Cats are very good at self-grooming and staying clean. However, they can get dirty and smelly when covering their waste in the litter box, and some cats are better about grooming than others.

Cats with bowel or bladder problems can also emit a smell, and those with mobility issues might not be able to clean themselves properly. Whatever the cause of the aroma, a bad-smelling cat is concerning, but repeated bathing can do more harm than good. You can’t use human products because they aren’t suitable for sensitive felines.

Cat deodorizing sprays are a great alternative to regular washing. They need to be effective but also sensitive. Below, you’ll find reviews of 10 of the best cat deodorizing sprays for your companion.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Cat Deodorizing Sprays

1. Hepper Pet Cologne – Best Overall

Hepper Pet Cologne is a water-based cologne spray that is suitable for dogs and cats. It dries quickly and has a non-greasy formula, and it can be used regularly without fear of damaging your cat’s coat or causing streaky messes.

The gentle formula, which is free from sulfates, silicone, paraben, and alcohol, means it is safe for use on cats with sensitive skin. The cucumber and aloe scent leaves a natural but pleasant smell that will overcome all the harshest odors.

In addition to helping eliminate foul odors, the Hepper Pet Cologne reduces static build-up and even makes it easier to smooth and brush the coat to keep it tidy. Thanks to its sensitive, water-based formula and pleasant smell, we believe Hepper Pet Cologne is the best overall cat deodorizing spray.

However, there is only one choice of aroma, so if you don’t like the smell of cucumber and aloe or want a stronger fragrance, it won’t be suitable for your cat.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

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2. Best Shot One Shot Dog & Cat Deodorizing Spray – Budget Buy

The Best Shot One Shot Dog & Cat Deodorizing Spray is a water-based solution that comes in a 32-ounce spray bottle. It neutralizes foul odors and is suitable for cats and dogs; it can also be used on fabric, including carpets, rugs, and furniture. It is strong enough to get rid of the smell of cat litter boxes, urine and poop, and even skunk smells.
Formulated with peppermint and spearmint botanical oils, the Best Shot One Shot Dog & Cat Deodorizing Spray leaves a pleasant, natural mint essence after just one or two sprays.
The large bottle, low price, and pleasant herbal mint smell make this the best cat deodorizing spray for the money, but the bottle itself could use a redesign. Once you get to the last quarter or so, it is difficult to get the liquid to spray, and you might be left with some remnants in the bottom.

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3. Hydra Luxury Care Fast Shower Cat & Dog Deodorizer Spray

Hydra Luxury Care Fast Shower Cat & Dog Deodorizer Spray is a waterless shampoo spray that also deodorizes your cat or dog. Because it’s a shampoo, it helps remove mud, litter, and other dirt that causes bad smells. The formula contains probiotics and D-panthenol, which help retain moisture and ensure a smooth coat. Its conditioning qualities also reduce static and prevent frizz, making it easier to brush and prevent matting.

Hydra’s deodorizer is ideal for keeping your cat clean and smelling fresh between full baths, and it can also be used to clean up after they’ve enjoyed some outdoor activity or litter digging. It also has a fresh smell, deodorizes, and cleans, but it is an expensive formula compared to some of the other deodorizers on the list.

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4. TropiClean Baby Powder Deodorizing & Odor Elimination Dog & Cat Spray – Best for Kittens

Kittens tend to be more adventurous than adult cats, which means they can get messier when playing outside and using the litter box. However, you need to take extra care of what you use to get them clean and smelling fresh again.

TropiClean’s Baby Powder Deodorizing & Odor Elimination Dog & Cat Spray uses natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and chamomile extract. It is free from parabens, dyes, and soap, so it shouldn’t dry your cat’s skin or cause any irritation.

The spray breaks down smells at the cause, rather than masking them, but it also has an additional baby powder scent that will leave your little one smelling great for days. The oatmeal and other ingredients also help condition the coat.

The TropiClean deodorizing spray is reasonably priced, suitable for kittens over 12 weeks old, and gentle on sensitive skin and coats. However, the baby powder scent is very mild, and it doesn’t last long after the spray is applied.

