
I adopted two full grown 16 pound male cats from California recently. Yes, you read that right...16 pounds! Keeping the litter box fresh and odors eliminated can be a challenge. You can have pets without your home eventually smelling like your beloved animals! The other challenge is saving money on litter products without sacrificing quality.
Crystal cat litter is a products that I've never experienced until now. I'll admit that it's too expensive for my budget, not to mention I'm a skeptic. I want a product that is safe for my cats, humans and the environment. When visiting various online litter companies, I came across Just The Crystals and enjoyed what I read so I dropped them a line and here we are!
Double bonus! Safe for cats and recycled materials are used!
Safe for cats:
Commercially available crystal cat litters have been extensively tested and are safe for your cat. Its basic chemical makeup can be closely compared to sand. The industrial name for it is silica gel, which is non-crystalline, porous and a safe substance most commonly used to absorb excess moisture in flowers and food or to protect materials such as leather or computer equipment from humidity.
Fragrance free, conveniently packaged* -- and all packaging is fully recyclable!
*2 pre-measured, recyclable bags, each weighing 4.4lbs, for a total of 8.8lbs of premium crystals. All packaging is fully recyclable -- and our boxes are made from recycled cardboard!
What about the price? You can purchase Just The Crystals through Amazon with FREE shipping for $15.95 for two pre-measured bags which can last up to 30 days when used properly and kept in a dry place away from moisture. Grocery and Department stores can be insanely high when it comes to purchasing crystals!
I'm sold, it's worth a shot to save money and use a quality product. While I do have the product in my home right now, I haven't used it long enough to really experience the product fully. I cannot give an accurate opinion on it as of yet. However, I am pleased so far with the results and used a tip shared on Just The Crystals about sprinkling a light layer of baking soda in the bottom of the litter box to help prevent odors.
Crystal litter Properties
(exerpted from Wikipedia)
Silica gel litter, often referred to as "crystal litter", is a porous granular form of sodium silicate and has the highest absorbency of any litter. It has excellent moisture control and complete odor elimination for an extended period of time compared to other litters.
Some praise its absorbency because 4 to 5 lb (2+ kg) can absorb liquid and odor for up to 30 days for one healthy normal weight cat. It is important to lightly stir the crystals daily while scooping the solid waste, otherwise urine can pool in the box. When crystal litter is saturated, at the end of 30 days or so, it begins to smell and is visibly saturated. In comparison, over the same time period it may take 20–30 lb (9–14 kg) or more of clay or clumping litter, because it is necessary to replenish the litter that is removed when the clumped urine is scooped out. No replenishing is necessary with silica gel (crystal) litter.
Others have claimed that this litter gives them no warning when it is saturated and their cat left a urine puddle at the bottom of the pan. But as mentioned above, this litter will eventually begin to smell when the crystals can no longer hold any more urine. Also, as the crystals absorb the urine odorlessly, they turn from white (or blue) to slightly yellow. This is when a crystal is 'visibly saturated'. It is easy to determine when this litter needs changing because you can either smell urine (the crystals are over saturated) or you can no longer see any white (or blue) crystals.
Crystal litter is extremely lightweight, especially when compared to heavier clay and clumping litter.
How about a giveaway?! Just The Crystals has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway!
WIN IT:
TWO winners will each win 2 boxes of Just The Crystals cat litter! That is 4 pre-measured bags of litter crystals per winner!
HOW TO ENTER:
MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Just The Crystals and tell me something else you learned that I didn't post here.
Giveaway is open to US residents 18+ , Void in Hawaii & Alaska
BONUS ENTRIES: Please leave a separate comment for each entry you complete. Each of the following are worth 1 Entry unless specified otherwise. This is a 1x entry giveaway for each entry. However, you may tweet daily.
*What litter do you normally use?
*What do you prefer...Clay, Clump or Crystals?
*Follow my blog on Google friend connect
*Follow my RSS Feed or Subscribe to my feed burner
*Blog about this giveaway
*Grab my button
*Follow me on twitter @mrsmiki77 & tweet about this giveaway. Come back and post your "tweet" link and username. You may tweet daily.
Giveaway will end on December 31, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST
Winner will be chosen and contacted by email. You must reply within 48 hours with your shipping address or another winner will be chosen. Once shipping information has been received, I will then contact the sponsor with your information so that they can mail out your prize. Sorry, per sponsor, P.O. Boxes will not be accepted.
PRIVACY POLICY: I will not sell, rent, or share your personal information with anyone other than the sponsor of this giveaway. Entrants will not receive any emails from 'Little Bit Of This And That' with the exception of contacting and staying in touch with the winner until prize has been fulfilled.
DISCLAIMER:
I received a sample of crystal cat litter from Just The Crystals to share the product with my readers. However, I have posted my own unbiased opinions on these product. All opinions are strictly my own and true.
