Top 5 Inexpensive Cat Litters: Reviews & Buying Guide

Does your cat’s litter box smell like a… well, you know? Keeping your home fresh with a clean litter box can be a real challenge, especially when you’re also trying to save money. Let’s face it, buying cat litter can feel like a never-ending expense! The cost of litter can quickly add up, putting a dent in your budget. Then there’s the confusion: Clay? Clumping? Scented? Unscented? It’s enough to make any cat parent’s head spin.

Choosing the wrong litter can lead to more than just bad smells. It can also cause problems like tracking litter around the house or even your cat refusing to use the box! We’re here to help you find the best, affordable litter options. We’ll break down the different types, compare prices, and give you tips to make smart choices.

In this post, we’ll explore how to find the best inexpensive cat litter that keeps both your cat and your wallet happy. You’ll learn how to pick the right litter for your cat, save money, and maintain a fresh-smelling home. Get ready to discover the secrets to happy cats and happy finances! Let’s dive in and find the purr-fect litter for your furry friend.

Our Top 5 Inexpensive Cat Litter Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Inexpensive Cat Litter Detailed Reviews

1. Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter 18 lb Bag

Rating: 8.6/10

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a popular choice for cat owners. This litter is made with bentonite clay. It is designed to control odors and make cleaning easy. It comes in an 18 lb bag.

What We Like:

  • The litter clumps very hard. This makes scooping easy.
  • It is made with a special texture and granule size. These are the right size.
  • The litter is almost dust-free. This is great for cats and owners with allergies.
  • It keeps odors away. Your house will smell fresh.
  • It does not track much. Litter stays in the box.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some cats might not like the unscented litter.

Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a good option. It is a great choice for a clean and fresh home.

2. Dr. Elsey’s® Clean Tracks Clumping Clay Cat Litter 40 lb. Bag

Rating: 9.3/10

Tired of cat litter everywhere? Dr. Elsey’s® Clean Tracks Clumping Clay Cat Litter is designed to solve that problem. This litter aims to keep your home cleaner and fresher. It’s made for both single and multi-cat homes. This litter uses special clay to clump well and control odors. It promises to be low-dust and easy to scoop. The 40 lb. bag is a good size for most cat owners.

What We Like:

  • Hard clumping action makes scooping easy and keeps the box clean.
  • Low dust formula helps with allergies and keeps the air cleaner.
  • The medium grain size helps reduce tracking.
  • It has great odor control to keep your home smelling fresh.
  • It is made from 100% bentonite clay, a natural material.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users might prefer a lighter weight for easier handling of the large bag.

Overall, Dr. Elsey’s® Clean Tracks Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a solid choice. It is a good option for cat owners who want a cleaner and more odor-free home.

3. Cat’s Pride Premium Lightweight Clumping Litter: Pure & Fresh – Up to 10 Days of Powerful Odor Control – Multi-Cat

Rating: 9.2/10

Keep your home smelling fresh with Cat’s Pride Premium Lightweight Clumping Litter! This scented litter is made for homes with multiple cats. It helps control odors for up to 10 days. The lightweight formula makes it easy to handle. This litter is also hypoallergenic and gentle on your cats. It even has baking soda for extra freshness. Plus, Cat’s Pride donates litter to animal shelters with every purchase!

What We Like:

  • Traps odors for over 10 days!
  • Great for multiple cats.
  • The formula is hypoallergenic.
  • It’s lightweight, so it’s easier to carry.
  • It contains baking soda for added freshness.
  • A pound of litter is donated to shelters for every purchase.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The scent might be too strong for some cats or people.

This Cat’s Pride litter is a great choice for cat owners. You get great odor control and help animals in need!

4. Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter

Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter, Multi-Cat, Long Lasting Odor Control Kitty Litter with Activated Charcoal, Low Dust Formula, 14 lb

Rating: 8.9/10

Is your house filled with the not-so-pleasant aroma of multiple cats? Fresh Step Clumping Cat Litter is here to help! This multi-cat litter tackles tough odors. It has a low dust formula, so it keeps your home cleaner. The litter also quickly absorbs liquids, creating a dry and comfortable space for your cats. With activated charcoal and Febreze freshness, this litter promises a fresh, clean smell. This 14 lb box is designed for homes with several furry friends.

What We Like:

  • 15 days of odor control helps fight litter box smells.
  • The low dust formula keeps your floors cleaner.
  • It quickly absorbs liquid for a dry litter box.
  • ClumpLock technology makes scooping easy.
  • It has a fresh, clean scent thanks to Febreze.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The price of the litter may be a bit high.

In conclusion, Fresh Step Multi-Cat Clumping Litter is a good choice for multi-cat households. It works hard to control odors and keep your home smelling fresh.

5. Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter Odor Control

Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter Odor Control, 24/7 Performance Multi Cat Litter - 16 lb. Bag

Rating: 9.0/10

Tired of cat odors? Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter Odor Control is here to help! This litter promises 24/7 odor control, keeping your home smelling fresh. It’s made for multiple-cat homes and forms tight clumps for easy scooping. The litter has a clean linen scent and is designed to keep your cats comfortable. This product comes in a convenient bag that is easy to store.

What We Like:

  • Guaranteed 10-day odor control when you use it right.
  • It has a slow-release system that keeps odors away all day.
  • The litter clumps tightly, making cleanup easy.
  • The formula is low dust, so it’s cleaner to pour.
  • It has a fresh, clean linen scent.
  • It keeps cats comfortable by absorbing moisture.
  • It’s perfect for homes with many cats.
  • The bag is easy to store.
  • It is simple and easy to use.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users may prefer a different scent.
  • Larger bags could be more economical for some cat owners.

Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Cat Litter is a solid choice if you want to control cat odors. It is simple to use and helps keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Inexpensive Cat Litter

Finding good cat litter doesn’t have to break the bank! This guide helps you choose the best cheap cat litter for your furry friend. We will show you how to find a litter that works well and saves you money.

Key Features to Look For

You need litter that works. Here’s what to think about:

  • Odor Control: Does the litter keep bad smells away? This is very important. Look for litter that says it controls odors.
  • Clumping Ability: Does the litter clump when wet? Good clumping makes it easier to scoop. This keeps the litter box clean.
  • Dust Level: Does the litter make a lot of dust? Low-dust litter is better for your cat’s and your health.
  • Absorbency: How well does the litter soak up liquids? Good absorbency helps with odor control and keeps the box dry.
  • Price: Of course, this is about being inexpensive. Compare prices per pound or per box.

Important Materials

The type of material matters. Here are some common materials:

  • Clay Litter: This is a very common type. It is usually cheap. It can be clumping or non-clumping.
  • Silica Gel Litter: This litter is made of crystals. It is good at controlling odors. You don’t need to scoop it as often.
  • Wood-Based Litter: This litter is made from wood. It is often biodegradable. It is good for the environment.
  • Paper-Based Litter: This litter is made from recycled paper. It is also usually good for the environment.
  • Wheat-Based Litter: This litter is made from wheat. It can clump well and often controls odors.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all cheap litter is the same. Some things make it better or worse:

  • Clumping vs. Non-Clumping: Clumping litter is generally easier to scoop. Non-clumping litter might be cheaper, but you will need to change the litter more often.
  • Additives: Some litters have added ingredients. These can help with odor control or dust reduction.
  • Particle Size: Finer particles often clump better. However, they can also be dustier.
  • Brand Reputation: Research different brands. Read reviews from other cat owners. They can tell you about the quality.
  • Packaging: Good packaging keeps the litter dry and fresh.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you and your cat will use the litter:

  • Your Cat’s Preferences: Some cats are picky. They might not like certain textures or smells. Try different types to find what your cat likes.
  • Number of Cats: If you have multiple cats, you will need more litter. You might need to scoop more often.
  • Litter Box Location: If the litter box is in a small space, dust levels are extra important.
  • Your Cleaning Schedule: How often will you scoop and change the litter? This helps you choose the right type of litter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inexpensive Cat Litter

Q: What is the cheapest type of cat litter?

A: Usually, clay litter is the cheapest option. Non-clumping clay litter is often the most affordable.

Q: Is cheap cat litter bad for my cat?

A: Not necessarily. Some cheap litters work well. However, check for dust levels and odor control.

Q: How often should I change cheap cat litter?

A: It depends on the type. Clumping litter should be scooped daily and changed every few weeks. Non-clumping litter needs to be changed more often.

Q: Does the smell of the litter matter?

A: Yes, the smell matters. Your cat might not like strong scents. You may not like the smell either.

Q: How do I reduce dust from cat litter?

A: Choose low-dust litter. Scoop the litter box regularly. You can also use a litter box with a hood.

Q: What is the best way to save money on cat litter?

A: Buy in bulk. Compare prices. Consider store brands. Look for sales and coupons.

Q: Is it okay to flush cat litter down the toilet?

A: No. Never flush cat litter. It can clog your pipes and harm the environment.

Q: What if my cat doesn’t like the new litter?

A: Try mixing the new litter with the old litter. Slowly increase the amount of new litter. You can also try a different type.

Q: Does the litter box size matter?

A: Yes, choose a litter box that is big enough for your cat. The litter box should be easy for your cat to use.

Q: Where can I buy cheap cat litter?

A: You can buy cheap cat litter at pet stores, grocery stores, and online retailers. Compare prices before you buy.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.