12 Ways to Prevent Your Home from Smelling Like Cat (Specially for People with Allergies)

vet holding a white cat — Gustavo Fring/Pexels

Living with a cat can bring endless joy, but managing the odors they leave behind can be challenging, especially for those with allergies. Whether dealing with litter box smells, shedding fur, or dander, creating a fresh-smelling home is essential. Here, we’ll share 12 practical tips to reduce cat-related odors in your home. From regular cleaning to using cat-specific products, these tips will help you enjoy your furry friend without lingering smells, creating a healthier environment, especially for those with allergies.

1. Clean Pet Bedding Regularly

Abyssinian Cat resting on a furry bed — tsapenkodg/Pixabay

Your cat’s bedding can easily absorb odors, from fur and dander to saliva and dirt. To keep your home smelling fresh, make sure to wash your cat’s bedding at least once a week. Many pet beds are machine washable, which makes it easy to maintain. If your cat’s bed has a removable liner, clean that regularly too. Adding your cat’s bed to your weekly cleaning routine will help remove bacteria, parasites, and odors, preventing them from lingering in your home, especially if you or anyone in the household suffers from allergies.

2. Clean Out the Litter Box Daily

cat standing near a carrier — Freepik/Freepik

A litter box is the primary source of odors in a cat-friendly home. If you have allergies, keeping the litter box clean is crucial for both comfort and cleanliness. Scoop the litter at least once a day to reduce smells and prevent bacteria buildup. A clean litter box will also encourage your cat to use it more consistently, reducing accidents. Additionally, make sure to change the litter weekly and clean the box with soap and water to eliminate any lingering odors, helping to keep your home smelling fresh.

3. Groom Your Cat Regularly

Woman petting fluffy Persian cat on bed — cottonbro studio/Pexels

Regular grooming plays a huge role in controlling the smells in your home, particularly for allergy sufferers. By brushing your cat often, you can remove excess hair, dander, and debris that can cause odors. Long-haired cats should be brushed daily, while short-haired cats may require grooming a few times a week. Bathing your cat occasionally can also help, but be careful not to overdo it, as frequent baths may irritate their skin. This will help minimize the allergens they release into the air.

4. Use Air Purifiers

Scottish Fold cat relaxing lazily on table — Thirdman/Pexels

An air purifier can be a game changer in reducing both odors and allergens in your home. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters are highly effective at trapping pet dander, which is a major contributor to allergic reactions. Additionally, using a purifier with an activated carbon filter can help neutralize unwanted odors. Placing an air purifier in rooms where your cat spends the most time will create a cleaner, fresher environment, benefiting both your allergies and the overall air quality in your home.

5. Vacuum and Dust Frequently

Pet hair, dander, and dust tend to accumulate quickly, making it crucial to vacuum and dust your home regularly, especially in areas your cat frequents. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap smaller particles like dander and fur. Be sure to vacuum carpets, furniture, and under the furniture where debris often gathers. You can also use microfiber cloths for dusting surfaces, as they attract dust and hair rather than just moving it around. Regular cleaning will help maintain a fresh-smelling home, especially for allergy sufferers.

6. Use Cat-Specific Odor Neutralizers

Cat-specific odor neutralizers can be highly effective in eliminating unpleasant smells. These products are designed to target the source of the odor, rather than just masking it. You can use sprays or deodorizing powders designed for cats, which often contain natural ingredients to neutralize the smells. Ensure any product you use is safe for your cat, especially if they have sensitive skin or respiratory issues. Additionally, using these products in conjunction with regular cleaning and grooming will help keep your home smelling fresh and reduce allergens.

7. Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly

Your HVAC system plays a big role in circulating air throughout your home. Dirty filters can trap dust, dander, and other allergens, which may lead to foul smells. Changing your HVAC filters regularly (every 2 to 3 months) will help ensure that the air circulating through your home remains clean and fresh. Consider investing in a high-quality air filter specifically designed to capture pet dander. This can significantly reduce the allergens in your home, especially for allergy sufferers.

8. Clean Your Cat’s Play Equipment

Two children playing with skateboarding cat — Cottonbro studio/Pexels

Your cat’s toys, cat trees, and scratching posts can all harbor odors as they collect fur, dander, and saliva. To prevent your home from smelling like a cat, regularly vacuum these surfaces and clean them thoroughly. Soft materials, such as fabric-covered cat trees, can be vacuumed, while plastic or metal toys can be washed with soap and water. For tough spots, consider using pet-safe cleaning wipes to remove debris and odors. Keeping your cat’s play areas clean will help prevent odors from accumulating in your home.

9. Wash Your Cat’s Toys and Bowls

Woman feeding playful tabby cat a treat — Pitipat Usanakornkul/Pexels

In addition to cleaning your cat’s bedding and play equipment, don’t forget to regularly wash their toys, food bowls, and water dishes. These items can collect bacteria, food residue, and odors, contributing to an overall unpleasant smell in the house. Wash food and water bowls daily to avoid any mold or bacterial growth, and clean toys at least once a week, especially if they’re made of material that holds onto dirt or saliva. This helps ensure a clean and odor-free environment for both you and your cat.

10. Use Litter Box Deodorizer

A large, fluffy cat with gray and white fur rests in a blue litter box — Wirestock/Freepik

A simple way to maintain a fresh-smelling home is by using a litter box deodorizer. These products are designed to neutralize the odor of your cat’s litter box and help extend the time between full litter changes. Deodorizers come in a variety of forms, such as powders or sprays, and can be added directly to the litter. Be sure to choose one that is safe for your cat, as some deodorizers can irritate their respiratory systems or skin. Regular use of a litter box deodorizer will help keep your home smelling fresh.

11. Opt for Non-Clumping Litter

While clumping cat litter is a popular choice, non-clumping varieties can sometimes help reduce odors. Non-clumping litter typically absorbs moisture better, preventing urine from sitting on the surface and reducing the chances of odor buildup. These types of litter are also often made with natural, odor-absorbing materials, such as clay or silica gel. If your cat has allergies or sensitivity to the strong smells of clumping litter, consider switching to a gentler, non-clumping option to help keep your home fresh.

12. Ensure Your Cat is Healthy

A veterinarian wearing a mask examining a cat's mouth during a checkup — Ermelinda Maglione/Pexels

A healthy cat is less likely to have bad odors or contribute to an overall unpleasant smell in the home. Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and proper grooming can all help reduce excessive shedding, bad breath, and inappropriate elimination. Ensuring your cat is in good health can prevent common issues that lead to odor, such as urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal problems. A healthy, well-cared-for cat will not only be a happy companion but will also help maintain a fresher home for allergy sufferers.

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