Tired of lingering litter box odors? No matter how well you clean, cat urine and feces odors can quickly take over your home. The good news? The right odor-controlling cat litter box can trap smells, reduce mess, and keep your home fresh.
We’ve reviewed 10 of the best cat litter boxes designed to eliminate odors using covered designs, carbon filters, self-cleaning mechanisms, and antimicrobial materials. Whether you need a budget-friendly, automatic, or multi-cat option, there’s a perfect litter box for every cat owner.
1. Litter-Robot 4 – Best Overall Self-Cleaning Litter Box
The Litter-Robot 4 is a high-tech, automatic self-cleaning litter box designed to eliminate odors and make maintenance hassle-free. It features a fully enclosed design and an advanced carbon filter system, ensuring that bad smells are trapped before they spread into your home.
The automatic scooping mechanism cleans waste immediately after your cat uses it, depositing it into a sealed waste drawer lined with odor-controlling bags. It’s perfect for multi-cat households and works with most clumping cat litters.
It also comes with a smart app, allowing you to track waste levels, monitor usage, and receive alerts for when it’s time to change the litter. If you’re looking for the ultimate odor-free experience, the Litter-Robot 4 is unbeatable.
Key Features:
✔ Fully Automatic Self-Cleaning – Eliminates odors instantly.
✔ Enclosed Design & Carbon Filter – Traps and neutralizes smells.
✔ Smart App Integration – Monitor waste levels from your phone.
✔ Multi-Cat Friendly – Large enough for multiple cats.
Pros
- No more scooping – fully automatic!
- Excellent odor control with carbon filters
- App connectivity for remote monitoring
- Spacious for larger cats
Cons
- Expensive upfront cost
- Requires electricity to function
2. PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Cat Litter Boxes – Best Crystal Litter System
The PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra is another self-cleaning litter box that uses crystal litter, which absorbs urine and dehydrates solid waste to significantly reduce odors. It has an automatic raking system that pushes waste into a sealed compartment, preventing smells from escaping.
The disposable crystal litter trays last 2-3 weeks per cat, meaning less frequent litter changes. It also features a health counter, which tracks how often your cat uses the box – helpful for monitoring urinary issues.
With low maintenance and superior odor control, this is a great choice for busy cat owners.
Key Features:
✔ Crystal Litter for Maximum Odor Absorption
✔ Automatic Raking System – No Scooping Needed
✔ Disposable Litter Trays – Less Mess & Hassle
✔ Health Counter – Monitors Usage
Pros
- Low-maintenance & hands-free cleaning
- Crystal litter eliminates odors better than clay
- Ideal for single-cat households
- Health monitoring feature
Cons
- Not suitable for multiple cats
- Requires replacement trays, adding to costs
3. Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean – Best Budget Self-Cleaning Option
If you want a self-cleaning litter box without spending a fortune, the Omega Paw Roll ‘n Clean is a fantastic manual option. It uses a simple rolling mechanism to separate waste from clean litter, trapping clumps in a pull-out tray for easy disposal.
The enclosed design helps minimize odor spread, and since there are no electrical components, there’s no risk of malfunctions. It’s an affordable, low-maintenance option for those who want easier litter box cleaning without investing in a high-tech unit.
Key Features:
✔ Manual Self-Cleaning – No Power Required
✔ Enclosed Design Reduces Odor Spread
✔ Waste Collection Tray for Easy Disposal
✔ Budget-Friendly & No Ongoing Costs
Pros
- Affordable alternative to electric self-cleaning boxes
- No electricity or filters required
- Easy to use and clean
- Good odor control for the price
Cons
- Not as effective as electric self-cleaning boxes
- Manual rolling required
4. IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box – Best for Containing Litter Scatter
The IRIS Top Entry Litter Box is designed to reduce odors and minimize litter tracking. Its top-entry design forces cats to exit from the top, preventing litter from scattering on the floor.
The enclosed structure traps odors inside, and the grooved lid helps knock off excess litter from your cat’s paws. If you have a cat that tends to kick litter everywhere, this is a great mess-free solution.
Key Features:
✔ Top-Entry Design – Reduces Litter Tracking
✔ Fully Enclosed for Better Odor Control
✔ Grooved Lid Catches Litter from Paws
✔ Compact & Stylish Design
Pros
- Great for messy cats that kick litter
- Reduces odors better than open litter boxes
- Minimal litter tracking around the house
- Stylish and modern design
Cons
- Not ideal for senior cats or kittens
- Requires training for some cats to use
5. Nature’s Miracle Hooded Cat Litter Box – Best Budget Covered Option
The Nature’s Miracle Hooded Litter Box is an affordable yet highly effective solution for cat owners looking to control odors without breaking the bank. It features a large hooded design, which helps contain smells while giving your cat privacy and comfort.
One of its biggest advantages is its built-in odor-absorbing charcoal filter, which helps neutralize litter box smells before they spread into your home. The non-stick surface prevents waste from sticking, making cleaning much easier.
This litter box is spacious enough for large cats, and the flip-top hood makes scooping and cleaning effortless. If you’re looking for an affordable, simple, and effective solution, this is a solid choice.
