The Best Crystal Cat Litters: Ranked and Reviewed

Written by Kristin Hitchcock
Updated: February 3, 2023
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Crystal cat litter is a relatively new cat litter material. It’s made from silica gel, but it does not contain crystalline silica, a substance that can cause silicosis, a serious lung disease, if inhaled over time by cats or humans.

Crystal cat litter is incredibly light, low-tracking, and easy to use. Many crystal cat litters are also non-clumping and don’t require any scooping. That’s why, while there are only a few options available on the market, more and more people are deciding to switch to crystal cat litter.

However, not all crystal cat litters are the same. Some are cheap knock-offs that are taking advantage of the hype. Below, we’ve reviewed our favorite crystal cat litters so that you can choose one of the better options.

  1. Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
    • Can be used with any litterbox
    • Help lock in odor
    • Slightly scented
    • Can last up to one month
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Frisco Summer Clean Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
    • Lock in moisture on contact
    • Non-clumping
    • Low-dust and lightweight
    • Minimizes messes
    Check Chewy
  3. Alpha Paw Genius Litter with Health Indicator Cat Litter
    • Track your cat's health using its urine pH
    • Urine is quickly absorbed
    • Lightly scented
    • The litter is low-tracking
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Frisco Micro Crystal Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
    • Advanced odor control
    • Non-clumping litter
    • The crystals are soft on the paws
    • One bag can last up to a month
    Check Chewy
  5. Ultra Unscented Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
    • Includes silica gel to clump
    • Help prevent odors
    • 70% lighter than clay litter
    • Sand-like texture
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  6. Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
    • Specifically for older felines
    • Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
    • Trap urine and prevent bacterial growth
    • Dehydrate feces
    Check Chewy
  7. Dr. Elsey's Stress Protection Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
    • Hypoallergenic
    • No plant proteins, perfumes, or deodorants
    • Contains herbs to reduce stress
    • Suitable for multi-cat households
    Check Chewy

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Crystal Cat Litters

1. Best Overall: Fresh Step Premium Crystals

Out of all the crystal cat litter on the market, Fresh Step Premium Crystals litter is our choice for #1 Best Overall. It was one of the first crystal cat litters to be introduced that is reasonably priced and not designed to work with a specific litter box.

This litter features long-lasting crystals that help lock in odor without scooping. Therefore, this litter is easier to care for than other options. They absorb moisture on contact and are slightly scented so that they continue to smell fresh even after use.

These crystals can last up to one month in a litter box with standard litter maintenance. When it is time to change the litter, the formula is low-dust and lightweight.

Some reviewers reported that this product is dusty and tracks around the house. One pet parent said that their two cats experienced skin irritation from the product. And several said that this litter needs to be changed more frequently than once a month.

Pros and Cons of Fresh Step Premium Crystals

ProsCons
This is one of the first crystal cat litters that is reasonably priced and doesn’t need to be used with a particular litter box.Some reviewers said this litter is dusty and tracks around the house.
The long-lasting crystals lock in odor without scooping.One reviewer said that their two cats experienced skin irritation from this litter.
They absorb moisture on contact.Several users said that it needs to be changed more frequently than once a month.
This litter is slightly scented so they smell fresh even after use.
It lasts up to a month.
The formula is low-dust and lightweight.
Best Overall
Fresh Step Fresh Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
  • Can be used with any litterbox
  • Help lock in odor
  • Slightly scented
  • Can last up to one month
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Budget Option: Frisco Summer Clean Scented Crystal Cat Litter

Despite being cheaper than most options, this crystal cat litter by Frisco performs excellently in most situations. The crystals lock in moisture on contact and prevent odors from forming. It is non-clumping, which typically means less work on your part. You have to do is mix up the litter occasionally to ensure that the newer crystals are spread throughout the used ones.

The crystal’s ability to lock in odors is an excellent option for multi-cat households. If your felines fight over their litter boxes, these odor-fighting crystals may be what you’re looking for.

One bag lasts a month for one cat. Therefore, you’re also getting a lot of value for a lower cost.

Like most crystal cat litters, this option is also low-dust and lightweight. It minimizes messes when cleaning and protects your home’s air quality. Plus, crystals are much less likely to be tracked around your house than silicone litter.

Most reviewers’ complaints had to do with the product being too dusty.

Pros and Cons of Frisco Summer Clean Scented Crystal Cat Litter

ProsCons
This option is less expensive than most.You must mix up the litter occasionally.
The crystals lock moisture in on contact and prevent odor from forming.
It’s non-clumping.
Because it locks in odors, it’s an excellent option for multi-cat homes.
One bag lasts a month for a single cat.
It’s low-dust and lightweight, so it minimizes messes when cleaning and protects your home’s air quality.
Crystals are less likely to be tracked than silicone litter.
Best Budget Option
Frisco Summer Clean Scented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
  • Lock in moisture on contact
  • Non-clumping
  • Low-dust and lightweight
  • Minimizes messes
Check Chewy

3. Best Health Indicating: Alpha Paw Genius Litter with Health Indicator

If you want to monitor your cat’s health through its urine, Alpha Paw Genius Litter with Health Indicator is the crystal cat litter for you.

