Silica gel litter for cats: what is it and which is better

Silica gel cat litter is a popular hygienic product for pet litter. It absorbs moisture well and removes unpleasant odors. It is quite economical and allows you to keep the tray clean for 3-4 weeks. Manufacturers produce a wide variety of mixtures with different properties. This article will help you decide what types of fillers there are and which one is best to choose for your pet.

General characteristics

Silica gel mixture for cat litter is dry solid granules that are obtained from silicic acids. They can be in the form of balls or crystals, most often white. To increase the aesthetic appeal, manufacturers can paint the granules in various shades (blue, red, green, etc.).

The mixture has excellent hydrophilic properties. When urine gets on the granules, it is completely absorbed by them without leaving an unpleasant odor. Additionally, aromatic substances can be added to the filler, which are activated when they are exposed to moisture.

The following main types of silica gel are distinguished:

• antibacterial;
• flavored;
• multi-colored;
• hypoallergenic.

Varieties

There are several brands of silica gel for the toilet. Product differences are only in size, shape, color of indicators, type of fragrance and amount of dust. You can buy silica gel at a pet store, which offers the following types:

In the store you can find such products with large granules.

• for adult cats and/or kittens;
• flavored and unscented;
• transparent with balls painted in different colors - indicators of filling;
• large, small or medium in size.

Manufacturers

The best silica gels are presented in the table:

Positive sides

Silica gel litter is deservedly one of the most popular cat litter products. The advantages of using it include:

• economical: a standard two-kilogram package is enough for about a month (of course, there are also larger packages that are designed for a longer period);
• absence of dirt: the mixture does not create dust and practically does not stick to the animal’s paws;
• absorbs moisture well: silica gel absorbs not only the liquid that gets on it, but also moisture in the air, so it can be used to get rid of excess humidity in the bathroom or toilet.

Kinds

All fillers are divided into several types based on the composition of the raw materials. There is no ideal content for cat litter: choose a brand that is suitable for your pet.

Clay (mineral)

Made from different types of clay rocks. The quality and properties of the filler depend on what minerals are included in the clay used by a particular manufacturer. Absorbent and clumping grades are available.

Bentonite is the best material for making filler.

Popular brands: Pi-Pi-Bent, Clean Paws, Fresh Step.

Pros:

• natural structure that attracts the cat;
• harmlessness;
• cheapness.

Minuses:

• fine granules are suitable for kittens, but they create a lot of dust;
• granules of a large fraction do not generate dust, but can injure the delicate paws of babies;
• may stick to paws;
• do not retain moisture well if an unscrupulous manufacturer uses unsuitable raw materials.

Woody

It is made from small sawdust of different types of wood, pressed into granules. There are brands that are 100% sawdust, and sometimes they are one of the filler components. Small sawdust will not damage sewer pipes - the contents of the tray can be flushed down the toilet.

Popular brands: PrettyCat, Homecat, Happy Paws.

Pros:

• natural raw materials;
• you can purchase a brand with granules of the appropriate size;
• absorbs liquid well and retains odor;
• low price.

Minuses:

• a pet digger will scatter granules throughout the bathroom;
• sticks to paws;
• It is necessary to change the contents of the tray frequently.

Silica gel

This type is made from silica (silicon dioxide), a natural substance that is the main component of almost all rocks, processed using special technology. The finished product has almost zero humidity, and due to the high porosity of the internal structure of the granules it is able to absorb a large volume of liquid.

The high price is not a big disadvantage: it is very economical.

Popular brands: Smart Cat, Cat Step, N1 Crystals.

Pros:

• perfectly retains secretions and odor;
• The contents must be removed once every two weeks;
• aesthetics: beautiful appearance and pleasant aroma.

Minuses:

• not every cat will use such litter - it is very different from the structure of earth or sand;
• the crunch of the granules scares away some animals;
• with its unusual appearance, it arouses gastronomic interest in kittens, which, if the granules are swallowed, can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction.

Corn

Corn cobs have recently been used to make cat litter. Such products are convenient for owners and animals like them. It can be flushed down the toilet or used as fertilizer.

Popular brands: Nature's Miracle, Golden Cat.

Pros:

• absorbs moisture and odor well;
• great even for small kittens;
• environmentally friendly: made from natural raw materials without additives.

