Dealing with your adorable cat also means dealing with their stinky pee. There are many options out there to help with this rather unpleasant task: deodorizers, scented candles, kitty litter designed to suppress the odor, and of course, air purifiers.
Air purifiers are ideal for allergy sufferers because they can filter out pet dander and hair, as well as some of the more stinky odors that can sometimes emanate from our pets. So, if you are looking for a new air purifier but finding time to locate the right one can be time-consuming, we reviewed a bunch for you.
These reviews are designed to provide you with enough information and knowledge so you can make an informed decision when online shopping for an air purifier. We hope that you will find the perfect one and have a fresher smelling home in no time!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
LEVOIT Compact HEPA Air Purifier
Compact size
Three-filter system
Quiet and with a nightlight
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Best Value
Germ Guardian Small Air Purifier
Inexpensive
Uses UV-C light instead of filters
Plug it next to the source of the odor
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Premium Choice
Rabbit Air Allergy Pet Odor Purifier
Has pre-filter and four other filters
Can choose specialized filters (e.g., germs vs. odors)
Five different speeds, all quiet
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Coway Airmega HEPA Purifier
Covers 1,560 sq. ft. and cleans two times an hour
Combined HEPA and activated-charcoal filter
Pollution sensor indicates air quality and adjusts accordingly
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Hamilton Beach Air Purifier
True HEPA and two carbon zeolite filters
Strong but quiet with three settings
HEPA filter is permanent and can be vacuum cleaned
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The 10 Best Air Purifiers for Cat Urine Odor
The best overall air purifier for cat odors is the LEVOIT Compact HEPA Air Purifier. We love its compact size and that it has a three-filter system: a pre-filter, a HEPA, and an activated carbon filter. These three filters are effective at eliminating allergens like pollens, smoke, and dust, as well as pet dander and odors. It’s quiet and provides a gentle nightlight that can be turned off or on when needed. It’s ozone-free and doesn’t use UV-C light, so it uses less energy.
Size: 5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches
Color: White
Room Size: 128 sq. ft.
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The flaw with this product is that while it is quiet, if you keep it in the bedroom, light sleepers might find that it still makes too much noise. Additionally, this unit tends to give off high EMF readings, which isn’t a big deal for most people, but if this is an issue for you, keep shopping.
Pros
Compact size
Three-filter system
Quiet and with a nightlight
Ozone-free
Doesn’t use much energy
Cons
Might be too loud for light sleepers
Has high EMF readings
The best air purifier for cat urine odor for the money is the Germ Guardian Pluggable Small Air Purifier. It’s inexpensive (for an air purifier), and it uses a UV-C light, so you don’t have to worry about replacing filters as often. It plugs into the wall so you can place it close to the source of the odor problem — where the kitty litter is kept, for example. The UV-C light works with titanium dioxide, which also helps reduce airborne viruses and bacteria. The bulb only needs replacing about every 10 to 12 months.
Compact size
Three-filter system
Quiet and with a nightlight
Ozone-free
Doesn’t use much energy
- Compact size
- Three-filter system
- Quiet and with a nightlight
- Ozone-free
- Doesn’t use much energy
Might be too loud for light sleepers
Has high EMF readings
- Might be too loud for light sleepers
- Has high EMF readings
Size: 75 x 3.5 x 6.75 inches
Color: White
Room Size: 56 sq. ft.
The issues with this air purifier are that it is not that quiet, as the fan seems to make a relatively high-pitched sound. The bulb can also be somewhat physically challenging to replace.
Pros
Inexpensive
Uses UV-C light instead of filters
Plug it next to the source of the odor
Uses titanium dioxide to reduce bacteria and viruses
Cons
Makes a high-pitched sound
Physically hard to change the bulb
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 Allergy Pet Odor Air Purifier is our premium pick. It has a pre-filter and four other filters: a medium filter, HEPA filter, customized filter, and an activated carbon filter. It gives the option for a customized filter so you can choose the one that you’re the most interested in, such as pet allergies, defense against germs, and odor remover (this model is for odor remover). The motor has five different speeds that are extremely quiet, and it can be mounted on the wall. It works in large rooms up to 815 square feet and traps particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Inexpensive
Uses UV-C light instead of filters
Plug it next to the source of the odor
Uses titanium dioxide to reduce bacteria and viruses
- Inexpensive
- Uses UV-C light instead of filters
- Plug it next to the source of the odor
- Uses titanium dioxide to reduce bacteria and viruses
Makes a high-pitched sound
Physically hard to change the bulb
- Makes a high-pitched sound
- Physically hard to change the bulb
Size: 20 x 7 x 21 inches
Color: Black or white
Room Size: 815 sq. ft.
