Cat owners use all sorts of kitty litter to keep their cats happy with their toilet arrangements. Crystal cat litter is one of many choices on the market and is often less dusty and more hygienic than the clay varieties. There are several options to choose from to suit your feline, from scented and unscented to big or micro-crystals — even the color can vary.
These reviews will introduce you to our choices for the best crystal cat litters so you have a better idea of what choices are out there and which litter will make your cat the happiest.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Fresh Step Scented Cat Crystals
Fresh scented
Long-lasting
Controls odors
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Best Value
Frisco Summer Clean Cat Crystal
Odor-locking crystals
Clean scented
Low dust
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Premium Choice
ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter
Disposable, leak-proof tray
Easy to clean
Low tracking
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ScoopFree Non-clumping Cat Crystals
Long-lasting
Pre-portioned for PetSafe ScoopFree Pans
Works with all litter trays
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Ultra Pearls Micro Cat Crystals
Water evaporates so litter lasts longer
Odor-locking crystals
Silica crystals
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The 10 Best Crystal Cat Litters
Long-lasting and scented for better odor control, the Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter is our best overall crystal cat litter. Designed to be less dusty than clay options, your cat won’t get these crystals stuck to their paws or fur and accidentally track them around the house.
Weight: 8 pounds
Scented: Yes
Clumping: No
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This crystal kitty litter doesn’t clump, so unused crystals will fall back into the tray as you scoop, making this option last longer than other brands.
Felines with sensitive paws might not like the feel of the hard crystals. Some cat owners thought that Fresh Step was a little too dusty, despite it being labeled a low-dust option.
Pros
Fresh scented
Long-lasting
Controls odors
Cons
Hard crystals are tough on sensitive paws
Some owners complained about dust
Our best value crystal cat litter for the money is the Frisco Summer Clean Scented Non-clumping Crystal Cat Litter. It is available in individual bags or packs of four. Formulated for multi-cat households, this kitty litter is gentle on delicate paws and doesn’t track through the house when your friend uses it.
Fresh scented
Long-lasting
Controls odors
- Fresh scented
- Long-lasting
- Controls odors
Hard crystals are tough on sensitive paws
Some owners complained about dust
- Hard crystals are tough on sensitive paws
- Some owners complained about dust
The crystals are odor-locking and specially scented to control unpleasant smells. This option also contains less dust than clay litter brands, so both you and your cat can breathe easier.
Some owners have complained about this litter failing to properly absorb urine and hide odors. Also, it tends to stick to the bottom of the litter tray when not cleaned regularly.
Pros
Odor-locking crystals
Clean scented
Low dust
Cons
Sticks to the litter tray when not cleaned regularly
Doesn’t absorb urine well
Paired with the PetSafe self-cleaning litter box, ScoopFree Premium Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter makes litter clean-up a breeze. Ready-made into disposable and leak-proof trays, this option requires minimal contact from you to clean. It’s designed to last for several weeks before replacement is necessary.
Odor-locking crystals
Clean scented
Low dust
- Odor-locking crystals
- Clean scented
- Low dust
Sticks to the litter tray when not cleaned regularly
Doesn’t absorb urine well
- Sticks to the litter tray when not cleaned regularly
- Doesn’t absorb urine well
Dimensions: 25 x 14 x 2.38 inches
Scented: Yes
Clumping: No
Scented to control litter box odors, ScoopFree is dust-free and doesn’t cling to your cat’s paws, reducing the risk of tracking.
This option is made specifically for the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box and is unsuitable for other types of litter trays. For cat owners trying out new litter, this litter is expensive, and purchasing the specific litter box makes it more so.
Pros
Disposable, leak-proof tray
Easy to clean
Low tracking
Long-lasting
Cons
Specifically designed for the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Won’t work with other litter boxes
Expensive
The ScoopFree Premium Unscented Non-clumping Crystal Cat Litter is pre-portioned for PetSafe ScoopFree litter pans. While it works with the PetSafe self-cleaning litter trays, the bagged portions allow greater flexibility for how you use it.
