odor...

[Sylvia]

I use Arm and Hammer Multi-Cat cat litter. It works pretty well. They also have a baking soda additive that you can sprinkle in the litter to help as well.

[newfsmith]

Litter pans need to be washed periodically. Our office cat has IBD and when it is out of control the litter pan itself has to be washed at least weekly. It is changed twice a day. Most one cat households should be able to get by with daily scooping, twice weekly complete changes and monthly washing.

[badger]

I'm quite fastidious and the boxes (I have two)and they get washed out once a week and new pellets put in at the same time. I'm honestly not sure what more I can do to keep my place smelling fresh.

On air purifiers: are there any good ones that are natural (as opposed to Fabreze and other crap that's not good for you)? I've tried the natural orange/citrus air freshener, and others labeled as "air neutralizer"s but they never really do the trick.

I'm trying an odor absorber - one with charcoal bits in it and I'm hoping it works, but alas, I live in it so I can't tell if it's working or not.

[indysteel]

Badger, are you sensitive to all scents? If you're not, you could use a few drops of an essential oil (like lavender) in a glass of water or placed on a warm lightbulb to add a nice scent to your home. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but vinegar can also be used as a room deodorizer.

[badger]

I'm sensitive to smells as in I think I actually am able to smell more than most people. So, what I smell may not be detected by others or as strongly. I don't mind scents like essential oils. I'll try the vinegar, I'm willing to try.

I'm also thinking it's time to try clumping litter again, like the sweat scoop. I think I remembered why I switched back to the pellets, though - sweat scoop's not the cheapest thing out there!

[indysteel]

I would suggest putting some white vinegar in a shallow bowl and leaving it out overnight periodically. See if that helps.

[bmccasland]

I'm also hypersensitive to smells. I know about bowls of vinegar, but find I can't stand the smell. I can tolerate lightly scented candles, and will light one of those occasionally. If anything has a strong scent it gets banished outside. Somehow I don't find the smell of brownies baking offensive.

For the litter boxes I use clumping clay cat litter and scoop as much as possible - usually after I've used the toilet and before I've washed my hands. I've found the kitties and I don't like the scented cat litters. Can't remember off-hand what cat litter I currently have. I do find the pine / ground corn husk / paper / compostable litters not worth it - they don't hold a clump very well, so the pee goes through to the pan bottom.

Now if I can just convince Chloe that she doesn't need to dig a hole to the foundation in prep for her toilet time, it would be better. A little litter on the bottom helps absorb things.

[pll]

On air purifiers: are there any good ones that are natural (as opposed to Fabreze and other crap that's not good for you)? I've tried the natural orange/citrus air freshener, and others labeled as "air neutralizer"s but they never really do the trick.

I meant an electric device with a HEPA filter and a carbon filter (for odors). I'd recommend mine, but it is no longer produced (Hamilton Beach, model unknown).

[Dogmama]

I use World's Best because it doesn't have a lot of additives. I put a bit of regular baking soda (not the stuff that is sold to keep litter boxes fresh) in with it. That seems to work just fine. I know what you mean about the pine pellets. They aren't the best.

I have a Rabbit Air purifier for my allergic dog. It is supposed to neutralize odors too, but I notice that it only comes on strongly when DH walks by with cologne. Normal household odors don't seem to make it react.