Are you tired of litter odors? Do you want to tame the smell? You can choose the best crystal cat litter which absorbs urine and dehydrates waste which allows it to reduce odors more than other litters such as clumping clay.
What if I say that it is cost-effective too?
Litters made from silica are now designed and formulated in a way that they are a perfect balance of effectiveness and low maintenance.
These litters not only provide good absorption & odor control but the scooping and cleaning process is also very convenient.
Moreover, not to mention, they are also safe for your kitties so you can use them without worrying.
So, What’s The Best Crystal Cat Litter?
A Glance of Our Favorites in 2023
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11 Best Rated Crystal Cat Litters Reviews
The ScoopFree Premium Crystal from PetSafe is the best crystal litter available out there in the market. It is available in three variants, Lavender, Original, & Sensitive, and thus it is suitable for all cats.
The Lavender variant is lightly scented, the Original & Sensitive variants are unscented. In addition to this, the Sensitive variant is highly recommended for cats that have any allergies or cats which are sensitive to dust or any other allergens.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 2 packs of 4.4 pounds each
- Type: Non-clumping
- Both scented and unscented variants available
Since this crystal cat litter is made from silica gel beads so it has similar properties. It quickly absorbs urine & dries solid waste that provides effective control over the bad smells. Moreover, its effectiveness is five times better than clumping clay litters.
“To conclude, we think this is the overall best crystal cat litter.”
Pros:
- Works with traditional as well as modern litter boxes
- Included in pre-portioned bags to make handling convenient and ready-to-use
- Low-tracking and 99% dust-free formula
Cons:
- Might start to produce dust if not changed after many usages
2. Ultra Pearls Silica Gel Cat Litter
The Ultra Pet cat litter is one of the cheapest and the best cat litter which is available in two variants; Microcrystals and Pearls. Being available at a lower price does not mean that you’ll have to compromise on its quality as it is highly efficient as well as affordable.
The granules of this crystal litter have an absorptive surface 1000’s of mini-channels that help it in absorbing liquid waste absorption. This ultimately makes it one of the best litter for cats with heavy urination and dehydrating the cat’s feces to eliminate even the strongest odor from and around the litter box.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 5 pounds
- Type: Non-clumping
- Unscented
- Available in two variants; Microcrystals and Pearls
In addition to this, the non-clumping formula makes the scooping and cleaning process easy. However, you will have to clean the litter daily to maintain its efficiency. Moreover, don’t worry about the dust formed while cleaning or changing the litter as unlike the traditional clay litter, this crystal litter will not produce much dust.
Pros:
- It has a highly absorptive crystal surface that makes it efficient in blocking odors and absorbing liquid waste
Cons:
- Since it is a non-clumping formula so it needs to be changed frequently to maintain its efficiency
Make the litter box maintenance easy with the Fresh Step Scented Crystal Cat Litter. It effectively locks bad smells and absorbs the cat’s urine & moisture from feces. It comes with a guaranteed 30 days of odor control. It is also the longest-lasting odor control litter as compared to any other Fresh Step litter.
This crystal cat litter is ultra-lightweight and weighs three to four times lesser than the traditional clumping litter. Because of this, it makes handling the litter a lot easier, and the most cost-effective cat litter.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 16 pounds
- Type: Clumping
- Scented
- 30 days of odor control
It is designed with a low dust formula and so it will not irritate your cat while breathing. Moreover, it is also designed to track the least or won’t track at all. And thus, it will not be scattered on the floor and will neither creat mess around your house.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and low dust formula
Cons:
- The scented formula might not be suitable for cats with allergies
This premium crystal cat litter from Just the Crystals pre-measured bags for ultimate convenience. As per the brand claims, it has the highest measured absorption of any other crystal litter in the market.
