Pet ownership brings endless joy—from the warm snuggles to the loyal companionship and the delight of having a furry friend who never argues back. But let’s be honest, it’s not all sunshine and wagging tails.
One of the less glamorous realities? The never-ending battle with pet poo. Whether you’re a dog walker caught short without a poo bag or a cat owner waging war against litter box odours, we’ve all been there.
So, when a Kmart shopper recently shared her discovery of an $8 cat litter odour eliminator, many pet parents pricked up their ears.
Could this be the answer to the age-old problem of stinky litter boxes?
Unfortunately, as with many things in life, the solution isn’t quite so simple—and experts are urging caution, especially for those with curious kittens.
A cautionary tale: When convenience turns risky
The story began innocently enough. A proud kitten owner posted online about her experience with the Kmart Cat Litter Scents in a Bottle.
After adding the product to her kitten’s litter, she was alarmed to find her young cat unwell the next day.
‘She eats absolutely everything,’ the owner wrote, and ‘she is only 5 months old & loves food’.
The question on everyone’s mind: could the odour eliminator be to blame?
Dr Natalie Slade, a veterinarian from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, weighed in.
While the product’s ingredients (activated charcoal and clay) are generally safe, they’re not meant to be eaten—and kittens, as any owner knows, are notorious for putting everything in their mouths.
‘Ingesting the beads in large numbers could potentially result in illness from excessive absorption of the ingredients, or even a gastrointestinal blockage,’ Dr Slade explained.
Her advice? Use such products only with adult cats who aren’t prone to snacking on non-food items, and always start with a small amount while keeping a close eye on your pet.
Why kittens are especially at risk
Kittens are like toddlers: curious, playful, and prone to exploring the world mouth-first.
Vet nurse Tess Nolan, owner of Vet Nurse School, echoed Dr Slade’s concerns.
‘These litter balls could look more like a toy than a toilet to a kitten,’ she warned.
‘That raises a real worry about potential foreign body ingestion, and that can lead to many vet visits.’
In her experience, sticking with traditional, high-quality kitty litter is the safest bet—especially for young or particularly inquisitive cats.
The real cost of a ‘cheap’ solution
While the $8 price tag is tempting, the potential cost of a vet visit is anything but.
According to Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton, gastrointestinal issues are the most common insurance claim for cats, with treatment costs ranging from $727 to a staggering $27,061 for cats aged 1 to 8 years.
Suddenly, that bargain buy doesn’t look so cheap.
What do other pet owners say?
The Kmart cat litter odour eliminator has its fans, with many shoppers leaving glowing reviews about its effectiveness at banishing odours.
‘Few cupfuls in kitten litter and no more smells—really works. Recommend,’ one happy customer wrote.
Another raved, ‘Works fantastic, no smell whatsoever, especially the number twos from cats. Definitely recommend this.’
But not everyone is convinced. Some commenters, including vet nurses, expressed concern about the product’s safety, especially for young or curious pets.
‘Where was it made, what is it made of, is it toxic?’ one asked. ‘I would remove it completely from the home and seek vet advice.’
Kmart responds
When approached for comment, Kmart stated that they have not received similar complaints about the product, which has been on shelves for several years.
They emphasised that the ingredients are not considered hazardous and that customer safety is a top priority.
Kmart encourages anyone with concerns or issues to contact their customer service team for investigation and support.
Safer ways to keep the litter box fresh
If you’re looking for alternatives to chemical odour eliminators, the experts have some tried-and-true tips:
- Feed a high-quality diet: Dr Slade says the most reliable way to reduce odours is to feed your cat a good quality, low-residue food. This can make a noticeable difference in the smell of their wees and poos.
- Clean regularly: Nadia Crighton recommends scooping the litter box daily and giving it a thorough wash weekly with a pet-safe cleaner. ‘It’s much safer than relying on chemical additives,’ she says.
- Try natural deodorisers: Activated charcoal inserts or pads placed beneath the litter tray, or a sprinkle of bicarb soda under (not on top of) the litter, can help neutralise smells. Just make sure any product you use is labelled as kitten-safe.
- Consider a hooded litter tray: Introducing your kitten to a hooded tray early on can help contain odours and mess, and encourage good litter habits.
The bottom line
While the Kmart cat litter odour eliminator may work well for some, it’s clear that pet owners have varied experiences depending on their cats’ age, habits, and sensitivities.
As with any new addition to your pet’s routine, it’s always best to observe closely and seek advice from your vet when unsure.
Have you tried this odour eliminator with your cat? Did you find it helpful, or did you run into any concerns? Are there other products or methods you swear by to keep your litter area clean and fresh? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow cat owners.
Also read: Are your pets at risk? 281 experts call to ban toxic product sold at major stores
Honestly, some people don’t deserve to keep animals.
Vet was correct ”Feed a high-quality diet” Fed our cat a brand name sachet style food and it smelt the same going in as it did going out. phewwwww. Changed his diet and no more smell.