Cheap cat litter has to fit in the budget week after week. We still want good value even at a budget price, so there needs to be a balancing act. A good, reliable product at a good price and that includes affordable cat litter.
All of the cheap cat litters chosen here are clumping litters, because they are the most popular type of cat litter.
Clumping cat litter is popular because it is relatively easy to keep the litter box clean with regular scooping and then emptying the whole box of litter only when necessary. There are no non clumping litters discussed in this article.
How Can I Save Money On Cat Litter?
Saving money on cat litter depends on what factors are important to you.
When you look at the price per pound in the list below, your eyes are naturally drawn to the cheapest litter. It is still Frisco by the way and has been since 2019. However the Frisco litter comes in a bag that is not resealable and some people have had litter spilt in the box when it arrived. No biggie in the big scheme of things but if you would prefer the litter to arrive in a pail or a jug you may be prepared to pay that bit extra for the convenience.
Now what my brain thinks here, is buy the litter in the pail first and then going forward buy the cheaper litter in the bag and just fill the pail.
Be on the look out also for special deal days like Prime Day on Amazon. Haven’t got Prime? Start a free trial to see if you will like it. I have Prime membership and it is so convenient.
If you prefer the slightly more expensive clumping litter because of other factors like less dust, less odors, less tracking, then that is something else to factor into your cheap litter choice.
If you do buy some cat litter that you aren’t too keen on, there are lots of surprising uses around the home for cat litter. It won’t go to waste.
Our Best Cheap Cat Litter Choices With Reviews Are:
Note: Different size product bags may alter the price. Frisco has consistently been the lowest price among popular clumping cat litter brands reviewed here. The price may change slightly, allowing for retailers altering prices.
Good Value Cat Litters That Still Do A Good Job
1.Frisco Multi Cat Clumping Cat Litter – 20lb bag=50c lb, 45lb bag=45c lb
2. Arm & Hammer Litter Double Duty Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40lb box=48c lb
3. Tidy Cats Instant Action Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter– 14lb jug=73 c lb, 35 lb pail= 52c lb, 40 lb bag= 0.75c lb, 20lb jug=58c lb for a case of two
4. Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Clumping Clay Cat Litter – 35lb pail=57c lb BUT 34lb pail refill bag is 53c lb
5. Dr Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter – 20lb bag=65c lb, 40lb bag= 53c lb
6. Arm & Hammer Litter Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter – 14lb box=89c lb, 19lb box=71c lb, 28lb box=76c lb
Six Budget Clumping Cat Litters That Represent Good Value For Money
1. Frisco Multi Clumping Cat Litter
2023 – 20-lb bag=50clb, 45-lb bag=45clb Unscented
Note: Currently September 2023, Lavender Fields is slightly cheaper than the Unscented clumping clay cat litter priced above.
Price wise and performance wise, Frisco is a top choice for a cheap clumping cat litter that performs well.
Key Features
Clumps Quickly
Frisco clumping cat litter is designed to stop liquid before it reaches the bottom of the box meaning that it clumps quickly and that liners are not needed.
The manufacturer specifies that if one cat is using the box, the litter should be changed approximately 1.5 – 2 weeks to get the benefits stated. The litter shown here is unscented however Frisco does have fragranced litter – Fresh Scent, Tropical Breeze and Lavender Fields.
Negligible Dust
Another positive according to many reviewers, is that there is negligible dust or even no dust when pouring the litter into the litter tray. This is a big plus for many people and even more so if you suffer from allergies.
That in turn means less dust on surfaces near the litter box. This also means that everyone, you (the family) and the cat are not breathing in dust from the cat litter. Read some of the reviews here.
Low Tracking
This budget cat litter is low tracking. This can be dependent on your cat and the type of litter box used. A litter box with higher sides will help reduce litter being flung far and wide.
Fine Granules
The granules are fine soft granules but not as fine as sand. It is not uncomfortable for a Sphynx or Cornish Rex to step on (as these cats don’t have the padding of fur between their toes).
Different Bag Size Choices
It is available for purchase in a 20lb bag or a 40lb bag.
Pros
Low tracking and low dust.
The budget cost is substantially less per pound than other litters.
It is hypoallergenic and contains no dyes, perfumes or added fragrance.
It is unscented.
Cons
The plastic bag that the cat litter comes in, does not have a resealable top and can be awkward to manage. Think about decanting into a litter storage container.
