Curious about which crystal cat litter tops the list? You’re in the right place! Crystal cat litter isn’t your average litter—it’s primarily made from silica gel crystals, a super absorbent material that keeps mess to a minimum. But before we dive into our favorites, let’s chat about the real-life perks and quirks of using crystal cat litter.
And hey, if you’re thinking of going all-in on a futuristic litter box setup, don’t miss our list of the best robot litter boxes. Your cat might just thank you!
|
Best Overall
|
Best Budget
|
Best Subscription
|
|
Discover the superior odor control of ScoopFree® Premium Fresh Crystal Litter. This specialized formula works instantly to eliminate odors and dry out waste, all while being 99% dust-free for a cleaner home. With optimal crystal size, it minimizes mess and maximizes freshness, allowing you to spend more quality time with your cat. One 8-lb bag lasts up to 2 months in a single-cat household, replacing 40 lb of traditional clay litter. |
Fresh Step Crystals Cat Litter offers exceptional odor control and liquid absorption, making it easy to keep your cat's litter box clean and fresh. Lightweight and gentle on paws, this low-dust crystal litter minimizes mess and makes litter changes a breeze. With Fresh Step, you can enjoy a cleaner home and more quality time with your furry friend. |
PrettyLitter is a smart, lightweight cat litter with absorbent crystals that trap odors and eliminate moisture. It changes color to monitor your cat's health, detecting issues like UTIs. One 8lb. bag lasts up to 2 months, reducing waste and maintenance. With a low-dust, perfume-free formula, it's ideal for single and multi-cat households—just scoop the poop and enjoy peace of mind. |
Discover the superior odor control of ScoopFree® Premium Fresh Crystal Litter. This specialized formula works instantly to eliminate odors and dry out waste, all while being 99% dust-free for a cleaner home. With optimal crystal size, it minimizes mess and maximizes freshness, allowing you to spend more quality time with your cat. One 8-lb bag lasts up to 2 months in a single-cat household, replacing 40 lb of traditional clay litter.
Fresh Step Crystals Cat Litter offers exceptional odor control and liquid absorption, making it easy to keep your cat's litter box clean and fresh. Lightweight and gentle on paws, this low-dust crystal litter minimizes mess and makes litter changes a breeze. With Fresh Step, you can enjoy a cleaner home and more quality time with your furry friend.
PrettyLitter is a smart, lightweight cat litter with absorbent crystals that trap odors and eliminate moisture. It changes color to monitor your cat's health, detecting issues like UTIs. One 8lb. bag lasts up to 2 months, reducing waste and maintenance. With a low-dust, perfume-free formula, it's ideal for single and multi-cat households—just scoop the poop and enjoy peace of mind.
Pros & Cons of Crystal Cat Litter
Crystal cat litter might sound fancy, but is it the right fit for you and your kitty? Before you make the switch, it’s worth taking a closer look at the highs and lows of this unique litter option. Let’s explore the pros and cons of crystal cat litter so you can decide if it’s the game-changer you’ve been looking for—or if sticking with your current setup might be the better choice.
Pros
- High absorbency – the most important pro of all, crystal cat litter is super absorbent.
- Odor control – it’s highly absorbent of smells, too, for a more pleasant experience.
- Lightweight – if you’re someone who struggles with mobility, crystal cat litter is much lighter and easier to handle than clay-based cat litter.
- Convenient – the high absorbency means the litter lasts longer before it needs to be changed, making life easier and costing less in replenishment.
- Appearance – Cats, like us, often like shiny things. So, if you have trouble getting your cat to use the litter box, the appearance of crystal litter may entice them.
- Less mess – Crystal cat litters produce less dust compared to clay-based litter, which means less tracking and less likelihood of dust-related respiratory issues for you & your cat.
Cons
- Cost – Although it needs replacing less often, crystal cat litter is often more expensive than traditional clay litter.
- Comfort – Sensitive cats may find the texture of the crystals uncomfortable on their paws, leading to reluctance to use it.
- Ingestion risk – If swallowed, crystal litter can harm your cat, so if you have a young kitten or a cat that is particularly explorative with their mouth, it may not be right for you.
- Solid waste – Although it handles liquid waste well, solid waste still needs to be scooped regularly.
- Not eco-friendly – Silica gel is not biodegradable! If you prefer a greener alternative, you could try a litter made from wood or straw.
Top Picks
- Best Overall – PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter
- Best Budget – Fresh Step Premium Crystals Scented Non-Clumping Cat Litter
- Best Subscription – Pretty Litter
- Best Multi-Cat – Litter Pearls Crystal Cat Litter
- Best Clumping – Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
Best Overall: PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter
The PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter is our top pick for its versatility and efficiency. Compatible with any litter box, this 99% dust-free litter provides superior odor control and easy maintenance. An 8-lb bag lasts up to 2 months, replacing 40 lb of traditional clay litter. For added convenience, you can opt for auto-ship, choosing flexible deliveries every 1-12 months.
