Can I add a wee bit of washing powder to the litter tray of a cat on cage rest to neutralise the piss stink?

[MrsLettuce]

My dear lad has broken his shoulder and has just started an extended period of cage rest. I'm changing his litter tray morning and evening as well as scooping poo (sensitive siamese), but TBH I can't take the stench. He has a history of spraying and I suspect it's a smell that I'm over sensitized to. We're rural so the cats usually just do their toileting in the garden / field.

Anyway, after the massive vets bills that we've had I can't afford to be buying catsan, so, can I add a wee bit of washing powder to the litter or would that be potentially harmful?

[chickydoo]

I got some litter fresh when my cat was unwell & couldn't go out.
Can't remember who makes it. Wasn't expensive £4.00 max & lasted ages, probably a better bet than washing powder

[MrsLettuce]

Thanks all, I'll give it a miss then! Will have a look for a litter sanitizer when I'm out.

TBH changing the litter and the scooping doesn't bother me, 'just' the pervading stench of cat piss that wafts from the tray. His (massive) crate is in the sitting room y' see...

[MrsLettuce]

Bicarb would be fab but I'm not in the uk and its hard to find and expensive here

[MrsLettuce]

Excellent, found some! I'd never have known to look without the tip. It smells pretty pungent it's self but anything is betting than cat piss

[BabyRuSh]

Use a crystal silicate litter. I used tigerino. Available from zooplus (I think that was the cheapest when I shopped around). Crystal litters are the best for odour.

[thecatneuterer]

Use the wood based litter pellets - there is no smell with those - ever

[Cantbelieveitsnotbutter]

I'd second the crystal one. Mine lasts a week before it needs changing.
Remember anything you put on the litter goes on their paws then licked off.