**ALL QUOTES & PHOTOGRAPHS ARE PROPERTY OF Just The Crystals AND ARE NOT TO BE USED WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION FROM THE OWNER**

132 comments:
I learned that The litter still needs to be stirred every few days, especially towards the end of its useful life
samf36 ( at ) gmai.com
I have been using Fresh Step -
samf36 (at ) gamil.com
I love the crystals from Fresh Step and mix them with clumping fresh step.
samf36 ( at ) gmail. com
I follow on gfc.
samf36 ( at) gmail.com
Safe Handling by pregnant women:
Unused cat litter is safe for handling by pregnant women. However, pregnant women should avoid handling used cat litter. Toxoplasmosis, an illness characterized by cold or flu-like symptoms, can be transmitted by cat feces. It is especially serious in pregnant women because it can cause birth defects. Immunosuppressed persons may also be susceptible to toxoplasmosis. For further information, consult your doctor.
Don't really use just one kind but rather buy whatever is on sale. Just bought Tidy Cat but last time it was Scoop Away.
Switched from clay to clumping about 3 years ago. With 7 indoor kitties it probably ends up costing about the same or less than the clay did.
This Litter is Fragrance free which is a Good thing as Kats have stong noses and do not like things that smell to strong!
Pregnant women should not handle used cat litter. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I follow you!
I use Fresh Step right now.
I learned pregnant woman should not clean used boxes.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I have been using farm and fleet brand litter.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I am a email subscriber.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Remember -- moisture is the enemy of your crystal cat litter. Placement of your litter box in a dry, well ventilated area will pay huge dividends in getting the most out of it.
Remember -- moisture is the enemy of your crystal cat litter. Placement of your litter box in a dry, well ventilated area will pay huge dividends in getting the most out of it.
ooops I sent this twice! sorry forgot my email address...hc220@aol.com
You stir it to extend the life of the litter. It then releases water, not urine, water vapor.
iridia718 at gmail dot com
I learned on their web site that unused cat litter is safe for handling by pregnant women.
We normally use Tidy Cat in our home.
We currently use clump litter, and that's okay, but I wonder if I wouldn't like the crystals better, as I haven't tried them yet.
Follow via GFC.
Subscribed to your feed.
I learned that it is easy to determine when this litter needs changing because you can either smell urine (the crystals are over saturated) or you can no longer see any white (or blue) crystals.
sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
I normally use what ever litter is on sale
sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
I'm a GFC follower (sksweeps)
sksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
I learned a Tip on making the litter last longer: good air circulation. Silica gel absorbs liquid fairly quickly, and releases it as water vapor fairly slowly.
reannenny at aol.com
I usually use Tidy Cats
reannenny at aol.com
I typically prefer clumping
reannenny at aol.com
I follow via GFC
reannenny
reannenny at aol.com
I grabbed your button
http://tonicaravello.blogspot.com/
reannenny at aol.com
I follow via Google RSS
reannenny at aol.com
I blogged
http://tonicaravello.blogspot.com/2010/12/win-crystals-cat-litter-at-micheles.html
reannenny at aol.com
I follow you on twitter tonic67 and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/tonic67/status/12635806195781632
reannenny at aol.com
Crystals and forever litter trays!
I learned that it is important to place your litter box in a dry, well ventilated area to keep moisture out. It is best around a breezy area
sswpss at yahoo dot com
I normally use Arm & Hammer Essentials Natural Cat Litter
sswpss at yahoo dot com
I prefer clump
(although I've never tried crystals)
sswpss at yahoo dot com
This Litter is Fragrance free
I learned...Fragrance free, conveniently packaged* -- and all packaging is fully recyclable!
I use Fresh Step
I prefer clump
I learned that sprinkling baking soda in the litterbox before putting the crystal litter in can help further eliminate odors. With four cats, this is a tip we can use!
We normally use Arm & Hammer Multi-Cat, but I'm open to anything effective and environmentally friendly!
We like clumping litter best! We've never tried crystals, so I'm curious about how they work...
I follow on GFC as ohkeeka.
I subscribe to your RSS feed on Google Reader
I did learn that if you can place the litter box where there's a breeze, the litter will last a lot longer. Or, you can try what I've recently done: put a small fan above the box, so that it constantly blows air down onto the litter.
electricisland(at)gmail.com
Scoop Away litter
I prefer clay
I Follow your blog on Google friend connect
I Follow your RSS Feed
I follow you on twitter(id electricisland) & I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/electricisland/status/14056956176113665
daily tweet, http://twitter.com/electricisland/status/14376316283387904
username- electricisland
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/electricisland/status/15206733945245696
username- electricisland
daily tweet, http://twitter.com/electricisland/status/15429649085501440
username electricisland
The Litter needs to be stirred every 2-3 days
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
I learned that the litter needs to be stirred every few days. I'd do that every time I cleaned it.
fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com
I usually use Cat's pride downstairds and Swheatscoop upstairs (I have 9 cats).
fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com
I prefer crystals but they are pricey.
fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com
Following you publicly via GFC.
fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com
Following you on Twitter and tweeted-
http://twitter.com/fatmeatloaf1/status/15813810308775936
daily tweet, http://twitter.com/electricisland/status/15827486067658752
username- electricisland
tweet http://twitter.com/electricisland/status/16674652143222784
username- electricisland
daily tweet, http://twitter.com/electricisland/status/16941721497632768
username- electricisland
I learned its basic chemical makeup can be closely compared to sand. The industrial name for it is silica gel, which is non-crystalline, porous and a safe substance most commonly used to absorb excess moisture in flowers and food or to protect materials such as leather or computer equipment from humidity.
