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The Best Crystal Cat Litter in 2022

Last Updated: January 4, 2022
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By Petside
Published 14:32 pm
Show Contents
Contents
  • The Best Crystal Cat Litter
  • 1. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Cat Litter
  • 2. Ultra Micro Crystals Cat Litter
  • 3. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Crystal
  • 4. Vibrant Life Mini Crystal Unscented Cat Litter
  • 5. Ultra Unscented Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
  • 6. Fresh Step Premium Crystals Easy Care Litter
  • 7. Ultra Pet Little Pearls Micro Crystals
  • 8. So Phresh Odor-Lock Crystals
  • 9. Clear Choice Silica Crystals
  • 10. Zen Kitty Cat Litter Crystals

It's always a tricky task when it comes to finding the best litter for your cat. But if you've managed to find your way to crystal cat litter you're halfway there! Now it's a case of fully understand the benefits of crystal cat litter and how it will fit you and your cat. Fortunately, this article had been written with that decision in mind, containing all of the crucial information you need to make a confident decision. So be sure to check out the buying guide for additional information on the inner workings of crystal cat litter and what to look for, before browsing our carefully selected range of the best crystal cat litter on the market today. Balancing the pros and cons of crystal cat litter, and taking into account a wide range of crystal cat litter review points, we hope to guide you towards finding the best silica cat litter for your kitty.

The Best Crystal Cat Litter

1. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Cat Litter

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Key Features

    Quickly dries solid waste and absorbs urine

    Low-tracking to help keep litter box space tidy

    Can last up to 30 days in a single-cat household

    Best suited for use in the PetSafe ScoopFree Reusable Cat Litter Tray

    A light, fresh scent to help control tough kitty litter odors

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PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Non-Clumping Cat Litter
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The ScoopFree non-clumping cat litter comes in two handy -pre-portioned bags to save you having to keep an open bag of kitty litter between uses, simply tip a bag of kitty litter into the tray, and voilà! The individual bags are also perfect for use with the PetSafe ScoopFree Reusable Cat Litter Tray, though that’s not the be-all and end-all. However you chose to use this litter, it provides 30 days of odor control for single-cat households, with rapidly absorbing crystals that quickly dry out solid waste until you can scoop it out.

    Pros

    No overwhelming odors or tracking

    Works really well with sifting litter boxes

    Easily outlasts other competing brands of cat litter

    Colored crystals help to indicate urine density

    Cons

    Not good for cats that have a habit of chewing their litter

    Quite dusty so not suitable for cats with respiratory weakness

    Not the most cost-effective for multi-cat households

2. Ultra Micro Crystals Cat Litter

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Key Features

    Silica gel cat litter supplies maximum odor control.

    Reusability offers 70% less landfill waste than clay litter

    Thousands of mini-channels allow for excellent liquid absorption

    One bag lasts for up to a month with one cat

    Absorbs urine and dries solid waste instantaneously

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Ultra Micro Crystals Cat Litter
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The UltraPet crystal litter is economical, efficient, and effective. The dyed blue crystal act as n indicator for you to know when the litter has become oversaturated and needs to be cleaned out. Additionally, the clear crystal is the ideal blank canvas to show any color variations in your cat’s urine, helping you to recognize any potential problems early. The only downside seems to be that if the litter is still wet, it can be tracked out of the tray after use.

    Pros

    Finer crystal are comfortable with picky cats

    Moisture evaporates away meaning crystals don’t get wet or gummy

    Doesn’t stick to a long cat’s fur

    Slight clumping is a good indicator for when it is ready to be changed

    Cons

    Blue dye can leech out and stain the box

    Wet litter can get stuck in cats paws and get tracked

    Not suitable for kittens likely to digest it as it can cause a blockage

3. Dr. Elsey’s Cat Crystal

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Key Features

    Infused with hydrolyzed herbs to draw kitties to the litter box

    Non-toxic and hypo-allergenic

    Particles won’t stain or adhere to your cat’s coat

    Low tracking, easy to scoop formula

    Capable of trapping odor and urine upon contact

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Dr. Elsey’s Cat Crystal
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Dr. Elsey’s silica litter is a carefully formulated non-clumping formula that is capable of absorbing a significant amount of fluid and mask ammonia smells effectively. The cat litter crystals are also infused with hydrolyzed herbs which can help your cat to adjust to their new litter more easily, something we all know can be difficult as cats highly sensitive to change. Just keep in mind that the dust from this litter can gather at the bottom of the tray and be a little tricky to cleanout.

