The Best Cat Litter Boxes for Odor Control

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: March 12, 2023
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Keeping your cat’s litter box clean and odor-free is essential for your cat’s health. It is also great for your home environment. While cats make great pets, having litter box odors take over your house isn’t something that any pet owner wants. Fortunately, there are plenty of litter boxes on the market today that make this chore easier and keep odors under control.

We’ve researched and reviewed the top litter boxes for odor control at a variety of price points to help you find one that is perfect for your home and cat. There are styles that are hands-free as well as those with a more traditional scoop setup. Pair your new box with odor-controlling cat litter, and it is sure to keep your house smelling fresh and clean while still providing a healthy place for your cat to do its business.

Learn more about the top litter boxes and what to look for to keep your home odor-free.

  1. Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
    • Features a carbon filter to trap odors
    • Durable, will last for years
    • Hood is removable for easy cleaning
    • Not too expensive
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Nature's Miracle Just For Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box
    • Built-in charcoal filter on the inside of the lid
    • Made from non-stick plastic
    • Lid is removable
    • Stylish corner-shaped design
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Whisker Litter-Robot WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
    • Waste is deposited in box with carbon filters
    • Can be used for up to 4 cats
    • Reduced litter usage
    • Can monitor and control with WiFi app
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
    • Great option for self-cleaning.
    • Very easy to use.
    • The crystal litter helps to control odors.
    • Easy to clean; simply throw away the soiled tray and replace with a clean one.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Cat Litter Boxes for Odor Control

#1 Overall Best: Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan

In our review, the best cat litter box for odor control is the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan. It is big enough to work for multiple cats, keeps the litter inside, and has a carbon filter to trap odors before they escape into your home. The box also works with most budgets and is well-made for years of use.

This is a large litter box, measuring 22.44 inches long, 19.69 inches wide, and 18.31 inches tall. The hood is also taller than other similar products and has a much larger entrance. The entrance is covered by a clear plastic flap, and also lifts up (not just out) for easier cleaning. This makes it easier for you to scoop the litter and clean the box, and it’s easier for larger cats to go in and out of the box with ease.

When you need to do a deeper clean or change out the litter, the hood is easy to remove. You can also lock the hood into place while it is on the box, so you don’t have to worry about it getting knocked off. However, a few customers warned that sometimes the locks appear locked when they are not, so be sure to check before picking it up to avoid any spills or messes. In addition, it may take some time for your cat to get used to the hood and door flap if they have never used a hooded litter box before.

With its large size, easy accessibility, and excellent odor control, this litter box is a great option for homes with multiple cats. However, because it is much bigger than many other litter boxes, you’ll need plenty of space. There’s a sturdy handle on top, so it’s easy to move around.

Pros and Cons of the Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan

ProsCons
This box is huge, making it a great choice for multiple cats and larger breed cats.A few customers warned that the locks on the hood sometimes appear locked when they are not.
It is completely enclosed, keeping litter and odors safely inside the box.Some cats may take longer to get used to the hooded box and moving cat flap.
The box is not super expensive, and it is made to last for years.This box is very big and takes up quite a bit of space.
The hood is much larger and taller than other boxes, giving your cat plenty of room to do their business.
The entrance is large and covered by a clear plastic flap.
The entrance flap can be lifted out and up, making it much easier to scoop and clean the box.
There is a handle on top of the box to make it easy to move around.
You can easily remove the hood for cleaning, and it stays in place with four large locks.
There is a carbon filter on the top of the box to help control odors.
Overall Best
Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan
  • Features a carbon filter to trap odors
  • Durable, will last for years
  • Hood is removable for easy cleaning
  • Not too expensive
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Budget Option: Nature’s Miracle Hooded Litter Box

For a great value option on a budget, consider the Nature’s Miracle Hooded Litter Box. We love this corner-shaped option to keep odors contained in one small area as well as reduce the overall odor coming from the box itself. It can be difficult finding a spot to place your litter box, but with this unique corner-shaped design, you can tuck this litter box nicely in the corner without a problem. However, this box does not have a handle, so it can be a bit difficult to move.

This hooded litter box has a built-in charcoal filter on the inside of the lid for odor control. The surface is also made of non-stick plastic so you can be sure that soiled litter and waste will be easy to scoop. This is especially helpful since built-up waste can be one of the biggest culprits of odors coming from the litter box.

