Let us discuss what would be the best litter for your beloved feline companion.
When it comes to cleaning and taking care of your cat's litter box, there's really no sense in re-inventing the wheel. Because at the end of the day, no matter what type of cat litter you use you probably want the same thing as every other committed cat owner:
A cat litter that works well, is well-tolerated by your feline friend, and doesn't cost you a ton of money, time, and energy.
For some cat owners though, traditional clumping or non-clumping cat litters just don't seem to be a good fit. If you've been dissatisfied with the products you've used so far, then you may want to try a newer and more innovative option:
Crystal cat litter. This article will help you find the best crystal cat litter out in the market today.
Now that you have a better idea of the good and bad side of crystal litters, it's time to figure out which brand is best for you should you decide to give it a try.
We've combed through prices and reviews to determine which brands out there offers the best crystal cat litter, and in our research we've come up with the following:
1. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter
Blue crystal litter with a light scent, 99% dust-free and low-tracking — perfect for sensitive households and self-cleaning litter boxes.
For a non-clumping crystal cat litter, this product works wonders. It helps dry out solid waste in addition to absorbing urine, making clean up much easier and faster.
It comes in two pre-portioned bags for easier handling, and pledges to be 99% dust-free and low-tracking.
It offers a convenient, low-maintenance solution for cat parents, especially those using self-cleaning litter boxes.
Designed with low-tracking crystals, it helps keep floors clean while effectively absorbing odors to maintain a fresher-smelling home.
Each tray is pre-filled and ready to use, with one tray lasting up to 30 days in a single-cat household, minimizing the need for constant replacements.
While it performs well overall, there are a few drawbacks to note—if the litter becomes too saturated, pools of slushy urine can form at the bottom of the box.
However, this can usually be prevented by lightly stirring the crystals each time you remove solid waste. Some users have also reported that newer batches seem dustier than previous ones.
Additionally, PetSafe is an industry leader in pet behavior, containment and lifestyle products, and they're known for great customer service.
2. Fresh Step Crystals Premium Cat Litter
These kitty crystals comes with a 30 day odor control guarantee. This lightweight litter is easy to clean, transport and scoop.
These kitty crystals are great at stopping odors from seeping out of the litter box and into your house.
Infused with a clean, refreshing scent, this crystal litter is designed to minimize dust thanks to its small, gentle granules—making it easier on both your cat’s paws and your home’s air quality.
And it has a nice fresh scent on top of it—many users say that house guests can't even tell there's a litter box in the home!
The lightweight crystals are easy to carry, and the litter’s texture makes scooping simple and litter changes quick.
However, it may not be ideal for all cats—some sensitive kitties might not tolerate the added fragrance well.
Additionally, if not changed regularly, the litter can form a sludge-like residue at the bottom of the box.
Despite these considerations, it remains a convenient and effective choice for odor control and easy cleanup.
While the product guarantees 30 days of freshness, most owners end up changing it after about 2 to 3 weeks (at least if they have two or more cats).
3. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Crystal Silica
Herbal-infused silica gel attracts cats naturally; hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and low-tracking for a cleaner, safer litter experience.
This kitty crystal brand is growing in popularity recently. One of the main reasons is because its formula is infused with hydrolyzed herbs, which attracts the felines towards the litter box.
Second reason is the granule size. Dr. Elsey's claim that they have the right particle size, especially for long-haired cats, which makes them less likely to track and emit dust.
Another factor in the plus column for a lot of owners is that it's unscented (since scented products can be irritating to sensitive noses or skin).
The formula is crafted from non-toxic silica gel, free from harmful crystalline silica, ensuring a safe option for your feline friend.
Designed to last a long time, it reduces the frequency of complete litter changes.
Nevertheless, it's worth noting that the larger crystals might feel uncomfortable on sensitive paws.
4. Litter Pearls Micro Fresh Crystal Litter
Fresh scent litter offers superior odor control, dust-free performance and gentle comfort for your cat’s paws.
This is a convenient, budget-friendly choice for cat parents looking for powerful odor control (ODORBOND technology) without the high price tag.
