If you’ve made the decision to prioritize your cat’s safety and go green with their litter, you’re already on the right track! But with so many options, how do you choose the safest litter for cats? Two brands that often come up in this discussion are SoyKitty and PrettyLitter. Both are popular among cat owners who care about eco-friendliness and health, but which one truly earns the title of the safest litter for cats? Let’s take a deep dive into the pros and cons of each to help you make the best choice for your kitty.
SoyKitty vs PrettyLitter at a Glance
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with a quick overview of what each product offers in terms of safety and performance.
| Feature | SoyKitty | PrettyLitter |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Soybean byproduct, guar gum, cornstarch, natural green tea scent | Silica gel crystals, color-changing compounds |
| Odor Control | Excellent natural odor control for urine, ammonia, and feces | Great odor control for urine, not for feces |
| Health Monitoring | No | Yes, changes color based on pH levels |
| Eco-Friendliness | 100% biodegradable, compostable, and flushable. Made from the food industry byproducts. | Non-biodegradable, non-flushable, non-compostable. Made from an environmentally destructive process called open-pit mining |
| Tracking | Minimal | Moderate |
| Dust | Low dust | Some dust reported |
| Price | $36 for single bag (lasts 1 cat, 1 month). $34.20 for a single bag on subscription. | $24 for a 6lb bag |
SoyKitty Overview: A Safe and Natural Choice
When it comes to finding the safest litter for cats, SoyKitty is hard to beat. This plant-based litter is made from recycled, food-grade soybean byproducts, ensuring a chemical-free experience for your cat. Designed with both feline health and the environment in mind, SoyKitty offers excellent odor control, strong clumping, and minimal dust—all while being gentle on your kitty’s paws. Plus, as a biodegradable, flushable, and compostable option, SoyKitty ensures you’re making a responsible choice without compromising on quality.
Core Features
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Plant-Based, Biodegradable Ingredients: SoyKitty is crafted from recycled soybean byproducts, making it 100% biodegradable, compostable, and eco-friendly. This litter breaks down naturally, reducing your environmental impact and offering a sustainable alternative to traditional clay or silica-based litters.
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Natural Odor Control: SoyKitty excels at keeping your home smelling fresh, thanks to the natural absorbent properties of soy. The soy-based litter quickly absorbs the urine, preventing it from evaporating into the air and spreading unpleasant odors. Additionally, soy contains natural enzymes that break down odor-causing compounds and eliminate bacteria. This combination of absorbency and enzyme action creates a 1-2 punch against odors.
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Superior Absorption & Clumpability: One of SoyKitty's standout features is its impressive absorption capacity. The litter quickly forms firm, tight clumps upon contact with moisture, making cleanup easy and reducing overall litter waste. This not only keeps the litter box clean and dry but also ensures that odors are contained efficiently.
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Low Dust & Minimal Tracking: SoyKitty is designed to produce minimal dust, which is beneficial for both your cat’s respiratory health and the cleanliness of your home. Additionally, its low-tracking formula means you’ll spend less time sweeping up stray litter from around the house.
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Flushable & Easy Disposal: SoyKitty is flushable and compostable, offering convenient disposal options for eco-conscious cat owners. This feature makes it easier to maintain your cat’s litter box while being kind to the environment. When disposing of the litter, please make sure to follow all local regulations in your region.
Positives of SoyKitty
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Safe and Healthy for Cats: SoyKitty is crafted from all-natural, plant-based ingredients, free from harmful chemicals or additives. Unlike traditional litters made from bentonite clay or silica, which can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled, SoyKitty is a gentle and non-toxic option that’s safe for your family and your cat's health.
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Excellent Odor Control: SoyKitty’s odor control is truly exceptional, thanks to the natural absorbency and enzyme action of soy. The soy-based formula works on two levels: first, it quickly absorbs liquid, locking in moisture before it has a chance to evaporate and contribute to bad smells. Then, the natural enzymes in the soy go to work, breaking down the odor-causing compounds at their source. This powerful combination effectively neutralizes odors, ensuring that your home stays fresh and clean, without the need for artificial fragrances or chemicals.
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Fantastic Clumping Ability: SoyKitty’s clumping action is something you can actually see. Unlike some other litters, urine doesn't pool on top—SoyKitty absorbs liquid quickly in the second layer of the litter, preventing your cat from stepping in it and tracking it around the house. The fast absorption also ensures that urine doesn’t seep to the bottom of the litter box, so you won't have to deal with scraping soiled litter off the bottom. Plus, the clumps are firm and solid, so they won’t crumble when you scoop, making it easier to maintain a clean, dry litter box.
