Great Litter vs. Pretty Litter – The Best Bathroom for your Cat!

If you have a cat, or three, or five (no judgment here, we love our furry felines), you know how important the right litter is. Most people know it’s not just about odor control or how easy it is to scoop. It’s about your cat’s comfort, the household cleanliness the litter affords, and your household budget. If you’re hanging out with me in this virtual internet space, you’re probably trying to explore some alternatives to what you’ve been using. Two popular contenders in the premium litter market are PrettyLitter and GreatLitter, and both promise superior quality and convenience, but if you’re here to find out which is actually worth it, you’ve come to the right place. 

In my search to see what Phoebe (my tortoise shell cat who packs a major Tortitude) likes the most, I’ve tried a litany of products. Everything from treats, food, litter, to leashes and harnesses, I’ve spent way too much money on my furry friend, so I’m well-versed in what makes something hot, and what makes something not. 

The Bottom Line, Up Front

While PrettyLitter’s color-changing crystals offer a unique health-monitoring feature, it falls short in critical areas like odor control, litter longevity, and cat comfort. GreatLitter stands out as the better option, in my opinion, delivering reliable performance, better odor control, and is eco eco-friendly. Also, it’s the ideal litter if you ever intend to introduce your kitty to a Litter Robot, as non-clumping varieties don’t work with these devices. For cat owners prioritizing cleanliness, cost-effectiveness, and feline satisfaction, GreatLitter is clearly the right choice.

What Are They Made Of?

According to PrettyLitter’s package, PrettyLitter is made from super-absorbent silica gel crystals. The crystals are lightweight, virtually dust-free, and are able to change color to help detect potential health issues in your cat. These health issues may include urinary tract infections or blood in the urine. While this can be a valuable tool for early detection, it’s important to note that this feature is not diagnostic—it’s simply a warning system that can trigger unnecessary panic or, in some cases, provide false information (been there, done that, and paid that unnecessary vet bill…). 

If you’re into this type of stuff, the silica crystals, while efficient in moisture absorption, are not biodegradable and can be harsh on the environment. Additionally, some cats and humans may be sensitive to the fine dust particles that the silica-based litters give off over time, despite the marketing claims of being harmless.

On the flip side, GreatLitter is made from bentonite clay, which is known for its excellent ability to clump. It also does a superior job of controlling odors, which is a big plus if you have multiple cats! And finally, the clay is natural, so it’s eco-friendly.

Performance in Real Homes

Odor Control

PrettyLitter does a decent job at absorbing moisture and neutralizing odor initially. However, I’ve noticed that the effectiveness diminishes over time, which could especially be an issue in multi-cat households. Since PrettyLitter doesn’t clump well, the urine disperses and absorbs into the crystal. This can lead to a build-up of an ammonia scent if not changed frequently.

I have yet to encounter a litter that’s 100% odor-free, but GreatLitter’s clumping formula traps odors quickly and effectively. The clumps can be scooped out daily, meaning there’s no lingering smell, no buildup, and no guessing when to change the entire litter box.

Clumping vs. Non-Clumping

PrettyLitter does not clump—I want to make that clear. While some may appreciate the scoop-free design, many cat owners find the non-clumping litter to be problematic. It can be hard to gauge the cleanliness of the litter box, and cats often dislike using a box with old urine just sitting in it. It was definitely a bit of a learning curve for me. Even when the litter box looks to be clean, it sometimes wasn’t. 

GreatLitter clumps hard and fast, allowing for easy scooping and a consistently clean bathroom environment. This not only keeps odors at bay but also keeps your cat happier and more likely to use the litter box reliably. Clumping is also required for use with most litter robots, so it’s a key consideration if you already own that device. (GreatLitter was formulated to be the ideal litter for a Litter Robot, but it works just as well in a standard litter box.) 

Overall, GreatLitter dominates in both odor control and ease of use, especially in multi-cat households or for pet parents who want a low-maintenance but high-performing product.