2. Arm & Hammer Litter Double Duty Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
One of the standout features of this litter is the low litter tracking and 99% dust-free formula, which makes pouring and cleaning up a breeze. And with the easy pour and no-spill spout, you can say goodbye to messy litter spills.
Key Features
Double Duty Cat Litter
Arm & Hammer’s Double Duty Clumping Cat Litter has the ability to eliminate both urine and faeces odors on contact. We were impressed by how effective this clumping cat litter was at neutralizing odors, even in a small space.
Odor Control with Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer’s Double Duty Cat Litter also contains baking soda to absorb any remaining smells. We found that this combination of ingredients was incredibly effective at keeping our home smelling fresh and clean, even when our cat had just used the litter box.
99% Dust Free and Low Tracking
One of the biggest complaints that cat owners have about clay cat litter is the amount of dust and tracking that it can create. Fortunately, Arm & Hammer’s Double Duty Cat Litter is designed to be 99% dust-free and low-tracking.
Easy Pour and No-Spill Spout
Another great feature is the easy pour and no-spill spout. This makes it incredibly simple to refill your cat’s litter box without creating a mess in your home. We appreciated how easy it was to use this litter, even when we were in a hurry.
Fresh Scent
This clumping cat litter features a fresh scent that helps to refresh the litter box every time your cat uses it. We found that this scent was subtle and not overpowering, which made it a great cat litter of choice for our home.
Pros
It quickly and effectively eliminate odors. The moisture-activated baking soda crystals work instantly to destroy urine and faeces odors on contact.
This Double Duty formula is 99% dust-free and low-tracking, meaning less mess for you to clean up.
This litter features an easy-pour spout that helps you avoid spills and messes when refilling your cat’s litter box. This can make a big difference in terms of convenience and ease of use.
The fresh scent of this litter is a nice bonus, as it helps to refresh the litter box every time your cat uses it. It’s not overpowering or artificial.
Cons
While this litter is advertised as 99% dust-free, we did notice some dust when pouring it into the litter box. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it’s worth noting if you have allergies or respiratory issues.
At 40 pounds, this litter box is quite heavy and can be difficult to lift and move around. It’s not a problem if you have a dedicated spot for your litter box, but it can be a hassle if you need to move it frequently.
While it’s not perfect, the pros outweigh the cons, and we would recommend this litter to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable cat litter option.
Customer Reviews
Many users praised the litter’s ability to control odors, with one reviewer stating that there were “no pee/poop odors wafting through the house.”
Some users did mention that the litter can be a bit dusty, but this seems to be a common issue with many clumping litters. Despite this, users still found the product to be effective in keeping their litter boxes clean and fresh.
Overall, the Arm & Hammer Double Duty Clumping Cat Litter seems to be a solid choice for cat owners looking for an affordable and effective litter option.
3. Tidy Cats Instant Action Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
Key Features
Lightweight and Low Dust
One of the best things about this cat litter is how lightweight it is. Weighing half as much as other clumping kitty litter formulas, it’s easy to carry, pour, and store. Plus, the low-dust composition means you won’t have to worry about creating a mess every time you refill your cat’s litter box.
Ammonia Blocker
Nobody likes the smell of ammonia, and that’s especially true when it comes to cat litter. This clumping clay litter has an Ammonia Blocker that prevents ammonia odors from forming for at least 14 days when used as directed.
Quick-Release Deodorizing System
The quick-release deodorizing system ensures that unpleasant smells are eliminated as soon as they appear. This is especially important for households with more than one cat, where litter box odor can quickly become overwhelming.
Multi-Cat Formula
This clumping litter is specifically formulated for multiple cats. The light, tight clumps make it easy to scoop, and the bright outdoors scent keeps your kitty litter area smelling fresh and clean.
Pros
The litter has an anti-dust coating. It forms a microscopic web-like structure that helps prevent tiny dust particles from escaping. This helps to keep tracking to a minimum.
Cons
If you have been a long time user, you may find that this product has changed.
Some are finding that the urine no longer clumps as well or controls odor as well. A 14lb option may be a better choice if you are unsure.
Specifications
The 35 lb option in the pail has a pull tab which needs to be removed before the first use. The pail can then be opened. The lid is a hinge lid. The product comes in different sizes, 14 lb jug, 20 lb jug, 35 lb pail and 40 lb bag. This is a clay litter.
4. Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Clumping Clay Cat Litter
We recently tried Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Litter for our multiple-cat household and were impressed with its performance.
