It is one of the most common reasons a cat stops using a box that previously worked — fragrance is added for humans, and unscented litter costs the same.
This is the cheapest variable to change and the most likely to matter.
Why it goes wrong
A cat’s sense of smell governs where it will toilet. A strong fragrance in a confined box — particularly an enclosed drum — is a reason to go elsewhere.
The same applies to inserts
Perfumed deodorizing cartridges sold with automatic boxes have the same effect. Unscented carbon adsorbs odor and adds nothing.
What to do
If a working box stops working, change to unscented litter and remove any perfumed insert before touching anything else. Give it a week.
What it is not
A guarantee. Fragrance is the first variable to test, not the only one.
Last reviewed 2026-08-17