Advice needed on how to tackle litter box (odors

So Tiberius's litter box smells horrid, and causes the entire apartment to smell disgusting. I need some advice on how to tackle this nasty issue, specifically cat feces, not so much urine. I'm open to buying an air purifier (less than $75) or any litter box additives. Has anyone found anything that can tackle these pesky odors?

Kind in mind that Tiberius is a bit of a special case, as he has some ongoing health issues that are contributing to the smell. He has gross, rancid, diarrhea that is causing the smell - it is this smell that is fumigating me. We have been the vet many times and are scheduled to go back so I'm working on getting to the root of the issue, I just need help in the mean time. He is currently trying a new prescription food, per the vets advice. Also, I scoop at least twice a day so it's not really an issue of cleaning either.

I use Fresh Step Extreme litter, I started with unscented litter but that smelled horrible and bizarre. I also use a litter box liner so it's not a matter of scrubbing out the box either. 

Please help!

I am glad you ae working with a Vet to get to the bottom of this issue. It could be many things. Make sure worms and IBD are completely looked at.

As far as smelly litter. I think you have to be diligent about scooping and keeping the box as clean as you are able to do. That is meaning frequent scoopings and dumping litter and washing box. 

You could try a bit, just a bit, of Arm and Hammers LITTER BOX deodorizer. It is baking soda based with a strong fragrance. I used that before my guy was completely worked up for his smelly poop. It is cheaper at grocery stores than at the pet store. Make sure it is the litter box deodorizer, not the carpet freshener. 

He's been wormed a couple times. We're thinking IBD may be the issue - but as I am aware you know due to your own struggles (I've followed some of your posts about Artie), it is difficult to get any a definitive diagnosis. I can't afford to do a biopsy so I'm kind of left guessing as to whats wrong. He's been wormed several times and is an inside only kitty so I think worms can be ruled out.

You may be right. I'm thinking about switching to a cheaper litter so that I can just dump the entire box more frequently? I try to diligently scoop out all the pieces but diarrhea makes that a bit more complicated.

Thank you, I'll probably try some of that! And thanks for the warning, haha I'd probably pick the wrong one otherwise.

I just wanted to say I think you are an excellent cat parent and Artie is so lucky to have you!

kristenann said:

 
He's been wormed a couple times. We're thinking IBD may be the issue - but as I am aware you know due to your own struggles (I've followed some of your posts about Artie), it is difficult to get any a definitive diagnosis. I can't afford to do a biopsy so I'm kind of left guessing as to whats wrong. He's been wormed several times and is an inside only kitty so I think worms can be ruled out.

You may be right. I'm thinking about switching to a cheaper litter so that I can just dump the entire box more frequently? I try to diligently scoop out all the pieces but diarrhea makes that a bit more complicated.

Thank you, I'll probably try some of that! And thanks for the warning, haha I'd probably pick the wrong one otherwise.

I just wanted to say I think you are an excellent cat parent and Artie is so lucky to have you!

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Yes, IBD is a horrible disease. 

FYIW, I use the Precious Cats litter. It is quite heavy, but clumps so well; even poops and the "softies" also. I do not have to change out the litter as often. It seems to have good odor control also.

When you use the Arm and Hammer, remember, it is quite strong, but within almost instantly it gets rid of the smell. I used just a tiny sprinkle and mixed it in.

I did not want to put too much fragrance in the litter. 

And probably, TMI, but now, Artie's poops smell just like mine.. which is bad, cuz I have microscopic colitis!! TMI !!!!  

You are too kind in your compliments.   

Taking care of people and pets (cats) is just part of me--my being. I have been told I am a natural born caregiver. 

Have you tried feeding Tiberius a commercial raw diet. Ever since Midi went on it, I can't even tell if he has poopie (mind you he never had digestive issues, IBD is awful, poor boy). The one I use is Nature's Variety frozen raw.

I recommend the Precious kitty litter too, it does a great job clumping.  

Are you using Fresh Step clumping or non-clumping? For odor control, I strongly recommend Fresh Step non-clumping. I use it for smelly kittens and tomcats and anyone else who has a smelly issue. And it works sooo much better than the clumping kind for some reason. It's also cheaper than the clumping so you can dump it more often. Give it a try!

If you're already using the non-clumping kind, wow, I don't have any advice . That's always worked for me.

Although my litter keeps my boxes odor down pretty well I get pretty paranoid about it smelling bad and I'm just "nose blind", so I bought an air wick essiental oils plug in. It's only like $5 for the starter kit and you can set it for how much comes out. There's lots of smells to choose from, I currently have chamomile and lavender because it's in my bedroom and it makes the entire room smell amazing. It's very small too compares to other ones I've seen, and it doesn't spray a liquid out or anything like that, it just defuses into the air.

At one time I used several different scented litters including Fresh Step too and found that the strong fragrance was the reason  why the boxes stunk so much!  I switched a few years ago to plain unscented clumping litter and have been satisfied with it ever since.  Cost is $10 for 30 pounds.  I've even had people come in and said they didn't know I had cats.  But when I was using the scented litter it stunk even to me.

It's probably not worth mentioning, but years ago Nature's Miracle made a dry powder that de-stinks the litter box.  It worked like a dream!  You could sprinkle it right over an unscooped box and smell nothing.  Sadly, they stopped making it and I never found out why.  

I had the same problem when I first got Mingo, so I know what you are talking about. The odor would knock you down when you walked into the house. In Mingo's case, the diarrhea was caused by stress and a few week of probiotics added to his food cleared up the problem. I now use Arm and Hammer Multicat, and sometimes mix in some baking soda. 

would baking soda sprinkled on the poo help stop the odors? I use it in the litter boxes. Add it every day.

A word about switching litters. 

No matter what litter you choose, go slowly with the new one.  The directions usually are to put the new litter on the bottom, about 1/4 the amount you will be putting in, then 3/4 of the old litter.  Then the next week put 1/2 new on the bottom and 1/2 old on top.  The 3/4 and 1/4 the next week.   That'll ensure that the kitties get used to the new one slowly and accept it.  I had a friend who said her cat only wanted Pearls (it's a crystal) and would literally hold in her pee and poo for 24 hours until mama got those Pearls!  

foxxycat said:

 
would baking soda sprinkled on the poo help stop the odors? I use it in the litter boxes. Add it every day.

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I don't see why not.  It's a natural ingredient and I think it's safe around cats.