Key Features:
✔ Hooded Design for Odor Containment & Privacy
✔ Built-in Charcoal Filter for Odor Control
✔ Non-Stick Surface for Easy Cleaning
✔ Spacious for Large Cats
Pros
- Affordable & effective odor control
- Reduces litter tracking & mess
- Spacious enough for bigger cats
- Charcoal filter absorbs strong odors
Cons
- Filters need occasional replacement
- Not completely airtight for maximum odor trapping
6. Modkat XL Cat Litter Box – Best for Modern Homes & Multi-Cat Households
The Modkat XL is a premium, stylish litter box designed for multi-cat homes. It features both top-entry and front-entry options, allowing you to choose the best setup based on your cat’s preferences.
This litter box has a sleek, modern design that blends seamlessly into any home décor while providing exceptional odor control. Its reusable liner system makes cleaning effortless, and the enclosed structure keeps odors trapped inside.
If you have multiple cats and want a high-quality, odor-resistant litter box that looks great, the Modkat XL is worth considering.
Key Features:
✔ Dual Entry (Top or Front) for Cat Preference
✔ Reusable Liners for Easy Cleaning
✔ Stylish, Modern Design
✔ Enclosed for Better Odor Control
Pros
- Ideal for multi-cat households
- Stylish design blends into any home
- Reusable liners reduce litter box mess
- Excellent odor containment
Cons
- Expensive compared to basic litter boxes
- May require cat training for top-entry use
7. Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Box – Best for Extra Odor Filtration
The Van Ness Enclosed Cat Litter Pan is a budget-friendly covered litter box that provides enhanced odor control with its replaceable Zeolite air filter. This affordable yet effective litter box is fully enclosed, ensuring that smells stay inside rather than spreading throughout your home.
The swinging door helps trap odors while giving your cat easy access, and the smooth, stain-resistant plastic makes it simple to clean. With its large capacity, it’s ideal for bigger cats or multi-cat households.
If you want an inexpensive, enclosed litter box that effectively reduces odors, this is a great option.
Key Features:
✔ Enclosed for Maximum Odor Control
✔ Zeolite Air Filter to Absorb Smells
✔ Swinging Door for Easy Cat Access
✔ Large Capacity for Bigger Cats
Pros
- Affordable with great odor control
- Spacious and enclosed design
- Replaceable air filter neutralizes smells
- Easy to clean & maintain
Cons
- Plastic may absorb odors over time
- Not as stylish as other options
8. Frisco High-Sided Cat Litter Box – Best Open-Top for Odor Control
Not all cats like enclosed litter boxes! If your cat prefers an open-top design, the Frisco High-Sided Litter Box is a great odor-controlling option. Its extra-high sides help prevent litter scatter and keep odors contained within the box.
Made from durable, non-stick plastic, it resists stains and odors while being easy to clean. The low front entry makes it accessible for older cats, while the high walls still prevent mess.
If your cat dislikes enclosed spaces but you still need some odor control, this is a simple and affordable choice.
Key Features:
✔ Open-Top Design for Cat Comfort
✔ High Sides Prevent Litter Scatter
✔ Durable, Stain-Resistant Plastic
✔ Easy to Clean & Maintain
Pros
- Affordable and simple design
- High walls reduce litter mess
- Non-stick material minimizes odors
- Great for large cats & multi-cat homes
Cons
- Doesn’t trap odors as well as enclosed boxes
- Not ideal for very small spaces
9. Catit Jumbo Hooded Litter Pan – Best for Large Cats
If you have a large breed cat like a Maine Coon or multiple cats, the Catit Jumbo Hooded Litter Pan offers superior space and odor control. Its enclosed design with a removable hood helps keep odors contained while providing privacy for your cat.
The carbon filter absorbs bad smells, and the front door flap minimizes litter tracking. The extra-large size ensures your cat has plenty of room to move around comfortably.
For cat owners who want a big, enclosed litter box with powerful odor control, this is a top pick.
Key Features:
✔ Jumbo Size for Large Cats
✔ Carbon Filter for Maximum Odor Absorption
✔ Removable Hood for Easy Cleaning
✔ Swinging Door Reduces Litter Scatter
Pros
- Ideal for big cats or multi-cat homes
- Excellent odor control with a carbon filter
- Spacious and comfortable for large cats
- Removable top makes cleaning easier
Cons
- Takes up more space than standard litter boxes
- Hood may be bulky to remove for daily cleaning
10. Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System – Best Alternative to Traditional Litter
If you’re tired of clay litter and tracking mess, the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System is a game-changer. Instead of traditional litter, it uses pellets and absorbent pads to separate urine and solid waste, reducing odors and making cleanup easier.
The odor-controlling pads absorb urine, preventing ammonia smells from forming, while the pellets minimize dust and tracking. It’s a low-maintenance, high-performance system for those who want a cleaner, fresher home.
Key Features:
✔ Unique Pellet & Pad System for Odor Control
✔ Easy Waste Separation – Liquids & solids are kept apart
✔ Minimal Tracking & Dust-Free Design
✔ Low-Maintenance Cleanup
Pros
- Significantly reduces urine odors
- Less litter tracking around the house
- Easy to clean & maintain
- Low-dust, great for allergies
Cons
- Requires specific pellets & pads
- Some cats take time to adjust
Conclusion
For the best odor control, the Litter-Robot 4 is the top choice. If you want a budget-friendly option, the Van Ness Enclosed Pan is excellent. Need a litter alternative? The Tidy Cats Breeze System is revolutionary.