Crystal cat litter is best known for its ability to monitor your cat’s health using its urine pH. However, this is not a trait for all crystal cat litters. Genius Litter by Alpha Paws is the best of the few options that offer this feature.

It is a bit more expensive, but you’re paying for the ability to track your cat’s health. This litter responds to deviating variables in your cat’s urine that can hint at their current health status.

The urine is quickly absorbed by the crystals so that it does not produce odors. Plus, the crystals are also lightly scented to block out any odors. This litter is also low-tracking, which helps keep the litter box area clean.

Reviewers reported that this litter didn’t absorb urine odor and that it tracked “everywhere.”

Pros and Cons of Alpha Paw Genius Litter with Health Indicator

ProsCons
This litter allows you to monitor your cat’s health via its urine pH.It’s more expensive than other brands.
Cats’ urine is quickly absorbed into the crystals so it doesn’t produce odors.According to reviewers, it didn’t absorb urine odor.
The crystals are lightly scented to block odors.Reviewers reported that it tracked “everywhere.”
It’s low-tracking.
Best Health Indicating
Alpha Paw Genius Litter with Health Indicator Cat Litter
  • Track your cat's health using its urine pH
  • Urine is quickly absorbed
  • Lightly scented
  • The litter is low-tracking
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Unscented: Frisco Micro Crystal Unscented Cat Litter

If you prefer an unscented cat litter, consider Frisco Micro Crystal Unscented Cat Litter. We’ve already included one Frisco option on this list, but this one is entirely unscented.

Instead of being artificially scented, this option uses advanced odor control to prevent odors from occurring. The crystals quickly soak up any urine and lock in the scent, preventing bacterial growth that often causes odors.

One bag can last up to a month for a single cat. However, you’ll have to purchase more than one bag in multi-cat households.

The non-clumping litter is pretty easy to take care of and only requires occasional mixing. We loved that the crystals are soft on the paws, making this litter more suitable for sensitive cats.

Some reviewers reported that this crystal cat litter is “Oh so dusty!!!” Others said that it doesn’t trap odors.

Pros and Cons of Frisco Micro Crystal Unscented Cat Litter

ProsCons
This crystal cat litter is unscented.It requires occasional mixing.
It uses advanced odor control to prevent odors from occurring.Some reviewers reported that this crystal cat litter is “Oh so dusty!!!”
A bag can last up to a month for a single cat.Others said that it doesn’t trap odors.
This litter is non-clumping.
It’s soft on cats’ paws.
Best Unscented
Frisco Micro Crystal Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
  • Advanced odor control
  • Non-clumping litter
  • The crystals are soft on the paws
  • One bag can last up to a month
Check Chewy

5. Best Clumping: Ultra Unscented Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

If you prefer a clumping cat litter, look no further than Ultra Unscented Clumping Crystal Cat Litter.

Most crystal cat litter does not clump. However, this litter by Ultra is one of the few on the market that does. The litter quickly soaks up urine scents and prevents bacterial growth. However, it also includes silica gel to allow it to clump.

You will need to scoop this litter twice a week, less than a traditional silica litter. The crystals help prevent odors, allowing the litter to go longer between scooping.

The very fine litter is 70% lighter than your average clay litter.

Some reviewers said that this crystal litter is dusty and tracks everywhere. Others said that it doesn’t last a month as advertised.

Pros and Cons of Ultra Unscented Clumping Crystal Cat Litter

ProsCons
This is one of the only crystal cat litters that clumps.Some reviewers said that this crystal litter is dusty and tracks everywhere.
The litter soaks up urine odor and prevents bacterial growth.Others said that it doesn’t last a month.
You will need to scoop this litter twice a week, less than traditional silica litter.
This litter is 70% lighter than most clay litters.
Best Clumping
Ultra Unscented Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
  • Includes silica gel to clump
  • Help prevent odors
  • 70% lighter than clay litter
  • Sand-like texture
Check Chewy Check Amazon

6. Best for Seniors: Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Crystal Cat Litter

For sensitive senior cats, you may want to consider Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Crystal Cat Litter, which was created specifically for older felines. It is hypoallergenic and non-toxic, which helps ensure that it doesn’t upset your older cat. It may help prevent urinary tract issues since it doesn’t include the harmful chemicals that other cat litters do.

The crystals trap urine and prevent bacterial growth, which helps prevent odors. It also dehydrates solid waste to prevent odors from escaping the box.

This litter is a bit more expensive than most, but it may be plenty worth it for older cats.

Most negative reviews said that this product is dusty.

Pros and Cons of Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Crystal Cat Litter

This crystal cat litter is designed specifically for senior cats.This litter is more expensive than most.
It’s hypoallergenic and non-toxic.Some reviewers reported that this crystal cat litter is dusty.
It may help prevent urinary tract infections because it doesn’t contain the harmful chemicals that other cat litters do.
It traps urine and prevents bacterial growth, which helps prevent odors.
It dehydrates solid waste to prevent odors from escaping the litter box.
Best for Seniors
Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
  • Specifically for older felines
  • Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
  • Trap urine and prevent bacterial growth
  • Dehydrate feces
Check Chewy

7. Best for Stress: Dr. Elsey’s Stress Protection Crystal Cat Litter

If your cat gets stressed out about using the litter box, Dr. Elsey’s Stress Protection Crystal Cat Litter may solve the problem. Many cats experience stress around litter box use, especially in multi-cat households. This litter is an excellent option for these cats, since it is one of the few that tries to combat this stress.

