Conference misery::feline

    I'm trying to solve the same problem.  I scoop not only every day,
    but also whenever I see anything in the boxes.  I tried a new
    supposedly dustless litter I got at Petco (it comes in a yellow and red
    bag and is called something like PetGold).  It seemed to actually
    work, and the bag claims it prevents the specific odor problem
    that happens when a cat has just used the box.  My guys seemed to
    like it.  However, my kitty with a respir. problem whoopsed that day,
    so I'm experimenting with this litter vs his old litter (Cat Country)
    to see if the new one actually bothers him or it was a coincidence.
    
    On the other hand, I noticed that the day after I'd used it, my kitties
    didn't smell like kitties!  I'm not sure I want to give that nice
    cuddly smell up.  There can be too much of a good thing :-)  This also
    makes me think some dust from the litter must be getting into their
    fur.
    

    I usually sprinkle a layer (1/4 inch or so) of Borax into the bottom of
    the litterbox before adding the litter.  Also, I swear that feeding a
    food such as Iams or one of the prescription diets (read: high quality,
    low waste), helps keep the box odors down.  I really notice a big
    difference in 'air quality' when my mother's 2 boys come for a visit.
    By the time they leave, air quality is back in control, with 'Bert and
    Sully dining on the same food as Simon and Hannah.
    
    I have 2 pusses, 2 boxes, feed CD (Simon has occasional cystitis bouts)
    to both, use Tidy Cat or store brand litter with borax on the bottom of 
    the box, and think the Eau de Puss is kept pretty much nonexistent.  Now, 
    I admit that I'm not a manic box cleaner and have been known to go a 
    stretch without scooping.  S&H also haven't learned to be picky about 
    their toilet condition, so *PLEASE* don't call them ;^).  They also 
    seriously prefer the box in the bedroom to the box in the basement [I 
    think Simon especially likes Mom to watch him pee, since he usually hops 
    right in when I walk in my room at night - look Ma, no crystals! ;^)], 
    so I tend to notice when things get 'aromatic'. Anyhow, this has been
    the combination that works for me.              
    
    
    kathy

    
    	Only one of my two use the litter box, but I've noticed that 
    sprinkling a layer of no name brand baking powder before the litter
    helps.	There doesn't seem to be hurting anything either.
    						Sue

> Also, I swear that feeding a
>    food such as Iams or one of the prescription diets (read: high quality,
>    low waste), helps keep the box odors down.  

Hills prescription diet definately works too... believe me with three litter 
lovers and trays upstairs you notice!

I use LitterFresh powder sometimes and a compacted pine sawdust litter, 
not only is the litter a nice green environmentally sound option 
but as soon as it's wee'd on it puffs out into dust rather than pellets 
thus releasing a natural strong pine odour. 


The guys also have a covered litter tray with a charcoal air filter 
on top, ok so I have to have a normal tray too since Lucy won't go 
in the box, but if you introduce your chaps now they should be fine. 

But then I have  two rabbit hutches in my lounge and when they do 
get wet food I'd swear both Knuffie and Belle intentionally let off 
little kitty whiffs in my face when I'm watching tv, so maybe I've
just got a duff sense of smell.   In fact since my breathing's clearing 
after going on a dairy free diet I'm dreading finding out what my house
actually smells like. 

    Thanks for the replys!  "The boys" are on Iams cat food but it doesn't
    seem to matter.  I think I will purchase a covered cat box with the
    charcoal filter.  And I'll try the baking soda in with the Johnny Cat
    litter.  I was told by the lady at Kitty Angels not to use the
    scoopable litter because it can cause problems with their urinary
    tract and their lungs.  Does anyone know of any spray air fresheners
    that are cat friendly?
    
    Terri

> Does anyone know of any spray air fresheners
>    that are cat friendly?
 
I'd guess any of the just water and essential oils
type pump action ones should be fine, my guys 
don't seem to object... 

   

I find the plug-in air fresheners work pretty well, the ones you put a scent
cartridge in and plug into an outlet, better than a spray because it 
continuously scents.

Laura
   

A couple of things come to mind  regarding kitty odor:

If you have boy kitties, consider having them neutered. My Vet told me that an
uneutered male has the strongest odor, due to the male hormones secreted in
urine.  (This is why uneutered males will mark their territories by spraying
urine)

Also....are you feeding your kitties "premium" brand cat food (wet or dry) ?
I understand that a "quality" diet will reduce the odor of feces. I believe I
read this just recently in the CAT FANCY magazine.  Keep in mind that there's
always an adjustment period regarding diet changes so don't expect miracles
overnight. 
[Posted by WWW Notes gateway]

    I feed my kitties WD, which is a premium brand.  Doesn't seem to avoid
    the odor problem.
    

    I feed them IAMS wet in the morning and dry throughout the day.  They
    are both males but too young to be spraying as they are only 11 weeks
    old.  Spraying should start around 6 months at which that time
    neutering will happen.  The odor is apparent right after they went and
    does subside eventually.  But most of the time you can walk into
    someones home and smell "pussycat".

    Well I feed all four kitties prescription CD and let me tell you they
    have some awful poop's in the morning after eating.  We have determined
    that its the males that are the worse.
    
    FWIW,
    
    cj

    My dainty little Pumpkin can clear a room in a hurry.  She refuses
    to cover 'it' after she goes.  Both cats eat Iams Lamb & Rice. 
    
    The funniest thing is that Sammie even gets grossed out by it.  She
    usually covers it up if it's really bad (the look on her face is 
    priceless).