Downsides of SoyKitty
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No Health Monitoring: Unlike PrettyLitter, SoyKitty doesn’t offer a health monitoring feature that detects changes in your cat’s urine pH levels, so you won’t get alerts about potential health issues.
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Availability: SoyKitty is still gaining traction in the market, which means it might not be as widely available as some other brands. Currently, it’s only available for purchase on their website at www.soykitty.com.
SoyKitty Pricing
SoyKitty offers a premium, eco-friendly litter solution that doesn’t skimp on safety or quality. While it may not be the cheapest litter on the market, the price reflects its commitment to sustainability and premium ingredients.
- One-Time Purchase: $36 per bag.
- Subscription: $34.20 per bag with automatic deliveries. This subscription model offers a slight discount and ensures you’ll never run out of litter when you need it most.
While the pricing may be higher than some mass-market brands, it’s clear that SoyKitty’s focus on quality, sustainability, and convenience provides solid value for those seeking an eco-conscious, safe litter option for their cats.
PrettyLitter Overview
Image credit: Spruce Pets
PrettyLitter has gained a lot of attention for its innovative health-monitoring feature, and it's easy to see why. The silica gel crystals change color based on your cat’s urine pH levels, alerting you to potential health issues like urinary tract infections, bladder issues, or kidney disease. This early detection can be a game-changer, giving you the opportunity to address any concerns before they become serious. By catching these problems early, PrettyLitter can potentially save you from expensive veterinary bills down the road, and most importantly, it could make a significant difference in your cat's well-being—potentially even saving their life.
However, while PrettyLitter is a great tool for monitoring your cat’s health, it's crucial to remember that it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you notice any color changes or suspect your cat might be experiencing health issues, don’t just rely on the litter to diagnose or solve the problem. Always make the safe bet and schedule a visit with your vet to find the root cause. Your cat’s health and safety should always come first.
Core Features
- Health Monitoring: PrettyLitter’s standout feature is its ability to monitor your cat’s health by changing color based on their urine pH levels. This can be a valuable tool for early detection of health problems, particularly for cats prone to urinary issues. This is a good feature for elderly cats, or cats that are prone to urinary or kidney issues.
- Odor Control: The silica gel crystals in PrettyLitter are highly absorbent and effective at controlling urine odors. However, some users report that while it manages urine odors well, it doesn’t mask fecal odors as effectively, particularly in multi-cat households.
- Low Dust & Minimal Tracking: Although PrettyLitter is advertised as low-dust, some users have experienced dust clouds when pouring the litter and during regular use. Additionally, the fine, lightweight crystals can easily be tracked outside the litter box, leading to a messier home environment.
Positives of PrettyLitter
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Health Monitoring: PrettyLitter’s ability to change color based on your cat’s urine pH levels provides a valuable tool for early detection of health issues. This feature can give cat owners peace of mind by allowing them to monitor their pet’s health closely. While this can offer early insights into potential health problems, it’s crucial to remember that PrettyLitter should not replace regular veterinary care.
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Odor Control: PrettyLitter’s silica gel crystals do a commendable job of absorbing urine and trapping odors, helping to keep your home smelling fresh. However, it’s worth noting that this effectiveness may diminish in multi-cat households or after prolonged use.
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Availability: One of PrettyLitter's notable advantages is its wide availability. Acquired by Mars in May 2021, PrettyLitter has since expanded its reach. Whether you prefer to shop in-store or online, PrettyLitter is conveniently available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Chewy.com. You can also subscribe on PrettyLitter’s website to have it delivered to your door. With its wide availability and 30-day risk-free guarantee, PrettyLitter is a convenient choice for cat owners across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
What Could Be Better
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Health & Safety Concerns: While PrettyLitter is made from amorphous silica, which is considered safer than crystalline silica, there are still concerns about the dust it produces. Inhalation of silica dust, even in its amorphous form, can potentially lead to respiratory issues in both cats and humans. Although PrettyLitter is marketed as low-dust, users have reported that it does produce some dust when poured or when your cat digs in the box. Additionally, if ingested, silica can cause digestive blockages or other complications.
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Environmental Impact: PrettyLitter is not biodegradable, compostable, or flushable, which means it ends up in landfills. The process of extracting silica through open-pit mining also has significant environmental impacts and the process of manufacturing silica gel requires a significant amount of energy, making it a less sustainable choice compared to plant-based litters like SoyKitty.
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Tracking Issues: The fine, lightweight nature of PrettyLitter’s crystals makes it prone to tracking. Cats can easily carry the small crystals out of the litter box on their paws, leading to a mess around your home.
