We always want the best for our cats and every choice we make impacts their wellbeing. One seemingly small but significant decision is the type of cat litter we use. While scented cat litter initially might sound like a good idea to mask the smell of cat pee, it can actually cause quite a lot of stress for your cat.
A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times stronger than ours
Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate their world. Their noses are incredibly sensitive—14 times stronger than humans—which means what smells mild to us could be overwhelming to them. Scented cat litter, often infused with artificial fragrances, can create an unpleasant or even distressing environment for your cat when using the litter tray.
Why do cats dislike scented litter?
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Overpowering fragrance
While humans might enjoy the fresh scent of lavender, pine, or floral-infused litter, your cat likely finds these smells overwhelming. Strong scents can deter them from using the litter tray altogether. -
Masking their own scent
Cats use scent marking as a form of communication, and their litter box is no exception. The fragrance in scented litter masks their natural scent cues, making them feel uneasy or even unsafe in their environment. -
Potential irritation & allergies
Some scented litters contain artificial chemicals that can irritate your cat’s respiratory system or lead to skin sensitivities. If you notice your cat sneezing more often or developing itchy paws, their litter could be the culprit. -
Stress & anxiety
A cat’s litter tray is one of the most important parts of their territory. If they associate it with an unpleasant smell, they may avoid using it, leading to inappropriate urination around the house—often mistaken as ‘bad behaviour’ when it's actually stress-induced.
How to choose the best litter for your cat
If you want to ensure your cat feels comfortable using their litter box, opt for a natural, unscented litter with excellent odour control. Here are some tips:
✅ Use a natural clumping litter – It absorbs odours effectively without artificial fragrances.
✅ Ensure good ventilation – Instead of relying on scented litter, keep the litter tray in a well-ventilated area to help reduce odours.
✅ Scoop daily – Frequent cleaning keeps the tray fresh and reduces the need for artificial fragrances.
✅ Try a larger litter tray – More space helps prevent odours from building up too quickly.
✅ Stick to what your cat prefers – Some cats may react differently, so observe their behaviour and adjust accordingly.
Tippaws natural clumping litter – the stress-free choice
At Tippaws, we believe in providing cats with the most comfortable and natural environment possible. That’s why our unscented, natural clumping litter is designed to offer superior odour control without the need for artificial fragrances. It’s soft on paws, easy to clean, and most importantly, cat-approved.
Switching to unscented litter could make a significant difference in your cat’s happiness and wellbeing. Give it a try and notice how much more relaxed your cat becomes in their daily routine.
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