Disposable, leak-proof tray
Easy to clean
Low tracking
Long-lasting
- Disposable, leak-proof tray
- Easy to clean
- Low tracking
- Long-lasting
Specifically designed for the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
Won’t work with other litter boxes
Expensive
- Specifically designed for the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box
- Won’t work with other litter boxes
- Expensive
Weight: 9 pounds
Scented: Yes
Clumping: No
You can pair this litter with disposable pans or use a standard litter box and still benefit from the long-lasting, odor-control formula.
The crystals are both on the large side and sharp in places, they may be too tough on delicate paws. Some cats that dislike the texture of crystal litter refuse to use it.
Pros
Long-lasting
Pre-portioned for PetSafe ScoopFree Pans
Works with all litter trays
Cons
Sharp crystals can hurt delicate paws
Some cats refuse to use it
Ultra Pearls Micro Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter is designed to last longer by quickly absorbing urine and drying solid waste within a few hours of your cat using the litter. The silica crystals enable water to evaporate while unpleasant odors are left behind, keeping Ultra Pearls dry and capable of working for days.
Long-lasting
Pre-portioned for PetSafe ScoopFree Pans
Works with all litter trays
- Long-lasting
- Pre-portioned for PetSafe ScoopFree Pans
- Works with all litter trays
Sharp crystals can hurt delicate paws
Some cats refuse to use it
- Sharp crystals can hurt delicate paws
- Some cats refuse to use it
Weight: 5 pounds
Scented: No
Clumping: No
This litter is also non-toxic and soft on your feline’s paws and doesn’t create plumes of dust when used or cleaned.
Despite the high absorption and long-lasting nature of this litter, it struggles to cope with multi-cat households. Like many other cat litters, Ultra Pearls is unsuitable for flushing down the toilet and should be disposed of with the rest of your household trash.
Pros
Water evaporates so litter lasts longer
Odor-locking crystals
Silica crystals
Low dust
Cons
Unsuitable for multi-cat households
- Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Non-clumping Crystal Cat Litter
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Weight: 8 pounds
Scented: No
Clumping: No
Formulated with senior cats in mind, Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Unscented Non-clumping Crystal Cat Litter doesn’t cling to your cat’s paws. Finer than some other options, it works to absorb urine and dry out your cat’s poop.
Water evaporates so litter lasts longer
Odor-locking crystals
Silica crystals
Low dust
- Water evaporates so litter lasts longer
- Odor-locking crystals
- Silica crystals
- Low dust
Unsuitable for multi-cat households
- Unsuitable for multi-cat households
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Weight: 8 pounds
Scented: No
Clumping: No
Free of wheat, pine, corn, and paper, this kitty litter is hypoallergenic and helps prevent both urinary tract infections and kidney failure.
This option is quite dusty because it uses fine crystals to better absorb your cat’s waste. This litter is also unscented and may not cover odors as well as scented brands do.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
Suitable for multi-cat households
Prevents urinary tract infections
Prevents kidney failure
Cons
Dusty
The unscented formula might not cover odors
Easy to maintain, Litter Pearls Micro Crystal Unscented Non-clumping Crystal Cat Litter uses sand-like crystals to quickly absorb urine and control odor. The small crystals are soft to stand on for cats with sensitive paws.
Hypoallergenic
Suitable for multi-cat households
Prevents urinary tract infections
Prevents kidney failure
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for multi-cat households
- Prevents urinary tract infections
- Prevents kidney failure
Dusty
The unscented formula might not cover odors
- Dusty
- The unscented formula might not cover odors
Capable of absorbing liquid repeatedly over time, this litter doesn’t require as much cleaning as other clay litter brands do and is long-lasting in single-cat households. Owners with multiple cats have said that they need to change the litter more frequently, though.
Some cats that dislike the texture of crystal litter may refuse to use it, and the fine sand-like particles in Litter Pearls litter make this a particularly dusty option, both for cleaning and while your cat is using it.
Pros
Fast absorption
Long-lasting
Easy to maintain
Gentle on delicate paws
Cons
Dusty
Some cats refuse to use it
Doesn’t last long in multi-cat households
Your cat might not mind the appearance of their litter box, but the Neon Purple Clumping Crystal Cat Litter enables you to make your kitty litter appear a little less like a cat’s toilet. Labeled as 100% dust-free, this kitty litter has a natural clumping agent and a high absorption level to make it easy to clean up after your favorite feline.
