I’ve scooped hundreds of boxes working as a cat sitter. These are the best cat litter box supplies that actually keep the smell out.
I live in a small apartment, and Jericho’s litter box doesn’t stink!
I’ve tested lots of litter box supplies and setups working as a cat sitter. So I’m here to give you the absolute best based on years of experience.
These are the best litter box supplies & setup for apartments:
- Use a stainless steel litter box
- Cats prefer unscented, naturally clumping litter
- Use a metal litter scoop
- Get a large litter mat
- Dispose of litter waste in a DIY litter genie
- Keep the litter box in a quiet area away from food and water
- Provide one litter box per cat, plus extra
Disclaimer: I earn a commission if you purchase through affiliate links below. No additional cost to you.
1. Use a stainless steel litter box
Ever notice that household toilets are made of ceramic? And not plastic.

A stainless steel litter box is the most sanitary option to keep the litter box clean.
- Doesn’t trap bacteria like plastic
- Large, open layout for cat comfort
- Easier cleanup which means less stinky box
- More sanitary than plastic which means a lower risk of kitty getting sick
Litter clumps stick like glue to a plastic box. A plastic box will make you feel like you’re mining but not for gold.
You also have to replace a plastic box at least yearly. This is bad for your wallet and the environment. But a stainless steel box is a one-time purchase.
There are significantly fewer chances of bacteria and mold lodging into the material of a stainless steel box.
Buy a stainless steel litter box on Amazon and Chewy.
3. Cats prefer unscented, naturally clumping litter
The cat’s nose is much stronger than ours. And the cat’s nose is only inches away from the box. So they prefer unscented litter.

Scented litters are too strong for your cat. This can cause stress.
- Cats prefer unscented naturally clumping litter
- Easier clean up for you
- Decrease the risk of your cat getting sick
Cats prefer clumping litter because it allows you to remove waste from the box after each use.
Naturally clumping litter is preferred because synthetic ingredients are no good for cats.
Non-clumping litter is no good because you’re required to mix around the pee with clean litter.
Cats don’t want to walk around on pee-pee litter. Plus, naturally clumping litter makes cleanup easier on you too. It’s a win-win.
I’ve tried 11 types of cat litter. Honestly, I’m not 100% pleased with any of them.
Currently, I’m using walnut clumping litter. So far, it’s the only litter that’s natural and safe to breathe in.
Buy walnut clumping litter on Amazon and Chewy.
4. Use a metal litter scoop
This goes back to my first suggestion. Plastic is no good.
Cat waste gets stuck on plastic easily. This makes cleanup difficult because plastic traps bacteria.
- Easier to clean
- More sanitary which means no stink
- One-time purchase because it’s more durable and this is good for your wallet too
Waste doesn’t stick to a metal litter scoop.
The waste slides right off which means no more caked-on litter and bacteria buildup. Much easier cleanup!
Buy a metal scoop on Amazon and Chewy.
5. Get a large litter mat
This also helps both you and your cat. A large mat gives your cat more room to wipe off when needed.
I like the double-layer litter mat the best because cleanup is easy and sanitary.
- Traps track litter
- Easier to clean than mesh mats
- You can clean between the layers which means no bacteria buildup and no stink
The litter falls between the layers, you open the layers, it all slides out.
The mesh-looking litter mats do a good job of trapping litter. But it is difficult to get all of the trapped litter out.
So you will have bacteria trapped inside.
With the double-layer litter mat, you’re able to wipe between the layers to make sure all of the litter is out.
A large mat will surely keep the litter box area clean.
Buy a double-layer litter mat on Amazon.
Or buy the Ripple Rug bottom only. That’s what I upgraded to from the double-layer litter mat.
But now I use a cotton rug from Hook & Loom. I like this option the best because it’s organic cotton. I vacuum it daily, and I can put it in the wash when I need to clean it.
6. Dispose of litter waste in a DIY litter genie
The litter genie is a great idea, but it’s made out of plastic.

The litter genie stores waste so you don’t have to take the garbage out every day.
- Keeps waste out of your kitchen garbage
- Place near the box for easier scooping
- Smell stays inside
But the litter genie is made out of plastic. It also has a lot of complicated steps.
Instead, you can try my DIY litter genie.
Buy a glass jug or mini stainless steel garbage bin and some small waste bags
If you have multiple boxes, you should have 1 DIY genie for each box. Unless you dispose of the waste bag more frequently.
Note: I’ve tried plant-based garbage bags, and they do not work well.
7. Keep the litter box in a quiet area away from food and water
Make sure litter boxes are in a safe and quiet space.
Cats like privacy and safety when using the bathroom.
- Decreases the chance of stress in your cats
- Lowers the risk of contaminating food with litter waste
- Ensures your cat will not eliminate outside the box
Please, please do not put the litter box near your cat’s food and water.
Cats are very keen to smell.
If you can smell the litter box waste, imagine smelling it 40x+ times that amount and trying to eat or drink water.
You have to think about track litter too. The litter and/or particles of poo can get into the dishes. Gross!
These waste particles will also travel to your kitchen sink when it’s time to clean the dishes.
Also, litter boxes should always stay in the same spot. Cats need routine in their lives to feel safe and comfortable.
When I made the switch to a stainless steel litter box, I put it right next to the old litter box and set it up the same way.
Keeping litter boxes in the same area can prevent stress and behavior issues in your cat.
8. Provide one litter box per cat, plus extra
Cats are territorial. They should each have a private bathroom, plus one extra, even if they are best friends.
The extra litter box is essential for when you are not able to scoop before their next trip to the bathroom.
- Reduce the risk of behavioral issues and sibling fighting
- Decrease the chance of accidents outside the box
- Keeps cats happy because they like private bathrooms
This is better for the cats and better for you too.
Cats are less likely to go potty outside of the box if they each have a clean bathroom.
There are many reasons cats refuse the litter box. Sometimes the solution is as simple as adding another box and keeping them clean.
If your cats do their business in the box, where they are supposed to, this will keep the litter box area clean.
Final thoughts on best cat litter box supplies & setup
Ditch plastic. Use the more sanitary supplies to cut down on bacteria buildup and stank. This makes cleaning the litter box much easier on you too.
Make sure your cat’s litter box is in a quiet area away from food and water. Cats like privacy when they use the litter box. And it’s not sanitary to keep it near food and water.
Need help keeping the litter area clean? Check out litter box cleaning hacks next.