Key features:
- Compatible with any litter box
- Fresh scent
- Non-toxic
- Eco-friendly
- Lightweight
- Dust-free
- Low-tracking
- Absorbs & dehydrates waste
- Lasts up to 2 months
- Satisfaction guarantee
- One-off buy or flexible auto-ship (save 5%)
What we like: Simple maintenance, with less frequent need to scoop and clean. The non-toxic formula is lightweight, dust-free, low-tracking, and can last for up to 2 months with one cat. It’s also eco-friendly for eco-conscious buyers and comes with a satisfaction guarantee. Overall, the litter is cost-effective and convenient.
The fresh scent is natural and pleasant for sensitive noses and the absorbent crystals dehydrate waste for a cleaner, more pleasant experience for you and your cat, with less mess, and less bad smells! Let’s not forget the pretty color of this litter.
The low-tracking litter stays mostly in the box, reducing the mess around the house.
What to consider: Some cats, especially older ones, may take time to get used to the crystal texture. It can be challenging to find this litter in stores but there’s a convenient auto-shipping option on the PetSafe website.
Discover the superior odor control of ScoopFree® Premium Fresh Crystal Litter. This specialized formula works instantly to eliminate odors and dry out waste, all while being 99% dust-free for a cleaner home. With optimal crystal size, it minimizes mess and maximizes freshness, allowing you to spend more quality time with your cat. One 8-lb bag lasts up to 2 months in a single-cat household, replacing 40 lb of traditional clay litter.
Best Budget: Fresh Step Premium Crystals Scented Crystal Cat Litter
The Fresh Step Premium Crystals Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter is our top budget pick for its excellent value for money. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive and you can buy it in larger bundles for long-term use.
Key features:
- Low-dust formula
- Fresh scent
- Ultra-lightweight
- 2 x better absorbtion
- Odor-locking crystals
- 30-day odor control
- Designed to last longer
- Great value for money
What we like: The dust-busting formula is ultra-lightweight for easy use and is designed with your home in mind, with 2 x better absorption, a fresh scent, and 30-day odor control. The odor-locking crystals absorb moisture and smell for low litter box maintenance and unused litter is designed to sift easily through the scoop, making it last longer. Note that maintaining the litter by stirring daily also assists with odor control.
The larger crystal size reduces tracking around the house, with fewer crystals escaping the litter box. We found the litter could last up to about 4 weeks before it needed to be completely changed.
What to consider: The litter has a strong fragrance, which may be overpowering to some users. Since this isn’t clumping litter, urine can settle at the bottom of the litter box making it more challenging to clean.
Fresh Step Crystals Cat Litter offers exceptional odor control and liquid absorption, making it easy to keep your cat's litter box clean and fresh. Lightweight and gentle on paws, this low-dust crystal litter minimizes mess and makes litter changes a breeze. With Fresh Step, you can enjoy a cleaner home and more quality time with your furry friend.
Best Subscription: Pretty Litter
Pretty Litter is an innovative subscription service that sends you a new disposable litter box every month, with a monthly supply of their special health monitoring crystal cat litter. If you’re a health-conscious cat owner, or you just like the sound of subscription cat litter, this could be the one for you. They’re significantly cheaper than their competitors and offer free delivery, too.
Key features:
- Health monitoring
- pH-level indicator
- Unscented or scented options
- Lightweight
- Highly absorbent
- Odor trapping
- 99% dust-free
- Affordable subscriptions
- 30-day trial
- Free delivery
What we like: The litter itself is super lightweight and highly absorbent of liquids and smells. It comes in two options – unscented and lotus flower scent. The color of the litter changes based on the PH level in your cat’s pee, serving as an indicator of health issues, such as high alkaline levels, which can denote UTIs or kidney stones.
Whilst it’s not a substitution for veterinary diagnosis, it’s a helpful tool for picking up on certain issues early on and getting your cat the help they need as soon as possible, which can save you heartache and hefty vet bills later down the lane. Their innovative design has been featured in several publications including Forbes, and comes backed by thousands of great customer reviews online. You can choose an affordable subscription plan based on your number of pets, and try it risk-free for 30 days.
While there is some tracking, especially due to the sand-like texture, it is generally less than with other litters. A litter mat can help reduce this further.
The litter is easy to manage, with no need to remember to buy litter frequently, and it can last up to a month with proper maintenance.
What to consider: The litter is on the expensive side, and we find that it generally requires more than the recommended amount, making it less cost-effective. Also, the litter’s effectiveness can diminish quickly in multi-cat households, requiring more frequent changes.
