Silica gel cat litter - reviews

What is Silica Gel Filler

Silica gel is a synthetic substance that has become widespread in human life.

Silica gel granules are used not only for filling cat litter, but also for drying shoes or clothes. Silica gel crystals are also used to eliminate unpleasant odors in cabinets, shoes, and things. Silica gel is made from a silicon-based gel. The granules have high absorption capacity. They absorb not only moisture, but also unpleasant odors.

Cat silica gel usually has transparent crystals, but they can have different shapes. The grains can be angular with sharp ends or have a regular round shape. They produce gel filler in the form of small transparent pebbles. Sometimes they are diluted with colored crystals. According to the manufacturer, colored granules are an indicator of the performance of the filler. Aromatic additives can also be added to the composition.

Silica gel cat litter can be both absorbent and clumping in its action.

What does the filler look like?

The chemical composition of the silica gel filler for cats is defined as a hydrophilic sorbent, and is formed by the process of drying a special gel.

Almost 99% of the filler consists of this substance. In its normal state, when purchased in a store, it consists of small balls, completed and pressed into packaging.

If we talk about the texture of the granules themselves, then it can also vary in shape, among which there are: round, with sharp edges, and crystal-shaped balls. The same phenomenon is observed in sizes. Here you need to know one secret. The greater the weight, as well as the length and thickness of the cat's fur, the larger the granules should be.

Filler selection options

• the presence of granules in the packaging without dust and impurities;
• taking into account the weight and nature of the animal’s fur;
• abandon the frequent use of colored fillers in favor of natural white;
• Don’t be tied to price, focus on quality.

Let's compare the pros and cons

A detailed analysis of any composition can reveal a number of advantages and disadvantages. The weight of certain indicators is different for each owner. According to the majority, the disadvantages of silica gel are still insignificant or completely solvable.

Advantages:

• Due to the porous structure, they quickly and effectively absorb moisture and reliably retain it inside the granules.
• Completely absorb odor. Even after prolonged use, the cat litter box does not emit any odor.
• Pure granules change color when absorbing moisture. They may turn white or yellow. This property helps to track how much pure mixture is left. This makes it easier to understand when it is time to completely change the filling of the toilet.
• Does not have chemical activity and is not subject to combustion.
• Due to the synthetic composition, it does not rot or deteriorate in the fresh air.
• Gel granules do not stick to the animal's paws and fur. Due to the synthetic composition, it does not form dirt that a pet could spread around the apartment. And the special shape of the crystals prevents them from spilling out of the tray when your pet is digging.
• Silica gel does not get wet and does not stick to the tray. Cleaning the tray is very easy. Simply remove the used mixture and rinse the tray with running water.
• Silica gel filler must be changed 1-2 times a month. It is very convenient and economical.
• The aesthetic appearance of the composition attracts attention. Pleasant transparent pebbles with multi-colored crystals are pleasing to the eye.

Please remember that silica gel cat litter can absorb moisture from the air. Therefore, it is better to store it in a closed container.

Flaws:

• Not considered safe. Can be harmful if eaten by a curious pet. But you can choose a safe option.
• Makes a specific noise when an animal steps on the pellets with its paws. This may scare your pet away.
• Disposal method is household waste only. Flushing down the toilet is strictly prohibited.
• The cost is quite high, unlike wood and clay fillers.

For the gel filler to work effectively, it must be stirred every day. It is important that the liquid is distributed evenly throughout all granules.

Watch a video about choosing a silica gel filler in a store, a conversation with the manufacturer about product quality, a veterinarian’s opinion, and checking the properties of silica gel in the clinic:

Silica gel cat litter - reviews

Nice
https://mauforum.ru/viewtopic.php?p=219693

Because I myself don’t mind the stench of cat litter, but what we use helps with this. There is no smell, there is no need to clean “little by little”, and it does not require frequent changes. We are glad

Masha Menshenina

https://vk.com/topic-90915436_31818571

Great filler at a great price! The cat and we are happy!)