I've seen small packets of this in some of the things I buy where moisture could damage the product.
I'm currently using another brand of crystals and it works very well.
I follow with GFC.
I subscribe with google reader.
I follow on twitter and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/willitara/status/18545540316790784
They emphasize that moisture is the enemy of your crystal cat litter. Placement of your litter box in a dry, well ventilated area will pay huge dividends in getting the most out of it.
cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
I generally use whatever is on sale or that I have a coupon for.
cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
I prefer clumping, but like it when there are crystals in the mix as well.
cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
Follower via GFC
cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
All packaging is recyclable!
jenna at loveofbabyonline dot com
I learned that the product is fragrance free, which is great for my picky cat.
jennylovesjeff (at) hotmail (dot) com
I love this litter is so safe that even pregnant women can handle it
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
I usually use Tidy Cat
I think I'd prefer the crystals
I learned that because of the risk of getting toxoplasmosis pregnant women should not handle the duties of changing kitty litter.
lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
I normally use Fresh Step.
lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
I prefer to use crystals.
lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
I follow you via GFC. ID: lyndadawinda1074
lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
I’m a subscriber via RSS Feed (Google Reader).
lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com
The crystals work better in summer than winter cause they can dry out better then
poetry_wave(at)yahoo.com
we use the generic walmart brand normally
poetry_wave(at)yahoo.com
We prefer clump
poetry_wave(at)yahoo.com
I learned that During the winter and spring, the litter has been lasting only 10 days with two cats
I learned that Just Crystals was originally developed primarily for use with automatic litter boxes.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
We currently use Fresh Step cat litter.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
We prefer Crystal cat litter.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I am following via Google Friends Connect.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com.
I learned that these were originally developed for use in automatic litter boxes.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
We usually use Johnny Cat.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
I follow as Renee G on GFC.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com
We prefer clumping litter.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
I learned that The litter still needs to be stirred every few days, especially towards the end of its useful life.
I Learned that pregnant women should not clean litter boxes! suelee1998 @ gmail.com
I love that the litter is fragrance free! Thanks for hosting a great contest!
This stuff was originally used in automatic cat litter boxes and used to absorb moisture from electronics and other things that could be damaged in transport from excess moisture.
hey dot 4horses at yahoo dot com
I usually use cheap clay litter for $3 a bag and maybe some dirt to help absorb.
hey dot 4horses at yahoo dot com
I prefer something that really does absorb the odor when you have to share the bathroom with more than one cat!
hey dot 4horses at yahoo dot com
Following on GFC. GoodEnuf4Oats
hey dot 4horses at yahoo dot com
Following in google reader. GoodEnuf4oats
hey dot 4horses at yahoo dot com
Following on twitter and tweeted about giveaway! @goodenuf4oats
http://twitter.com/#!/GoodEnuf4Oats/status/20581479801159680
hey dot 4horses at yahoo dot com
I learned that you have to mix it every few days.
Diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com
moisture is the enemy, put the litter box in a dry secure place
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
I learned pregnant woman should not clean used cat litter boxes. clallen at ntin dot net
i use the big red bag from walmart. special kitty litter, clallen at ntin dot net
i usually prefer clay because it cost less. clallen at ntin dot net
gfc clallen at ntin dot net
sub to feed burner clallen at ntin dot net
I learned that this litter is safe for pregnant women if the litter hasn't yet been used.
my email is littleheathen9109 @ yah00 d0t c0m
my normal litter is fresh step
ive never used crystals before but i prefer clump over clay
i follow you via GFC
I had never heard of the crystals, what a great idea! I learned that instead of getting a whiff of the urine to know that it needs changing, you can just watch for the color change of the crystals.
Thank you for the entry,
nikkidavissells at gmail dot com
I am a clump kind of gal!
nikkidavissells at gmail dot com
I use whatever is on sale!
nikkidavissells at gmail dot com
I am a gfc public follower as Nikki Davis.
Thank you,
Nikkidavissells(at)gmail(dot)com
I am an email subscriber.
Thank you,
Nikkidavissells(at)gmail (dot) com
I found out it was originally developed for automatic litter boxes but can be used in any litter boxes.
robandleighbright (at) suddenlink (dot)net
We have been using Arm & Hammer for multiple cats.
robandleighbright(at)suddenlink(dot)net
We prefer the clumping litter.
robandleighbright(at)suddenlink(dot)net
I learned that Placement of your litter box in a dry, well ventilated area will pay huge dividends in getting the most out of it.
Kasandriareasoner@att.net
I thought it was interesting to learn that the bags and boxes are eco friendly! I think that is very important!
Thanks!
countrystars95@yahoo.com
I follow GFC!
countrystars95@yahoo.com
Right now, I'm pretty sure I use fresh steps!
Thanks!
countrystars95@yahoo.com
I prefer crystals!
countrystars95@yahoo.com
The JTC is the number 1 selling crystal litter on Amazon!
Am I entered?
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