The problem with this air purifier is that it is expensive. The air filter replacements are also relatively expensive.
Pros
Has pre-filter and four other filters
Can choose specialized filters (e.g., germs vs. odors)
Five different speeds, all quiet
Can be mounted on the wall
Cleans 815 sq. ft. space
Cons
Expensive
Expensive replacement filters
The Coway Airmega App-Enabled HEPA Air Purifier is a powerhouse because it can cover 1,560 square feet and it can clean the air about two times in an hour. It has a true HEPA- and activated charcoal-combined filter and a washable pre-filter. It also has a pollution sensor that indicates how clean or dirty your air is at all times, and the fans adjust accordingly. The fan has five modes — smart, sleep, low, medium, and high — and is super quiet at the lower speeds. It has a timer with four settings (1, 2, 4, and 8 hours) and includes a mobile application for extra settings and support.
Has pre-filter and four other filters
Can choose specialized filters (e.g., germs vs. odors)
Five different speeds, all quiet
Can be mounted on the wall
Cleans 815 sq. ft. space
- Has pre-filter and four other filters
- Can choose specialized filters (e.g., germs vs. odors)
- Five different speeds, all quiet
- Can be mounted on the wall
- Cleans 815 sq. ft. space
Expensive
Expensive replacement filters
- Expensive
- Expensive replacement filters
Size: 8 x 14.8 x 22.8 inches
Color: Graphite or white
Room Size: 1,560 sq. ft.
However, there are issues with the app and connectivity, and for some customers, it might be more hassle than it’s worth. Also, it is quite expensive.
Pros
Covers 1,560 sq. ft. and cleans two times an hour
Combined HEPA and activated-charcoal filter
Pollution sensor indicates air quality and adjusts accordingly
Fan has five speeds and is quiet at the lower speeds
Timer with four settings and mobile app
Cons
App can be challenging
Expensive
The Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier has three filters — a true HEPA and two carbon zeolite filters, as well as a pre-filter. The two activated-carbon filters help reduce strong odors, and it’s quiet while it works hard with three settings (low, medium, and high). The HEPA filter is permanent, so it doesn’t need to be replaced and can be easily vacuum cleaned. The purifier can be placed either horizontally or vertically to better fit the space.
Covers 1,560 sq. ft. and cleans two times an hour
Combined HEPA and activated-charcoal filter
Pollution sensor indicates air quality and adjusts accordingly
Fan has five speeds and is quiet at the lower speeds
Timer with four settings and mobile app
- Covers 1,560 sq. ft. and cleans two times an hour
- Combined HEPA and activated-charcoal filter
- Pollution sensor indicates air quality and adjusts accordingly
- Fan has five speeds and is quiet at the lower speeds
- Timer with four settings and mobile app
App can be challenging
Expensive
- App can be challenging
- Expensive
Size: 84 x 8.08 x 16.43 inches
Color: White and gray, black, or white
Room Size: 140 sq. ft.
However, while the lowest speed is quiet, it gets progressively louder as you turn it to the higher settings. While the HEPA filter doesn’t need replacing, you still need to replace the two carbon zeolite filters.
Pros
True HEPA and two carbon zeolite filters
Strong but quiet with three settings
HEPA filter is permanent and can be vacuum cleaned
Can be placed horizontally or vertically
Cons
Can get loud at higher settings
Need to replace carbon filters
Alen’s BreatheSmart Flex True HEPA Air Purifier is attractive and has an activated=carbon filter that is 0.66 pounds, so you know that it means business against strong odors. It also has a true HEPA filter, which is medical-grade and removes 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. It can clean a 700-square-foot space every 30 minutes, and it has a lights-out mode for while you’re sleeping.
True HEPA and two carbon zeolite filters
Strong but quiet with three settings
HEPA filter is permanent and can be vacuum cleaned
Can be placed horizontally or vertically
- True HEPA and two carbon zeolite filters
- Strong but quiet with three settings
- HEPA filter is permanent and can be vacuum cleaned
- Can be placed horizontally or vertically
Can get loud at higher settings
Need to replace carbon filters
- Can get loud at higher settings
- Need to replace carbon filters
Size: 5 x 15 x 25 inches
Color: White, graphite, oak, espresso, or weathered gray
Room Size: 700 sq. ft.