Svetlana Fedotova

https://vk.com/topic-90915436_31818571

I liked it very much, due to the increase in prices, we decided to give up Shurum Burum and try it, we were pleasantly surprised, we did not expect such a result. One bag is enough for a month, we add a third of the bag every 10 days (we remove solid waste immediately with a shovel). You won't believe it... There is no smell! Absolutely! I recommend it to all my friends.

SvetlanaVostrik

https://otzovik.com/review_6681887.html

Advantages:

Absorbs well and blocks odor

Flaws:

Noisy, sticks to paws

In the instructions “pour 5 cm of filler into the tray”, this is probably intended for those cats who go to the net, I pour just a little bit of filler so that there is something to dig into, I change it every 3 days, in total a 5 liter bag is enough for 5 -6 weeks) The packaging says that it doesn’t stick to the paws, either our paws are sticky or it’s just nonsense, he takes a little out of the tray, if possible, I clean this area 2 times a day, but this is not a stone in the garden of filler, we tried and others, scatters even more. It absorbs the smell very well, mix the granules after each pee and everything will be ok. The big minus is that the kitties go to the toilet at night and begin to furiously dig for these granules, the noise is loud throughout the entire apartment) My cat is mega-allergic, we have been using this litter for a year, there is no snot or scabies)

Kyzinamama

https://otzovik.com/review_1910665.html

Advantages:

Absorbency

Flaws:

Lots of noise when digging

I always wanted to get myself a kitten and then the opportunity arose. But since my husband and I lived in a dorm room, I needed a filler that had good absorbency and that held the smell as best as possible. At the veterinary pharmacy, the veterinarian advised me to take Crystals N1 Antibacterial, I took a small pack for testing and a week later I returned for a large pack. What advantages did I discover while using the filler: 1. does not stick to the animal’s paws, for me this became an obvious advantage when our baby arrived, because the cat loves to sleep next to him. 2. perfectly absorbs even liquid stool 3. retains odor 4. clumps perfectly and is easily removed from the tray. 5. The filler crystals do not harm the baby’s delicate skin.

Hamster

https://irecommend.ru/content/silikagel-luchshii

Silica gel filler is a miracle find! I live in an apartment and I have a sterilized cat and a playful 9-month-old (already neutered) cat.

The first thing I started using was clay filler, both absorbent and clumping, but I was not satisfied with the smell of cement in the apartment, dust and sharp lumps of filler on the floor. The price is certainly not high, about 50 rubles. per kg, but the filler had to be changed every 2-3 days, the smell did not hold well.

Then I switched to wood filler. It was love at first sight and the first day of use + the price was attractive, because for 2 cats you need twice as much, but with all the advantages, there was a huge disadvantage - it was very worn on the paws when it turned into sawdust, I put the grill in the tray and I laid a rug next to it, it became easier! The smell held perfectly, I changed it completely once every 4 days. But it was not there!

After the cat reached puberty (even before castration), the smell of urine became so pungent that the wood filler could not cope and the husband set the condition: “If there is this smell, then there will be no cat in the apartment!” At the moment, the only thing left to try was silica gel, which is more expensive than the others. It was written on the packaging that it is covered in a layer of 3 cm and is enough for 2 weeks for 2 cats, the main condition is daily removal of solid already crystallized waste and mixing of the filler to ensure uniform absorption of urine. Indeed, if we carry out all the steps described above, we have enough filler for 2 weeks. The tray is completely cleaned only when all the crystals turn yellow. We use 3 kg of filler per month, despite the fact that we have a huge

corner dry toilet for cats. That is, 1 kg of filler costs from 135-400 rubles, and after trying different price categories, I didn’t see the difference, but settled on 160 rubles. per kg, because the store is closer). It turns out very economical and there is no smell. The cats loved him very much! If before the cat did not bury its “dirty tricks”, then they dig into the silica gel with pleasure! The crystals are large and hardly stick to the paws; the tray is always dry. I highly recommend it, you won’t regret it!