The strong clumping action of this litter makes scooping a breeze, while the low-dust formula ensures a clean pour. We found that our cats took to this litter quickly and it helped to control stubborn litter box odors around the clock.
Overall, we would recommend Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Litter to anyone looking for an effective and easy-to-use litter for their multiple-cat household. It’s a great value and backed by Tidy Cat’s 70 years of litter experience.
Key Features
Natural Clay with Slow-release Deodorizing System
One of the standout features of this cat litter is its natural clay formula with a slow-release deodorizing system. This means that the litter is able to control stubborn litter box odors for up to 10 days when used as directed. We found that this feature was particularly helpful in maintaining a fresh-smelling home, even with multiple cats using the litter box.
Strong Clumping Action
Another feature that we appreciated was the strong clumping action of the Purina Tidy Cats litter. This made it easy to scoop out the clumps and keep the litter box clean and fresh. We also found that the clumps held together well, which minimized the amount of litter that was wasted during cleaning.
Low-dust Formula
The low-dust formula of the Purina Tidy Cats litter was another feature that we appreciated. This made it easy to pour the litter into the box without creating a cloud of dust that could irritate our cats’ respiratory systems. We also found that the low-dust formula made the litter box area much cleaner and more pleasant to be around.
Pros
This litter does a great job of clumping, making it easy to scoop and dispose of waste.
Does a good job of controlling odors, keeping your home smelling fresh.
This litter is specifically designed for multi-cat households, making it a great choice for those with multiple furry friends.
Cons
Some users have reported that this litter can be quite dusty, which can be a problem for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Some have found that the litter doesn’t clump as well as it used to.
Some users have reported receiving the litter in different packaging than what was advertised, which can be confusing.
5. Dr Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter
This is a clumping clay litter. The one shown here is unscented. There is also a scented litter. It is the same price as the unscented litter.
Key Features
Odor Control
The unscented litter still has odor control properties and that is because the litter immediately absorbs urine and dehydrates faeces into hard, solid waste upon contact. A superior level of odor control is achieved without using a scented product.
Suitable For Multiple Cats
The cat litter is suitable for multiple cats. If two cats are sharing a box, change the litter every one and half to two weeks (some cat owners find the litter lasts much longer than this). This is based on a daily scooping regime to keep the box fresh in between complete changes.
As the name suggests this is an ultra clumping litter and it lives up to its name. The clumps may stick to the bottom of the pan and a metal scoop or a strong scoop is advised.
Pros
It is fine to use in sifting and mechanical litter boxes.
Made in the USA
Veterinarian formulated
Cons
Some bags of litter seem to be dustier than others.
Store in a cool dry place. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical help.
Related: Is litter getting stuck to the bottom of the box? You can bring back the non stick of your litter box or just make it more non stick. It’s very easy to do. This article shows you how easy it is to do, using basic materials.
6. Arm & Hammer Litter Clump & Seal Multi-Cat Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
One of the standout features of this litter is that it’s 100% dust-free, which means no more dust clouds when pouring or scooping.
Another great thing about this cat litter is that it doesn’t create crumbly clumps, thanks to the plant-derived particles that help create rock-solid clumps for easy scooping. Plus, it’s strong enough for multi-cat households and available in a fresh home scent.
Key Features
7 Day Odor Free Guarantee
One of the most impressive features of Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Cat Litter is the 7-day odor-free guarantee.
This means that you can confidently go an entire week without worrying about unpleasant cat litter smells permeating your home.
We were sceptical at first, but after using this litter for a week, we can confirm that it lives up to its promise.
100% Dust Free
Another great feature of Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Cat Litter is that it is 100% dust-free. This is a huge plus for anyone who has ever had to deal with the cloud of dust that can arise when pouring or scooping cat litter.
Not only is the dust annoying, but it can also be harmful to both you and your cat’s respiratory systems.
Seals and Destroys Odor
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Cat Litter uses exclusive sealing technology to lock in and destroy odors.
Moisture-activated micro-granules form a tight seal around cat waste odor, and heavy-duty odor eliminators plus Arm & Hammer Baking Soda destroy sealed-in odors on contact.
No Crumbly Clumps
One of the biggest frustrations with some clay litters is that the clumps can be crumbly and fall apart when you try to scoop them. This is not the case with Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Cat Litter.
The plant-derived particles in this litter help create rock-solid clumps that are easy to scoop.
