Farm-store pine pellets run about $8 for 40 lbs, an almost unbeatable cost-per-pound that Reddit cat owners rave about. Naturally neutralizes urine odor and produces almost zero dust or tracking.
Paper or wood pellets: Cheap; low dust and tracking; biodegradable. Doesn't control odor well; nonclumping; needs to be changed frequently; pine has a strong odor.
I use wood pellets! My cat is a former feral failed barn cat and it's the only litter she's ever used. I buy a huge bag at the farm supply store so it's cheap, too. When she pees it smells like fresh cut wood.
it's like 8$ for 40 LBS! I have two cats and 1 bag will last 2-3 months
Walmart's exclusive clumping clay litter comes in at $8 for a 14-pound jug, the only major brand that consistently stays under $10. Unscented bentonite clay clumps well enough for multi-cat households.
Tens of thousands of five-star Amazon reviews back this baking-soda-powered clumping litter that seals odors for days. Frequently goes on sale under $10 for smaller bags, making it the best-performing clumping option at this price point.
Grass seed litter is a Reddit-beloved alternative to clay that clumps better than corn-based litters with virtually zero dust. Smaller bags are available under $10, and it's not a food crop so it won't grow mold like tofu or corn litters.
Tidy Cats 24/7 is the go-to unscented clumping clay litter that works reliably in both standard and automatic litter boxes. Smaller jugs frequently dip under $10 at Walmart, and it's one of the most widely available budget litters in the US.