Fast absorption
Long-lasting
Easy to maintain
Gentle on delicate paws
- Fast absorption
- Long-lasting
- Easy to maintain
- Gentle on delicate paws
Dusty
Some cats refuse to use it
Doesn’t last long in multi-cat households
- Dusty
- Some cats refuse to use it
- Doesn’t last long in multi-cat households
Weight: 4 pounds
Scented: No
Clumping: Yes
The crystals themselves are smaller and rounder than some other crystal cat litters, making them gentler on your cat’s paws. While this option is pleasant to stand on, some cats still dislike the texture and refuse to use it.
There are other colors available, but all are only sold in 4-pound bags.
Pros
100% dust-free
Gentle on delicate paws
Natural clumping agent for easy scooping
Cons
Only available in small bags
Some cats dislike the texture
- Vibrant Life Cat Litter Ultra Premium Crystals
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Weight: 4 pounds
Scented: No
Clumping: Yes
Made with mini crystals, the Vibrant Life Cat Litter Ultra Premium Crystals is gentle on your cat’s sensitive paws while remaining absorbent and able to control odors. Sold in 4-pound bags, each bag ensures that the litter remains fresh for effective use.
100% dust-free
Gentle on delicate paws
Natural clumping agent for easy scooping
- 100% dust-free
- Gentle on delicate paws
- Natural clumping agent for easy scooping
Only available in small bags
Some cats dislike the texture
- Only available in small bags
- Some cats dislike the texture
As a clumping cat litter, it is easy to scoop your feline’s waste, but it may stick to the base of the litter tray if not cleaned out regularly. The micro-crystal formula also means this kitty litter is dustier than some larger crystal brands.
This option is sold in packs of three but is more expensive than many other crystal cat litters.
Pros
Long-lasting
Mini crystals
Gentle on sensitive paws
Cons
Dusty
Clumps to the base of the litter tray
Expensive
Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Respiratory Relief Crystal Cat Litter is a hypoallergenic cat litter formulated to ease respiratory issues caused by perfumes, deodorants, and plant proteins in other litter brands. It uses a careful selection of herbal essences to help relax your cat, prevent feline respiratory illnesses, and control litter box odors. Dr. Elsey’s is suitable for households with multiple cats and uses non-toxic ingredients.
Long-lasting
Mini crystals
Gentle on sensitive paws
- Long-lasting
- Mini crystals
- Gentle on sensitive paws
Dusty
Clumps to the base of the litter tray
Expensive
- Dusty
- Clumps to the base of the litter tray
- Expensive
Despite the respiratory relief formula, some owners have complained about the dustiness of this product, both during clean-up and when their cats use the litter. The crystals also tend to stick to cat fur and get dragged through the house.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
Herbal essences
No perfumes, deodorants, or plant proteins
Designed for multi-cat households
Cons
Dusty
Sticks to cat fur
Buyer’s Guide: Finding The Best Crystal Cat Litter
If you’re new to cat ownership or have only used clay kitty litter for years, deciding to use crystal cat litter can be a difficult choice. Not only are there many brands available, but there’s also a variety of colors, textures, and your cat’s preferences to take into account.
Hypoallergenic
Herbal essences
No perfumes, deodorants, or plant proteins
Designed for multi-cat households
- Hypoallergenic
- Herbal essences
- No perfumes, deodorants, or plant proteins
- Designed for multi-cat households
Dusty
Sticks to cat fur
- Dusty
- Sticks to cat fur
We put together this quick guide to help you figure out whether crystal cat litter is the right choice for you.
What Is Crystal Cat Litter?
Unlike clay or other types of litter, crystal litter uses silica gel crystals to absorb and dry your cat’s urine and fecal matter. Silica gel is in those packets that you can find tucked in all sorts of product packaging. They’re used to absorb moisture and keep your new shoes or whatever else you’ve bought dry during transport.