Pros
7-day odor-free guarantee: This is a significant advantage of the Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Cat Litter. It gives confidence that there will be no odors in the house for a week.
We love that this cat litter is dust-free, which means no more dust clouds when pouring or scooping. It makes cleaning up a lot easier.
We have multiple cats, and this clay cat litter is strong enough to handle their waste. It also comes in a fresh home scent, which is a nice bonus.
Cons
The handle on the packaging can be challenging to use. It would be better if it were more user-friendly.
Some users have reported that the cat litter doesn’t clump well, making it difficult to scoop. However, we haven’t experienced this issue ourselves.
Related: What Is The Best Cat Litter For Odor Control? An odor controlling litter without a strong perfume makes sense.
The Best Budget Cat Litter Is Frisco Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter
1. Frisco Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter
The cheapest cat litter at the time of writing this article is Frisco. The price combined with the effectiveness makes this litter pretty hard to beat.
Compare the prices of the different sized options in your chosen litter, as sometimes you can save money by purchasing a larger size.
The other litters in this list of best cheap cat litters are also price competitive.
When looking for a cat litter, consider other factors such as
* How often the box is cleaned,
* How many cats are using the box and
* Whether your cat is a digger and flinger as this will also determine how often you need to top up or replace the litter which will of course affect price.
Frisco is an excellent place to start when assessing the best cheap cat litter that combines budget and quality.
What Is A Cheap Alternative To Cat Litter?
Have you considered making your own cat litter because you definitely can.
You control the budget, you save money and you choose the materials.
This article explains how to make cat litter using Sand, Shredded Paper, Wood Shavings, Chicken Feed Pellets and Hemp.
Here is a brief rundown of the materials needed. The article goes into detail about the steps needed to make the natural cat litter and extra notes for success.
Sand Litter– Materials Needed – Play Sand, Baking soda, Essential oils (optional, like lavender to reduce odor)
Shredded Paper Litter – Materials Needed – Newspaper or other paper, Baking soda, Washing up liquid, Essential oils (optional, like lavender to reduce odor)
Wood Shavings Litter – Materials Needed- Wood shavings (untreated softwood works best), Baking soda, Essential oils (optional, like lavender to reduce odor)
Chicken Feed Pellets Litter – Materials Needed – Chicken Feed Pellets, Large Container or Bag for storing the homemade cat litter.
Hemp Litter – Materials Needed – Hemp, Large Container or Bag – For storing the homemade cat litter.
From reading the Materials Needed you can see that there is no expensive outlay when making home made cat litter. Even if you don’t use it all the time, it can be a good budget cat litter and even a good standby to have if you run out of cat litter.
Quality Control For The Best Cheap Cat Litters
As most cat owners know from experience, it is a little bit tricky to know how cats will react to a certain type of litter until it is actually used or maybe not used by the cat.
Here are some things to consider when looking for the best cheap cat litters.
Clumping Litter – Clumping litter is popular because it is easier to clean the box by scooping the balls of urine that form into tight clumps. This can save money. Regular scooping the clumping cat litter and topping up the box helps to keep the litter box cleaner for longer, thus using less litter and saving money.
Odor Control – Do you want litter that is fragranced or has odor control? Read the reviews to see how well your chosen cat litter stands up to control odors from the litter box. That’s a pretty good test.
Price – The price has to be considered but also consider that a couple of dollars may make a big difference in the amount of cleaning and emptying of the kitty litter box. Read reviews of different cat litters before you make a choice.
Fragrance – Check for any added fragrances or chemicals because they may be harmful to your cat or to you. I have recently started using a totally fragrance free everyday cleaner for around the home and I love it and big bonus, no fragrance. Some fragrances in cleaners actually gave me a sore throat. I know, sensitive ole me!
Packaging – If the packaging is too heavy for you to manage, it will eliminate that choice or you will need to consider how to best cope in this situation. Cheap will be of no use if it is too difficult to transport.
Why Buy Cat Litter Online?
Buying online saves time. Once you have a litter you are happy with, it is easy to just click that button and reorder. Job Done!
Buying cat litter online also eliminates lugging home heavy bags of litter and handling it several times during the purchase.
Nothing is worse than loading the cat litter into the shopping trolley, and then loading into the car and unloading at home. Cat Litter turning up on the doorstep is a way better solution!
Your cat may require a specific type of litter, particularly after surgery.
However if your cat is in good health, has no allergies and you want a good basic litter at a good cost there are cheap and good options.
