Pine pellets are the cheapest natural litter option, produce no dust, and neutralize odors with a fresh wood scent for 4-5 weeks. Buying horse-grade pine bedding from Tractor Supply ($7-8/40 lbs) makes it even more affordable.
Paper or wood pellets: Cheap; low dust and tracking; biodegradable
I use wood pellets! I buy a huge bag at the farm supply store so it's cheap, too. When she pees it smells like fresh cut wood. It doesn't cover up the poop smell very well, but I just scoop right away. It doesn't clump, but it also doesn't really track which is nice.
you forgot to mention the best part of the cheap and tractor supply, it's like 8$ for 40 LBS! I have two cats and 1 bag will last 2-3 months
Corn-based clumping litter that's biodegradable, nearly dust-free, and has odor control strong enough that guests won't know the box is there. Reddit cat owners swear by it repeatedly across multiple threads.
Grass seed litter clumps better than corn-based alternatives, produces zero dust, and doesn't track like clay. Reddit users who've made the switch consistently say they won't go back.
Made from soybean byproducts, tofu litter clumps firmly, is nearly odorless, flushable, and produces zero dust. Reddit users who've switched report their homes smell like nothing at all.
Walnut shell litter is biodegradable, lightweight, and has a texture similar to clay that most cats accept easily. It's one of the few natural litters that clumps well enough for automatic litter boxes.