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best crystal cat litter

Best Crystal Cat Litters of 2022 – All You Need to Know

September 19, 2020 By Linda Barnes

Cats are generally seen as cuddly, warm, and lovable companions that fill our homes with happiness. However, happiness isn’t all that a cat can bring to your home. Additionally, it will also certainly bring with it the smell of used litter! A lingering smell of cat poop and pee is something that all cat owners have to endure at some stage in their life.

To eliminate this odor, they search high and low for litter that would not only keep the house smelling good but also will be best suited for their fur baby. I bet that’s why you’re here too! There are quite a few types of cat litter available nowadays. If you’re looking for an effective litter, crystal cat litter is the modern choice.

I know I breathed in relief when I switched from clay litter to crystal! The change was instantaneous and welcome. It’s proven to be good for my cats too. To choose the best crystal cat litter you need to look no further, as I have sifted through some of the best crystal cat litter reviews and scooped out (get it?) options for the best-rated crystal cat litter you need.

Best Crystal Cat Litter for Your Cat and You

Since crystal litter reviews are aplenty, they provide a good source of information to check some of the best crystal cat litter available for you. Check them out in my convenient little list-

Top 3 – Best Crystal Cat Litters

IMAGE NAME FEATURES PRICE
PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Cat Litter PetSafe Crystal Cat Litter
  • Weight: 18 lbs
  • Size: 3-Pack
  • Color: Premium Blue Crystals
  • Litter Feature: Odor Control, Non-Clumping, Scented, Dust Free, Low Tracking
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Fresh Step Crystals Cat Litter Fresh Step Crystals Litter
  • Weight: 16 Pounds
  • Color: Multicolor
  • Litter Feature: 30 Days of Odor Control, Low Dust
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Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter Ultra Pet Crystal Cat Litter
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Color: Clear-White with Multi-Color Crystals
  • Litter Feature: Scoopable, Odor Control, Low Tracking, Low Dust
  • Ingredients: Silica Gel, Clumping Agent
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Here Are the Best Crystal Cat Litters Review 2022

  1. PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Cat Litter
  2. Fresh Step Crystals Cat Litter
  3. Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
  4. ScoopFree Litter Tray Refills
  5. Vibrant Life Mini Silica Gel Crystals Litter
  6. Fresh Step Premium Crystals Cat Litter
  7. FreshMAGIC Chunk Style Crystal Cat Litter
  8. So Phresh Micro Crystal Cat Litter

1. PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Cat Litter

If you’re someone who definitely hates the litter box smell, you’re probably already using a Self-Cleaning cat litter box. These automatically separate waste from litter and make sure you don’t have to go sifting through poop and pee in the litter box.

PetSafe ScoopFree crystal cat litter is meant to be used in such boxes made by the same company. When used as intended, they control odor very well. As a plus, this product is also low-tracking, meaning your cat won’t walk around getting this litter everywhere in the house.

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  • Clean up is hassle-free
  • Comes in a convenient pre-measured tray
  • Low-tracking
  • No need to worry about dust
  • Does not control a lot of odor
  • Does not last as long as claimed

This litter comes in three types- Premium Blue, Sensitive, and Lavender. Cats who are weary of dye and perfume would be better off with the Sensitive type which is clear and contains no additional dye or fragrance.

This product comes not in bags but in trays that go with any PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning litter box. This eliminates the need to measure out litter. When it needs to be discarded, you just need to take out the whole tray and trash it. Considering the convenience, I’m tempted to name it the best value crystal cat litter on the list.

Also Read: Best Cat Tree for Large Cats – Affordable Reviews

2. Fresh Step Crystals Cat Litter

This manufacturer is popular for the odor-free litters they provide. This particular litter promises a 30 days odor control guarantee, which is very enticing! Imagine if you could go without smelling cat pee for a whole month!

This comes in a standard litter bag which is also very lightweight for the volume. You would not break your back trying to lug it around. The Fresh Step litter comes with instructions, such as washing your hands carefully after dealing with used litter, not flushing the used litter down the toilet, etc.

