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 PetSafe ScoopFree Crystal Cat Litter & Refill Tray offers a convenient solution for cat owners seeking an easy-to-maintain, budget-friendly litter option. Utilizing silica gel crystals, this litter is designed for low tracking and is 99% dust-free, making it a cleaner choice for indoor use. It effectively absorbs urine, dries solid waste, and controls odor more efficiently than traditional clumping clay litters, reportedly five times better, which could be a significant benefit for those sensitive to pet odors. Each tray comes with a protective liner to prevent leaks, and once the crystals have been used, the entire tray can be disposed of easily, reducing the need for frequent scooping or cleaning.

While the automatic and self-cleaning features are appealing, it’s crucial to note that this product is intended for use with ScoopFree self-cleaning litter boxes, which may require an initial investment if you don't already own one. The crystal litter may not clump like traditional litters, which can be a drawback for those who prefer seeing clumps as a sign of absorbency. The trays are designed for weeks of use, but households with multiple cats might find they need to replace them more often.

At 18 pounds for the package of three trays, the litter is relatively lightweight, and the fresh scent should be pleasant for both cats and owners. This product is ideal for those who prioritize convenience and odor control over traditional clumping capabilities and are willing to adapt to a system that disposes of trays completely. This makes it particularly suitable for busy pet owners who want to minimize their daily maintenance chores while ensuring their home remains clean and odor-free.