Do you spend a lot of money on your kitty’s litter by purchasing any random kitty litter? If yes, then with these 7 best cheap cat litters you do not have to spend a hefty amount of money on the cat litters.
Now it is also a known fact that it is not necessary the litters of good quality are available at higher prices only. Moreover, we have tested the best and most affordable kitty litter so that you never have to compromise on the quality and its effectiveness.
In the end, we have also mentioned some of the tips on how you can save your money for cat litter by keeping a note of few things.
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The 7 Best Cheap Cat Litters of 2023
It is a common misconception that the litters that are effective and safe for your cat will be costlier. However, this is not the case and you can get cheap cat litter without compromising its quality or your cat’s health. With the Premium Clumping Cat Litter from Dr. Elsey’s, you get the best quality of litter at a lower price.
Price Per Pound: $0.56
This clay litter forms hard clumps and does not crumble in the litter box making the scooping process easier. Moreover, it also does not stick to the bottom of the sides of the litter box so it does not require scraping or scrubbing, which makes cleaning easier.
It features larger and denser particles that stay in the litter box and hence it won’t track all-around your house. Due to this, the litter will not get wasted and hence your total cost spend on it will effectively reduce.
Additionally, this litter is 99.9% dust-free so it keeps the air cleaner to breathe fo your kitty as well as you. You also don’t have to worry about any settled dust on the floors. Moreover, since it is also a hypoallergenic formula hence it is considered as one of the best litters for cats with allergies.
To conclude, we think this is the overall best cheap cat litter.
- 99.9% dust free cat litter
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Traps odor and absorbs liquid waste effectively
- The clumps might become hard to cleaned if not scooped regularly
2. Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Litter 24/7 Performance
Are you looking for the best cheap cat litter available in bulk? Then the Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Litter 24/7 Performance would be the best option for you. The price per pound, as well as the effective price, of this litter, is lower than any other product in our list. Moreover, with this cost-effective price, you do not have to compromise on the quality and its effectiveness.
Price Per Pound: $0.49
The TidyLock protection locks away strong ammonia, urine, and fecal smells hence it is effective in blocking even the strongest odor. It also absorbs moisture and keeps the litter box hygienic which keeps your kitty comfortable.
This clumping clay litter forms strong, tight clumps which makes the scooping process easier. The litter granule also have an anti-dust coating that forms a microscopic web-like structure that helps prevent tiny dust particles from escaping.
The superior odor control of this litter also makes it suitable for multi-cat households. Moreover, the 24/7 Performance formulation keeps the litter box and your house smelling fresh and breathable throughout the day.
- Superior odor control throughout the day
- Forms tight clumps that make scooping easier
- Anti-dust litter to reduce the formation of dust
- The litter is not lightweight
3. Purina Yesterday’s News Paper Cat Litter
If you are looking for the cheapest paper cat litter then the Purina Yesterday’s News Paper Cat Litter would be a good option for you. It is available in two variants Soft Texture and NEW! Clumping. One variant of this litter is non-clumping whereas the other one is clumping.
Price Per Pound: $0.58
As the name suggests, the non-clumping variant – Soft Texture has a soft texture and it is good for kittens and declawed cats. Due to its soft texture, it is also comfortable for almost all cats.
Apart from litter, the best affordable litter boxes are also available on the market.
On the other hand, the clumping paper litter from Purina is a quick-dry clumping formula that is easy to scoop. This not only makes the scooping and cleaning easier but it also reduces the amount of litter required. Due to this, the effective cost spent on litter per week also reduces.
It delivers effective odor control and has a good absorptivity. Due to this, it not only eliminates the odor but it also dehydrates the solid waste to stop the odor from spreading. It also effectively absorbs cat’s urine and neutralizes the smell of ammonia in a litter box.
- Available in both clumping and non-clumping variant
- Eco-friendly litter
- The paper litter (especially the non-clumping variant) needs to be changed more frequently as compared to other litters
You can also give a look at, which is the best cat litter for cats with asthma?
The LitterMaid Premium Corn Cob Litter has been made with natural corn cob that’s been heat processed. It is formulated and designed to help absorb two times as much liquid as traditional clay litter.
Price Per Pound: $0.60
This fast-clumping formula cat litter forms tight clumps that won’t break and are easy to lift. This makes the scooping of litter easier. It also effectively traps odor and absorbs liquid waste for a cleaner and hygienic litter box.
It is made from real corn cob and is free from any harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances. Moreover, this litter is also 99.9% dust-free hence it makes it for you and your cat to breathe.
Additionally, it is packed in an easy-pour bag that weighs just 9 pounds. This makes refilling the litter box convenient and hassle-free.