Here you can see my other reviews on the cat topic:

• about
  cat litter Siberian Cat Lesnoy, which the cat liked and I didn’t like;
• about
  Perfect Fit food for sterilized cats and cats with chicken, which my cat loves very much

Anna Borisovna

https://irecommend.ru/content/okhrenitelnaya-khren

The seller said that you don’t have to change it for 10 days. We laughed. Now we don’t change for 10 days. These are the balls that come with the shoes in small bags. It’s very difficult to save money at home), but you can buy them, I took 285 rubles per kg. Silica gel is used in industry for precisely this purpose - to absorb moisture and odor. It has a huge surface area (800 m²/1 g), consisting of groups located at a distance of 0.5 nm from each other. It was probably the director of our cat store who thought of using it for cat litter, because I have never seen anything like this anywhere else. The cat waste just gets mired there like in a black hole, even though a little bit of liquid stool is absorbed without a trace, what remains is dry, wrinkled poop, which is also enveloped in this so that they are almost invisible. And so quickly that our cat, after peeing, is already perplexed, what exactly is he burying here? And did he write at all?

KSYUNYA Sergeevna

https://irecommend.ru/content/silikagelevyi-napolnitel-lider-sredi-vsekh-ostalnykh-odnoznachno

A kitty in an apartment is, of course, a classy creature, a cute creature, affectionate and purring))) But sometimes the owners are in for trouble in the form of a bad smell, piles outside the pot, scattered litter, frequent cleaning and waste on litter.

I have lived with cats all my life and have seen different approaches:

- in the village, cats do their business on the street (you just need to let them out and run them);

— sand (the smell is unpleasant, it’s difficult to clean, it’s a lot of waste, everything is covered in sand, but cats like it)

- Persians go to a tray with a mesh without filler (it’s easy to clean, but there’s a stink and all the poop is visible)

She offered hers:

- wood filler (does not block odor at all, makes noise during “excavation”, frequent cleaning)

— newspapers and I’m not going to try them, it’s absolutely terrible))

— clay, absorbent, and clumping ones either because I personally find them inconvenient; I pick them up with a scoop somehow every day, change them completely every few days, but they generate dust, stick to my paws, and leave paw marks on the floor (I heard reviews and saw them from friends)

— silica gel , which I fell in love with from the first use!))

I'll tell you in more detail.

My

The Scottish Fold is known for its cleanliness. At the same time, she is such a lady that she can dump a heap on the clean floor if the pot stinks or she has already gone there two or three times in a big way. He refuses to use the potty without filler. Woody doesn’t attract her much, even though it’s natural, because... after the first pee-pee there is already an unpleasant stench there. Therefore, without hesitation, I purchased silica gel (I worked in a pet store and have an idea about fillers).

At the first acquaintance with him, the cat happily jumped into the pot and began to dig) In my case, everything comes with experience. Therefore, the next day I bought a new tall pot with sides!)) Then I was faced with the fact that if you pour it on a mesh, urine accumulates under the mesh, not absorbed by the crystals, and emits an unpleasant odor. I started pouring it under the mesh and onto the mesh (I don’t use it without a mesh, because the kitty digs to the very depths and pees on the bare surface, and the height of the pot does not allow pouring more than 5 cm), it turned out that under the mesh the crystals do not mix and therefore on one side , where the kitty sits down, the filler simply cannot cope with the volume of liquid, the excess urine has nowhere to go and the smell returns. I started buying absorbent filler, like the usual “Barsik”, and pouring it under the mesh, and then silica gel on top. Thus, the bottom filler evenly absorbs liquid, and the top filler absorbs and blocks all liquid that gets on it and dries solid waste, absorbing odors. At the same time, he himself remains dry.

I'm experimenting by buying different brands of silica gel filler.

— Fresh Step turned out to be caustic.

— PeePee gel sticks to the paws.

- N1 antibacterial spreads on its paws around the tray and creates terrible dust, if the cat goes to the toilet, then we are choking on the dust for half an hour. For the same reason, I don’t take cheap Barsik silica gel, since it is also produced by N1 .

— Shurum-Burum luxury seems to be not bad, its price is average, about 370 rubles for 3.8 liters. There are also premium and extra, but they clearly differ only in color. The smell lasts for a long time.