Some cats don’t like having a hooded litter box, but the lid on this box is removable, so you can choose. The opening is also large enough for even large cat breeds like Maine Coons. This can make the transition to this litter box easier and faster for many cats. You can take the lid off if your cat has an issue with it, but that will also remove the odor-absorbing filter.

Pros and Cons of the Nature’s Miracle Hooded Litter Box

ProsCons
This box is inexpensive but still a great quality choice.There is no handle on this box, so it can be difficult to move around.
It has a unique corner shape, making it easier to fit into small spaces.
There is a built-in charcoal filter on the inside of the box’s lid to control odors.
The surface of the box is made of non-stick plastic for easier scooping.
You can remove the lid.
The entrance to the box is large enough for big-breed cats.
Best Budget Option
Nature's Miracle Just For Cats Advanced Hooded Corner Cat Litter Box
  • Built-in charcoal filter on the inside of the lid
  • Made from non-stick plastic
  • Lid is removable
  • Stylish corner-shaped design
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Premium Choice: Whisker Litter Robot WiFi-Enabled Litter Box

If you want a robot to do all of the litter-related chores for you, you actually can get one! The Litter Robot from Whisker cleans soiled litter, monitors usage, and alerts you when the waste drawer needs to be emptied. The box automatically sifts out waste and soiled litter, depositing it into a drawer with carbon filters to keep odors in check.

That means, you no longer have to scoop at all! The only thing you’ll need to do it to refill the litter when it runs low, and empty the drawer when it gets full! You can download the app on your phone for notifications about waste levels in the box. It even has a trouble-shooting feature to ensure everything is working as it should.

Because it is self-cleaning, this litter box can be used by up to four cats in a home, eliminating the need to have multiple litter boxes in a multi-cat household. It’s quiet, but it still may take some time for your cat to get used to the motion. It is also large and takes up a lot of room. However, it is a great choice for multiple cats and larger kitties; it has a wide opening and is very spacious inside. The entrance is higher off the ground, but you can purchase additional stairs if your kitty has trouble getting to it.

This is a very expensive litter box, but with so many great reviews and devoted fans, it’s well worth the high cost. In addition, it can save you money on litter; its automatic cleaning process actually reduces litter usage by 50%. So, if you want to invest in a great litter box to keep the litter chore to a minimum while still taking care of odors, this is our top recommendation.

Pros and Cons of the Whisker Litter Robot WiFi-Enabled Litter Box

ProsCons
You don’t have to scoop your cat’s litter box with this choice; it is automated and cleans the box for you.It can take some time for cats to get used to the sound and movement of this litter box.
The Litter Robot monitors when your cat uses the box, how much litter is in it, and when the waste drawer is full. It also tells you when it needs more litter or when the drawer needs to be changed out.The entrance is higher off the ground.
There are carbon filters for odor control.The Litter Robot is much more expensive than other options.
This litter box connects to an app on your phone, which includes a troubleshooting feature.
Up to four cats can use this litter box.
The automatic cleaning is quiet.
The entrance and interior are large and spacious, making this a great choice for larger cats.
You can purchase additional stairs for cats that have trouble getting up to the entrance.
This litter box helps to reduce litter usage by 50%.
Best Premium Choice
Whisker Litter-Robot WiFi Enabled Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
  • Waste is deposited in box with carbon filters
  • Can be used for up to 4 cats
  • Reduced litter usage
  • Can monitor and control with WiFi app
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Hands-Free: PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

Another great option for self-cleaning at a lower price point is the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box. This option is shaped like a traditional rectangular litter box and has a similar size. Your cat steps into the box, does their business, and leaves just like any old normal litter box. Afterward, the litter box sifts through the soiled litter with a rake and pushes it into the tray below. The box also records when your cat usages it, so you can monitor their health.

You do need to use special crystal litter with this box, however, which adds to the overall cost. However, the crystal litter absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste, helping to remove any nasty odors. In addition, the crystal litter doesn’t stick to your cat’s feet and is 99% dust free. There is an open hood on top of the box as well, further helping to contain litter scatter and odors. However, you can also use the box without the hood, depending on your cat’s preference.