Longevity

PrettyLitter claims that one bag lasts an entire month for a single cat. While this may be technically true under ideal conditions, I find myself having to replace it about once every three weeks, and this stuff is not cheap!  And if your cat drinks a lot of water, has medical issues, or simply doesn’t tolerate the urine-soaked crystals, expect to change it even more. Over time, the litter box can become visibly dirty, and many users feel the need to dump the entire contents early and start over fresh. 

If you are using GreatLitter and waste is removed daily, the rest of the litter remains clean. You only need to top off what was removed rather than replacing everything. This not only just saves time but reduces overall waste and improves litter longevity, which saves money!

Price

At first glance, PrettyLitter’s monthly subscription seems like a good deal: around $24–$30 per month for a single cat. But when you consider the potential need to change it more often and the fact that it doesn’t clump—meaning you’re not actually removing waste daily—the value starts to feel a bit less. It’s definitely not the most expensive litter I’ve tried, but its value all depends on how often you’re able to clean and maintain the litter box, of course.

GreatLitter offers more flexibility. It is also sold in bulk at lower per-pound prices. A 20-pound bag cost $20-30 dollars and lasted me longer. You’ll save more if you subscribe or buy multiple bags at once. 

PrettyLitter and GreatLitter both have around the same pricing. PrettyLitter is available at most stores, and cat owners can easily run by the store on the way home and pick up a bag if they are out of litter. GreatLitter, on the other hand, is a product that has to be ordered online and is not available in stores. So, if you are looking for convenience, PrettyLitter is a clear winner. 

Better for the Cats: Comfort, Safety, and Preferences

Let’s talk about the real boss here—your cat.

PrettyLitter’s crystal texture is smooth and sand-like, but not all cats like it. Some cats, especially older ones or those with sensitive paws, dislike the hard granules. They also can be tracked out of the litter box much easier, in my experience. That doesn’t mean all cats will dislike PrettyLitter; I do know some that seem to prefer it, but mine doesn’t.  

GreatLitter is usually finer and softer, mimicking the texture of natural sand or dirt. Cats tend to prefer this texture instinctively. Also, since GreatLitter allows for clean scooping, the litter box remains fresh, and a clean litter box means fewer accidents or outside of the litter box behavior.

On safety: silica dust from PrettyLitter, while minimized in their formula, is still a respiratory concern for some cats and owners, especially in enclosed spaces. Clay litter, particularly low-dust versions, tends to fare better in terms of both respiratory health and cleanup.

Real User Experiences and Reviews

While marketing can make any product sound perfect, real-world experiences often tell a different story. I’ve tried both litters, but I also turned to Reddit and Twitter to see if anyone else out there had different experiences from my own.

PrettyLitter: It’s A Mixed Bag

Many PrettyLitter users appreciate the health-monitoring feature—particularly new pet parents or those with senior cats prone to urinary issues. The initial novelty and convenience of a monthly subscription are also often praised. A recurring theme in reviews is disappointment with odor control. The general consensus is that after about two weeks, the litter box smells—despite daily stirring and cleaning. Cats sometimes refuse to use the litter box due to lingering urine odors. Others complain about the mess caused by tracking—those silica crystals have a tendency to cling to paws and end up all over the house.

One common concern that I found amongst my internet crawling is the concern regarding the accuracy of the color-changing technology. Some cat owners have reported false alarms leading to expensive vet bills, while others experienced genuine medical issues that the litter failed to reflect. In short, it’s not a replacement for veterinary care, and in some cases, it creates more anxiety than reassurance. 

GreatLitter: Community Approval, but Not for Procrastinators

GreatLitter users frequently highlight the consistency and reliability of the product. Whether it’s clumping strength, odor control, or easy scooping, many reviews emphasize how the litter “just works.” Even in households with multiple cats, GreatLitter holds up well when maintained properly.