- Naturally scented cat litter
- 99.9% dust-free formula
- High absorbency and odor control
- Available in only small size bag
5. Fresh Step Extreme Scented Litter
The Fresh Step Extreme Scented Litter is specially formulated for multi-cat litter boxes. It provides a 10-day odor control guarantee with ammonia block technology and the mixture of activated charcoal traps and eliminates the odor. It is scented with Febreze mountain spring scent that masks and deodorizes even the strongest odors.
Price Per Pound: $0.63
This clumping litter makes cleaning easy with the clump lock technology that absorbs liquid and forms tight clumps. It also does not stick to the litter box so no scrubbing or scrapping will be required. This makes scooping and cleaning easier and convenient.
It is 99.9% dust-free formula for cleaner surfaces and cleaner air. It is also formulated with paw activated fragrance that is released every time your cat uses the litter box.
Additionally, this litter is available in two variants Extreme and New! Advanced Extreme. The New! Advanced Extreme variant is even stronger in controlling and masking the odor.
- 99% dust free formula
- 10 days of odor control guaranteed
- Creates tighter clumps for easy scooping and cleaning
- The scented litter might not be suitable for cats who don’t prefer litter with added fragrance
We have a recommendation for those pet parents who love traveling but are not able to take their felines with them. Well, don’t worry check out our article on travel litter boxes for future reference.
6. ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter
The ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter is specially formulated to seal and destroy odors before they leave the cat litter box. Its plant-derived particles help create rock-solid clumps for easy scooping and cleaning.
Price Per Pound: $0.72
The moisture-activated micro-granules form a tight seal around cat waste that traps the odor. Moreover, its heavy-duty odor eliminator and baking soda neutralize and deodorize the bad smell.
Its patented formula provides a 7-day odor-free home guarantee. Moreover, Its extra-strength formula makes it suitable for even multi-cat households.
Additionally, this litter box is 100% dust-free and hence no dust cloud will be formed while cleaning, refilling, or while your kitty is using it. Due to this, not only your floors will remain cleaner from the settled dust but it also won’t irritate your cat while breathing.
- Effective for multi-cat households
- Dust-free formula
- The clumps become very strong if not cleaned regularly
7. ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter
The ökocat Natural Wood Clumping Cat Litter is a plant-based litter that’s a clean and healthy option not only for your cat as well as you. Being derived from plant-based materials also make it eco-friendly. The litter has been made from biodegradable wood fiber which is sustainably sourced.
Price Per Pound: $0.75
Its base material wood fiber works to naturally prevent enzymes from bonding with liquid and waste hence halting ammonia odor before it even starts. Due to this, it is effective enough in controlling even the strongest odor.
It absorbs liquid on coming in contact with the waste and creates solid clumps that do not break easily. This makes scooping easier. It also won’t stick to the litter box hence you will not need to scrub the litter box.
Additionally, being made from biodegradable plant-based material also make it safe to flush. This makes litter box management convenient. However, you will have to be careful while flushing the litter, you will need to scoop and flush one clump at a time for a smoother flow.
- All natural plant-based biodegradable litter
- Safe to flush
- Forms soft and breakable crumps
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Buyer’s Guide for Cheap Cat Litters
With a wide variety of litters available in the market it can get little difficult to decide which litter to choose. Especially if you are looking for a cat litter available at a budget price then you would not even abruptly decide to buy any random cat litter as it may not turn out good.
So here we have made this descriptive buyer’s guide that will not only help you choose the best cheap cat litter but you will also get some additional tips to save money.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Cat Litter?
Here’s how you can choose the best cheap cat litter for your kitty. Considering these factors will not only get you the cheapest and the most affordable one but you will also get the most suitable one based on your kitty’s requirements.
Base Material
Before choosing any cat litter the first thing that you should consider is its base material of which it is made up of. Most of the characteristics would depend mostly upon the base material.
As an example, the litter made out of clay with sodium bentonite will have excellent clumping capabilities. On the other hand, the litter made out of paper will be good at absorbing liquid waste and moisture from the cat’s feces.
So based on your requirement and your cat’s preference you can choose the litter made up of the material that you need.
Odor Control
No one likes the smelly environment whether it is you or your furry friend. Hence you should check for the odor-controlling capacity of the litter. Few of the litters also come with deodorizing powders added with it. These litters not only trap and absorb the odor but also deodorize them.
If you observe a very strong odor in and around the litter box then consider purchasing a scented litter. The added fragrance in the scented litter box will not only deodorize but it will also add an extra scent to the litter box and the environment.
Nevertheless, if your cat or you have any allergies with the scented litter previously used then it is advised to use a non-scented formula. To get the litter that is strong enough in controlling the odor in spite of being unscented, you should get the litter that is formulated for multi-cat litter boxes.