The trays for the litter are disposable with a plastic lining that prevents leakage. When it’s time to clean the box, just take out the tray, throw it away, and put in a new one — it’s that easy! However, that also means that you’ll need to buy new disposable trays, which can add to the overall cost of maintaining your litter box.

Pros and Cons of the PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

ProsCons
This is a self-cleaning litter box, so you don’t have to worry about scooping ever again.You do need to use special crystal litter for this litter box.
The box records when your cat uses it.The disposable trays also add to the cost, since you’ll have to continually purchase new ones.
The crystal litter helps with odor control by absorbing urine and dehydrating solid waste.
The litter is 99% dust-free and doesn’t stick to your cat’s paws.
There is a hooded lid, but it is optional depending on your cat’s preference.
The trays are disposable and leak-free.
Hands-Free
PetSafe ScoopFree Automatic Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
  • Great option for self-cleaning.
  • Very easy to use.
  • The crystal litter helps to control odors.
  • Easy to clean; simply throw away the soiled tray and replace with a clean one.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Cat Litter Box for Odor Control: What to Look For

Deciding to go with a litter box to control odors is a great step to keeping your home smelling great and your cat happy. When looking at all the options, consider your cat’s preferences, the design of the litter box, how often you want to clean or maintain the box, and your budget.

Cat’s Preferences

If you have a very temperamental cat, making a big change to their litter box setup may not make them very happy. You could choose to tough it out through the transition to a new box or new type of litter. Or you may also want to try a more budget-friendly option to start with to see if they can adapt to a new type of box. One of the most common issues that cats and their owners have when switching to a new litter box is going from an uncovered box to a covered one. You can make the transition gradual or look for a box that has a large opening for them.

In addition, think about how many cats you have, and how big they are. You might have found the perfect odor-control litter box for you, but if it is too small for your cat to use or if it scares your cat, it simply will not work.

Litter Box Design

There are many different designs of litter boxes, and each one has a different way of keeping odors down. The cheapest option is usually an open litter box, which doesn’t usually have a filter. Open litter boxes are also easier to clean.

Hooded litter boxes keep the smell contained inside better, however, which makes it easier to clean around. But they’re not as easy to use, and if you don’t do a good job of cleaning them, your cat might not want to use them. Just imagine being trapped in a bathroom stall with a dirty toilet!

Cleaning and Maintenance

For cat owners who hate cleaning and scooping, a hands-free litter box might be the best option. While more expensive, these types of boxes can greatly cut down on the work associated with the litter box. A self-cleaning or automatic litter box will do the daily work for you. All you need to do is periodically empty a waste bin or replace the litter tray. You can even look for a Smart option that will alert you when it is time to empty the box and give you insight into how much your cat uses the box.

Budget

Litter boxes can be found for as little as $10 or as much as $800 with many options in between. If you want something that does all of the work for you through self-cleaning, sends alerts to your phone, and keeps odors in check, expect to pay quite a bit. A simple box with an odor-absorbing filter is often much less expensive but doesn’t have high-tech features. If you are transitioning your cat to a new style of litter box, you may want to opt for a more budget-friendly option at first to see if they like it before investing a lot of money into a box that they refuse to use.

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About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Best Cat Litter Boxes for Odor Control FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Why does my cat's litter smell bad?

There could be several different reasons your cat’s litter smells bad:

  • You aren’t cleaning the litter box often enough. Cat pee tends to have a very strong ammonia smell, and if you don’t clean it out often, it is going to permeate throughout your house.
  • What your cat eats can play a role as well. Make sure that your cat drinks plenty of water each day. You may want to try a different food as well, in case that is contributing to the smell.
  • It could be the type of litter you are using.

Where should you put a cat litter box?

Your cat’s litter box needs to be accessible to them. However, make sure you place it somewhere without a lot of traffic in the home so that they feel safe and comfortable.

How often should I clean my cat's litter box?

It may sound like a lot, but the best thing to do is to scoop out your cat’s litter box every single day. If you do it every day, it only takes a minute and it will be much less messy and gross — which is better for you and your cat. If your cat isn’t using their box properly, it could be because you are not cleaning it often enough.

How often should I replace my cat's litter?

If you clean your cat’s litter box each day, you won’t need to dump out and replace all the litter quite as often. However, you should empty out the entire box and replace all the litter in it at least once a month.

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