Its odor control and absorbency last almost 5 times longer than the conventional clay litter so overall the cost of using this litter also reduces. It can also be used with any ScoopFree litter boxes directly from the preportioned bag in which it is packed.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 8.8 pounds
- Type: Non-clumping
- Unscented
In addition to providing high absorbency, it is also formulated to provide the best odor control. Moreover, granules are dust-free and won’t make any dust clouds while your cat is using the litter box, or while you clean it.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free litter even safe for cats with any allergies
- High absorbency that lasts about 5 times longer than the conventional clay litter
Cons:
- In the case of multiple cats, the litter won’t be effective in absorbency and odor control for more than two weeks
Here is yet another crystal litter from PetSafe. It is very much the same as other crystal litter that we have listed out previously. The major difference is that along with the premium blue crystal, you also get a reusable tray that is supported with the ScoopFree litter boxes.
This crystal litter is made from silica gel and hence has similar properties to silica gel beads. Due to this it has a high absorbency and provides efficient odor control. It effectively absorbs liquid waste and moisture from the cat’s urine to eliminate bad smells from and around the litter.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 8 pounds of litter and 1 tray
- Type: Non-clumping
- Unscented
- Comes with a reusable litter tray
The litter, which is reusable, makes regular maintenance convenient with an easy way to clean the litter box. Moreover, with the non-clumping litter and the ScoopFree litter box along with its tray, you will never require to scoop the waste with your hands.
Pros:
- Highly absorbent crystal litter free from any fragrance
- Daily litter management without even touching the waste for scooping
Cons:
- Since the litter tray is reusable so you will need to clean it after using it for a few times
Also read
- Which cat litter doesn’t track?
- Cat litter for allergy sufferers
- Highly reviewed litter for cats with asthma
- Paper-based cat litter
6. Frisco Summer Clean Scented Crystal Cat Litter
The Frisco Summer Clean Scented Crystal Cat litter absorbs liquids and traps bad smell on contact with its advanced odor-locking crystals. It is not as popular as other top brands but the odor control and absorbency are similar to what top branded crystal litters provide.
The overall price of this crystal litter will be cheaper as one bag lasts for up to a month with one cat. It also provides around-the-clock protection and it is also ideal for multi-cat households.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 8 pounds
- Type: Non-clumping
- Scented
- Advanced odor-locking crystals
This crystal litter is designed for low tracking to help prevent it from tracking around the house. Moreover, the low-dust crystals do not create dust clouds while your cat is using it, or during cleaning and scooping and thus it won’t irritate your cat while breathing and will also minimize messes when cleaning or refilling.
Pros:
- Advanced odor-locking crystals that absorb cat’s urine and moisture from feces which ultimately locks in the undesirable bad smell
Cons:
- The crystal size is large which some of the cats won’t like on their paws
7. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
The Precious Cat Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter from Dr. Elsey’s is a hypo-allergenic and does not contain wheat, corn, paper, or pine. This makes it perfect for senior cats and especially those cats who have any allergies.
It absorbs the cat’s urine and moisture from feces and keeps the cat’s genital areas clean and thus helping prevent kidney failure & urinary tract infection. Its small-sized particles also dehydrate and coat the cat’s feces and reduce odor.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 8 pounds
- Type: Non-clumping
- Unscented
- Hypo-allergenic litter
Moreover, this litter is non-toxic but if in any case, your cat ingests it then immediately contact your veterinarian. It also has a litter box solutions booklet included, which makes daily management of the litter box easy, safe, and effective.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic cat litter suitable for cats with any allergies
- Free litter box management booklet included
Cons:
- Costlier as compared to other litters of the same variety
8. Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
The Clumping Crystal Cat Litter from Ultra Pet is available in a pack of one to four, so you can order based on your requirements accordingly. Unlike other non-clumping silica cat litters, it is okay even if you don’t scoop it daily. This clumping litter is effective even if scooped twice a week.
Thus multicolor crystal litter is made with high-quality silica gel beads. The granules of the litter are of optimum size and hence provides a balance between comfort and effectiveness. Due to this, the litter is also soft on the cat’s paws while she is using the litter.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 5 pounds
- Type: Clumping
- Unscented
- Multicolor crystals
This crystal cat litter provides excellent absorbency making it capable of eliminating even the strongest odor from and around the litter. And since this is a clumping litter so it will effectively absorb the liquid waste and coat and dehydrate the cat’s feces to eliminate the bad smell.