Several posts also note that their cats adjusted easily to GreatLitter, even when switching from other brands and even more expensive cat litter. GreatLitter receives high marks for being affordable, but you do need to plan ahead. It will be conveniently delivered to your doorstep—as long as you remember to order it (or subscribe so you won’t forget). You can’t just run to the store to pick up a bag last minute. 

Subscription Model vs. Freedom to Choose

PrettyLitter is widely available, via ordering online from retailers like Amazon, as well as being available in stores and via subscription. This gives you tremendous flexibility in that it can be shipped, it can be shipped automatically without you needing to reorder, or you can stop in and grab a bag whenever you need it. 

GreatLitter gives you the freedom to buy what you need, when you need it, and choose the specific type of purchasing that works best for your home and cat. Subscriptions are available but not necessary (unless you want that sweet 20% off!), no locked-in delivery windows, no hassle. It shows up on time when you need it. 

Multi-Cat Household Considerations

Alright, let’s talk number of feisty felines, because if you have one, there’s a good chance you have a friend for it (or four, I don’t judge). PrettyLitter claims that one bag lasts a month per cat—but in practice, households with two or more cats often find themselves going through bags quickly. Because the litter doesn’t clump, it’s hard to isolate and remove waste, and the shared box can become unhygienic very fast. Ammonia smells and saturated crystals are frequent complaints as well. This leads you to having to change the litter box more frequently, which nobody likes (except the cats, of course).

In contrare, GreatLitter thrives in multi-cat homes. The clumping features allow for targeted, hygienic cleanup, and bentonite clay excels at handling larger volumes of waste. With daily scooping and occasional top-offs, even a busy litter box stays manageable (and more importantly, odor-free).

All Things Considered:

We’ve covered all the bases, but a quick recap of what I’ve found to be the most important parts when considering each litter is:

PrettyLitter

Pros:

• Health-monitoring crystals can potentially detect urinary issues
  
• Lightweight and relatively dust-free
  
• Available via subscription, in-store, and online
  
• Convenient to grab in a pinch
  
• Scoop-free design may appeal to some users
  

Cons:

• Does not clump, making waste hard to remove

• Odor control fades quickly, especially in multi-cat homes
  
• Needs full box replacement more often than advertised
  
• Crystals track easily outside the box
  
• Color-change feature can cause false vet alarms
  
• Not biodegradable; silica dust may cause irritation
  
• More expensive over time due to waste

• Not ideal for high-traffic litter boxes

GreatLitter

Pros:

• Clumps tightly for easy scooping
  
• Superior odor control; even with multiple cats
  
• Longer-lasting; just top off as needed
  
• Made from eco-friendly, natural clay
  
• Softer texture preferred by most cats
  
• Less tracking outside the litter box
  
• Subscription and non-subscription options; buy as needed
  
• More cost-effective in the long run
  
• Consistently strong user reviews
  
• Can be used with a litter robot
  

Cons:

• Must be ordered online (not in stores)
  
• Heavier to ship compared to silica
  
• No built-in health detection features
  
• Can’t be picked up last-minute in stores
  

Final Verdict: Why I Prefer GreatLitter 

While PrettyLitter brings innovation to the litter box with its color-changing crystals, it ultimately underdelivers in several key areas—especially odor control, long-term freshness, and cost effectiveness. For cat owners who value simplicity, hygiene, and savings, these drawbacks can not be ignored. GreatLitter offers stronger clumping, better odor control, and more purchasing freedom. It’s more cost-effective, more cat-friendly, and more reliable for single or multi-cat households. 

If you want your cat to be comfortable when they do their business, your home to stay odor-free, and your wallet to breathe a little easier, GreatLitter is the better choice for cat parents. It may not come with flashy marketing or color-changing gimmicks, but what it does deliver is exactly what cat litter should: effective waste management, happy cats, and a cleaner home. So next time you’re debating which litter to open for your feline, skip the crystals and go with what I have found to be tried and true.