Easier to handle than many other litters, it’s much less expensive than competing crystal brands—yet equally, if not more, effective at absorbing liquid waste and neutralizing strong ammonia odors.
Like other crystal brands, it pledges excellent odor control over traditional clay litters, and most reviewers seem to confirm this impressive feature.
One 7-pound bag is designed to last a full month for a single cat, and its multi-cat formula helps keep odors in check even in multi-feline households.
Cats tend to enjoy its soft, sandy texture, making it an ideal option for indoor pets.
It comes in a lovely light blue hue crystals which is very pleasing to the eyes, plus it is soft on your cat's paws. It releases a fresh scent after every use, leaving your home smelling fresh.
The crystal litter line includes four more variants, giving you the freedom to select your preferred formula. All versions provide the same OdorBand Technology and 30-day odor control.
Still, some users have found the crystals to be smaller than expected, which can lead to dustiness and a shorter lifespan than advertised.
5. Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
Micro-crystal purple litter with soft, sand-like granules; super absorbent, non-toxic, dust-free.
Another nice product included in our list is from Ultra Pet—you can't miss it, because it comes in a bright purple packaging!
It features very soft and small crystal granules that are easy on cute little paws. Another bonus is that it doesn't seem to form a sticky sludge on the bottom of the litter box like other litters tend to do.
It is made with super absorbent, non-toxic silica gel micro crystals, which makes it easier for you to scoop out.
Nonetheless, despite its benefits, many users have reported that this litter produces more dust than expected, which can be a concern for respiratory health.
Additionally, it’s not compatible with automatic litter boxes, limiting its use for those who rely on self-cleaning systems.
6. PrettyLitter Scented Cat Litter
Soft as sand and bright as a jewel! This 100% dust-free, non-toxic micro-crystal litter features tiny, gentle granules for ultimate paw comfort.
This one offers an innovative approach to feline hygiene, combining advanced odor control with real lotus flower botanicals for a light, pleasant floral fragrance.
This lightweight, low-dust litter is especially beneficial for households concerned with asthma or allergies, and it’s ideal for both single and multi-cat homes.
What sets it apart is its health-monitoring technology—its color-changing crystals help pet parents detect potential health issues early by indicating abnormalities in urine.
Super absorbent and non-clumping, the crystals eliminate moisture on contact, so you only need to scoop the solid waste. This means easier maintenance, lighter trash bags, and fewer trips to the store.
Although, some users have reported drawbacks, including persistent silica dust throughout the home, increased tracking and a noticeable rise in litter box odor over time.
Despite these concerns, it remains a unique, health-forward option for proactive cat care.
Here we have a unique one: it has UV Attractant that is designed to promote a calm, consistent litter box experience—especially helpful for kittens or anxious cats.
Its unique UV sparkles guide your feline to the litter box using visual cues, while its 30-day odor control ensures a fresh environment.
This litter engages your cat’s senses of sight, smell, and touch to naturally encourage healthy litter box habits and prevent house-soiling or related health concerns.
Infused with Glo Outdoor Attractant, the gentle scent draws cats in, while the Glo Paw Feel Attractant uses soft clay granules that mimic desert sand, making it comfortable under paw.
The Easy Upkeep non-clumping technology instantly traps odors, providing long-lasting freshness without daily scooping.
Yet, as a non-clumping litter, it doesn’t adhere well to solid waste, making cleanup slightly less efficient and it comes at a higher price point than many other litters.
Still, for pet parents focused on behavioral support and stress relief, this offers an innovative, multisensory solution.
8. Tidy Cats Tidy Care Alert Health Monitoring Litter
Color-changing crystals monitor your cat’s health while providing long-lasting odor control, low-dust, lightweight, and easy-to-maintain non-clumping litter.
This litter offers a high-tech approach to feline wellness with its innovative pH detection technology, designed to change colors and help pet parents monitor their cat’s health through urine analysis.
The formula features highly absorbent crystals that offer long-lasting ammonia odor control, while its low-dust, lightweight and unscented design makes for easy, stress-free maintenance—no clumps to scoop, just quick refreshes.