The issues here are that it’s expensive and that compared to many other air purifiers, it’s fairly large.
Pros
66-pound activated-carbon filter
Medical-grade HEPA filter removes viruses and bacteria
Cleans 700 sq. ft. every 30 minutes
Lights-out mode for sleeping
Cons
Expensive
Large
The Honeywell InSight HEPA Air Purifier uses a HEPA filter to remove 99.7% of allergens in rooms that are 500 square feet. It has an activated-carbon pre-filter that reduces odors, and it cleans the air 4.8 times in an hour. It has an air-quality indicator that will let you know at a glance if your air quality is good, moderate, or bad and automatically adjusts to the proper cleaning level.
66-pound activated-carbon filter
Medical-grade HEPA filter removes viruses and bacteria
Cleans 700 sq. ft. every 30 minutes
Lights-out mode for sleeping
- 66-pound activated-carbon filter
- Medical-grade HEPA filter removes viruses and bacteria
- Cleans 700 sq. ft. every 30 minutes
- Lights-out mode for sleeping
Expensive
Large
- Expensive
- Large
Size: 25 x 22 x 13.5 inches
Color: Black
Room Size: 500 sq. ft.
The issues here are that it is relatively expensive and that on occasion, it might make a rattling sound. It’s less than quiet at times.
Pros
HEPA filter removes 99.7% allergens in 500 sq. ft.
Activated carbon pre-filter to reduce odors
Cleans the air 4.8 times an hour
Air quality indicator tells you the level of air quality and adjusts accordingly
Cons
Expensive
Might make a rattling sound occasionally
Bissell’s MyAir Air Purifier is a personal purifier because it’s small enough to be placed on your desk or table and is quiet. It includes a pre-filter and activated-carbon and high-efficiency filters. It has three speeds, including a sleep fan, which is quieter. It also has a nightlight that can be turned off.
HEPA filter removes 99.7% allergens in 500 sq. ft.
Activated carbon pre-filter to reduce odors
Cleans the air 4.8 times an hour
Air quality indicator tells you the level of air quality and adjusts accordingly
- HEPA filter removes 99.7% allergens in 500 sq. ft.
- Activated carbon pre-filter to reduce odors
- Cleans the air 4.8 times an hour
- Air quality indicator tells you the level of air quality and adjusts accordingly
Expensive
Might make a rattling sound occasionally
- Expensive
- Might make a rattling sound occasionally
Size: 27 x 8.27 x 12.2 inches
Color: White, blue, or purple
Room Size: 100 sq. ft.
The problems with this purifier are that it can be loud at the highest level and that it doesn’t have a medium setting. Just sleep, low, and high.
Pros
Small enough for table or desk
Pre-filter, activated-carbon, and high-efficiency filters
Three speeds, including quiet mode for sleep
Nightlight that can be turned off
Cons
Loud at the highest level
No medium speed, just low and high
The Lasko HEPA Filter Room Air Purifier has a true HEPA filter and a carbon-activated filter that traps 99.7% of airborne pollutants. It has three speeds, an 8-hour timer, and a notifier if your filter needs changing. It can clean a small room in about 10 minutes, and its digital display makes using and reading it easy.
Small enough for table or desk
Pre-filter, activated-carbon, and high-efficiency filters
Three speeds, including quiet mode for sleep
Nightlight that can be turned off
- Small enough for table or desk
- Pre-filter, activated-carbon, and high-efficiency filters
- Three speeds, including quiet mode for sleep
- Nightlight that can be turned off
Loud at the highest level
No medium speed, just low and high
- Loud at the highest level
- No medium speed, just low and high
Size: 3 x 7.3 x 21.64 inches
Color: White
Room Size: 170 sq. ft.
The issues are that the door for the filter doesn’t always latch properly and that it isn’t the quietest air purifier. Plus, for its ability to only treat small rooms, it’s relatively large and heavy.
Pros
True HEPA and carbon filter removes 99.7% of pollutants
Three speeds and 8-hour timer
Notifies you if the filter needs changing
Cleans a small room in 10 minutes
Cons
Door for the filter doesn’t always latch
Not that quiet
Large and heavy
Germ Guardian’s HEPA Filter Air Purifier has a pre-filter, an activated-charcoal filter for those nasty odors, and a true HEPA filter for air pollutants. It’s been treated with an antimicrobial agent that can prevent mildew and mold from forming on the filter, so the purifier itself will remain odor-free. You also have the option of using a UV-C light, which helps eliminate airborne viruses and germs. It has an 8-hour timer, a filter change indicator, and five-speed settings.
