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
• Research and compare products honestly and thoroughly
• Maintain complete editorial independence from advertisers
• Correct errors promptly and transparently

Editorial Independence

This site is independently run, and no outside advertiser or affiliate partner reviews or approves content before publication. Purrify is our product, so our recommendations of it carry a direct financial interest. 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)
• Written by the named author and reviewed by a veterinary contributor where indicated

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:

• Manufacturer-provided specifications and ingredient disclosures
• Recurring themes in public customer reviews, treated as signals rather than proof
• Scientific literature on active ingredients and odor mechanisms

We do not run hands-on lab tests, and our comparison pages say so plainly.

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
• Written by the named author and reviewed for accuracy where the topic requires it

Research Methodology

Our guides follow a consistent research process described in detail on our About page. Key principles:

• Comparisons are research-based and labeled as such, never disguised as hands-on reviews
• Mechanism claims (how carbon, clumping, or ventilation work) are grounded in public scientific sources
• Each comparison page lists the public references checked for that page
• Recommendations are organized by odor cause, and we say when the right answer is a routine change or a vet visit, not a product

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

Product Ownership and Affiliate Relationships

Purrify is our activated-carbon litter additive product. Most outbound commercial links on this site go to Purrify, and purchases may financially benefit us. The site may also participate in third-party affiliate programs. Specifically:

• Purrify ownership is disclosed near recommendations
• All Purrify links are tagged with rel="sponsored"
• Commercial relationships do not change our sourcing requirements
• Product limitations and non-commercial alternatives remain in the articles
• Other brands cited in comparisons are not currently affiliate partners
• See our Ownership Disclosure for complete details

Content Updates and Corrections

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

• The affected page is updated and its "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

Health Content Standards

Our health and safety articles identify their writer and any veterinary reviewer in the byline. Our contributors include Maria Cvjetic, veterinarian and Dr. James Chen, veterinary reviewer. These articles are also held to a stricter sourcing bar:

• Health claims are checked against CDC, OSHA, EPA, and ASPCA guidance, and those sources are linked on the page
• We avoid stating medical conclusions of our own; where evidence is mixed, we say so
• Whenever a smell pattern could indicate illness, our guidance is to call a veterinarian

A veterinary credential does not turn a general article into personal veterinary advice. Readers should consult their own veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

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.