Published May 29, 2025
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Unless you have a toilet-trained cat (which we don’t recommend), kitty litter is an unavoidable ongoing expense. Costs can add up quickly, especially in multi-cat homes. This makes finding an affordable cat litter a top priority for many cat guardians.
The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice quality to stay within your budget—and we’ve done the testing to prove it. There are plenty of affordable cat litters that manage odors, clump well, and even promote sustainability.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best affordable cat litters available that will keep your cat—and your wallet—happy.
At a Glance: Best Affordable Cat Litters to Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
- Solid clumping action
- Excellent odor control
- No fragrances or perfumes
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Litter
- Solid clumps are easy to scoop
- Combats odors with baking soda
- Low dust
Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Non-Clumping Clay Litter
- Most economical option
- Minimal dust
- Highly absorbent
Frisco Scoopable Cat Litter With Baking Soda
- Contains proprietary de-dusting system
- Baking soda helps with odor control
- Unscented, with no fragrances, dyes, or added perfumes
Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter
- Non-toxic
- Soft and lightweight
- Biodegradeable
Naturally Fresh Walnut Shell Cat Litter
- Walnut shells naturally neutralize odors
- Contains proprietary malodor counteractant
- Lightweight and easy to manage
Cat's Pride Total Odor Control Clumping Cat Litter
- 25% lighter than most clay litters
- No detectable smell
- Forms tight, solid clumps
Why Trust Cats.com
Our reviews are driven by a genuine passion for cat care. To find top-performing products, we spend hours comparing brands and carefully analyzing customer feedback. Then we conduct hands-on testing to determine which products rise to the top—and which ones are better left on the shelf.
To account for the diverse needs and preferences of cats and their guardians, I purchased a variety of litter types. Then, I used them in my home for several weeks, observing key factors such as odor control, clumping ability, and dust levels.
As always, my goal is not to push any particular product or litter type, but rather to provide transparent insights that help you find a product that works for you.
A variety of factors determines our rankings. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Clumping Clay Litter is our top choice, your mileage may vary. To help you find an affordable cat litter that meets your unique needs, we’ve categorized our recommendations by litter material, life stage, and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter
- Material: Clay
- Clumping: Yes
- Flushable: No
- Price: $0.65 per lb
This popular formula from Dr. Elsey’s is our top pick for several reasons. At just $0.52 per pound, it’s one of the most economical clay clumping litters out there. It forms tight, solid clumps, which help control odor and minimize the amount of crumbly particles left behind. This means you can go longer between litter changes, resulting in more savings over time.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
My senior cat, Amber, used Dr. Elsey’s immediately. Even with her choice of several boxes, she often went for this one.
While it excels at odor control without using heavy perfumes, this litter has a few drawbacks. For one, it’s pretty dusty—a complaint echoed in many reviews. Another issue we encountered was imperfect absorbency with high volumes of urine. Too much liquid at once can create a cement-like paste that may stick to the litter pan.
What We Liked:
- Hard-clumping action for easy scooping
- Hypoallergenic
- No perfumes or deodorants
- Good odor control
What We Didn’t Like:
- Dusty when pouring
- Large amounts of liquid can affect performance
#2 Best Clumping: Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Slide Litter
- Material: Clay
- Clumping: Yes
- Flushable: No
- Price: $0.89 per lb
Arm & Hammer’s Clump & Seal line offers strong clumping action that helps manage odors and reduce messy crumbles. This extends the litter’s lifespan, resulting in greater savings over time.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
To neutralize odors, this litter relies on moisture-activated microgranules and the brand’s trademark baking soda. It’s said to manage odors from waste and ammonia for up to seven days.
Initially, I was concerned that the fine-grain, sandy texture would lead to dust clouds and relentless tracking, but that was not the case. To my surprise (and delight), his litter had minimal dust during both pouring and scooping, and fortunately, we did not experience excessive tracking.
What We Liked:
- Super soft texture
- Clumps are solid and slide out easily
- The combination of baking soda and microgranules seals in odors
- Low dust
What We Didn’t Like:
- Picky cats may dislike the sandy texture if they’re not used to it.
#3 Best Non-Clumping: Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Non-Clumping Clay Litter
- Material: Clay
- Clumping: No
- Flushable: No
- Price: $0.5 per lb
If you really want to stretch your dollar, consider a non-clumping cat litter. Non-clumping litters are generally more budget-friendly than clumping options, and this formula from Tidy Cats offers the best bang for your buck. To use this litter, simply scoop out the solid waste daily and add litter as needed to maintain a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This litter is designed to absorb moisture effectively, allowing for up to a week between litter box changes. With its “TidyLock” protection, it masks odors from ammonia, urine, and feces. It does have a faint fresh smell, but we found it inoffensive.
A top benefit is that this litter produces less dust compared to other brands, including Dr. Elsey’s. Just make sure to change it regularly, otherwise, liquid will pool on the bottom.
What We Liked:
- Highly absorbent: controls moisture and odors effectively
- Less dust compared to many clumping litter options
- Available in convenient sizes of 10, 20, and 40-lb bags
What We Didn’t Like:
- May require more frequent changes if your cat produces large volumes of liquid
- Some dust and tracking may still occur
#4 Best Multi-Cat: Frisco Scoopable Cat Litter With Baking Soda
- Material: Clay
- Clumping: Yes
- Flushable: No
- Price: $0.5 per lb
Thanks to its combination of affordability and performance, this Frisco formula stands out as a cost-effective choice for multi-cat households. It features a proprietary de-dusting system, so you and your cat can breathe easier. You’ll also find baking soda for superior odor control—an important consideration when you have multiple cats that use the litter box.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
My cat took to this litter without hesitation. At first, the tiny granules had me worried about tracking, but I didn’t notice more mess than what I’m used to with other clay litters. While I found it a bit dusty, the odor control is impressive.