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5. Pet MD Deodorizing Japanese Cherry Blossom Cat & Dog Body Spray

Pet MD’s Deodorizing Japanese Cherry Blossom Cat & Dog Body Spray is a water-based formula with a natural Japanese cherry blossom scent that gives your cat a floral, pleasant odor. It is gentle enough to be used every day and is suitable for cats aged 12 weeks or older.

The deodorizing spray’s ingredients help reduce static, eliminate knots, and make brushing and grooming easier for your cat and you. It is reasonably priced, and its scent will last a while after being applied, which also means you don’t have to overdo the amount you use.

However, it contains castor oil, which can make a greasy coat even slicker and heavier.

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6. Skout’s Honor Happy Puppy Probiotic Daily Use Cat & Dog Deodorizing Spray

Skout’s Honor Happy Puppy Probiotic Daily Use Cat & Dog Deodorizing Spray uses probiotics, which are good bacteria. They attack the bad bacteria causing the smell, essentially consuming them and using them to multiply. Eventually, the good bacteria overtake the bad bacteria, and the smell and stain are gone.

Rather than masking the smell, Skout’s Honor Happy Puppy Probiotic Daily Use Cat & Dog Deodorizing Spray gets rid of bad odors at the source and has a mild, floral smell. Unfortunately, the floral scent doesn’t last long.

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7. Pet Head Feelin’ Good Spray Vegan Cat Deodorizer

The Pet Head Feelin’ Good Spray Vegan Cat Deodorizer is a natural cat deodorizer that is entirely vegan and has a lemon berry scent to leave your cat smelling fresh. Strawberry and lemon seed oil give the deodorizer its scent. Safflower conditions the coat, leaving it smooth and easy to manage.

Aloe vera and vegetable protein help promote a healthy coat and skin, making it suitable for cats with sensitive skin. The Pet Head Feelin’ Good Spray Vegan Cat Deodorizer is affordable since it comes in a slightly larger bottle than most alternatives, but the scent won’t last long, which means you may end up using more of it to get the desired result.

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8. Mr. Groom Cologne & Deodorant Dog & Cat Odor Spray

Mr. Groom’s Cologne & Deodorant Dog & Cat Odor Spray is an alcohol-based spray with a long-lasting fragrance. The spray is inexpensive, and the push-top makes it easy to apply. The manufacturer describes the fragrance as floral, although others have said it is more of a powdery scent.

Because it is alcohol-based and contains some chemicals, it isn’t suitable for cats with sensitive skin, but the fragrance is a little strong and may last longer. It can also be used on furniture and upholstery, so it might be a good choice if your cat’s smell has transferred to the rest of the house.

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9. Best Shot Scentament Spa Botanical Body Splash Harvest Apple Dog & Cat Deodorize & Detangle Spray

The Best Shot Scentament Spa Botanical Body Splash Harvest Apple Dog & Cat Deodorize & Detangle Spray is an alcohol-free deodorizer for cats and dogs. It not only deodorizes but also helps detangle your pet’s fur, making it a great product for use between baths or while you’re waiting for your next groomer appointment.

It is also fabric-safe, so it can be used to help eliminate smells from the cat’s bed and household furniture. It is inexpensive and has a pleasant seasonal apple smell that is an improvement over urine and feces, but the smell doesn’t last long before it needs refreshing. While it is alcohol-free, Best Shot’s Scentament can leave a residue on your cat’s coat.

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10. Blissful Dog Simply Everything Fresh Deodorizing Refresher Cat Spray

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Blissful Dog’s Simply Everything Fresh Deodorizing Refresher Cat Spray is a deodorizer designed for cats and dogs that can also improve the smell of the house, car, or any other location that might need it. Although it is said to be safe on most fabrics, it shouldn’t be used on leather, suede, silk, or near reptiles or birds.
The ruby grapefruit scent is pleasant, and the spray is water-based but expensive. The bottle is small, and you’ll need to replace it more often than with other brands.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Deodorizing Spray

Whether it’s because of poor litter habits, a proclivity to roll in wild animal feces, or because of anal gland seepage, some cats retain foul aromas. However, you can’t bathe a cat every day. You can, however, get cat deodorizers that are safe for daily use.

