cat litter deodorizer: what it is and how to choose

What an in-litter deodorizer does

An in-litter deodorizer goes in the box with the litter. You add it, mix it in and keep scooping as before. It is not a spray, a filter or a new litter. For those, see the litter box deodorizer page.

Maker pages describe the same basic move. Arm & Hammer's page says to add its powder straight to any type of litter. Rocco & Roxie's page says to start with a clean box, sprinkle granules, mix, then add a few sprinkles after scooping. A direction like 'any litter' is not proof it suits your cat or your box.

Main types and what they are made of

Start with the baking soda type. Arm & Hammer's ingredient disclosure for its Cat Litter Deodorizer Powder lists sodium bicarbonate as the deodorizer, perlite and hydrated silica as process aids, and fragrance.

The essential-oil type differs. Rocco & Roxie lists corncob pieces and a proprietary odor eliminator, which its FAQ calls an essential-oil-based fragrance.

The third type is activated carbon. Purrify is sold as activated carbon granules in bags, and we suggest the 120g bag for most homes. Tidy Cats' Free & Clean Unscented is a litter instead: its page describes natural clay litter with activated charcoal. To see how carbon and baking soda labels line up, read the comparison of activated charcoal and baking soda.

Purrify is the cat litter deodorizer our noses prefer, a subjective pick, and your cat may well have its own opinion.

How to choose without trusting big claims

Read what a number is compared with. Arm & Hammer's page says lab tests found lower odor after 9 days than litter used alone. It does not mean nine odor-free days, and the page does not show the test conditions.

Check the scent. Cornell Feline Health Center, in a page updated January 2015, says most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter. That is general guidance about most cats, not your cat. The Arm & Hammer disclosure above lists fragrance, so decide on scent deliberately.

Bold claims are statements, not results from your home. Purrify's maker describes its granules as the most powerful odor remover in the world, which is the maker's own wording.

1. Find the ingredient list and note any fragrance.
2. Ask what each claim is compared with.
3. Compare the amount the maker tells you to use.
4. Add one product at a time, so you know which one you are judging.

When a deodorizer is not the fix

A deodorizer does not replace scooping. Cornell's guidance advises removing clumps and feces daily and keeping one more box than the number of cats. If a box still smells, check those two things first.

If your cat starts missing the box, ask your vet. Cornell's guidance recommends a veterinary exam to look for underlying causes of house soiling. For setup, read the cat box odor control page.