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Danny's Cats

Litter and hygiene

Silica gel litter

Also called Crystal litter, Silica litter

Updated

What is silica gel litter?

Silica gel litter, often sold as crystal litter, is made of small translucent beads of silica gel that soak up urine and dry out solid waste instead of clumping. You scoop solids and stir the crystals, then replace the whole tray once the crystals are saturated. It is light, and makers market it as low dust.

How does crystal litter work?

The beads are porous silica gel, a dried form of silica that holds moisture inside it. Urine soaks into the crystals rather than forming a clump, and solid waste dries out on the surface. PetSafe, which makes crystal litter, says it absorbs liquid and dries solid waste, and that one 4.3 pound bag lasts one cat about a month in its ScoopFree system.

Because nothing clumps, you cannot lift out the wet part. You scoop the solids, stir the crystals so they absorb evenly, and change all of it when it stops absorbing.

Does crystal litter suit every cat?

Crystal litter does not suit every cat. The crystals are larger and harder than fine clay or plant litter, and the AAFP and ISFM guidelines say cats most commonly prefer fine-textured, unscented clumping litter. Some cats take to crystals happily; others refuse them. If you try it, switch gradually, as Cornell Feline Health Center advises for any new litter, and keep your old litter in a second box until your cat is using the new one.

What to look for

  • Unscented crystals, with no added perfume or dye
  • Whether your litter box or self-cleaning box is made for crystals
  • How long the maker says a bag lasts, and for how many cats

Treating it like clumping litter

Crystal litter does not form clumps, so scooping alone will not keep it fresh. Stir it, and replace the whole lot once it is saturated.

Questions about silica gel litter

Is crystal litter the same as clumping litter?

Crystal litter is not the same as clumping litter. Crystal litter absorbs urine into the beads and does not clump, while clumping litter binds urine into a lump you scoop out. Some makers sell clumping micro crystals, so read the label before you buy.

Can crystal litter go in a self-cleaning litter box?

Crystal litter can go only in self-cleaning boxes made for it. Raking boxes like PetSafe's ScoopFree use crystal litter trays, while most sifting drum boxes need clumping litter so the clumps can be separated. Check what your box's maker recommends.

Where this comes up

Sources