cat box issues..sigh

[recessionisnotfun]

Hi guys, as you know I have 2 cats. We are listing our place for sale on sat again. I am a clean freak and a smelly freak. I have a litter box that is covered just a entrance way for them. I use a clumping litter and usually put in baking soda or baby powder to keep it fresher smelling. I have tried scooping 6 times a day lol, besides completely dumping out the litter box every day and bleaching it out any hints on how to keep odors down? It's only bad in the winter months and they don't want to go outside, but with us listing, I can't have smelly cat litter and it gags me to no end. Any wise clever scers on her with some tips? Thanks a million guys

[FallenPixels]

Don't use cheap clay litter, one of mine decided they only like Maxx cat and compared to the Worlds Best corn litter we usually use, the stuff reeks, once they pee in it, all I can smell is that ammonia pee smell even after its scooped but the cheaper ones are even worse

My BIL moved the litter boxes to the garage when he was selling his place too

[recessionisnotfun]

We use the walmart stuff special kitty or something. It's the poo smell that remains even after scooping. Cat litter is killing us as every 2 days I'm dumping the whole box out

[FallenPixels]

yeah that stuff stinks lol

I personally find the more expensive litters don't need a full change as often (as long as you scoop 2x + a day)

You also mentioned you have a covered box, they tend to 'hold' the smell in and slowly release it compared to an open box where it dissapates more quickly

[recessionisnotfun]

I was just looking on the net, and yeah someone else said the same thing with the covered lid. But if I take it off they cover so well they kick gravel all over the place lol, so how do ya win? lol. Do you know if those stupidly expensive crystal type thing litters work?

[FallenPixels]

Mine wont use crystals - they will hold it and get a UTI before they will think about using it, they don't mind the pine stuff but they don't cover well in it, I find the wheat stuff gets wet and doesn't dry well so gets all over their fur (2 are long hair) so we just pay for the corn - its a ridiculous price but I am really sensitive to the smell and as long as we scoop it lasts ages.

Then the princess gets Maxx litter because she is fussy about everything (and already whining because Quincy used her box this morning and she wants a complete change before she will put her paws in there)

[Patty Smyth]

I have tried many and I find the arm and hammer the best, never had a smell issue and the dust was minmal also(with 5 cats). I just stocked up on Maxx Scoop because it was on sale and I now regret it, it sucks.

[recessionisnotfun]

awwwwwwwww, what a shame I was going to stock up on it as well. It was on for 4.99 at walmart with the 1.00 off. Was still cheaper getting the special kitty. Glad I didn't now. Thanks for letting me know
Lol pixels, yep, cats can be ultra fussy and full of attitude.

[Natalka]

We use a covered huge box for two cats, and have always used No Name unscented clumping litter (Superstore, Warehouse). No smell issues, low dust, clumps awesomely. Scoop every day, no problems at all. We've used it for years, and it's the best ever!
People coming to our home wonder where the heck we keep the litter box because they can't smell that we have cats, lol! It's out there in plain view, in the kitchen by a cupboard... not hiding it!

If they have way stinky poops, it's the food, though. We keep ours on Whiskas dry, with very occasionally having canned food (like once a week if they are lucky).

[FallenPixels]

Yeah, mine is not the poop smell (apart from the old guy but he has IBS) its the urine I can smell

[Terry_Lynn]

I used the crystal stuff when Tig was a kitten. It was good and lasted a month, no odour, but it was the colour that put me off. It obviously turns yellower and yellower as the month goes on. Couldn't take it. We use really whatever is on sale as long as it clumps well. I scoop every day & there is no odour. No lid. I keep a small dustpan & hand broom handy.

When we were selling, I kept his box in the laundry room under the basin so he could still use it & when ever there was a showing I just did a quick scoop & sweep.

[recessionisnotfun]

Hmmm, may have to try that. Maybe will try keeping the lid off as well and see how much a diff it makes. Thanks for the tips guys

[Sally888]

how old is your box? It could be that you need a new one because its soaked into the plastic. We use maxx scoop small spaces, it really keeps the odour down. We have 2 cats and 2 litter boxes.

[recessionisnotfun]

hmmm, to be honest it is quite old. When it is clean you can smell nothing though. Maybe I'll just buy a new one, change kitty litter and get rid of the cats lmao. I'm kidding lol

[madchives]

i do think if they have scratched the box, that is 'helping'
the problem, will hold the smell.
i've used 'elegant cat' litter forever, it's biodegradable, flushable,
(obviously not a good idea with a septic system), with an open box.

my cats, 'do' one of each a day, and have never noticed a smell,
except some poos, not sure but think it's the boys pee that smells?
elegant cat litter has chlorophyll, and is not a clay - it's a pellet form.

good luck, although as we know not a good idea to startle cats, too much.