Clumping
Most of the pet parents prefer clumping litter because the clumps become easier to clean. However, the ease of scooping is not the only benefit of using the clumping litters. The clumping litters also have a good capacity of trapping the odor and it also forms a layer around the solid waste that dehydrates the cat’s feces.
Moreover, since the soiled cat litter forms clumps and hence it does not gets mixed up with the entire litter if scooped on time. Due to this, the clumping litters can be used for a longer time without affecting its effectiveness.
On the other hand, the non-clumping litters do not form clumps upon coming in contact with the cat’s waste. Due to this, the soiled litter gets mixed up with the entire litter which might reduce its effectiveness after a certain use.
Low Tracking and Low Dust
It is a known fact the litter that tracks more will make your house messier by tracking throughout the house and the settled dust will also make the floor dirty. However, this is not the only problem the exists with a litter that tracks more or produces more dust.
The low tracking litters, on the other hand, will not only reduce the mess around your house by tracking less but it will also reduce the amount of litter required since the litter will not be wasted outside the box.
Similarly, the low dust cat litter will keep the floors clean since no more dust will be produced, and hence it won’t settle on the floor. Additionally, since this litter won’t produce dust clouds and hence it will keep the air clean. Due to this, your cat and you will get cleaner air to breathe.
Tips for Saving Money on Cat Litter
Besides purchasing the cheap cat litters there are other ways by which you can save your money. By putting little effort you can save the amount of litter required and save your money.
- Don’t waste litter
Now it is obvious that you would not waste the litter purposely, however, there are many circumstances where the litter might get wasted. The maximum amount of litter is wasted unintentionally by tracking. You can reduce this by using litter boxes that limit tracking like top-entry or high-sided litter box.
- Use washable litter
The washable litters are not available at a very low price but since these litters are washable and can be used multiple times so the resultant price spent on the litter reduces. Moreover, by using a washable cat litter you not only reduce the cost spent litters on a regular basis but as it can be reused so it is also good for the environment by reducing the landfill caused by single-use non-biodegradable litters.
- Purchase on discount
Stock up the litter when it is available on discount. One of the best times to do so is purchasing the litter during Black Friday sale. This time you can usually get good discount on purchasing litters and many other products.
Moreover, purchasing online from Amazon, Chewy, or other online pet stores is a better way to get discounts as the offline stores are less likely to provide a good discount on cat litters.
FAQs About Cheap Cat Litters
How much cat litter do you use per week?
On average, a cat will need around 7-10 pounds of litter each week in case of clumping cat litter. On the other hand, since the non-clumping litters are required to be changed more frequently hence you would require up to 15 pounds per week.
The amount of litter required may also carry depending upon the type of litter. For example, the non-clumping litter needs to be changed more frequently than any other litter hence you may need approximately 25 pounds of litter in a week.
However, in case if your cat is suffering from any medical condition due to which she has to go for urination more frequently then the amount of litter required will slightly increase.
What can be used instead of cat litter?
There are many alternatives to the commercial cat litters which you can use for your kitty. Using these alternatives is not very much recommended for long term use as they are not very effective which might promote bad hygiene. However, here we have listed out only the cheap cat litter alternatives that you can try out:
1. Shredded newspaper
2. Wood shavings
3. Sawdust
4. Horse bedding pellets
5. Alfalfa pellets
6. Sand
7. Chicken
Which type of cat litter is the cheapest?
The clumping clay litters are not only the cheapest litters to buy but the amount of litter that would be required per would be also lesser as compared to other types of litters. Our top pick product Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Litter 24/7 Performance costs around $3.4 to $4 per week.
The washable cat litters, on the other hand, are available at a higher price. But since they are reusable after being washed so the overall price comes to be cheaper than most of the types of litters.
As an example, the CatGenie Washable Granules costs about $25 per 3.5 pounds. So the initial price of this litter is higher. But as these litters are washable so they can be reused for 2 to 5 months depending upon the requirement. Due to this, the effective cost comes around $1.25 to $3 for a week.
What is the best and cheapest cat litter?
The best and the cheapest cat litter available in bulk is Purina Tidy Cats Clumping Litter 24/7 Performance. It is a clumping cat litter and hence you would not need to change it very frequently. Moreover, it also has good odor control and absorptivity so that you never compromise on the quality and effectiveness for the price.
Conclusion
We hope you found the best cheap cat litter for your kitty. Make sure that while choosing the cat litter you do not consider just its initial price as the amount of litter required is different for different types. So on choosing the best cheap cat litters from our list not only the initial price but your effective cost spent on the litter per week will reduce.