Pros:
- Does not require daily scooping since it is a clumping formula
Cons:
- Not very much effectively low tracking
9. Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
Here is yet another silica pearls litter pearl from Ultra Pet that is made from microcrystals. Since it is made from silica gel beads hence it also has similar properties. Because of this, it has an absorptive surface with 1000’s mini-channels for liquid waste absorption.
The high absorptive capacitive of this litter provides a good capacity for odor control. Due to this, it is efficient enough even in blocking the strongest odor and eliminating the bad smell from and around the litter box.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 7 and 10.5 pounds
- Type: Non-clumping
- Unscented
- Ultra absorbent microcrystals
The litter is long-lasting as compared to the conventional clay litters and as the brand claims, one bag of this litter will last for three months for one cat. However, since this is a non-lumping litter so you will need to change it frequently.
Pros:
- Highly absorptive crystal surface and odor control with mini-channels for liquid waste absorption
Cons:
- The effectiveness of this non-clumping crystal litter will reduce if not changed frequently
10. Neon Clumping Silica Gel Cat Litter
If your kitty (or for a matter of fact you as well) is choosy about the aesthetics then you should go for this silica gel cat litter. It is available in three bright fun colors; green, orange, and pink. Its Neon Hues help make the litter box brighter and more attractive.
It provides excellent odor control with the help of crystals that are made up of silica. In addition to this, since this is a clumping formula so it not only absorbs the liquid waste but also dehydrates and coats the cat’s feces to block even the strongest odor from and around the litter.
Key Features:
- Quantity: 4 pounds
- Type: Clumping
- Unscented
- Available in 3 bright colors
Moreover, unlike conventional clay litters, it is lightweight and five times more effective in odor control and absorbency. It also features dust-free formula so it will not form dust clouds hence it won’t irritate your cat while breathing during using the litter box.
Pros:
- Available in attractive neon colors that make the litter box brighter
Cons:
- It does not clump very well
Buyer’s Guide for Crystal Cat Litters
Looking forward to purchasing the crystal cat litters for the very first time or do not know much about it? With our descriptive buyer’s guide on the crystal cat litters, you will get to the complete details about it.
We have mentioned all of the things that include benefits, how to choose the best crystal litter, and frequently asked questions related to the crystal cat litters. This will help you to choose the most appropriate crystal cat litter based on your cat’s requirements.
What is Crystal Cat Litter & How Does it Work?
Crystal cat litters are made of silica gel beads that were first commercially introduced in the year the 1990s. You must have definitely come across silica gel used with electronics or some of the food products on which it is mentioned “Do not eat”, same silica gel beads are used for making crystal cat litters.
Since the crystal cat litters are made up of silica gel so it works in the same way. Just like the silica gel has moisture-absorbing properties, so does the litter made from it has the same property. Some additional material might also be added so as to turn it into a clumping variety.
Who Should Buy Silica Gel Cat Litter?
If you are someone who doesn’t want much involvement with the cat’s urine & feces (Nobody wants it right?) the crystal cat litter is the best option for you. Hence, the crystal cat litter is perfect for those who are looking for low maintenance litter.
Moreover, the crystal litter is not only low maintenance but is also long-lasting. Unlike the convention clay litter, its saturation does not reach very early and the efficiency and absorbency are still maintained even after many uses. Because of this, although initially, it might look costlier as compared to the conventional litters since you will not have to change it very frequently so the resultant cost will be less.
In addition to this, all those people who are looking out for a low weight litter if they find the convention litter very heavy while handling then the litter made out of silica are the best option for them.
Benefits of Using Crystal Cat Litter
There are many benefits to using crystal cat litter over conventional cat litters. Here we have mentioned the most important benefits of using crystal cat litter:
Less Tracking
The crystal cat litters provide increased levels of cleanliness as compared to any other conventional litter. These litters are designed in a way that does not track or track the least. Because of this the litter remains inside the box and does not mess loiter around your house.
Moreover, large granules crystal litter is something that you should look out for for long-haired cats. Because of the large size and the nature of the material of which it is made up, the crystal litters are unlikely to stick to the fur.
