Silica Cat Litter

Hi all you silica sleuths! Skye Blake here, finding fascinating facts about silica cat litter…

The information here is for general knowledge… always see your vet with questions about your cat’s individual needs.

Click These Trails…

Who Is Skye Blake?
What is Silica?
How Silica Crystal Litter Works
A Word About PrettyLitter
Some Brands of Silica Litter
- Clumping
- Non-Clumping
Video Reviews of Silica Cat Litter
More Litter Options
Related Pages of Interest
Sources
List of Sources

Who Is Skye Blake?

Skye Blake, Cat Info Detective, is a curious cat researcher (not a veterinarian) who sniffs out expert, reliable sources about cats, studies their information, then passes it on to you!

Sometimes there’s not enough evidence for easy answers, so Skye gives you all sides, explains the situation as thoroughly and clearly as possible, and links you to experts on each page.

Sources are given at the bottom of each page so you can do more snooping.

What is Silica?

Silica litter consists of Type B silica xerogel white crystals.

They’re formed from sodium silicate sand mixed with oxygen and water.

The formation process creates a silica bead with many tiny holes or pockets.

The holes allow it to adsorb (not absorb) around 40 times its weight in liquid (see below for more explanation).

You’re probably familiar with these beads from the “Do Not Eat” packets you find in medications, shoes, electronics, and other products that need to stay dry.

The “Do Not Eat” sign on packets of silica gel refers to the packet itself. The silica itself is non-toxic.

It’s important to know that when used in litter these beads are made to be safe for cats (without crystalline silicate, which can be harmful to cats).

Most silica litters are non-clumping because of the way they work, however, sometimes silica crystals are combined with sodium bentonite to create a clumping litter.

How Silica Crystal Litter Works

“…[S]ilica gel removes moisture by adsorption onto the surface of its numerous pores rather than by absorption into the bulk of the gel.”¹

“Adsorb can be termed as a process by which the liquid or gas is not absorbed but it only forms on the surface. Absorb is related to volume whereas adsorb is related to the surface.”² (Emphasis added)

Crystal litter adsorbs liquid immediately and traps it inside each bead.

This keeps the rest of the litter dry and traps odors well.

The moisture evaporates quickly and odor-causing molecules are trapped inside.

The beads keep adsorbing and last about a month for one cat.

white cat squatting in litter box - silica

Silica litter works best 2-3″ deep in the box so the pee doesn’t get to the bottom. At this depth the beads can effectively absorb it.

Scoop the poop every day and rake or stir the beads so moisture can evaporate from them.

This will keep the litter good for quite awhile before needing to be changed.

It doesn’t clump so needs to be dumped and replaced.

Silica crystal litter is not dusty and often is made so it won’t stick to paws, thereby cutting down or eliminating tracking.

The crystals come in various sizes, the smaller being softer on paws and the larger being good to keep tracking down.

Some cats don’t like larger sizes because it’s hard and uncomfortable.

A Word About PrettyLitter

PrettyLitter is different from other silica cat litters in that it’s combined with things that indicate if urine pH balance is off or if blood is present.

Here’s what the manufacturer says…

“Regularly check the color of the litter. Shades of yellow to olive green are an indication of typical acidity and alkalinity levels. If you notice any other colors, thoroughly mix the litter and monitor your cat’s PrettyLitter closely over the next 24 to 48 hours. If color change persists, you should consider consulting your Veterinarian.”³

The FAQ page at PrettyLitter.com explains in more detail what each color indicates.

Some Brands of Silica Litter

Below are some silica litter brands listed for your convenience. This list is by no means exhaustive.

I make a small commission on some of the links below… and I get to share profits with qualified cat rescues!

Check descriptions and reviews carefully for any products you wish to buy… quality, sizes, colors, etc., can’t be guaranteed by anyone but the manufacturer.