Is Crystal Cat Litter Good for Odor Control? Pros, Cons & Verdict

Typically, most cat litter today is made out of clay or a similar material. However, crystal cat litter has become more popular over the years. Generally, crystal cat litter is better at fighting odors and controlling moisture than other cat litters. Plus, it is usually dust-free and lightweight.

However, it is also far more expensive than most. Many companies claim it lasts longer, which makes the higher price worth it to some. Still, how much longer does crystal litter last, and does the extended lifespan make it worth the price? Below, we’ll answer those questions and examine how crystal litter performs compared to other types.

Crystal Cat Litter – A Quick Look

How Is Crystal Cat Litter Different from Clay Litter?

Crystal cat litter is different from clay cat litter in how it functions. These two types of litter are so different that it is difficult to compare them. The tiny beads are extremely absorbent, which means that they soak up urine pretty easily.

Furthermore, the litter doesn’t have a scent, which is much different from clay cat litter. Therefore, crystal cat litter may be a lifesaver for those sensitive to artificial scents. It is also pretty lightweight in comparison to clay cat litter.

Non-Clumping

Crystal cat litter is usually non-clumping. While a few brands clump, they are few and far between. Therefore, when the crystals get “full,” you’ll need to change the litter box completely. However, non-clumping crystal litter is not like non-clumping clay litter.

Instead of scooping like traditional litter, you simply stir crystal cat litter. This ensures that the overloaded crystals get mixed in with the fresh ones. The urine continuously gets soaked up by the new crystals until they are all exhausted. Usually, this lasts quite a long time.

You can’t tell much of a difference between “used” crystals and unused crystals. The urine does not just sit at the bottom like traditional, non-clumping litters. Plus, there is no liquid since the crystals soak it up.

Therefore, many cat owners consider crystal cat litter easier to care for than traditional cat litter.

Dust-Free

During shipping, most clay cat litter gets broken down at least somewhat. Because it is just clay, the pieces can break when hit and banged up against things, which is bound to happen during shipping. In the end, this results in a bit of dust. Of course, some litters are dustier than others.

However, crystal cat litter is much more durable and is practically dust-free. This feature is just a nice plus for many pet parents, but for others with allergies and asthma, it can improve their symptoms.

Availability

Crystal litter isn’t as widespread as clay, so you’ll have to do a bit of searching to find a litter suitable for your cat. However, many popular brands produce crystal cat litter, and you'll have better luck shopping online.

The biggest crystal cat litter producer is UltraPet, but Scoop Away and Fresh Step also have crystal litter lines. You're more likely to find those brands in pet stores than litter made by smaller producers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Benefits of Crystal Cat Litter?

There are many benefits of crystal cat litter. For one, it is very lightweight. Therefore, it is excellent for those who can’t handle the big, heavy bags of clay cat litter. It tracks less (usually), but it can get messy if the cat likes to sling litter.

However, crystal cat litter only requires stirring, not scooping. Therefore, you won’t have to spend quite as much time on litterbox maintenance. It also has great odor control properties, assuming you care for it properly.

Does Crystal Cat Litter Hurt Cat Paws?

No. Crystal cat litter is gentler on paws than clay litter. Therefore, we recommend it for cats with sensitive paws, which can sometimes affect seniors and kittens. Crystal cat litter can be a bit harsh on human feet, which makes tracking more of a problem. However, some crystal cat litters are softer than others.

What the Users Say

The main problem users had when switching to this type of litter was the refusal by their cats. Once you start a cat on clay litter, they may have problems transitioning to crystal cat litter.

Not all cats will accept a switch to crystal cat litter because it differs from what they are used to. However, this shouldn’t be an issue for all cats, especially younger ones. For those sensitive to scents, we recommend choosing an unscented variety.

Conclusion

High-quality crystal cat litter can be very effective. It is very different from clay cat litter, and we highly recommend it for owners who prefer a material that absorbs odors better than clay, weighs less, and requires less maintenance. For instance, you don’t scoop crystal cat litter; you stir it. It can take some getting used to, especially if you have older cats that are stuck in their ways.

Crystal litter is expensive and can be a budget-breaker for some people. Keep that in mind when choosing between crystal and clay litter.

• Related Read: Best Cat Litter Boxes for Odor Control: Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Valentina Zavrazhina, Shutterstock