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  • Customers reported low tracking
  • Controls odor very well
  • Produces minimal dust
  • May cause allergic reactions in some cats

For optimal results, you should scoop out solids daily and mix the litter. This way, it can perform the best and you might even find that it’s the best crystal cat litter you ever used. Some users complained about smell and cleanup, but that can be prevented if you follow the instructions.

3. Ultra Pet Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

Aside from the standard silica gel crystals which is the main ingredient of crystal litter, this Ultra Pet litter also contains clumping agents. So while most crystal litter would not clump, this one would. If clumping is what you’d prefer, this might be the best crystal cat litter for you.

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  • Satisfactory clumping
  • Cheaper than the other alternatives
  • Lightweight
  • Does not control odor well
  • Produces dust

A lot of other crystal litters claim to clump, but don’t work that well in practice. In my opinion, this is the best clumping crystal cat litter. This is also the cheapest crystal cat litter that exhibits satisfactory performance.

Also Read: Best Cat Food for Older Cats – Reviews for Healthy Food

4. ScoopFree Litter Tray Refills

For those who are big fans of cats but not of the cleanup, this is a good option. This goes with any of the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning litter boxes. So if you already have one of those boxes, you just need to pop this refill tray in and enjoy up to a month of odor-free peace.

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  • Low maintenance
  • Stays effective for up to a month
  • A very pricey choice

In case you have more than one cat though, this refill tray needs to be changed more often. But that’s only fair, right? Otherwise, this product provides much fewer cleanup-related headaches.

5. Vibrant Life Mini Silica Gel Crystals Litter

If you’re looking for the best-rated crystal cat litter, I’d confess, this is one I’m very partial to. Why? Simply because this product is made of 100% percent silica gel. There’s no extra ingredient, no dye or fragrance, hence 100% biodegradable. This means Vibrant Life Mini Litter is totally environment friendly and also good for sensitive cats and humans.

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  • No extra additives
  • Minimal tracking
  • Great odor control
  • Expensive
  • Prone to producing dust

Additionally, this litter also has a unique feature. Crystal litter pieces might sometimes be too sharp and scratch or even cut your kitty’s paw. Vibrant Life crystal litter claims to be gentle on your pet’s feet, so they might feel comfortable and take a liking to this litter.

Also Read: Best Cat Shampoo – Top Reviews for Pets

6. Fresh Step Premium Crystals Cat Litter

Are you wondering why this litter is named “Fresh Step”? That’s because it does not stick to your cat’s paw or fur and your cat does not track it wherever she goes. This is a big relief for cat owners who are sick of vacuuming whenever the cat uses her litter box. For them, this could be the best crystal cat litter available right now.

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  • Good value for money
  • Locks odor well
  • Great durability
  • Claims to clump but does not

This litter boasts attractive features like any of the high-quality products on the list. It controls odor for a long time and also can be used upwards of a month. It’s also lightweight and easy to use for elderly or sick cat parents. Make sure you don’t flush it, though.

7. FreshMAGIC Chunk Style Crystal Cat Litter

If you’re a mom or dad to multiple furballs, sometimes you need a heavy-duty litter. As the name suggests, this FreshMAGIC Crystal litter has larger chunks than any other average crystal litter. This makes it suitable for larger litter boxes, being used by multiple cats, and also reduces tracking.

Users reported that it certainly tracks less than other crystal litters available. The larger chunks also ensure less dust. It also works amazingly to eliminate any lingering smell after your kitty has done her business and left.

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  • Budget-friendly option
  • Cats tend to take a liking to the larger crystal chunks
  • Reduces gross smells
  • Users report it to be less absorbent than expected
  • The crystal chunks are painful when stepped on

However, this litter does seem to have an issue with absorbency. But if it’s scooped and stirred daily, that should not be a problem. The more cats you have, the more often you need to change it out, but that’s only to be expected.

Also Read: Best Flea Collar for Cats Use – Top Reviews to Buy

8. So Phresh Micro Crystal Cat Litter

In this entire list, I really think this is the best micro-crystal cat litter you can use. You’re probably wondering what’s micro-crystal litter and how it works. I have the easy answer for you right here. Silica gel micro crystals are small and are many times more absorbent than normal crystal litter.

