Cleaner Home · Guide
What makes a litter box easier to keep clean?
The short answer
A non-porous material like stainless steel, enough size for your cat, and daily scooping do more for odor than any scent or additive.
Most litter box odor comes from two things: waste left too long, and plastic that has absorbed it over the years. Both have simple fixes.
Material and size
Plastic scratches, and the scratches hold odor. Stainless steel does not absorb anything and wipes clean.
A common rule of thumb is a box about one and a half times the length of your cat. High sides help with cats that kick litter.
Habits that matter more than the box
Scoop daily, top up litter to a steady depth, and fully empty and wash the box on a regular schedule. Unscented litter is often preferred by cats.
A cat that suddenly avoids the box, or strains in it, should see a vet. That change can signal a health problem.
Questions people actually ask
Straight answers
Covered or open litter box?
Covered boxes keep litter in and smell out of the room, but they also keep smell in for the cat. Some cats refuse them. If yours does, go open.
How many litter boxes do I need?
The usual guidance is one per cat plus one, in different places.
Updated 2026-09-26. General information about pet gear, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
