PrettyLitter: An In-Depth Review of the Health-Monitoring Cat Litter

Is your cat's litter box trying to tell you something? With PrettyLitter, it just might be.

As cat owners, we all know the silent struggle our feline friends often endure. Cats are masters at hiding illness, a survival instinct that makes detecting early health problems incredibly challenging. What if your cat's litter could help you keep tabs on their well-being? That's the innovative promise of PrettyLitter, a color-changing, health-monitoring litter that has taken the pet care world by storm. In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into how PrettyLitter works, its performance, and whether it might be the right choice for your household.

What Exactly is PrettyLitter?

Founded in 2015 by Daniel Rotman after the tragic loss of his own cat, PrettyLitter was created with a simple but powerful mission: to give cat parents an early warning system for potential health issues. This isn't your typical clay litter. PrettyLitter is a lightweight, non-heavy-clumping litter made from super-absorbent silica gel crystals .

The company was so successful with its innovation that it was acquired by Mars, Incorporated in 2021, and has since expanded its product line to include a scented and non-scented version as well.

The Science Behind the Colors

The core feature of PrettyLitter is its health-monitoring capability. The litter contains a color-changing indicator that responds to the pH level of your cat's urine and can also reveal the presence of blood .

Here’s what the different colors mean:

Color Indicator	What It Signifies	Potential Health Issues
Olive Green/Yellow 🟢	Normal, healthy urine pH	Typical health range
Blue 🔵	High alkalinity (high pH)	Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or risk of stones
Orange 🟠	High acidity (low pH)	Metabolic or kidney issues, bladder crystals
Red 🔴	Presence of blood	Bladder crystals, FLUTD, kidney disease

It's important to remember that PrettyLitter is a monitoring tool, not a diagnostic tool. The company advises that if an abnormal color persists for 24-48 hours, or if your cat shows any signs of distress, you should consult your veterinarian. Factors like diet, stress, or medication can also temporarily affect urine pH .

Putting PrettyLitter to the Test: Performance and Practicality

So, how does PrettyLitter hold up in day-to-day use? Based on extensive testing and user reviews, here’s a breakdown of its key performance aspects.

The Pros: What Makes PrettyLitter Shine

• Health Monitoring Peace of Mind: This is the standout feature. For cat parents, especially those with cats prone to urinary issues, having a daily visual check can provide incredible peace of mind and allow for early veterinary intervention.
• Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Weighing only 6 pounds, PrettyLitter is up to 80% lighter than traditional clay litters. No more hauling heavy boxes from the store, especially with its convenient subscription delivery model .
• Low Maintenance and Easy Cleaning: As a light-clumping formula, you only need to scoop solid waste daily and stir the litter to distribute the urine. There's no need to constantly top up the litter, and when it's time for a full change, there's no clumped sludge left behind .
• Excellent Absorption: The silica gel crystals are highly porous and absorbent, effectively locking in moisture. Users report that a single bag typically lasts a full month for one medium-sized cat.
• Low Dust: PrettyLitter is scientifically proven to be low dust, which is better for both your home environment and your cat's respiratory health .

The Cons: Considerations for Cat Parents

• Tracking Can Be an Issue: The lightweight, fine crystals can be easily tracked around the house. This is frequently mentioned as one of the product's main drawbacks. Using a litter mat with a good lip can help mitigate this.
• Odor Control Has Limits: While the odor control is generally good for the first couple of weeks, it can become less effective in the third or fourth week, especially for larger cats or multi-cat households. The litter may develop a "baking soda" or chemical smell as it saturates.
• Not a Natural or Biodegradable Option: Silica gel is a mineral product derived from mining and is not biodegradable. If you prioritize eco-friendly products, this is an important factor to consider.
• Cost Considerations: Priced at around $24 for a 6-pound bag, it is more expensive per pound than many traditional litters. However, many users find the health benefits and convenience justify the cost.

PrettyLitter vs. The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

The following table compares PrettyLitter's standard features with other common litter types:

Feature	PrettyLitter	Clay Litter	Tofu Litter	Wood Pellets
Health Monitoring	✓
Clumping	✓	✓	✓
Flushable			✓
Biodegradable			✓	✓
Non-toxic	✓		✓	✓

Getting Started with PrettyLitter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Using PrettyLitter is straightforward, but a proper setup is key to its effectiveness.

1. Choose Your Formula: Decide between the original scented and the newer scented version. 
2. Prepare a Clean Box: Always start with a thoroughly cleaned and dried litter box.
3. Pour to the Right Depth: Add enough litter to achieve a 2-3 inch depth in the box .
4. Daily Maintenance: Scoop solid waste as usual. Instead of scooping clumps, simply stir the litter to redistribute the crystals and allow for even absorption and evaporation .
5. Monitor the Colors: Check the litter daily for any color changes.
6. Full Replacement: Replace the entire box of litter every 30 days or when you notice it's no longer absorbing effectively or controlling odor.

The Final Verdict: Is PrettyLitter Right for You and Your Cat?

PrettyLitter is a revolutionary product that offers a unique benefit no other litter can match. It's best suited for cat parents who want an extra layer of insight into their cat's health and value the convenience of a lightweight, low-maintenance litter delivered to their door.

You will likely love PrettyLitter if:

• You have a cat with a history of urinary or kidney issues.
• You want the peace of mind that comes with daily health monitoring.
• You appreciate convenience and hate hauling heavy litter bags.

You might want to reconsider if:

• Your primary concern is finding the most eco-friendly, biodegradable option.
• Tracking is a major concern in your household.

Ultimately, while PrettyLitter may come with a higher price tag and a few drawbacks, its ability to act as an early warning system for serious health problems makes it more than just a litter—it's a tool that could potentially save your cat's life . For many cat parents, that invaluable benefit is worth every penny.

Have you tried PrettyLitter? Share your experiences in the comments below!