They can even absorb as much urine as they weigh. So you no longer have to worry about a soggy, smelly litter box anymore. This is why I would recommend So Phresh micro crystal litter as the best crystal cat litter in terms of absorbency. Additionally, microcrystals are also gentle on the cat’s delicate paws.

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  • Absorbent crystals control odor very well
  • Lightweight package
  • Gentle on cat’s paws
  • Clumps sticking to the bottom of the pan making cleanup a chore

That’s a very welcoming feature for a product my cat would use multiple times a day. So Phresh’s litter also has clumping properties, so you can scoop out the solids daily. The litter is also fragrance-free so your sensitive cat can be comfortable using it. However, be careful not to flush it down the toilet or dump it in the gutters.

Things You Should Know Before Using Crystal Cat Litter

Is Crystal Litter Safe for Your Cats?

While clay litter may be messy, many users prefer the comfort of this traditional option, mostly because they are suspicious of crystal litter being toxic for their cats. Is this suspicion valid? Well, I can say that you should definitely be careful that your pet does not swallow cat litter crystal.

While silica gel is not poisonous or toxic to your cat, it might lead to choking. You need to practice a bit more caution if the litter of your choice contains additional ingredients. Kittens are curious creatures and tend to put everything in their mouth so be very vigilant if you’re making them use crystal litter.

Unless your cat gets crystals in her mouth, there isn’t much to be worried about crystal litter. It can even keep your cat healthy by preventing microbial growth in the litter box. Another issue is the tracking. It isn’t a safety issue, really, but cat owners complain about their cats tracking litter across the floor.

While crystal litter tracks a lot less than clay litter, there’s still some tracking and some cats even track these crystals up to human beds. What to do? Unless you want to vacuum or sweep around the litter box every time your cat uses it, just put a litter trapping mat under the box. You’ll thank me later!

Also Read: Best Dog Cooling Mat – Best Options To Choose

How Does Crystal Litter Work?

You can understand how clay litter works. But how about crystals? How exactly do they get the job done? You probably already know silica gel can absorb moisture. That’s what crystal litter is made from and that’s how this type of litter absorbs urine and also dehydrates solid waste.

This process also eliminates odor. Microcrystal litter does the same thing, only much more efficiently. You may find scented crystal litters, which might offer a little more in the odor department. However, any added scent might irritate your cat if she has a sensitive nose.

In fact, these additives might even agitate humans with asthma or allergy. Taking that into consideration, I suggest you stick to unscented varieties. If you’re in the mood to experiment, buy the smallest amount available and introduce it to your kitty a little bit at a time.

Aside from scented ones, clumping crystal litters also contain additives. Practice caution with these too. Always read the ingredients carefully, and visit the manufacturer’s website to learn about how the litter works. Even if the one you’re using is the best crystal cat litter ever, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.

How to Properly Use Crystal Litter?

Many first-time users get frustrated with crystal litter simply because they do not follow the instructions. You need to accept that crystal litter is different from clay litter. They give different results, so you cannot expect to treat them the same way without facing some unexpected effects.

First, unless the package specifically claims the litter to be clumping, do not expect crystal litter to clump. Even when it is a clumping type of crystal litter, it might not clump as much as clay litter. But that’s a good thing! I personally prefer not to scoop out big litter clumps every day.

Also, unless you’re using a self-cleaning box, agitate the litter regularly to make sure the crystals absorb the liquid in an even manner. Wear a mask if this work feels smelly, it’ll also keep the dust out of your airways. This will go a long way to tamp down that persistent litter box smell.

Unless you scoop and stir regularly, the crystals won’t work that well and you might even end up with a soggy litter box. Ew! Lastly, I feel like I need to remind you again that you shouldn’t flush crystal litter down the toilet. Even if the package does not explicitly warn against flushing, you should just discard the used litter in your trash.

Also Read: How to Raise a Kitten – Easy Tips for Beginner’s

Which Crystal Cat Litter Should You Pick?

