- Value: 20/20
- Functionality: 20/20
- Ease of Use: 20/20
- Aesthetics: 20/20
- Smell and Cleanability: 15/20
Total: 95/100
I was skeptical when I first heard about PrettyLitter. The name alone sounded oxymoronic to me—what could be pretty about my cat’s litter box? Well, let me be the first to say that not only is PrettyLitter way easier on the eyes than standard litter, but it’s downright *beautiful* to know even just a little more about my cat’s health. Here are four reasons why this color-changing litter is worth the hype.
1. PrettyLitter informs me of my cat’s urine health
Here’s its main claim to fame: PrettyLitter changes color based on the acidity and alkalinity of your cat’s urine. Urine with typical acidity and alkalinity shows up as yellow or green. Orange signals high acidity, which can be a sign of kidney tubular acidosis, metabolic acidosis or calcium oxalate stones. Blue reflects certain types of UTIs and a high pH, which can cause bladder crystals and stones to form over time. Red lets you know there’s blood present, which could mean bladder inflammation, bladder stones or a UTI.
So, if something is awry, the litter might just be able to tip you off before your cat does. This is particularly helpful if you have a senior cat that might not have as drastic a behavior change as a young cat if they were to get sick.
Personally, I assumed I’d only be keeping an eye out for a problem color, but I didn’t realize how good it would feel to consistently see my cat was in the average range. As much as I like to think I can understand her body language and meows, the litter definitely provided some additional peace of mind.
2. PrettyLitter is natural, non-dusty and legitimately pretty
Instead of sand-like material, PrettyLitter is akin to pink Himalayan rock salt. It’s made of lightweight silica gel crystals, which are cleaner and safer for cats than the dusty stuff. Silica gel is a form of common silica, a natural mineral that’s widely used in foods, topical and oral medicines and cosmetics. The crystals are super dry and absorbent, trapping odor and moisture the moment they get wet.
Due to its ingredients, PrettyLitter is also 80 percent lighter than other brands you see on shelves and virtually dust-free. (Anyone else feel like they’re casually deadlifting in public while dragging that hulking box out of the pet store? Just me?)