    Pros

    Crystals don’t get stuck on the fur of long-haired cats

    Hypoallergenic formula good for cats with respiratory problems

    Works for multiple cats, absorbing and masking odor effectively

    Hydrolyzed herbal attractant helps cats adjust quickly

    Cons

    Dyed crystal can leak dye once fully saturated

    Dust can gather at the bottom and be tricky to clean

    Crystals can be difficult to see if tracked outside of the box

4. Vibrant Life Mini Crystal Unscented Cat Litter

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Key Features

    Environmentally-friendly silica crystal litter

    20-30 days long-lasting formula (with a single cat)

    Absorbs and traps odors and liquids in seconds

    Silica is gentle on your kitty’s paws

    Low dust cat litter formula

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Vibrant Life Mini Crystal Unscented Cat Litter
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Vibrant Life’s crystal cat litter (formerly known as a brand named Mimi) is the ideal litter choice for a single cat, as it can last up to 30 days thanks to the super-absorbency of silica-gel crystals. It is an unscented litter, which is ideal for cats that are hypersensitive to new smells. Additionally, this litter can be used with self-cleaning kitty litter boxes, and customers have commented that the crystal size helps auto-cleaning boxes to run more smoothly.

    Pros

    Can be used alongside other standard kitty litter

    Works with automatic self-cleaning cat litter trays

    Only needs changing out once every 10-12 days (with one cat)

    Two bags make for easy storage and less chance of spilling

    Cons

    Oversaturation can cause color leakage

    Lasts closer to 20 days with larger cat breeds

    Odor can leak out if it becomes oversaturated

5. Ultra Unscented Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

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Key Features

    Silica crystal litter provides maximum odor control

    Ultra-fine crystals much lighter than other cat litters

    Super-absorbent micro crystals control moisture quickly

    Sand-like consistency to be gentle on your cat’s paws

    Required scooping twice a week

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Ultra Unscented Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
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Ultra Pet’s crystal cat litters are highly effective with a range of crystal sizes to suit a variety of kitties and their waste. Your feline friend should find this silica litter a comfortable, neutral change from their previous litter. Especially seeing as it is light and easy for them to move once they’re done. However, keep in mind that the clumping feature may cause the crystals to stick to your kitty’s feet, leading to slight tracking.

    Pros

    Made to imitate sand so it won’t irritate your cat’s paws

    Much lighter than clay litter making it easier to clean and store

    Silica litters are more reliable than other litters

    Dries out cat feces quickly to prevent bad odor

    Cons

    Clumping can cause it to stick to the cat litter box

    Not suitable for a multi-cat household

    Fewer colored indicators can be more difficult to spot

6. Fresh Step Premium Crystals Easy Care Litter

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Key Features

    Crystals lock in odor better than typical clay clumping litter

    Lightweight crystal litter is easy to carry and clean up

    Leaves a fresh scent while absorbing moisture on contact

    Low dust formula helps keep surfaces and air clean

    Crystals can last up to 30 days in the litter box

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Fresh Step Premium Crystals Easy Care Litter
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The Fresh Step is the ideal fresh litter, lightly scented to draw cats towards their new litter and help them to adapt more easily. The fresh Step crystals premium odor control is highly effectively, especially considering the addition of the fresh scent. Though like other non-clumping cat litters, the only downside is that the size of the crystals means needing a larger scoop, which can let small amounts of cat feces fall through.

    Pros

    Works well in a self cleaning litter box

    Fresh step crystals have gentle and appealing scent

    Very little tracking after use

    Some of the best crystal litter for axious cats

    Cons

    Blue dye in the crystals can seap color with a lot of use

    Not ideal for a multi cat household unless they have separate boxes

    Can kick up quite a bit of dust whilst cleaning out the tray

7. Ultra Pet Little Pearls Micro Crystals

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Key Features

    Superior odor control effectively masks the waste odor

    Dries solid waste rapidly for better odor control

    Cat litter crystals are fine and soft on your kitty’s paws

    Very low dust formula to prevent tracking

    1000’s of mini-channels in the absorptive surface for liquid absorption

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Ultra Pet Little Pearls Micro Crystals
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If you have pale carpets and want to avoid staining, these may be the best cat litter crystals for you, due to the fact that there are fewer indicator crystals. As the indicator crystal are dyed, fewer crystals means less dye likely to transfer onto your cat’s feet. This is a highly absorbant crystal, that effectively dried out solid waste and masks the unpleasant amonia smell. Though be warey that the unscented crystals can struggle to mask the smell of excessive or particularly pungent urine.

