Do you know what’s worse than having a litter box in your house? The smell that comes with it! Believe me, I know the struggle all too well. The challenge for pet parents is to find a litter box alternative that is both effective and does not leave your house smelling like a litter box.
It’s estimated that over 86 million cats are owned in the United States alone, and nearly all of them require a litter box and litter. With that being said, it’s no surprise that the pet litter industry is worth an estimated 10.89 billion dollars worldwide.
Luckily, there are a few pretty litter alternatives available that not only look good but are also effective in controlling odors and making cleaning up easier.
List Of Top 6 Pretty Litter Alternatives – Meow-velous Solutions
“To reduce our impact on the environment and help keep our companion animals healthy, it is important to choose our litter alternatives wisely,” says Dr. Rebecca Adcock, DVM.
Let’s discuss the top 6 pretty litter alternatives, including natural, biodegradable, and scented options. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each one to help you decide which litter alternative is best for your pet.
1. Fresh step crystals
If you are looking for the best and most effective pretty litter alternative, then Fresh Step Crystals are the way to go. This unique litter’s key to Fresh Step Crystals’ success is its Ammonia Block Technology. This innovative feature eliminates bacterial growth and deactivates pesky enzymes to effectively stop primary odor offenders. With this technology, you can be sure that your home stays fresh and odor-free for longer.
It is also compatible with PetSafe reusable trays, which is another great feature of Fresh Step Crystals. This means that you can simply re-fill your litter box with the same crystals, saving you time and money. And, because Fresh Step Crystals clump so well, you won’t have to worry about changing the entire litter box when it’s time to clean.
Furthermore, litterbox maintenance is made even easier with the inclusion of Febreze Freshness. This feature works to ensure that your home smells great and remains odor-free all the time. And, because the crystals are so lightweight and absorbent, they’re less likely to stick to your hands or be tracked around the house.
2. Alpha paw genius litter
Alpha Paw Genius Cat Litter Alternative is a revolutionary product that provides a safe and chemical-free way to keep your cat’s litter box clean.
It is an innovative cat litter that not only monitors your cat’s health, but also provides indicators that respond to abnormal urine values such as blood, alkalinity, and bilirubin. It also has a special color-coded system to let you know when something is wrong with your cat’s health. Blue indicates abnormal alkaline levels, green indicates abnormal pH levels, orange indicates albumin, and red indicates blood.
Aside from its excellent absorbency, litter absorbs urine within seconds. This means that you can keep your litter box free of odors and wetness. It also stays dry, so cleaning is a breeze.
The Genius Litter from Alpha Paw is also super lightweight, making it easy to transport and dispose of. Additionally, it is dust-free, so it won’t make a mess or irritate your cat’s sensitive nose. It also clumps quickly and easily, making it easier to clean.
One of the best features of this litter is its low tracking. It doesn’t leave sticky residue on your cats’ paws, which means no messy house tracking or unhealthful licking. Plus, it contains no additives or chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about your cats’ health and safety.
The scoopable cat litter also remains ultra-clean, even after weeks of scooping. This makes the litter box area more inviting and smells better. Plus, it has an odor-capture formula, so your cats won’t smell each other’s urine. This is a huge plus, especially if you’re trying to keep your cats comfortable and happy.
3. Ultra Cat Health Monthly Monitor Crystal
This litter additive detects many urinary abnormalities, often before external symptoms appear. It helps cat owners to monitor their cat’s health in many cases and can detect abnormalities in urine before the cat exhibits external signs of illness. This is invaluable for owners who want to ensure their cats are in the best of health.
What’s more, the product can be used with all types of cat litter. This includes clay, silica gel, corn, wheat, pine, and paper litter. It adds to the product’s flexibility since cat owners can choose the type of litter they prefer.
The Monthly Monitor also offers cat owners the chance to use pH indicators to determine if their cat has FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Track Disease). This could be a life-saving feature for cats and offers owners peace of mind that their cats are being monitored.
There is no learning curve with Monthly Monitor. Once your cat urinates, simply pour it on top of a freshly changed litter box. Using the color-matching card included in the kit, you can determine an approximate urine pH range; if the color indicates a low or high pH, you should consult your veterinarian.
In addition to monitoring for crystals and bacteria, Monthly Monitor differs from other pretty litter alternatives. By detecting crystals and bacteria, it alerts cat owners to potential health problems before they become serious.