Clean Cat the most . It costs 500 rubles for 8 liters. The crystals are oval, so there is no danger of being caustic. Absorbs perfectly. As I understand it, it is silicate, based on silica gel. But there are few places where you can buy it. I’ll find where to buy, try again and add to the review.

— I took a bag of silica gel balls. The saleswoman said she didn't know their brand (strange, of course). They cost 195 rubles per 1 kg. They suck at absorption. The kittens didn’t want to go into it at all, so the kids dug small holes, the balls rolled back, so the kittens sat on their butts on the balls. And he got dirty quickly. I had to pour it into a closed tray for the cat, mixing it with ordinary silica gel crystals.

So, a package of standard Barsik under the net is enough for us on average for 6 uses, you can take any absorbent, it doesn’t matter, the main thing is that it absorbs evenly and is easily removed without turning into homogeneous clay. Silica gel 3.8 l is enough for two uses. Total: in a month a small pack of silica gel and 1/3 of absorbent is used.

I remove solid waste with a scoop once every 2 days, digging it up) they are dry, odorless and not even visible. While cleaning, I mix all the silica gel with a scoop. Once every two weeks I completely change the filler and wash the pot with the product.

Since last summer we have been living in a private house in the village; the cat now prefers to go and defecate outside in warm weather, so the litter is used even more economically in the warm season))

Those who say that silica gel fillers are expensive, do the math - a package of silica gel costs 200-500 rubles (depending on the manufacturer and the volume you need for your tray) for a month. Filling made from other materials is not particularly cheaper, but even if you take the average cost to be 100-200 rubles cheaper, keep in mind that the package will last you for a week or two, so you will still spend more in a month. A cheap filler (50-100 rubles) will of course cost a little less, BUT it means frequent cleaning, complete replacement of the filler every three days, a bad smell, poor absorbency, in my opinion - it’s not worth it)

Another note: two or three days before giving birth, the cat went crazy and began eating silica gel granules, after which she vomited. The granules did not harm her; they leave the stomach either through the mouth or another way. In this regard, clay is much worse. Fortunately, after giving birth, the cat came to her senses and no longer chews the granules) I will also accustom the kittens to silica gel, but just in case I bought some pieces of wood, in case they also start to eat the stuffing on both cheeks. Although silica gel for kittens is no different from silica gel for adults, so I think it’s okay if one or two granules get inside, the manufacturers should have warned about the nuances.

I am adding to the review: The kittens completely refused to defecate in the pieces of wood. I do not know why. They really liked the silica gel. But there is a minus - sometimes they stick their nose into it, the crystals stick to the mucous membrane of the mouth, they start licking it and it gets into their mouth and they cannot pull it out. It’s good that I was always nearby and peeled it off with my fingers and took it out of their mouth. But a week later they turned one month old, their coordination became better and such situations became very rare (crystals stick to a wet bottom, if they lick them right away, the crystals are back in their mouth). They didn’t like the silica gel balls, as I already wrote, but the adult cat likes them.

By the way, the cat now goes to the big

closed toilet. It is without a mesh, but the parameters allow you to fill it with a large layer of filler (from 3.8 l to 8 l). Even one-month-old kittens began to wear it)

Finally, I wish your pets a happy and healthy life, and only you can provide them with a long life in comfortable conditions with good nutrition))

We are responsible for those we have tamed!)

How to use silica gel

The gel filler is very easy to use. Recommendations for use may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you should read the instructions on the package.

Silica gel cat litter must be poured into a clean and dry tray. The layer should be thick, at least 5 cm. Usually, half a bag weighing 4 kg is poured out. The remaining half is gradually poured into the tray as needed. This method helps the mixture work for a month, or after two weeks you can completely replace the filler. Feces are removed using a mesh spatula.

It is important to choose the right composition. For long-haired cats, it is better to choose large granules. Silica gel litter for kittens must be purchased with a special safety note for babies.

Some cats are calm about changing litter. For other pets, a sudden change of filler is stressful. In this case, it is better to gradually replace it with a silica gel composition. This will allow the pet to gradually get used to the new option.

Used silica gel litter should not be flushed down the toilet. The synthetic mixture can clog the clearance of sewer pipes.