True HEPA and carbon filter removes 99.7% of pollutants
Three speeds and 8-hour timer
Notifies you if the filter needs changing
Cleans a small room in 10 minutes
- True HEPA and carbon filter removes 99.7% of pollutants
- Three speeds and 8-hour timer
- Notifies you if the filter needs changing
- Cleans a small room in 10 minutes
Door for the filter doesn’t always latch
Not that quiet
Large and heavy
- Door for the filter doesn’t always latch
- Not that quiet
- Large and heavy
Size: 11 x 6.75 x 27.25 inches
Color: Charcoal gray
Room Size: 180 sq. ft.
The problems with this purifier are that it can be noisy, especially at the highest speeds, and that sometimes one of the vents seems to stop working and only blows air from one side. Plus, if allergies are an issue, it doesn’t always seem to help allergy sufferers.
Pros
Pre-filter, true HEPA filter, and charcoal filter
Treated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent mold and mildew on the filter
Optional UV-C light to remove airborne viruses and germs
8-hour timer, five speeds, and filter change indicator
Cons
Can be noisy
Sometimes only one vent works
Doesn’t always seem to help allergies
- See Also: Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator Review: Our Final Verdict in 2022
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Air Purifier for Cat Urine Odor
Now that you’ve learned about the various air purifiers out there, check out this buyer’s guide before making a final decision. We cover a few points for you to think about and hopefully, to help you understand what you should be looking for in an air purifier, particularly for helping reduce cat urine odors.
Pre-filter, true HEPA filter, and charcoal filter
Treated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent mold and mildew on the filter
Optional UV-C light to remove airborne viruses and germs
8-hour timer, five speeds, and filter change indicator
- Pre-filter, true HEPA filter, and charcoal filter
- Treated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent mold and mildew on the filter
- Optional UV-C light to remove airborne viruses and germs
- 8-hour timer, five speeds, and filter change indicator
Can be noisy
Sometimes only one vent works
Doesn’t always seem to help allergies
- Can be noisy
- Sometimes only one vent works
- Doesn’t always seem to help allergies
Room Size
You should an idea of how much space you want the air purifier should cover. Did you want to only place the purifier near the kitty litter box, or did you want it to cover a larger area? Measure the space, and double-check the description of the purifier to ensure that it will cover the desired area. Also, make sure to read reviews, as other customers will likely mention how large a space it seems to cover. In some cases, you might need to buy more than one.
Filters
Once you’ve paid for the actual air purifier, don’t forget that purchasing filters is an ongoing expense, so it doesn’t just stop with the actual purifier. Specifically, you should ensure that the air purifier has an activated carbon filter for reducing odors. Many air purifiers also have HEPA filters because they are designed for people with allergies, so you’ll get the added advantage of fewer air pollutants and reduced stinky odors.
- See Also: How to Clean Dog Hair Out of a Washing Machine (4 Simple Steps)
Cost
Unfortunately, the idea that you get what you pay for isn’t always true. Air purifiers can be quite expensive, but one that is hundreds of dollars doesn’t guarantee that it works the best. Read reviews to get a better idea of whether the purifier you’re considering will work for your needs.
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Noise
Some air purifiers are whisper quiet, while others sound like a jet taking off. If you don’t plan on having it in your bedroom, a noisy unit that does a great job at reducing odors may be fine, particularly if it saves you money. But keep in mind that if you’re placing a noisy purifier next to your cat’s litter box, your cat might not be too impressed and could start avoiding the litter box altogether.
- See Also: Do Cats Pee When Scared? Deciphering Your Cat’s Behavior
Conclusion
The LEVOIT Compact HEPA Air Purifier is our overall favorite air purifier. We love its compact size and its three-filter system that works well at reducing nasty odors. For value, the Germ Guardian Pluggable Small Air Purifier is inexpensive. It uses a UV-C light, so you don’t have to worry about replacing filters. Lastly, the Rabbit Air MinusA2 Allergy Pet Odor Air Purifier is our pick for premium choice because it has five efficient filters and is quiet and efficient.
We hope that all these reviews have helped you find a good air purifier or at least given you a better idea of what to look for. Reducing the smell of cat urine is important because we all know how awful that odor can be, and a good air purifier should definitely help.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel Shot, Shutterstock
