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Does Pretty Litter actually work to detect cat health problems?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 6 months old | 10 lbs

I heard of something called 'Pretty Litter' that is said to detect any health issues your cat may have based on their pee. I was wondering if there's any scientific evidence proving this and if it actually works.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 14th, 2017

This litter does not detect illness, rather it detects changes in urine that may indicate illness or infection. It is similar to how pH strips and a blood detection strips work. Instead of on a strip, the chemical is in the litter and responds to urine chemistry. This litter should not be used to diagnose illness. That should be left up to your veterinarian. It may be help to monitor certain conditions though.

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    Answered By Allison Newth, VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    That's a great question! From the research I've found, it appears that Pretty Litter can change color based on the pH of the urine, if it's more acidic it turns one color, it's more alkaline it turns a different color. Additionally it can detect whether there is blood in the urine at levels that would be tough to see without a microscope. Though keeping track of your cat's urine pH as well as any blood she may have in her urine can be helpful when we are evaluating for the likelihood that your cat may develop urinary crystals or stones, or whether she may have inflammation in her bladder, this litter by no means will detect any health issues Mona may be having. This litter could be helpful to monitor a cat who has a history of an abnormal urine pH and who is on a special diet to help maintain a specific pH. This litter should not be used as a substitute for a veterinary examination or diagnostic testing by Mona's doctor. I hope this was helpful to you!

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