Companies - manufacturers of fillers, brands

Domestic production

• "Clean paws." It has been on the pet products market for just over 20 years. Represents clumping fillers based on bentonite clay from India. Quite a popular brand in our country. At the moment, the range is quite wide and includes silica gel, mineral, wood and clay fillers.
• “Zoonik” – presents a wide range of pet products. Belongs to Oris company. Offers wood-based and silica gel fillers.
• "Barsik". Manufactured by Intel, it has also been on the market for more than 20 years and is quite popular among compatriots. In the last decade - first in the ranking of the most popular and accessible. Today it is represented by a wide range (more than ten items).
• LLC "Leading" It produces clumping fillers based on bentonite clay, natural wood fibers, and silica gel, which have separate brands: Pi pi Bent, Kotyara, CCKat.

• Cat Step is a brand owned by the large company Amma. They produce hypoallergenic eco-friendly fillers that block odors well.
• "Ecosoft" - . In the pet market longer than other competitors. The range includes more than 20 types of fillers made of zeolite and silica gel.

Top 6 Best Silica Gel Fillers

Siberian cat

An excellent representative of the synthetic composition. Silica gel filler "Siberian Cat" effectively absorbs liquid and odor. Suitable for use in a tray with a grid. The special shape of the crystals prevents spillage over the sides of the cat litter when digging. This composition does not create dust and has a neutral odor.

The average cost is 850 rubles per package of 3.7 kg.

Pretty Cat

Premium quality composition. Copes well with assigned tasks. Does not generate dust. Has a nice appearance. Convenient packaging with a zip lock. Does not contain chemical or aromatic additives.

The average cost is 520 rubles per package of 1.9 kg.

Cat Step

Cat Step Silica Gel Litter probably has the widest range to choose from. Good absorption capacity and odor neutralization are noted. Users like the ratio of quality and reasonable cost.

The average cost is 320 rubles for 3.8 liters.

Sanicat

A good representative among silica gel compounds. Has high absorption capacity. Eliminates unpleasant odors. You can purchase a product with the aroma of flowers or sea freshness. This litter is of the clumping type, which makes cleaning the cat litter even easier.

The average cost is 260 rubles per 3.8 liter package.

N1 Crystals

Premium class representative. Crystals Silica Gel Litter effectively absorbs urine and blocks cat litter odor. The granules are developed using special technology. They don't stick to the paws. The composition does not form dust. In its line, silica gel filler N1 also has flavored formulation options. The manufacturer has developed a special version that is safe for kittens. Antibacterial additives prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria in the cat's litter box.

The average cost is 490 rubles per 2 kg.

Smart Cat

Wide aromatic range. You can buy a composition with the aroma of apple, lavender and orange. There is also an unscented option for picky cats. Copes perfectly with functions typical of synthetic compounds. This brand of cat silica gel can be purchased specifically for kittens.

The average cost is 830 rubles per 3.32 kg.

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.

Which tray is best for silica gel?

The number of trays for cats is amazing in its diversity. Among them you can see open and closed, deep and shallow, with and without bars. And there are also trays created in the form of houses, snail shells, etc.

But in order not to get confused when choosing a tray, it is very important to remember its intended purpose - it must have not only aesthetic properties, but also practical ones. The animal should have free access to the tray, it should feel calm in it

And it is important for the owner that he can easily wash it if necessary and replace the filler.

When choosing the depth of the tray and its shape, it is recommended to focus on the size of the pet and its behavior. So, if the cat likes to rummage through the litter, then it is better to take a tray deeper, with high sides or even a roof, otherwise silica gel crystals will then have to be collected throughout the apartment.

For cats who like to sit on the edge of the tray, a flatter tray is suitable so that it does not tip over under the weight of the animal.

The toilet for a cat is an individual matter, and it is better to choose it so that both the pet and its owner do not experience any feeling of discomfort.

Principle of operation and varieties

The principle of operation of the filler is very simple: it absorbs moisture and literally locks it inside the granules. This means that the smell will be blocked. Silica gel is essentially a hard sponge, so the principle of operation is similar.

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.