Causes Of Cat Smells

Some cats have a pleasant, natural feline smell. Others can develop funky smells for several reasons:

Litter Box Litter

The individual bits of litter get stuck in between paws, and they can stick to fur. If they are wet with urine or sticky with feces, it becomes an even bigger problem.
While most cats will do their business, cover it up, and then leave, some cats play in the litter tray and even lay in it, which massively increases the chance of a smelly feline. Check your cat’s paws as well as its coat, and pay particular attention to the rear end and the belly of your cat.

Infections

Infections can produce foul odors, but deodorizers won’t eliminate the smell. If your cat’s ears or mouth have a foul odor, take them to the veterinarian. They will likely need antibiotics, and your vet will want to determine the cause of the infection.

Anal Gland Leakage

Anal glands secrete a small amount of liquid when your cat has a poop. However, the glands can become irritated or even infected. Anal gland leakage can have a really bad smell, especially if the liquid gets caught in the fur rather than being left in the litter box.
If the leakage is caused by an infection, the glands will need to be expressed, and the vet will likely prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection.

Rolled In Something

Cats are inquisitive animals, and sometimes, when they smell something interesting, they like to roll around in it. Fox poop is of particular interest to a lot of cats.
Deodorizer alone is unlikely to remove the foul odor, and you will, at the very least, need to bathe your cat.

Buying Cat Deodorizer

There are many cat deodorizers on the market, and it may take a few attempts to find one that offers the odor elimination and scent you want. When comparing, consider the following factors.

Type

Deodorizers need a base liquid, usually water or alcohol. Water-based deodorants tend to be gentler, which means they suit cats with sensitive skin. Water is also better as a base for deodorizers that you use on furniture, carpets, and other upholstery.

Scent

The deodorizer aroma shouldn’t be too strong, or it could be offensive to your cat’s delicate nose. You might also want to avoid those that boast citrus aromas because a lot of cats dislike the smell of citrus. Otherwise, natural scents are the better option because they won’t cause harsh reactions from you or your cat.

Volume

A good deodorizer only needs one or two squirts to have the desired effect, but some are designed for daily use. If you use the deodorizer daily, you will benefit from a larger supply. Buying a bigger bottle is more economical than buying a smaller one.

How To Use Cat Deodorizer

Always follow the instructions on the bottle when using a cat deodorizer. If there are no instructions, the general process is to spray your cat’s coat a few inches away, ensuring you avoid the face but get the rest of the cat’s body. Leave the spray dry naturally, then brush the cat from head to toe, as you normally would when grooming.

How To Get Rid Of Cat Odors

In addition to bathing your pet and using deodorizer, you will need to clean the areas where your cat spends a lot of time. Put the cat beds in the wash regularly, vacuum areas where your cat sleeps, and wash any clothes they like to rest on. Use good-quality litter that traps odors and a litter deodorizer to help eliminate the cat litter smell.

How Often Can You Use Deodorizers?

Most deodorizers say they are safe for daily use, but using an alcohol-based spray could cause skin issues. Follow the instructions on the label and, ideally, only use the spray when you notice your cat’s smell.

Can Illness Make Cats Smell Bad?

If your cat has stomach or bladder problems, they might urinate and poop in their sleep or when relaxed. If this gets into the fur, it will start to smell and leave a foul odor behind. Ear and dental infections can also emit odors, and they require prompt veterinary assistance to ensure they don’t worsen.
Finally, cats with mobility issues can struggle to groom themselves. If you think illness might be causing your cat to smell, check for signs of infection and other signs of illness. Then, make an appointment with the vet.

Conclusion

Cats are generally clean animals that spend a lot of time grooming themselves. Whether it’s because of illness, age, or because your cat has been rolling in something outdoors, self-grooming isn’t always enough to control those odors. Cat deodorizer sprays are a great way to eliminate odors between baths or professional grooming appointments.

We discussed several products, but Hepper’s Pet Cologne is our favorite. It has a pleasant smell, and a little goes a long way. It is also suitable for cats with sensitive skin. Best Shot’s One Shot Dog & Cat Deodorizing

Spray comes in a large bottle but has a small price tag, making it a great option for those on a budget. We hope our reviews help you find the ideal deodorizer for your favorite feline!

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Featured Image Credit: Axel Bueckert, Shutterstock