Cat owners can also take proactive steps to prevent further health problems by treating cats with it if their cats suffer from bladder stones or infections. It stands out from other pretty litter products as the best choice.
4. KIT4CAT CheckUp Kit
KIT4CAT CheckUp Kit is an innovative litter alternative that is mess-free, dust-free, and odor-free. You can use the KIT4CAT CheckUp Kit to test your cats’ urine for glucose, protein, pH, and blood. The process is painless, non-invasive, and stress-free, with results in 60 seconds or less. In addition to detecting diabetes, kidney failure, and urinary tract infections, CheckUp can detect blood in urine in domestic dogs.
One of the most appealing aspects of the KIT4CAT CheckUp Kit is that it is 100% natural, non-toxic, and odorless. Cats love it, too! The hydrophobic cat litter won’t absorb water, and the two testing strips are easy to use and have accurate results.
These Kits are durable and last a long time, another great feature. The litter and testing strips are made of high-quality materials that will last for years, even with regular use. Plus, the litter is dust-free, so you won’t have to worry about your cats’ breathing in dust particles.
These Kits are accessible and affordable. You can purchase it online or in pet stores, and with its reasonable prices, you won’t have to break the bank to keep your cats healthy.
5. PetSafe ScoopFree Premium Crystal Cat Litter
The new litter solution provides both you and your pets with a low-tracking, dust-free experience and removes odors five times more effective than clay litter.
With this Crystal Cat Litter, you can rest easy knowing that you are doing your part for the environment. This litter is made from recycled paper and is specially formulated to be 99% dust-free and low-tracking. Additionally, the crystals are lightly scented with premium scents that won’t overpower your home or irritate your cat’s sensitive skin.
The Cat Litter is designed to provide a 30-day odor control solution for single-cat households. It’s designed to effectively absorb urine and dry solid waste, and the crystals are designed to last up to five times longer than conventional clay litter. It’s also incredibly easy to maintain – all you have to do is scoop out the used litter and replace it with fresh crystals once a month. This makes it an ideal solution for busy pet parents who don’t have the time or energy to frequently scoop and replace.
It is also incredibly affordable to purchase this. Each bag contains two pre-portioned bags of crystals, and a single bag can last a single-cat household up to 30 days. Crystal litter is designed to last longer, so you get more for your money.
6. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Cat Litter
It is one of the best cat litter alternatives available in the market, thanks to its combination of premium texture and granule size made with 100% bentonite clay. This litter is designed to provide maximum clumping, making it easier to scoop and clean similar to pretty litter
The litter particles are a perfect size and are 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic, making them suitable even for cats and owners with allergies. The hard clumps formed by the bentonite clay do not break down, preventing moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray. This helps in keeping the litter box clean and fresh for longer periods. Furthermore, the unique formulation of medium-grain clay helps to keep the litter in the box and reduces mess.
Between litter box cleanings, the litter contains natural ingredients that smell fresh and clean. The natural ingredients help to neutralize odors, making sure that your home remains fresh and clean all the time. Furthermore, it is also lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient to transport from one place to another.
Besides being natural and unscented, Dr. Elsey’s Litter is also odor-controlling. This helps keep odors from building up and makes it easier to keep litter boxes fresh and clean.
All You Need to Know When Shopping For a Pretty Litter Alternative!
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to PrettyLitter or just want to try something new, there are plenty of options available. To help you decide which litter is best for you and your cat, here is a comprehensive buying guide on Pretty Litter alternatives.
1. Absorbency
When choosing an alternative to traditional litter, absorbency is crucial. A litter with high absorbency traps unpleasant odors and keeps the environment clean and hygienic for your pet. Without absorbency, the litter will not be able to trap the smell, and the environment will remain smelly and uncomfortable.
As well as reducing tracking, the ability to absorb litter helps keep the home clean. Absorbent litter helps keep these particles contained within the litter box and reduces the chances of them spreading. Additionally, absorbent litter can reduce the amount of time it takes to clean the litter box, as it can catch and absorb waste, reducing the amount of time spent scooping and refilling.
2. Odor Control
Those who own cats and other animals, as well as those who live in multi-dwelling units, should address the issue of odor control. Anyone who has ever experienced the unpleasant smell of cat urine, they understand just how important this issue is.
