Editorial Policy

Our Mission

CatLitterSmell.com exists to help cat owners solve litter box odor problems through accurate, science-backed information. Our editorial mission is to:

• Provide evidence-based advice on odor control solutions
• Test and review products honestly and thoroughly
• Maintain complete editorial independence from advertisers
• Correct errors promptly and transparently

Editorial Independence

Our editorial team operates independently from our business and advertising teams. This means:

• No pay-for-play: We do not accept payment for positive coverage, product placements, or favorable reviews.
• No content approval: Partners and affiliates do not review or approve our content before publication.
• Full disclosure: All affiliate relationships and potential conflicts of interest are disclosed to readers.

Fact-Checking Standards

All content published on CatLitterSmell.com undergoes review for accuracy:

Health and Safety Claims

Statements about health risks (e.g., ammonia exposure, respiratory irritation) are:

• Reviewed against peer-reviewed veterinary literature
• Cited to authoritative sources (veterinary schools, EPA, ASPCA)
• Reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy

Important: While we strive for accuracy, our content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for pet health concerns.

Product Claims

Product effectiveness claims are based on:

• Hands-on testing in real-world conditions
• Manufacturer-provided specifications (verified where possible)
• Aggregation of verified customer reviews
• Scientific literature on active ingredients

Scientific Information

Scientific explanations (e.g., how activated carbon works) are:

• Based on established chemistry and physics principles
• Cited to peer-reviewed sources where applicable
• Reviewed for accuracy by our editorial team

Testing Methodology

Our product testing follows a standardized protocol described in detail on our About page. Key principles:

• We purchase all products at retail price (no free samples)
• Testing occurs in real homes with real cats
• Minimum 2-week testing period for most products
• Multiple cat households included when relevant
• Blind evaluation where possible

Source Requirements

We cite sources for:

• All health and safety statistics
• Scientific claims about odor chemistry
• Product specifications and effectiveness data
• Industry statistics and market data

Preferred sources include:

• Peer-reviewed veterinary journals
• Government agencies (EPA, FDA)
• Established animal welfare organizations (ASPCA)
• University veterinary schools
• Reputable scientific publications

Affiliate Relationships

CatLitterSmell.com participates in affiliate marketing programs. Our affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content. Specifically:

• Affiliate partnerships are disclosed on every page
• We recommend products based on merit, not commission rates
• Negative reviews are published regardless of affiliate status
• See our Affiliate Disclosure for complete details

Content Updates and Corrections

We regularly review and update content to ensure accuracy. When we make significant corrections:

• The correction is noted at the bottom of the article
• The "Last Updated" date is changed
• See our Corrections Policy for details

Advertising Policy

We maintain strict separation between editorial content and advertising:

• Advertisements are clearly labeled as such
• Sponsored content is labeled "Sponsored" or "Advertisement"
• Advertisers do not influence editorial decisions
• We do not accept ads for products we have rated poorly

User-Generated Content

Comments and user submissions are:

• Moderated for spam, abuse, and misinformation
• Not edited for opinion, but may be removed for violations
• Not considered endorsements by CatLitterSmell.com

Expert Review

Articles containing health, safety, or complex scientific information are reviewed by subject matter experts. Our expert reviewers include:

• Veterinary consultants (for health claims)
• Chemistry consultants (for scientific explanations)
• Experienced cat owners and foster caregivers (for practical advice)

Contact the Editorial Team

Questions about our editorial standards? Contact our Editor at editor@catlittersmell.com

To report an error or request a correction, see our Corrections Policy.