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Cat litter is a must-have for cat parents, and for many, once a brand is found that their cats don’t mind, it’s the brand used forever. But sometimes, it’s good to be open to change; you might find a cat litter out there that your cat likes even better than their current one. Plus, there are so many types of cat litter these days—not just clay—so you and your kitty have more options than ever.
One of those options is crystal cat litter, but is it worth making the switch? Or should you keep using it? That’s what we’re here to help you figure out. Below, we’ll discuss exactly what crystal cat litter is, the pros and cons, and what other options are available if you decide this litter isn’t for you.
What Is Crystal Cat Litter?
Not familiar with crystal cat litter? Here’s the deal. Crystal cat litter is a mineral-based litter made up of silica gel (yes, the silica gel you often find in those tiny white packets labeled “do not eat” in packaged foods). Silica gel has minuscule pores in it that are capable of absorbing up to 40 times their own weight in liquid while also trapping odors. You can see how this makes for useful kitty litter!
According to some sources, crystal cat litter was first marketed by a pair of brothers in 1998.
The 4 Pros of Crystal Cat Litter
Crystal cat litter has several pros. Here’s a look at a handful of the benefits of using this type of litter.
1. Non-Toxic
If you’re wondering why crystal cat litter is considered non-toxic despite silica gel packs being labeled “do not eat”, the key difference lies in the type of silica used. Crystal cat litter is made from amorphous silica gel, which is generally safe for pets and humans. This differs from crystalline silica, a component found in some clay-based litters, which can pose a respiratory hazard when inhaled. Because crystal litter doesn’t produce the same fine dust as some clay litters, it may be a safer option for households with respiratory issues.
2. Highly Absorbent
As mentioned before, silica gel is highly porous, so it is easily able to absorb liquids, up to 40 times its own weight. This means not only is urine absorbed, but these crystals also cause feces to dry out, both of which are wonderful for helping reduce odors.
3. Simple Clean-up
This is one cat litter that’s a breeze to clean up (and it helps reduce the work associated with cleaning out the litter box)! You only have to scoop poop out each day, stir the remaining crystals so they don’t become smelly, and you’re done! And when it’s time to fully clean out your cat’s litter box, you’ll find no clumps stuck on the bottom of your litter box, as crystal litter is non-clumping. Have an automatic litter box? Crystal litter can also work well with those by keeping them cleaner longer with the lack of clumps and smaller granules!
4. Long-Lasting
Crystal litter lasts longer than many other litters in the litter box. Thanks to its fabulous absorption capability, you can go a month between changes! This also means you have to buy less, which might save you money in the long run, and less litter goes to the landfill.
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The 3 Cons of Crystal Cat Litter
Of course, there are always some drawbacks to products, so here are a few of the cons of crystal cat litter.
1. Not Environmentally Friendly
Crystal litter isn’t environmentally friendly for a couple of reasons, so if that’s important to you, you may want to pick a different litter. For starters, this litter is made from a mineral that comes from quartz, and quartz is mined. Mining operations are highly industrial and displace natural habitats and vegetation, causing erosion, along with air, noise, and water pollution.
This also isn’t a biodegradable product, which means when it goes to a landfill, it will take a very long time to break down.
2. Not Great for Feces Odor Control
Silica gel may be excellent for absorbing urine odors, but it’s not as great with feces odors. While it will eventually absorb these odors, too, as it removes moisture from the feces, you will likely smell your cat’s poop for a while after they use the litter box.
3. Cost
Crystal cat litter is definitely pricier than other cat litters on the market. Chalk it up to being a bit more advanced than most cat litter. So, you will likely pay $3–$4 more for a bag of this type. It does last longer than other litter, though, so the cost may be worth it in the long term.
Other Cat Litter Options
Of course, plenty of other cat litter types are on the market if you feel crystal cat litter isn’t right for your cat. Just a few of your other options include:
- Clay litter
- Paper litter
- Grass litter
- Pine litter
- Wheat litter
- Corn litter
- Walnut litter
- Tofu litter
All cat litters have pros and cons, so you’ll need to research to find the best option for you. If you need guidance choosing the best cat litter for your pet, we recommend asking a vet for personalized advice.
Conclusion
Crystal cat litter can be a fantastic option, as it has many pros, such as better absorption and odor control than others. However, there are also some cons, such as this litter being pricier than others and not great for the environment. Research all the types of litter out there to better understand whether crystal cat litter is right for your favorite feline!
Featured Image Credit: Valentina Zavrazhina, Shutterstock