Made with safe ingredients, this litter is crafted with your cat’s comfort and safety in mind.
Anyway, some users have reported notable downsides, including excessive dust that can coat your cat’s fur and irritate their respiratory system—leading to coughing or sneezing.
Additionally, a few owners noted that the odor control fell short, and in some cases, the pH detection technology did not function as expected.
While the concept is innovative and appealing, results may vary depending on your cat and household needs.
What Is Crystal Cat Litter?
First introduced to the market in the late 1990s, crystal cat litter is made primarily of silica gel.
Never heard of it? Well, you've definitely seen it before:
Silica gel is in those little “dessicant — do not eat” cachets that come in packages of products (like medications, vitamins, and shoes) which can be become damaged if they come in contact with moisture.
The gel is made of three ingredients: silica dioxide sand, oxygen, and water. And it turns out that it's exceptional at absorbing moisture—tiny pores in the gel allow it to absorb up to 40 times its weight in liquid! As kitty litter, silica gel literally looks like little blue or white crystals. You simply pour this into your litter box and let it do it's thing.
Here is a great video from “BrainStuff – HowStuffWorks” explaining exactly how silica gel in general works.
What Are The Benefits Of Crystal Cat Litter?
Cat litter crystals may look a little strange, and they're certainly unique from your typical litter. But there are plenty of pet parents who swear by them.
The following points are the main benefits of using this type of product:
Increased cleanliness.
The silica gel won't stick to your cats paws and coat as easily as some other types of litter does. Many brands of crystal litter also pledge minimal to no tracking—so less of it comes out of the box and more of it stays in the box where it can do its job!
Dust free.
For any household that has cats or humans with respiratory concerns (like allergies), a crystal litter product can be a huge help. It's virtually dust-free, so it won't spew up particles into the air when your cat goes in to scratch away and do her duties.
Easy to maintain.
Here's how crystal cat litter works: the silica granules absorb liquid waste completely (you can tell it's working when they go from blue to yellow). All you have to do is remove the solid waste and stir around the remaining crystals to avoid areas of over-saturation. And some silica kitty litters are even safe to flush down the toilet for extra-easy clean up.
High absorption and odor protection.
Remember how we said that silica can absorb up to 40 times its weight in liquid? Yeah. That's a lot of urine.
Crystal cat litter soaks up liquid exceptionally well—giving you a minimal to no mess litter box. It also traps odors effectively, too (no more faint whiffs of cat urine and ammonia in the air).
Often hypoallergenic.
For some animals with sensitivities, crystal cat litter can be less irritating on their paw pads and skin. And if YOU have sensitive skin, then these crystals may be easier for you to handle…although you won't have to handle it too often (see next point).
Lasts longer.
The main benefit of crystal litter is that it requires changing and cleaning far less often than traditional litter. In fact, most quality crystal litters will last up to 1 month in a single-cat home! You can also usually get away with using far less crystal litter than traditional litter—allowing you to stretch out your dollars and avoid having to lift super heavy bags of litter, if that's a concern for you.
Are There Any Concerns to Using It?
Now, before you go completely revamping your litter box, you should keep in mind a few precautions when it comes to kitty crystals. These may or may not apply to you and your household, but it's worth being aware of them before purchasing.
Let's take a look:
Cats often don’t find it comfortable.
Litter crystals are harder than other types of litter granules. Because they're hard and prickly, this can feel uncomfortable for some cats. The obvious problem with this is that if your cat finds its litter uncomfortable, she won't want to use it! (Keep reading though—toward the end of this article, we'll talk about a simple and easy way to introduce new litter to your pet so she'll be more likely to get used to it).
Don’t use it with declawed cats.
Litter crystals can be especially challenging and uncomfortable for declawed cats. And since scratching is such a natural instinct, a declawed kitty will have a hard time scratching and moving around the crystals.
Not recommended for multiple cats.
If you have two or more cats or even just one large cat who produces a large amount of urine, crystal litter probably won't be the right fit for you. That said, a lot of the pet owners who reviewed these crystal products say they can use it successfully with multiple cats—they just have to change out the litter a little more often.