Dust-Free
The crystal cat litter doesn’t produce much dust or some of them are also dust-free. Being dust-free means it will not irritate your cat while breathing since it will not make dust clouds. It will also spread on the floor and hence keep it clean.
Additionally, if any litter produces dust and then after mixing it up with the liquid forms dirt at the bottom. So the crystal litters, which are mostly dust-free or produce the least dust are good in this case.
Easy to Maintain
The crystal litter requires the least maintenance since it is highly efficient. You also do not require to change it very frequently because unlike traditional litters it will not reach its saturation very soon.
With the crystal litters, whether they are clumping or non-clumping, the scooping and cleaning process is also very easy as the solid waste can get separated very easily from the litter.
High Absorption & Odor Control
The silica gel has an adsorption capacity of 40% of its weight. And since the crystal litters are made up of silica gel beads, so they also have similar properties. Because of this, these litters are amongst the best and have the highest absorbency of any other litter.
Moreover, the high rate of absorbency also means that it will have a good odor control capacity. Due to this, the crystal litters are efficient enough in eliminating even the strongest odors.
Mostly Hypoallergenic
The crystal cat litters are mostly hypoallergenic since no potentially harmful plant protein is used in them. Besides this, crystal litter is highly recommended for cats who are allergic to the dust of the traditional clay litter due to asthma or any other reason.
Lasts Longer
Since the crystal cat litters do not reach their saturation very soon and have a high efficiency of absorption & odor control hence they last longer and are not required to be changed very frequently.
Types of Crystal Cat Litters
As we know, various types of cat litter are available on the market. But there are only a few types of crystal cat litters. We have mentioned the most common types of crystal cat litters along with their benefits and drawbacks so as to make it easy for you to choose the best one for your kitty:
Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
The crystal cat litters that form clumps on being in contact with your cat’s liquid waste is a clumping crystal cat litter. Since the clumping litter forms clumps around the waste, so on scooping it out, the waste is almost completely removed. Because of this, the effectiveness of the litter is maintained.
Since the clumps are formed upon being in contact with the waste so after every time you scoop, some litter is also removed. Because of this, you need to refill the litter box when it reduces from the box. Moreover, the clumping varieties are also costlier as compared to the non-clumping ones, which is the major drawback of the clumping crystal cat litters.
Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
The non-clumping variety of crystal cat litters is the cheapest of all types. Unlike the clumping litters, the non-clumping one, as the name suggests, will not clump upon being in contact with the cat’s urine and feces.
Non-clumping crystal cat litters are also the cheapest type of cat litter. However, since it does not clump so entire litter gets saturated after a few usages. Because of this, it needs to be changed in order to maintain its effectiveness.
Scented Crystal Litter
The scented crystal litter has added fragrance that not only absorbs the odor but also adds a pleasant and acceptable fragrance to the litter which ultimately helps in masking the odor.
One major drawback of the scented cat litter is that if your cat or you are allergic to the fragrance that has been added then that litter might not be preferable for use.
Unscented Crystal Litter
The unscented crystal litter does not have any added fragrance in them. This litter uses the natural tendency of absorbency of the silica gel of which it is made up to absorb and control the odor.
Because of this, the unscented crystal litters might not be very efficient in blocking a very strong odor. However, since there is no added fragrance in these litters so it is safe for even cats with any allergies.
Multi-Cat Crystal Litter
There are some brands that provide multi-cat crystal litter. These litters are specially formulated for households with multiple cats. The multi-cat crystal litters are highly effective and efficient in controlling & eliminating odor and also have high absorbency.
How to Choose the perfect Crystal Cat Litter?
Here are some of the important factors that you need to consider before purchasing a crystal cat litter. Considering these factors will help you choose the best crystal cat litter for your cat:
Absorption & Odor Control
Any cat litter should have good absorption and odor control for its efficacy. The absorption and odor control efficiency of any litter is also one of the major factors to consider before purchasing any cat litter.
This applies true for a crystal cat litter as well. Higher the absorbency of the litter higher will be its efficiency in absorbing cat urine and moisture from the cat’s feces.
