Cats are brilliant housemates—warm, funny, and oddly good at making a place feel lived-in. The downside is that if odours build up, they can make your home feel less fresh than you’d like.

The good news is that cat smell is usually highly manageable. Most problems come from a handful of predictable sources: the litter tray, trapped fur oils, damp fabrics, and poor airflow. Fix those, and the difference is noticeable fast.

Step 1: Identify the Real Source of the Smell

Before buying every spray under the sun, do a quick sniff check in three common hotspots:

• Litter area (ammonia and waste odour)
• Soft furnishings (cat oils, dander, occasional accidents)
• Corners with low airflow (stale air holds smells)

Once you know where the smell lives, you can treat it properly instead of masking it.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Litter Tray Routine

If your home has a lingering ammonia scent, the litter tray is almost always the culprit.

A simple routine that works

• Scoop at least once daily; twice is even better for multi-cat homes
• Stir the litter briefly after scooping to expose clean material
• Wipe tray edges every few days, as odour clings to rims
• Deep-clean the tray regularly using warm water and mild unscented soap, then dry fully

The right number of trays

Odour control improves dramatically when you follow the rule of one tray per cat, plus one extra if space allows. This reduces overuse of a single tray and lowers smell intensity.

Placement matters

Avoid placing trays next to food and water, inside tight cupboards with no airflow, or in busy areas where cats may feel rushed. A quiet, accessible spot with light ventilation works best.

Step 3: Choose a Litter Designed for Odour Control

Not all cat litter manages smell in the same way.

Common litter types

• Clay clumping litter: convenient but can trap odour if not scooped often
• Non-clumping clay: usually cheaper, but ammonia builds quickly
• Plant-based litters: can work well, but performance varies
• Silica crystal litter: absorbs moisture fast and helps stop smells spreading

If odour control is your priority, silica-based options like Pacha Litter are designed to dry waste quickly and keep smells contained when paired with a consistent routine.

Step 4: Ventilate Smarter

Fresh air is often underestimated. You do not need windows open all day to refresh indoor air.

• Open windows for 10–20 minutes daily, even in winter
• Use extractor fans to prevent stale air pockets
• Keep internal doors open where possible to improve circulation

In flats or homes with limited ventilation, this simple habit can make a noticeable difference.

Step 5: Reduce Invisible Odours with Air Filtration

If the smell feels general rather than localised, airborne particles such as dander and fine dust are often responsible.

• Use a HEPA air purifier near the litter area or living space
• Change filters regularly
• Vacuum frequently using a HEPA-equipped vacuum where possible

Step 6: Keep Cat Coats and Paws Cleaner

Cats groom themselves well, but not always enough to prevent odour build-up, especially in long-haired breeds.

Low-stress grooming habits

• Brush two to three times per week, daily for long-haired cats
• Wipe paws occasionally if your cat tolerates it
• Trim claws regularly to reduce stress and snagging

Bathing is rarely necessary and can sometimes worsen odour by drying out the skin.

Step 7: Make Soft Furnishings Less Odour-Friendly

Fabrics easily trap smells, especially throws, rugs, and pet bedding.

• Choose washable throws and covers
• Wash pet bedding weekly or fortnightly
• Use bicarbonate of soda on rugs before vacuuming
• Clean accidents promptly with enzyme-based cleaners

Materials like leather or tightly woven fabrics generally retain less odour than plush upholstery.

Common Misconceptions

Scooping daily does not replace deep-cleaning trays. Perfume sprays mask smells rather than neutralise them. And if your home smells, it is usually the environment—not your cat—that needs adjusting.

Final Thought

A fresh-smelling home with cats is not a fantasy. With a consistent litter routine, good airflow, thoughtful fabric choices, and an odour-absorbing litter like Pacha Litter, your home can feel clean, calm, and comfortable without constant scrubbing or overpowering scents.