PrettyLitter Pricing
PrettyLitter is priced at $24 for a 6-lb bag, which should last one month for a single cat. For multi-cat households, you may need to purchase additional bags, increasing your costs. PrettyLitter is available for purchase at select retailers like Walmart, Target, and Chewy.com, where prices may vary slightly. While the health monitoring feature is innovative, it comes with a higher price tag that might not fit every budget.
SoyKitty vs PrettyLitter: Which Litter is the Safest for Cats?
When it comes to choosing the safest litter for cats, there are a few key factors to consider—namely, the materials used, the presence of any potentially harmful additives, and the overall impact on both your cat's health and the environment. SoyKitty shines in this department with its plant-based, chemical-free formula that eliminates exposure to harmful substances. This makes it a particularly safe option for cats, especially those with sensitivities or allergies. Plus, the natural ingredients make SoyKitty an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the chances of exposure to toxic chemicals for both your cat and your home.
On the other hand, PrettyLitter offers a unique health-monitoring feature that can be incredibly useful for early detection of potential health issues. However, its silica-based composition raises some red flags when it comes to safety. The dust produced by silica litter, although marketed as low-dust, can still pose respiratory risks for both cats and humans. Moreover, PrettyLitter is non-biodegradable, which adds to its environmental impact and may be a concern for eco-conscious cat owners. While PrettyLitter's innovative features offer value, it’s crucial to weigh these benefits against the potential health risks associated with silica dust.
SoyKitty vs PrettyLitter: Material & Safety for Cats
When evaluating the safety of cat litters, the materials used play a critical role. SoyKitty leads the pack with its all-natural, plant-based ingredients, providing a litter option that is free from harmful chemicals and additives. The recycled soybean byproducts used in SoyKitty are not only gentle on your cat's health but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution. This means your cat can enjoy a clean, safe litter box environment without the risk of ingesting or inhaling potentially dangerous substances. Additionally, SoyKitty’s biodegradable and flushable nature ensures that it won’t leave a lasting environmental footprint, making it a responsible choice for cat parents who prioritize sustainability.
In contrast, PrettyLitter’s use of silica gel crystals, while offering health-monitoring capabilities, introduces some potential safety concerns. The production of silica dust, even in its safer amorphous form, can still pose respiratory risks to both cats and humans, particularly if the dust is inhaled over time. Furthermore, PrettyLitter’s non-biodegradable composition means it doesn’t break down in the environment, contributing to landfill waste. Although PrettyLitter offers innovative health insights, cat owners must consider whether these benefits outweigh the possible risks to their cat’s health and the planet. Ultimately, when it comes to material and safety, SoyKitty presents a more natural and less risky choice for those looking to prioritize their cat’s well-being and the environment.
SoyKitty vs PrettyLitter: Odor Control
When it comes to odor control, both SoyKitty and PrettyLitter perform well, but they approach the task differently. SoyKitty uses the natural absorbency and enzyme action of soybeans to neutralize odors effectively, making it an additive and chemical-free option. This natural odor control method not only keeps your home smelling fresh but also avoids exposing your cat to potentially harmful chemicals. PrettyLitter, on the other hand, relies on silica crystals to manage odors. While effective, some cat owners may prefer the natural approach of SoyKitty, particularly when considering the safest litter for cats.
SoyKitty vs PrettyLitter: Health Monitoring
PrettyLitter shines here with its unique health-monitoring feature. If monitoring your cat’s urinary health is a priority, PrettyLitter might be worth considering despite its other drawbacks. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of this feature against the potential safety concerns associated with silica-based litters. SoyKitty, while not offering health monitoring, prioritizes overall safety and eco-friendliness, making it a strong contender for those seeking a more natural option.
SoyKitty vs PrettyLitter: Which is the Safest Litter for Cats?
| Feature | SoyKitty | PrettyLitter |
|---|---|---|
| Material Safety | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Eco-Friendliness | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Odor Control | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Health Monitoring | 2.0 | 5.0 |
| Price | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Final Verdict:
If you're searching for the safest litter for cats that also aligns with your holistic and eco-conscious values, SoyKitty is your best bet. Its plant-based, chemical-free formula provides a safe and sustainable option for your cat's litter needs. On the other hand, if health monitoring is a priority and you're willing to overlook the safety concerns of silica, PrettyLitter's innovative features make it a compelling choice.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you value most—whether it's prioritizing safety and sustainability or focusing on health monitoring. Both SoyKitty and PrettyLitter offer distinct benefits, and the choice depends on your and your cat's unique needs.