It can be expensive.
All other things being equal, silica crystal cat litter is almost always more pricey compared to traditional clumping or non-clumping litter brands. If you're on a tight budget, this product may not be feasible for you.
That said, a lot of it comes down to perceived value. Many cat owners who swear by crystal cat litter say that the extra price is well worth the amount of time and effort they save by not having to clean out the box as often.
Can be dangerous if eaten.
Silica gel on its own isn't considered toxic.
However, products containing silica gel (like some cat litters) often have added chemicals in it, such as cobalt chloride—which can be harmful if ingested. For this reason, using silica gel litter crystals with young kittens (who are notorious for putting things in their mouths) or any cat who tends to gnosh on things may not be the best idea.
Silica gel granules can also cause gastrointestinal upset, like vomiting and diarrhea. And since the whole point of a good cat litter is to keep your furball comfortable and eliminate (rather than cause) messes, then you really need to make sure your cat won't be tempted to eat it.
How to Introduce Your Feline
So, you've considered the pros and cons of crystal cat litter. You've read through the reviews and have selected the best one for your animal.
Now you have to figure out how to actually introduce it to her!
Here's the thing:
Cats, like lots of us, are creatures of habit. They often can be pretty wary and particular when it comes to change—especially with something as important and instinctual as where they relieve themselves! So, if you want to improve your chances of successfully switching out your old litter to your new crystal litter (and avoid having that purchase go to waste), then try these steps:
Place a new litter box filled with the new litter crystals next to your kitty's current litter box.
Put some of the new crystal granules in with your kitty's old litter. This gives her a chance to get used to the new feel and texture.
This may sound weird, but…let her old litter box stay dirty. Cats are clean by nature, and they like to go in a clean box. Keeping her old box dirty and keeping the new box clean should encourage her to start using the newer litter.
Eventually, when your cat is regularly going to the new litter box, simply remove the old one. If you want, you can clean it out and save the box as a back up!
Other ways to get the most out of your new crystal litter is to put it in a well-ventilated area, but not near an open window since this could expose the litter to moisture. Instead, try putting it near an air conditioner or a fan—this can keep the air around it drier.
You also don't want to put the litter in a room an area that tends to get humid like a bathroom or laundry room. Otherwise, the crystals may end up absorbing moisture from the air and not last as long.
Lastly, make sure your kitty is eating good quality food, since this will make her waste easier to remove from the crystals. Avoid foods high in crude fiber and by-products.
Takeaway
In the right home and with the right felines, crystal litter can be a great fit. While more expensive than traditional options, many users find that the cost is well worth it, since it saves so much time and works so well at absorbing odors.
If you've been thinking about switching out your kitty's litter, hopefully this review will help. And remember: as long as you're aware of the pros and cons of crystal litter granules, then trying out this innovative product could lead to some beneficial results for you and your four-legged companion! Hope our post regarding the topic helped you with your decision!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crystal litter safe for cats?
Yes, crystal cat litter is entirely non-toxic and has no such clumping or expanding chemicals. Your cat is at no risk from licking cat litter crystals, which gives you peace of mind as a responsible pet owner. Cat litter crystals are also super light, because their made of silica gel.
How often do you change crystal litter?
Once a day or every other day, I stir the crystals with a scooper to evenly distribute the saturated crystals with the fresh ones. This prolongs the life of the litter and requires fewer litter changes.
Is crystal cat litter environmentally friendly?
Silica litter prevents bacteria with crystals that absorb urine and help dehydrate feces, making your cat's litter box too dry to sustain any growth. This helps prevent kidney problems and UTIs in cats. Environmentally, silica litters will biodegrade and are non-toxic, making them a better choice than clay.
Is crystal cat litter better?
However, non-clumping litter is often cheaper than clumping, and some cats prefer it. Crystal litter is highly absorbent, controls odor well, and is almost dust-free. Some people even say it tracks less than other types of litter. It all boils down to one's own preference.
www.felineliving.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