Minuses:

• a diligent digger will easily scatter light granules throughout the bathroom and beyond;
• not all stores offer such goods;
• high price.

Paper

Produced by recycling and pressing paper waste. A good option for filling a tray, but slightly inferior in characteristics to clay or silica gel. Used cat litter contents should be thrown into the toilet in small portions.

Popular brands: A'Mur, NeoSuna.

Pros:

• quickly absorbs liquid and odor;
• does not stick to paws;
• even large granules cannot damage the delicate skin of a kitten.

Minuses:

• requires frequent replacement;
• high price;
• rustles when the cat is enthusiastically fiddling around in the litter.

Carbonic

This is a mixture of clay and activated carbon. It has excellent characteristics and is comfortable for cats. Coal particles effectively absorb unpleasant odors.

Popular brands: Molly Goddle, Fresh Step.

Pros:

• instantly absorbs moisture and odor;
• economical;
• has an antimicrobial effect.

Minuses:

too hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) - it is not advisable to place the tray in a bathroom or combined toilet.

Flaws

Of course, the use of this product, like any other product, has its negative aspects:

• quite high price (there are other cat litter products on the market at a lower cost, but if the silica gel litter is used in accordance with the instructions, it will last a long time);
• when liquid gets on the granules, a characteristic hissing sound appears, which frightens some cats;
• granules in the form of crystals or fine fractions can be unpleasant for the pet when he steps on them;
• the mixture is not suitable for animals that like to taste everything.

Silica gel should not be eaten. If ingested, it can cause serious problems due to its strong hydrophilic properties.

Important! The filler is not recommended for use in kittens, since if the kitten eats a little of the granules, this will lead to serious consequences, including the death of the animal.

How to choose silica gel filler

There are several sizes of filler crystals. The fraction size is directly related to the rate of moisture absorption. For example, for cats with thick, long hair, it is worth purchasing the largest size litter so that the pet does not get dirty.

In addition to the size of the mixture, when purchasing filler you should pay attention to the following points:

• granules in original packaging must be clean and free from dust;
• the weight of the cat and the structure of its coat;
• It is best to choose a white filler, since it does not contain coloring substances, and the risk of developing allergies in the animal will be minimized;
• You should not buy the cheapest mixture, as it may not be of the best quality.

Despite the fact that silica gel filler is more expensive than clay or wood filler, it is consumed much more economically. Therefore, many owners opt for it.

If the cat ate silica gel

Some pets, out of curiosity, eat inedible things. Such addictions are rarely found in adults; this behavior is more often present in kittens. In the case of silica gel, this situation can be very dangerous.

According to its properties, the substance is hygroscopic and increases in size as it is filled with moisture. Therefore, it can cause intestinal blockage and other gaps in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the mixture, albeit in small doses, contains toxic elements that can cause serious poisoning in kittens.

If an animal has eaten silica gel, it is better to immediately seek the help of a specialist, as surgical intervention may be required.

Recommendations for use

Each package of hygiene product for cat litter contains instructions, following which you can get optimal results from using the product. You should follow a few simple rules so that silica gel serves usefully and does not cause trouble:

1. It is necessary to pour a sufficiently large volume of the mixture into the tray (the manufacturer indicates exactly how much on the packaging). Then the silica gel will perform its functions well: absorb liquid and prevent odor from spreading.
2. In order for the hygiene product to last longer, it must be stirred periodically.
3. After the cat has emptied its intestines, remove the excrement with a spatula and, if necessary, add a little mixture. If granules are stuck to the stool, it is better not to throw them into the toilet.
4. The filler is disposed of together with solid household waste. You should not pour it into the toilet, as it can swell and clog the drain.

№1 Crystals

This is one of the most popular silica gel litters for cats. The country of origin of the product is Russia. The hygiene product performs its functions perfectly, absorbs liquid, and neutralizes the smell of feces. The granules have a convenient shape that prevents them from getting stuck in the paws or getting tangled in the fur. Thanks to this property, the mixture remains in the tray and does not spread throughout the house.

Varieties:

1. Crystals No. 1 (classic).
2. For Girls pink.
3. Antibacterial.
4. For Kittens.
5. Lavender.
6. Sakura.

Approximate price:

• 5 l – 500 rubles;
• 12.5 l – 1500 rubles;
• 30 l – 2500 rubles.