    Pros

    Very few dyed indicator pellets meaning less chance of staining

    One bag can last a single cat for two months

    Hypoallergenic litter is ideal for cats with respiratory issues

    More effective odor control than othan clumping clay litters

    Cons

    Less colored indicator crystal than other crystal litters

    Larger crystals can be slightly uncomfortable for cats with sensitive paws

    Odor control factor can struggle with particularly pungent cat waste

8. So Phresh Odor-Lock Crystals

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Key Features

    Odor-locking crystals provide excellent odor control

    Capable of trapping odors and liquids for up to 30-days

    Carefully designed to reduce mess and tracking

    Non-toxic crystal formula has superior moisture absorption

    Less dusty than the majority of clay litters

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So Phresh Odor-Lock Crystals
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Petco is a well establish pet supply chain, meaning you know exactly what to expect with this product. Keep your litter box filled around 4-inches deep with Petco’s So Phresh crystal litter in order to make the most of the odor control and high absorption capabilities. Additionally, the crystals are non-toxic, making them suitable for kittens as young as 12 weeks old. Though the one note we have see regarding this litter is that these crystals are not ideal for burying poop due to their size.

    Pros

    Available in two bag sizes to suit single and multi-cat households

    The slightly larger crystals are extremely absorbant

    Works better than traditional clay litter in scoopfree litter tray system

    Developed by an establish pet supply brand

    Cons

    Not the best litter for burying poop

    Heavy amounts of dust can fall to the bottom with a lot of use

    Not all cats prefer crystal over clay meaning they can struggle to adjust

9. Clear Choice Silica Crystals

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Key Features

    Micro pores in each silica granules provide excellent absorption

    The first clumping cat litter to contain a pH indicator

    Low tracking formula to keep the cat litter box area clean

    Each bag contains a two month supply

    Low dust formula keeps litter box tidy and air clean

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Clear Choice Silica Crystals
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A low tracking formula to stop the crystals from sticking to your cat’s paws and litter tracking around the house. Additionally this crystal litter has clumping capabilities to prevent urine from seeping to the bottom. The Clear Choice’s silica cat litter helps pet owners to clearly monitor their cat’s unriation habits with the blue indicator crystals, as well as containing a PH indicator to keep track of acidity levels that could indicate a potential health problem.

    Pros

    Indicator crystals fade to let you know when it’s time to replace the litter

    The low-tracking does a great job os stopping crystals from sticking

    Just the crystals are environmentally friendly

    The extra large bag contains a 2 months supply

    Cons

    If dust is kicked up it can cause your cat to sneeze

    Do not pour down the toilet as crystal will expand and block the pipe

    Not compatible with the scoop free litter box

10. Zen Kitty Cat Litter Crystals

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Key Features

    Fantastic odor control keeps the house smelling fresh

    Soft crystals are comfortable on your cat’s paws

    Low dust formula helps to keep your home clean

    Non-clumping formula is long-lasting and hygienic

    Light-weight design for easy use and cleaning

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Zen Kitty Cat Litter Crystals
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Zenkitty’s cat litter is the only crystal litter on our list to contain pink and purple crystals, and while this may bee irrelevant, it’s perfect for owners looking to match their litter box to the kitty. It’s a small detail appreciated by many cat owners. The lightweight crystal are easy to move and clean out, as well as containing a gentle scent that can help to sooth your feline friend at toilet time. Though it is not an entirely dust-free formula, meaning it can get a little messy when kicked around.

    Pros

    Odor locking litter crystals massively reduce bad odor

    Pink and purple crystals make cute litter for female cats

    Light weight crystals are easy to work with

    The gentle scent helps to keep kitty calm

    Cons

    Not entirely dust free, so can be messy to clean

    Just like the blue crystals, the dye can seep cause staining

    Small crystal can be picked up and tracked out of the tray

Crystal Cat Litter Buying Guide

Features To Consider Before Buying Crystal Cat Litter

There are a few things you may want to consider before deciding whether or not to purchase crystal cat litter. The best crystal cat litter for you will be something that can cater to the various requirements you may have for your kitty.

How Many Cats do You Have?

This is both for cost, as well as for odor control and longevity. Cat owners with multiple cats will need to take into account how much silica crystal cat litter it may take to get an effective result. If you have two cats that like to pee a lot, try to aim for a silica gel litter that will be the most absorbent so as to save you the time and effort of more regular cleanouts. The longer your litter lasts, the less likely it is to become oversaturated, and the less frequently you will need to empty the tray. Thus saving you money in the long run.

Dyed or Not Dyed?

You'll notice a lot of the silica crystal cat litter products out there are dyed, or partially dyed. This can be extremely helpful in clearly indicating when the litter is becoming oversaturated. This makes cleaning your cat's tray out a much simpler affair - simply watch for the color indicator to tell you when the litter needs changing.

However, If you have a house with cream or white carpet and don't want to risk getting it stained, dyed litter might not be right for you. As it becomes saturated with urine the dye can leach out of the litter - staining your cat litter tray and potentially getting picked up by your cat's paws. This will be minimal, but perhaps not worth the risk? Though some would say this is better than the alternative of traditional clumping litter which can track cement-like clay into the carpet.

