10 Best Budget Cat Litter 2025 in the United States

Dr. Elsey's Premium Unscented Cat Litter offers several appealing features for cat owners, especially those on a budget. Made from 100% bentonite clay, this litter is designed to clump hard, making scooping easier and preventing moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray. This can be particularly beneficial for multi-cat households or busy owners who can't scoop immediately after each use. The medium grain clay also helps in controlling tracking, so you should find less litter around your home.

With a 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic formulation, it's a good choice for cats or owners with allergies, minimizing airborne particles and reducing respiratory irritation. Additionally, the natural ingredients help with superior odor control, keeping your home smelling fresher between cleanings.

However, at 40 pounds, this bag is quite heavy, which might make handling and pouring a bit cumbersome for some users. While it's efficient at clumping, the hard clumps might require a bit more effort to scoop compared to softer clumping litters. Also, though it is marketed as low tracking, some users might still experience minor tracking depending on their cat's habits. Despite these minor drawbacks, Dr. Elsey's Cat Litter stands out as a robust option for those looking for an effective, budget-friendly litter with strong clumping and odor control capabilities.

Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a solid choice for budget-conscious cat owners looking for an effective, low-dust option. Made from 100% bentonite clay, this litter excels in forming hard clumps that won't break down, making scooping easier and preventing moisture from reaching the bottom of the tray. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining a clean litter box with minimal effort.

Its superior odor control is another strong point, effectively keeping your home smelling fresh between cleanings, which is especially useful for multi-cat households. The unscented nature of the litter makes it suitable for sensitive cats and owners who prefer a fragrance-free environment. Additionally, the low-dust formulation (99.9% dust-free) is a plus for those with allergies, ensuring a cleaner air quality around the litter box area.

Tracking is reduced thanks to the medium grain size, although some users may still find occasional litter outside the box. However, one potential drawback is the weight; at 18 pounds, the bag can be cumbersome to handle, especially for those with physical limitations. Absorbency is generally good, but like most clay litters, it can become heavy when fully saturated. Dr. Elsey's Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter offers excellent clumping, odor control, and low dust, making it a great option for cat owners who want a reliable and affordable litter.

The Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean Clumping Litter stands out in the budget category of cat litters for several reasons. Made from clay, it offers the advantage of clumping, which helps in easy scooping and maintaining cleanliness. The patented EZ Clean Technology ensures that the litter slides out of the box effortlessly, reducing the need for rigorous scrubbing and scraping. This could be a major plus for busy cat owners who want a low-maintenance solution.

Additionally, the litter provides strong odor control, utilizing powerful odor eliminators and baking soda to keep unpleasant smells at bay. This is especially useful in a multi-cat household, offering a fresh scent and guaranteeing a 7-day odor-free environment. The moisture-activated micro-granules contribute to the formation of rock-hard clumps, making scooping simple and effective.

However, as it is a clay-based litter, it can be heavier compared to other materials, which might be a downside for some users when it comes to handling and pouring the product. Dust levels are another concern with clay litters, and while the product aims to minimize tracking, some users may still find traces of litter around their home. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Arm & Hammer Platinum SLIDE Easy Clean Clumping Litter is a commendable choice for those seeking an efficient, easy-to-manage, and budget-friendly cat litter solution.