Siberian cat

“Siberian cat” is a cat litter produced in Russia. The brand produces various products for animals, including several types of hygiene mixtures (including silica gel).

Silica gel granules have a rounded, fine fraction, transparent or translucent color. They perfectly absorb liquid and vapor. Their surface always remains dry, so the animal does not experience discomfort the next time it steps into the tray.

Varieties:

• silica gel filler “Elite”;
• Elite IVF.

Approximate price:

• 1.8 kg – 500 rubles;
• 3.7 kg – 800 rubles;
• 7.3 kg – 1600 rubles.

Review of popular manufacturers

It is easy for novice cat owners to get confused when choosing a mixture, since a large number of companies produce them. But there are silica gel toilet fillers, which are reviewed positively by everyone who has used them. Here is an approximate list of leaders in the pet products market:

• Сrystals;
• Siberian cat;
• Cat step;
• Snowball;
• Our brand;
• Sanicat.

"Сrystals". Absorbent silica gel with fairly large granules. This filler does not stick to paws and fur, does not require frequent cleaning, and perfectly removes unpleasant odors, but some buyers complain about the content of silicate dust in the packaging. It can be easily found at any pet store.

Crystals - silica gel filler

"Siberian cat" Filler made in Russia. Available in several variations of filling and weight. Elite - white silica gel interspersed with large blue granules, odorless and dust-free, suitable for mesh trays. For the picky ones - white and pink granular silica gel filler with fragrance and increased bactericidal properties. Elite ECO is the largest fraction of crystals from the manufacturer, which makes the absorption capacity the highest. Elite clumping – blue silica gel, suitable for kittens from the first days of life. Reviews on the Internet confirm the name “elite” - the filler copes with its tasks without any complaints.

Siberian cat - silica gel filler

"Cat step." The manufacturer assures, and the purr owners confirm, that this silica gel copes well with all the basic functions of the filler. But in reviews you can sometimes find a remark that the crystals in some batches are sharp enough to injure the paw pads of cats. Produced in the format of white crystals with the addition of pink, blue, purple or a mix and with different scents.

Cat step - silica gel filler

"Snowball" Despite the simple name, this filler has one very good quality - the bag contains granules of small and large fractions and with varying degrees of porosity, which allows it to better absorb urine itself and the smell faster and better than analogues with a homogeneous fraction and porosity. Also, cat owners note the very economical consumption of the litter, because the 4 centimeters of silica gel in the tray recommended by the manufacturer copes with its task no worse than a whole tray of similar litter.

Snowball - silica gel filler

"Our brand." A very budget option for silica gel litter for cat litter. It is available as a universal scentless one, as well as a beautiful white-colored one with different scents: lotus, lavender and apple. The consumption is economical - 6 centimeters of filler do an excellent job with the cat's affairs throughout the week. Afterwards, the filler can be completely changed and the tray can be easily washed.

Our brand is silica gel filler

"Sanicat". This is a clumping type silica gel litter that comes in a variety of colors and can be unscented or scented. An important advantage of this solution is that the balls are suitable even for kittens, and the risk of paw damage will be zero.

Sanicat - silica gel filler

Cat Step

This is a silica gel litter for cats produced by a Russian company that produces products for pets. The hygiene product helps to keep the cat litter clean for a long time. For 2-3 weeks you don’t have to worry about general cleaning of the tray, as the mixture absorbs the animal’s feces well and prevents the unpleasant odor from spreading.

Varieties:

• silica gel litter for cats Cat Step (classic);
• Laguna (unflavored, granules are colored blue, white and pink);
• Sacura (unflavored, granules colored white and pink);
• with strawberry aroma;
• with lavender scent.

Approximate price:

• 3.8 l – 400 rub.;
• 7.6 l – 850 rub.;
• 15.2 l – 1600 rub.

You can now see the current price of silica gel filler and buy it right here from Yandex Market with fast delivery:

Comparison of the best products

I have summarized the main parameters of cat silica gel litters in a table. It’s so convenient to compare different toilets for cats and choose the best option for your pet.

Let's highlight the favorites of this rating.