Cat owners have plenty of choices to make, including what type of litter to put in their cat’s litter box. While many cat owners opt for something natural like pine or clay, others are embracing a newer trend of silica cat litter.
Invented in the 1980s, silica cat litter, also known as crystal cat litter, was designed to be a low odor, high absorption cat litter. Today, many cat owners have made the switch to silica. Read on to learn more about silica cat litter and whether you should switch your cat to silica.
What is Silica Cat Litter Made Of?
Silica cat litter gets its name from silica gel, the main compound in the litter. Silica gel is a natural compound that you can find in sand, making it a perfect replacement for clay litter. Most silica cat litters mix silica gel with other materials, including clay or plants, to get the best results out of the cat litter possible.
The biggest draw for switching to silica gel is the reduced odors. Silica is great for trapping odors without including any artificial scents, ideal for cats with sensitive noses. If you want to find a healthy way to keep cat litter from smelling, switching to silica could be the right move.
Is Silica Litter Safe for Cats?
Silica cat litter wouldn’t be popular if it wasn’t safe for cats. Of course, keep in mind that all cats react to new litters differently, so while silica is safe for cats, it might not be the best choice for your cat.
One of the biggest fears surrounding the safety of silica cat litter is what happens when your cat accidentally eats the litter. Cats commonly eat litter if it gets stuck in their paws or fur, and silica doesn’t react well with kittie tummies. A cat that eats silica gel might experience diarrhea or vomiting.
The best way to ensure safety with silica gel is by maintaining the litter box and keeping the area clean. As with anything for cats, proper care and attention can keep your cat safe and healthy.
Is Silica Cat Litter Better?
Cat owners who have heard of silica might wonder if silica cat litter is better than their current litter. The answer depends entirely on your cat and how it reacts to the litter!
To help decide whether to test silica in your home, consider the positives and negatives of silica cat litter.
What are the positives of silica cat litter?
Some of the positives of silica cat litter include:
Weight. Silica cat litter is lighter than other types of cat litter like clay cat litter, making for easier packing in and out.
Absorption. Perhaps the best selling point for silica, the absorption of liquids and smells is among the best you’ll find in cat litters.
Low tracking. Because it likes to bond to itself, silica cat litter doesn’t track as much as litter like clay cat litter. This means less cleaning up around the house.
Long lifetime. Silica cat litter can last much longer than other types of litter. While you should still regularly clean the litter box, this gives you more flexibility between cleanings.
What are the negatives of silica cat litter?
Now that we’ve addressed the positives of silica cat litter, here are some of the drawbacks:
Expensive. Silica cat litter is usually more expensive than alternatives.
Dust. Some silica cat litters can plume dust when poured. You can minimize this by choosing a low-dust silica cat litter, though these tend to be more expensive.
Environmental impact. Silica cat litter isn’t biodegradable.
Final Thoughts: Silica Cat Litter
Cat owners may not trust silica cat litter, but it’s a great litter option for households that want to reduce odors while minimizing cleaning. While silica cat litter can kick up dust, many cats regularly use silica cat litter without experiencing any negative side effects. At the end of the day, deciding whether or not to use silica cat litter depends on you and your cat.
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