There are quite a few factors you should consider when picking the best crystal cat litter for your kitty. Look carefully-

  • Does it control odor effectively? If the odor is your main concern, you should really pick the one that eliminates odor better than others.
  • Which type do you prefer, clumping or non-clumping? If you like quick cleanups, non-clumping might be the best choice. However, if you’re used to cleaning up clumps and want to stick to that, pick a clumping litter.
  • If you or your cat has asthma or other respiratory issues, allergies, etc. make sure you go with a litter that produces minimal amounts of dust. It is also better because silica dust itself can be harmful to you and your cat.
  • Which pet parent does not want to pamper their fur baby? If you’re worried about your cat’s paws hurting on the crystal bits, you might want to pick micro-crystal ones. They should be a more gentle choice.
  • The litter should also be budget-friendly. If cost is an issue, my list has a few inexpensive items that you can check out.
  • If money isn’t an issue and instead you want something more convenient, you could go with the kind of litter that goes with a self-cleaning litter box.
  • Do you not want the chore of dumping the contents of your cat’s litter box every few days? Make sure to pick one that can last a few weeks, even up to a month between changing it out.
  • The number of cats you have is also a big factor, as in that case, you’ll need a litter that has more absorbing power and also won’t burn a hole into your wallet.

An Important Tip

Have you already chosen the crystal litter for your kitty? Splendid! Now, before you clean out her litter box and fill it with the new and shiny crystal litter, you need to know this. You need to introduce this new litter to your cat slowly, over a few days.

Start by mixing a small amount of crystal litter with the old one that your kitty has been using. Repeat this procedure over the next few days and increase the amount of new litter bit by bit daily. This way your kitty will eventually get used to the new litter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What Is Crystal Liter?

A: Crystal litter for your beloved pet cat is made from silica gel beads. These beads soak up humidity and bad smells quickly, which is not possible with clay litter. Tiny pores can be seen in the sodium silicate flakes. Sodium silicate is capable of sucking up its weight in humidity.

As these beads are full of small perforations, they suck up the pee in the kitty litter. Your cat won’t feel trouble using these crystals. Also, this litter is lightweight and therefore easy to carry. Moreover, tiny crystals minimize dust, so your cat or you wouldn’t feel any respiratory discomfort.

Q: How Does Crystal Cat Litter Control Odor?

A: The pearls in crystal cat litter feel dry to the touch a short time after your cat uses them. The moisture will at that point vanish, catching the scent-inducing particles inside their inner channels. So basically, this litter locks in odor and absorbs wetness on contact. Besides, some of these litters are also scented; therefore, they reduce odor even further.

Q: How Long Does Crystal Cat Litter Last?

A: Anywhere from 15 days to a month. If you take out clumps daily and maintain the “scoop and stir” routine, then you can hope to go this long. However, if you take out clumps less often, for example: once or twice a week, the litter box would start to smell much earlier.

Q: How to Reuse Crystal Cat Litter?

A: There’s a DIY method that you may employ under caution. First, use a scoop to remove all the solids. Pour the litter into a bucket, add a cup of baking soda and a cup of apple cider vinegar and let it foam up. Then, fill just over the litter level with hot water and stir it around. Let it sit for a few hours. Drain out the water, then refill with cold water. Let it all sit overnight.

After about two or three cold water rinse cycles, the urine smell will be significantly diminished. Then pour the wet litter into a large baking sheet. Set all of it in the sun to dry and sterilize. The next day, you’ll see that it looks almost like a bunch of fresh litter, and the residual smell is minimal.

Also Read: Best Cat Beds for Your House Pet Loves

Bottom Line

By now, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all the information. Who knew there could be so much to think about when choosing something like the best crystal cat litter! But trust me, it is important to your cat’s quality of life. Once she has a clean, odor-free, mess-free place to take care of her business, you’ll see how much happier and healthier she becomes!

And in turn, you’ll be happier as well. Win-win! So, which crystal litter do you think you’ll pick? Why do you think it’ll be good for your kitty? Come say hi in the comments and let me know!

Filed Under: Buying Guide, Other Animals

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