Litter alternatives such as absorbent granules, synthetic grass, and other odor-controlling materials are designed to neutralize odors, not just mask them. This is especially important for anyone who lives in a multi-dwelling unit, as they may not be able to eliminate the smell without the help of an effective odor control system.
In addition to the odors associated with cat litter, other types of pet waste can also be difficult to control, such as dog waste or rabbit urine. There are litter alternatives that are specifically designed to control these odors as well, such as odor-controlling pads and granules.
3. Dust level
Inhaling dust particles can cause asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer when inhaled. High dust levels can also lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation. For cats, excessive dust levels can cause chronic respiratory and upper respiratory issues, as well as digestive disturbances. When considering a litter alternative, the dust levels should be taken into account to ensure that it is not causing any harm to cats or their owners.
The litter should be low-dust or dust-free, and should not contain any chemicals or other substances that could irritate. Additionally, the litter should be able to absorb moisture and odors quickly and effectively. As a final consideration, the litter should be easy to maintain and clean well and not spread dust or other irritants throughout the house.
4. Clumping ability
When looking for an alternative to litter, clumping ability is essential. When litter is exposed to liquid, it forms a solid mass, making it easy to scoop out with a scoop and dispose of. This is especially important for multi-cat households, as the litter will quickly become filled with waste and need to be changed often. Clumping litter also keeps litter boxes smelling fresh and reduces the spread of odor.
In households with young children or pets sensitive to smells, the clumping action helps reduce tracking. Additionally, it is much easier to clean up the litter box regularly when the litter forms a solid mass. Clumping litter also has the advantage of being more absorbent than non-clumping litter, which is beneficial in managing odors.
Pretty litter Vs. Genius litter
When it comes to choosing the right litter for your cat, there are a few things you need to consider. Litter type is an important factor to consider. In addition to Pretty Litter, Genius Litter also offers unique advantages. To help you make the best decision for your cat, here are the differences between them.
1. Price
One of the major variations between Pretty Litter and Genius Litter is the price. Pretty Litter is significantly more expensive than Genius Litter. Pretty Litter costs approximately $22 per month, whereas Genius Litter only costs around $13 per month.
2. Type of Litter
Similarly, Pretty Litter and Genius Litter are made from silica gel crystals, but their composition is slightly different. Pretty Litter is made from a proprietary blend of silica gel crystals, but Genius Litter is made from a different type of elite that are larger and more absorbent.
3. Odor Control
Pretty Litter has better odor control than Genius Litter. Pretty Litter’s proprietary formula is designed to absorb and trap odors, while Genius Litter does not have the same odor-absorbing capabilities.
4. Clumping Ability
Litter from Pretty Litter clumps better than litter from Genius Litter. Pretty Litter’s unique blend of silica crystals forms hard clumps that are easy to scoop out of the litter box, in contrast to Genius Litter, whose larger crystals do not form as tightly packed clumps and can be more difficult to scoop out.
5. Tracking Ability
Pretty Litter is better at controlling tracking than Genius Litter. Pretty Litter’s smaller crystals stick less to your cat’s paws and are less likely to be tracked throughout your home, whereas Genius Litter crystals are more likely to be tracked.
6. Dust
Pretty Litter and Genius Litter likewise produce a moderate amount of dust, but Pretty Litter is slightly less dusty than Genius Litter.
7. Environmentally Friendly
Pretty Litter is more environmentally friendly than Genius Litter. Pretty Litter is made from all-natural ingredients that are biodegradable and non-toxic, in contrast to Genius Litter contains synthetic ingredients that can be harmful to the environment.
Over To You!
Several alternatives to Pretty Litter can be considered when looking for a litter box solution.
These alternatives range from cheaper options such as traditional clumping litter to high-end systems like automatic litter boxes.
Each of these has its benefits and drawbacks and choosing the right one for your needs can depend on a variety of factors, such as cost, convenience, and odor control. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which litter box solution is the best for your cat and your budget.
My name is Britney Green and I am the editor and founder of the website Little Happy Cats. I am passionate about helping cats and the people that care for them. I have been working in the pet industry for over 10 years and have always been devoted to the well-being of animals. I started Little Happy Cats as a way to share my knowledge and experiences with others.