Scented or Unscented?

Scented cat litters are known for being a little bit overwhelming at times. However, as good as the odor control in silica gel is, it's not 100% reliable. Your cat could have a particularly pungent pee from lack of hydration, a scent that may leach out from the litter box. However, some people can also find that scented litter can be a bit too overwhelming, and sensitive cats can be put off by strong smells, as it can feel like an assault on their senses. The difference is that you can keep on top of any urine odor by more frequent cleanouts. However, you can't adjust the scented litter smell.

Clumping or Non-Clumping?

Silica crystal litter can be found in both clumping and non-clumping forms. Clumping litter has a tendency to stick in your cat's fur whilst it is wet. However, non-clumping cat litter tends to require thoroughly cleaning more often due to urine being able to seep to the bottom more easily. Clumping can certainly be more convenient than loose litter, however, each has its pros and cons that you should consider before deciding.

 

Woman scooping cat's-sand-cat from pick-up truck

Benefits of Using a Crystal Cat Litter

Crystal cat litter products provide cat owners with highly absorbent, and effective odor masking technology. Silica gel is known for its absorbent properties, hence its use in keeping items dry in their boxes during storage (the small silica gel packets found with shoes and other similar items). However, this is not the only reason silica gel is with having.

Above all else, silica gel is a brilliant indicator to can owners to let them know if something is not quite right with their kitty. Some crystal cat litters have inbuilt indicators that will change color according to acidity or alkaline levels. Additionally, the neutral coloration of silica gel (unless it has been dyed), means you are able to spot any other worrying signs in your cat's urine. This can include the presence of blood, which would otherwise go amiss in standard cat litters, including clumping clay litter.

The best crystal cat litter will combine all of these elements to provide you with a highly absorbent litter with effective odor masking properties, and helpful indicators to assist you in monitoring your cat's health from afar.

How Does Crystal Cat Litter Work?

Crystal cat litter works but utilizing the ultra-absorbent properties of silica gel. In fact, each crystal can hold approximately 40 times its weight in fluid. Micro crystal cat litter is able to rapidly dry out solid waste and mask the strong ammonia odor of cat urine. The environment of crystal cat litter also reduces the potential of bacteria buildup, making your cat's litter tray a much more hygienic place for them to relieve themselves.

Cat sitting in a cat litter box or tray.

Crystal Cat Litter FAQ:

Q: How Often Do I Change Crystal Cat Litter?

A:

Though it does depend on how many cats you have, the timeframe is much easier with crystal cat litter than it is with clay. Typically silica gel cat litter needs scooping a couple of times a day, like usual. However, the big complete clear-out which requires the tray to be emptied and disinfected only needs to be done once every 2-3 weeks (depending on how much your kitty likes to pee). As opposed to the usual once a week that is required with standard cat litter.

Q: Is Crystal Cat Litter Biodegradable?

A:

No. Most crystal litters are not biodegradable unless otherwise stated on the packaging. Therefore you need to be careful to dispose of it properly. Do not flush it or dump it outside. You will need to wear gloves whilst you empty the litter box, and then tightly tie the bag you have tipped the litter into before taking it straight out to the dumpster. Try not to put the used litter into the trash can inside the house, as cat urine can contain harmful parasites that you do not want to risk making contact with. Though silica crystals do reduce bacterial growth, direct contact with soiled litter should still be avoided.

Q: What Kind Of Litter Box Do I Need For Crystal Cat Litter?

A:

There are several options of cat litter boxes you can choose from to suit your crystal litter. Most crystal litters recommend using self-cleaning cat litter boxes. Crystal cat litter generally does not clump together, though there are some that advertise clumping properties. For both clumping and non-clumping cat litter, you can use a sifting litter box.

However, if it does not clump you need to be aware that the urine will remain in the box until it is scooped out or the entire litter box is cleaned out. Additionally, crystal litter does also work well with self-cleaning and automatic cat litter boxes, as well as a traditional litter tray. Especially seeing as silica gel is known for being extremely adept at masking odors, meaning you don't need to worry too much about removing the urine saturated litter immediately unless you have more than one cat sharing a litter box, in which case cleaning may be necessary more frequently to avoid oversaturation.

Related Reads

The Best Clumping Cat Litters in 2022

The Best Sifting Litter Boxes for Pine Pellets in 2022

The Best Disposable Litter Boxes in 2022

The Best Cat Litter For Odor Control in 2022

The Best Cat Litter Box in 2022

The Best Cat Litter Mats in 2022

The Best Cat Litter in 2022

The Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes in 2022

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