This litter is entirely hypoallergenic. It doesn’t include any plant proteins, perfumes, or deodorants. However, it does include a few herbs that are thought to reduce stress.

The crystals help soak up urine and fight odors. Therefore, this option may be suitable for multi-cat households, where cats may not like to smell others in the litter box.

Some reviewers said that this crystal litter was extremely dusty. Others said that it left the litter box area smelling strongly of urine.

Pros and Cons of Dr. Elsey’s Stress Protection Crystal Cat Litter

ProsCons
This crystal cat litter is formulated for cats that experience stress around litter box use.Some reviewers said that this crystal litter was extremely dusty.
It’s hypoallergenic and free from plant proteins, perfumes, and deodorants.Others said that it left the litter box area smelling strongly of urine.
It contains herbs that are believed to reduce stress.
The crystals help soak up urine and fight odors, so this cat litter may be a good option for multi-cat homes where cats don’t like to smell others in the litter box.
Best for Stress
Dr. Elsey's Stress Protection Unscented Non-Clumping Crystal Cat Litter
  • Hypoallergenic
  • No plant proteins, perfumes, or deodorants
  • Contains herbs to reduce stress
  • Suitable for multi-cat households
Check Chewy

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Not all crystal cat litters are made the same. Therefore, you must consider certain factors when choosing a cat litter for your home. The scent, price, odor control, and clumping all affect whether or not a crystal cat litter is suitable for you.

Let’s take a look at each aspect separately.

Scent

Some crystal cat litters are scented. Some are not. There are good reasons for each of these approaches, but the right one for you will depend on your preferences. Some people and cats are sensitive to artificial scents, making unscented litter a good option. You probably don’t want scented litter if you have a sensitive nose.

With that being said, scented litter tends to have better odor control. Therefore, if you aren’t sensitive to strong, artificial smells, you probably want scented litter.

Price

Litter is a consumable. Therefore, price matters a lot. You want to choose a price in your budget, considering that you’ll be replacing the litter regularly.

Luckily, cheaper options are not necessarily lower quality. We’ve included many less expensive options above that may work well for those on a strict budget. However, most specialized options are going to be more expensive.

Odor Control

Litter boxes are notoriously stinky. However, if you choose a quality litter, this doesn’t have to be the case. We highly recommend that you choose a litter designed to control odors. Odor control is not a factor that you want to skimp on.

Luckily, crystal cat litters are pretty good at controlling odors, but that doesn’t make them all equally as good.

Clumping

Most traditional cat litters clump. However, crystal cat litter doesn’t typically fit into this category. In many cases, crystal cat litter does not clump at all since it doesn’t contain clay.

However, there are some options out there for those who particularly want a clumping litter.

This factor is dependent on preference. For most users, non-clumping litter is probably the best option because it requires less maintenance. Usually, you have to mix crystal cat litters up to revitalize the crystals and scoop out the solid waste.

Verified Review: User Experience

No matter what crystal cat litter you’re looking at, many reviews often praise how much better this litter is than traditional clay options. For instance, one reviewer discussed Fresh Step crystal litter and said, “the odor control is just so much better.”

However, crystal cat litter does require a different maintenance approach. The same reviewer instructed readers to “stir the litter every day.” Many also suggested increasing the amount of litter you’re using to help spread the work of odor control between more crystals.

The most common complaints were dustiness. Many reported that the Frisco Summer Clean crystal litter had the biggest problem. Still, it is also one of the cheapest options out there.

Most crystal litters were reported to be very good for odor control. One user stated this about Ultra clumping crystal cat litter: “Before using this stuff, I tried tons of litters and deodorizers to control the smell of cat pee, nothing worked! This stuff is amazing a bag lasts me about three weeks and the smell control is AMAZING.”

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About the Author

Kristin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering dogs, cats, fish, and other pets. She has been an animal writer for seven years, writing for top publications on everything from chinchilla cancer to the rise of designer dogs. She currently lives in Tennessee with her cat, dogs, and two children. When she isn't writing about pets, she enjoys hiking and crocheting.

The Best Crystal Cat Litters: Ranked and Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is crystal litter safe for cats?

Crystal litter is safe and non-toxic.

If cats or humans inhale crystalline silica over time, it can cause silicosis, a condition that causes shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity. The silica gel used in crystal cat litter has been processed so it doesn’t present this health risk.

When should I change crystal litter?

Crystal litter absorbs moisture, including urine. Most crystal litter manufacturers recommend that you stir the litter (and scoop out feces) at least once a day in order to distribute fresh silica.

At some point, the all of the silica will be saturated and unable to absorb more urine. That’s when you should empty the litter box, wash and dry it thoroughly, and add fresh crystal litter.

 

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