Similarly, if the litter has good odor control capacity then it will be effective in blocking the bad smell from and around the litter box.
If you have multiple cats at your home then make sure to purchase a litter that has a high capacity for odor control. You can also purchase multi-cat crystal litter as they are specially formulated for households with multiple cats.
Dust Control
If there is a high amount of dust in any litter then it might cause irritation or discomfort in your cat while breathing. Hence it is best advised to get a litter that is low dust or completely dust-free.
Since the products that we have added to our list are made up of silica gel beads hence they will produce less to no dust. Moreover, the dust-free or low dust litter will also keep your floors clean.
Low Tracking
It is also important that the litter which you are going to use tracks less or does not track at all. If any litter tracks more then it will not only create a mess all over your house but it will also increase its consumption as most of the litter will go wasted.
Generally, the silica crystal litters are already designed in such a way that it tracks less. The optimum size of the grains of the litter prevents it from sticking it to the paws and coat and hence prevents tracking.
Clumping or Non-Clumping
Whether a crystal litter is clumping or non-clumping matters a lot on its usability. Generally, the clumping litters are thought to be the best option while dealing with your cat’s daily scooping and cleaning process, however, this is not the case.
Depending upon different scenarios, a non-clumping or clumping crystal litter would be required. For example, if you have a kitten or any cat that has a habit of eating the litter then it is best recommended to get a non-clumping crystal litter. Because a clumping litter on ingesting may cause intestinal blockage.
Particle Size
The size of the particle also matters especially in the case of crystal cat litters. A litter with a bigger grain size will not be comfortable on your cat’s paws. And on the other hand, too fine grains of crystal litter might produce dust and will also not absorb the cat’s urine and feces moisture properly.
Hence it is recommended that the size of the grains of the litter should be optimum. A litter with optimum sized grains will have a balance between comfort, absorption, and odor control.
Comfort
In addition to the efficiency of the litter(in terms of absorption, odor control, etc), it should be equally comfortable. If the litter is not comfortable then no matter how efficient it is but if your kitty is not enjoying or comfortable in using it, then she might stop using the litter box.
Thus it is important to choose a litter that is comfortable for your feline and suits her retirements. In addition to this, if the litter is scented then see to it that the cat is not allergic to that. If she is allergic to the fragrance used in it then change the litter as it won’t be comfortable for her.
Price and Brand
It is also important to decide your budget before choosing any litter. However, make sure that you never compromise on the quality of the litter for its price. A litter of bad quality will not be able to maintain proper cleanliness & hygiene and thus can be harmful to the cat as well as people living together.
There are many top brands of crystal cat litters that provide litters at lower prices. Ultra Pet, Frisco, and PetSafe are amongst one them. These are not only the top brands of crystal cat litters but they also provide litter at a very feasible price.
FAQs
How much do crystal cat litters cost?
On average, you can expect to pay around $8-50 on crystal cat litters monthly. If your cat requires special cat litter due to a chronic medical issue, your expense will be closer to $100.
Which is the best crystal cat litter?
PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box is the best crystal cat litter refill you can get in 2023 as it is very effective and regular maintenance is convenient.
How often should I change crystal cat litter?
The crystal cat litters are low maintenance litters that unlike the conventional ones are not required to be changed very frequently. Most of the clumping crystal litters are not required to be changed in not more than a month. On the other hand, for non-clumping crystal litters, you would need to change it in one to two weeks.
Does crystal cat litter track?
The granules of the crystal cal litters are optimally designed so that they are neither too fine nor too large. Because of this, they do not lodge in your cat’s paws or their coat and hence do not track all over your house.
How do I dispose of crystal cat litter?
Since the crystal litters are made up of silica gel so it is non-biodegradable because of this you need to be careful while disposing of the crystal litter. The best way to dispose of the crystal cat litter is by packing it in a bag and throwing it off in a trash can.
The Final Note
We hope you got the perfect crystal litter for your kitty. At any point in time, if you are confused about which litter to choose then go for our top three recommendations as they are the top selected products amongst the best crystal cat litters.