Clumps were imperfect, but I think it had more to do with timing than quality (I was pretty hasty in scooping). For the best results, I suggest waiting a bit longer (10+ minutes) to let them form properly.
Additionally, this unscented formula is hypoallergenic and free from irritating fragrances, dyes, or added perfumes—perfect for sensitive cats.
What We Liked:
- Excellent odor control with baking soda
- Hypoallergenic and scent-free
- Good clumping ability (when given enough time to form)
- Minimal tracking despite small granules
- Autoship through Chewy offers additional savings
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available in 40-lb bags
- Dusty when pouring
- Clumps may crumble if scooped too soon
#5 Best for Kittens: Fresh News Unscented Non-Clumping Paper Cat Litter
- Material: Paper
- Clumping: No
- Flushable: No
- Price: $1.57 per lb
If you need a safe and budget-friendly litter for a curious kitten, Fresh News is worth a look. Made from 100% recycled paper, it’s biodegradable and helps reduce your environmental footprint. Fresh News is also non-toxic and free from harsh chemicals, making it a safe option if your kitten decides to play in it or take a nibble.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
The soft pellets are gentle on tiny paws and create very little dust, perfect for sensitive kitten lungs. Fresh News is impressively absorbent, too, holding up to three times more liquid than traditional clay litters. Though it’s non-clumping, the moisture-absorbing pellets help you visually identify soiled areas with ease. Plus, the addition of baking soda effectively neutralizes odors.
While the lightweight pellets minimize tracking, their larger size might be uncomfortable for
some cats. We did notice some dust when pouring, but it’s significantly less than clay litter and poses less risk to your kitten’s health.
Just a note: our senior cat wasn’t a fan of the pellet texture, but she’s used to clay, and every cat has their preferences!
What We Liked:
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Up to 3x more absorbent than clay
- Had no perceptible smell
- Soft and lightweight
- Available in various sizes (4, 12, and 25-lb bags)
What We Didn’t Like:
- Non-clumping formula may require more frequent complete changes
- Pellets can get soggy over time and make it harder to clean
- Some cats won’t like the pellet texture
#6 Best Natural: Naturally Fresh Walnut Shell Cat Litter
- Material: Walnut shells
- Clumping: Yes
- Flushable: No
- Price: $0.91 per lb
While natural litters are usually more expensive than clay, this walnut formula offers a competitive price for eco-conscious cat parents.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Made from 100% biodegradable walnut shells, Naturally Fresh neutralizes urine and fecal odors with its proprietary malodor counteractant. It’s lightweight, making it easy to pour and manage. It’s also free of silica dust, making it a safe choice for those with respiratory sensitivities.
This litter has a subtle, earthy scent that won’t overwhelm your home. The brand boasts it has three times the absorption of clay, though I found its performance mixed in that regard. While it clumps well enough, I noticed some liquid tended to pool at the edges of the tray before settling.
The granules are slightly larger than typical clay litters, but they’re soft. I didn’t notice any dust, though another team member noted inconsistencies with dust levels with this brand.
What We Liked:
- 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly
- Lightweight and easy to pour
- Low dust for sensitive respiratory systems
- Effective odor control with malodor counteractant
- The material is safe for kittens
What We Didn’t Like:
- Tracking may be higher compared to clay litters
- Granule size might be larger than some cats prefer
#7 Best Lightweight: Cat’s Pride Total Odor Control Clumping Cat Litter
- Material: Clay
- Clumping: Yes
- Flushable: No
- Price: $0.92 per lb
Cat’s Pride could be a smart pick for someone seeking the convenience of a lightweight litter without breaking the bank. Most lightweight options come with a higher pricetag, but this formula is available for just $0.84 per lb.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Crafted to be 25% lighter than the average clay litter, Cat’s Pride is easier to lift, carry, and pour. Hypoallergenic and free from fragrances and dyes, it’s ideal for sensitive cats and folks with allergies.
Lightweight litter comes with the drawback of being prone to tracking. However, I didn’t notice anything excessive. While pouring, I did experience some dust, but again, nothing out of the ordinary.
I appreciated that this litter had no detectable smell. The clumps can be slightly soggy right after litter box use, so I recommend letting them sit for a while to solidify better.
Cat’s Pride is available in 15-lb jugs and 24-lb bags.
What We Liked:
- Lightweight formula that’s easier to handle
- Forms hard, solid clumps for effortless scooping
- Good odor control and no detectable smell
- Hypoallergenic, free of fragrances and dyes
- Available in scented and unscented formulas
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some dust is produced upon pouring
- Increased tracking due to the fine granules
What to Consider When Shopping for Affordable Cat Litter
When choosing cat litter on a budget, it’s important to recognize that every product has its drawbacks. Prioritizing your individual needs—whether that’s being low-dust, lightweight, eco-friendly, or effective at clumping—will help you make the best choice for your household.
To find affordable cat litter that meets your needs without compromising on quality, it helps to weigh the following factors.
- Cost Per Pound: Most people focus on price, which is a good starting point. But be cautious: cheaper litter may not perform as well, leading to higher costs over time if you need to use more.
- Longevity: Look for litter that provides good absorption and odor control. A product that lasts longer can save you money in the long term, even if its initial cost is higher. Prioritize products known for their clumping ability and odor-fighting ingredients like baking soda.
- Bulk buying options: Since you’ll need to replenish litter regularly, look for brands that offer bulk deals or subscription options. This can save you money and ensure you never run out.
- Eco-friendly choices: If sustainability is important to you, check out natural litter that is both affordable and biodegradable, offering a win-win for you and the planet.