Full review: Check out our full review here.
PrettyLitter is a smart, lightweight cat litter with absorbent crystals that trap odors and eliminate moisture. It changes color to monitor your cat's health, detecting issues like UTIs. One 8lb. bag lasts up to 2 months, reducing waste and maintenance. With a low-dust, perfume-free formula, it's ideal for single and multi-cat households—just scoop the poop and enjoy peace of mind.
Best Multi-Cat: Litter Pearls Crystal Cat Litter
If you own multiple cats, consider Litter Pearls Crystal Cat Litter. Their safe, non-toxic litter comes with a satisfaction guarantee from the brand, and they promise less litter per cat, meaning less work, less money spent on replenishment, and less overall waste for your household.
Key features:
- Super-soft microcrystals
- Safe & non-toxic
- Superior absorbency
- Odorbond technology
- 30-day odor control
- Fresh scent
- 99.9% dust-free
- Less litter per cat
- Satisfaction guarantee
What we like: The super-soft microcrystals are comfortable on sensitive paws and the Odorbond technology neutralizes ammonia odors from urine on contact. It’s powerful enough to work for multiple cats for up to 30-days odor control and the fresh scent keeps your home smelling good. The litter excels at masking both urine and feces odors, even in busy multi-cat environments, keeping the home smelling fresh.
While it may need to be changed every 2-3 weeks in multi-cat homes, the litter still offers a decent lifespan, reducing the frequency of full litter box changes compared to traditional litter.
What to consider: Sensitive cats may not like the scent. Depending on how often you need to change the litter, this litter can be on the pricier side.
Micro Fresh Crystals - Fresh Scent litter offers a refreshing and comfortable experience for your cat, with super soft crystals that absorb odors and add fragrance. Featuring ODORBOND technology, this litter provides 30-day odor control, even in multi-cat households. The non-toxic Silica Gel crystals are safe for sensitive cats and humans, and the 99.95% dust-free formula keeps your home cleaner. Suitable for cats of all ages, from kittens to seniors.
Best Clumping: Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
The Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter is our top pick for fans of clumping litters. It’s our top clumping pick for its high-quality, home-friendly design that cats love. The brand also offers a rewards club program for regular customers to help you save money!
Key features:
- High-quality multicolored crystals
- Unscented
- Soft on paws
- Excellent odor control
- Twice per week scooping
- 100% dust-free
- Low tracking
- Rewards club program
What we like: It’s dust-free, low-tracking, soft on cat paws, and offers superior odor control. It’s made with high-quality, unscented, multicolored silica gel crystals, so if your cat struggles to find interest in their litter box or you’re still training them to use it, the fun, colorful crystals may entice them!
The litter is light and easy to handle and pour, making the process of changing the litter box less strenuous.
What to consider: It’s a little on the pricey side, but the price definitely reflects the quality of the product. Users with larger or multiple litter boxes may find that one bag isn’t sufficient, leading to higher overall costs.
The clumping nature of the litter can cause it to stick to the bottom of the litter box, making it difficult to remove without extra effort or scraping.
Clumping Micro Crystals cat litter is fragrance-free and forms sturdy clumps that control odors, making scooping easy by trapping urine and quickly drying solid waste. The low-dust, non-toxic Silica Gel crystals are safe for sensitive cats and gentle on paws, providing maximum comfort. Ideal for single or multi-cat households, this litter keeps your space fresher and cleaner longer.
FAQs
Is crystal cat litter safe?
Crystal cat litter is perfectly safe, but if ingested, it could harm your cat. So, if your cat likes to eat random things, it may be best to use a natural-based cat litter instead.
Do cats like crystal cat litter?
Most cats prefer clay-based litter, but every cat is different, and many don’t care either way. You’ll know if your cat isn’t a fan if they avoid the box! If you’re unsure what your cat likes, try a few different types of litter, and if they don’t seem to care, use whatever works best for you.
Do cats prefer scented or unscented crystal cat litter?
Scent is typically a human preference; generally speaking, most cats prefer unscented litters, but some are enticed by certain scents, and many don’t care either way.
How often should you change crystal cat litter?
Depending on how many cats use the litter box, you should change their crystal litter every 2-3 weeks, and scoop their poops daily. That said, every product is a little different, so follow the guide that comes with your chosen litter. You should also give the litter box a deep clean with soap and water around once a month!
Final Thoughts
To recap, the PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Litter is our top crystal cat litter recommendation for its versatility, absorbancy, fresh scent, and it’s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and mess-free design! However, all of our top crystal cat litter picks are the best on the market. Consider your cat’s needs, as well as your own preferences, and let us know which one you’re going to go for in the comments below!
Leave a Comment