help to neutralise the odour. It is best to clean the cat-litter tray with a mixture of water and baking soda. You can also sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom of the cat-litter tray. Although baking soda is not dangerous for cats, you do use it at your own risk. - Use the right cat litter
Not all cat litter is the same. It is a good idea to experiment with the litter that works for you and your cat. We do recommend you keep using the same litter once you've made your choice. 
Air freshener for a smelly cat-litter tray
You can also mask the cat-litter smell with an air freshener. You can make your own with water, vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil. Put it near the cat-litter tray but be sure the cat cannot reach it. The air freshener will not solve the smell, it just masks it.- Ventilation or air filtering
Good ventilation is an easy way to reduce the smell of the cat-litter tray. Put the tray in a place where it is easy to ventilate. If you don’t have a suitable place, an air filter or air cleaner could work. These devices remove the smells from the air but remember that this can be an expensive solution. - Healthy diet
The cat's diet affects the smell of its faeces. A healthy and balanced diet with quality feed will help to reduce the nasty smells. - Additional cat-litter trays
If you have more than one cat, it can make an enormous difference if you have more cat-litter trays. By having several cat-litter trays, you reduce the chance of a full and smelly cat-litter tray. Cats are highly territorial too.
What you should never use to clean the cat-litter tray
Sometimes it is recommended to clean a cat-litter tray with vinegar. This is not a good idea. Vinegar will neutralise the smell to some extent, but you’re left with a pungent vinegar smell instead. Worse still, your cat may no longer want to use the cat-litter tray because of the smell of vinegar. We don't recommend cleaning the cat-litter tray with bleach either. It is often said that cats find the smell of chlorine attractive, but we don't recommend it because bleach is extremely harmful to cats.
If you have a good tip for dealing with a smelly cat-litter tray, please let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions about a smelly cat-litter tray
What causes a smelly cat-litter tray?
Cat urine is highly concentrated, which means it has a strong smell as it is. You can also end up with a smelly cat-litter tray if you use poor quality litter, don't change it often enough, or if there is insufficient ventilation.
How to neutralise ammonia in cat litter?
There are few alternative products for a smelly cat-litter tray, but you can try the following:
- Clean the cat-litter tray with water and baking soda. Baking soda can neutralise odours. You can also sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of the tray, but this is at your own risk.
- Use the right cat litter.
- Clean the cat-litter tray regularly.
- Mask the smell with an air freshener.
- Ventilate properly or use an air cleaner.
- Give the cat healthy food.
- Provide more than one cat-litter tray if you have several cats.
What is best to avoid for a smelly cat-litter tray?
It is sometimes recommended to use vinegar or bleach for a smelly cat-litter tray. However, those strong smells may mean that the cat does not want to use the tray anymore. Not to mention that bleach or chlorine are harmful to cats.
Which HG product do I use to remove a cat-litter smell?
With HG litter tray deodoriser, you do not mask the smell but break down the odour molecules. This spray is 100% safe and organic. It only works when it gets into contact with cat urine, and it does not contain perfume. Your cat won’t notice and will continue to use the tray.