For kitty litter, it works on the same principle, and the moisture-eating properties of silica are popular among cat owners for several reasons.
Longevity
The silica crystals enable water to evaporate once the urine has been absorbed, keeping your cat’s litter dry and able to absorb moisture for longer than clay litters. For single cat households, one bag of crystal litter can last several weeks.
Low Dust
Made up of crystals, there are fewer fine particles for this litter to kick up whenever you or your cat touch it. While the dustiness varies between brands, in general, crystal litter doesn’t leave dust everywhere. The lack of dust also means there’s less material to cling to your cat’s paws or fur, reducing the risk of your best friend tracking litter throughout the house.
Odor Control
While silica gel enables water to evaporate, it holds onto odors. Provided that you scoop out your cat’s poop and stir the litter every so often, the crystals will keep hold of the unpleasant smells in your feline’s litter box.
Ease of Use
Many crystal litters change color as they’re used. Light-colored litters in particular can tell you when your cat has a urinary tract infection or just when the crystals are full of liquid and need changing.
Lightweight
Unlike clay litters, crystal litter is well-known for being quite light. Not only do the bags go further and last longer, but they’re also easier to move from place to place, simplifying litter tray clean-up sessions.
What to Consider When Buying Crystal Cat Litter
Like all products, crystal cat litter isn’t without its downsides. Keep in mind these tips to help you transition to crystal litter while making sure your cat is comfortable with the change.
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Big or Small Crystals
The crystals in crystal litter are available in two sizes. Big crystals tend to be harder and less nice for your cat to stand on. While it doesn’t bother all cats, there are those with particularly sensitive paws that will refuse to go anywhere near this litter.
Smaller crystals, or “micro-crystals,” are much finer. While they’re just as hard as the larger crystals, they tend to be more rounded and sand-like. Micro-crystals are gentler on your cat’s paws, but there’s still a chance your cat won’t like the texture.
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Buy a Small Bag
Most crystal cat litter is sold in small bags. If this is your first time trying this type of litter, make sure you only purchase a small bag rather than a large supply. Bear in mind that your cat might hate the texture so much, they’ll never go near it. If you buy a small bag to try it out, you’re less likely to end up wasting litter if it turns out your fussy feline can’t stand their new toilet.
Transition Slowly
If you buy a new food brand, it’s always best to ease your cat into eating it by mixing it in with their existing kibble or wet food. The same goes for kitty litter.
Your cat likes routine, even if they do get bored easily. A sudden change in texture in their litter tray could throw them off using it for good, which will waste your new litter and probably make a mess of the carpet.
For the first week or so, mix the crystals with your existing litter. This will enable your cat to get used to the new texture alongside the familiar comfort of the old litter brand.
Scented or Unscented
Cat litter, no matter the type, is either scented or not. This means there will be an included smell that’s intended to keep your litter fresh and hide the more unpleasant odors from your cat’s toilet visits.
Some cats are fussy about the smell of their litter, and strong odors will scare them off. If you’re an experienced cat owner, you’ll probably be aware of what scents your cat likes best or whether they prefer things that don’t smell at all.
For new cat owners, it might take trial and error to get it right. This is another reason to choose a smaller bag first.
Multi-cat Households
The general advice for multi-cat households and litter boxes is one for each cat, plus one extra. You still need to make sure the litter that you fill the tray with can last under constant use by multiple cats. Some can handle the strain better than others.
Many crystal cat litters last longer than the clay varieties. Their longevity only lasts for as long as the crystals keep working, though. If they’re used frequently by your single cat or your household full of them, you’ll be cleaning the litter tray just as much as if you were using a normal litter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of your cat tracking clumping kitty litter around the house, the Fresh Step Cat Litter is a great option. Not only is it less dusty than some other kitty litters, but it also doesn’t cling to your cat’s paws or their fur for them to drag everywhere.
A budget-friendly kitty litter is the Frisco Summer Clean Scented Cat Litter. Along with the fresh scent, this option is great for multi-cat households.
We hope that these reviews have helped you come closer to deciding whether crystal cat litter is the right choice for you and your cat.
Featured Image Credit: Valentina Zavrazhina, Shutterstock
