Cheap Cat Litter Boxs: Affordable Options for Every Budget

Cat litter boxes are a must-have for anyone with a cat. They give your pet a spot to do their thing and help keep your home a little less chaotic.

There are loads of options out there, from simple trays to covered or even self-cleaning boxes. But if you’re not looking to splurge, cheap cat litter boxes can do the trick without draining your wallet.

These affordable picks usually stick to the basics—open trays, maybe a simple cover if you’re lucky. Honestly, it’s often all most cats need.

When you’re picking a cheap cat litter box, size matters. If it’s too tiny, your cat might not even bother using it.

Material counts too. Flimsy plastic can crack or get gross fast. We tried out a bunch of budget boxes to see which ones actually hold up and keep both you and your cat happy.

Best Cheap Cat Litter Boxes

We’ve poked around and tested a bunch of cheap cat litter boxes to find the ones that are actually worth it. Our favorites are affordable, simple to clean, and comfy enough for your furry roommate.

Petmate Small Litter Pan

This simple litter pan is a solid pick for small cats or kittens who just want a roomy, open spot to take care of business.

Pros

• Wide base helps keep litter inside (mostly)
• Rimmed edges make it easy to grab and lift
• Plastic feels sturdy and doesn’t crack easily

Cons

• Too small for bigger cats—sorry, chonkers
• Low walls mean some litter will escape if your cat’s a digger
• Not ideal for homes with lots of cats

We noticed our little cats had plenty of space to move around without feeling stuck. The open-top design is nice—none of that trapped-in-a-box vibe.

Cleaning is quick since you can see everything. The wide base really does cut down on mess, though if your cat loves to dig, you’ll still find some litter outside the box.

The plastic is easy to wipe clean and doesn’t feel flimsy. If you just want something basic that works, this pan is a good bet for smaller cats.

IRIS Large Cat Litter Box

This box is a go-to if you want something cheap and easy to clean with tall sides to keep the chaos inside.

Pros

• Tall walls help keep litter from flying everywhere
• Open top makes it easy for cats to hop in and for you to scoop
• Comes with a scoop that actually fits in the box

Cons

• Grooves inside can make scooping a little annoying
• Might be a squeeze for really big cats
• The shield feels a tad loose if your cat’s a wild one

We liked the size for most cats, and those high walls are great for containing mess. It’s sturdy but not a pain to move around.

The open top means cats don’t feel boxed in, and you can see when it needs cleaning. The scoop fitting inside is a nice touch, honestly.

On the flip side, the textured bottom can trap clumps, so you’ll have to work a bit harder to scoop. Fits well in small spaces, just maybe not for the biggest cats. Still, it’s a reliable, budget-friendly pick with some thoughtful features.

Kitty Sift Disposable Cat Litter Box (6-Pack)

If you want a cheap, eco-friendly choice that saves you from scrubbing, this one’s worth a look.

Pros

• No scrubbing—just toss and replace
• Made from recycled material, so it’s gentler on the planet
• Does a decent job controlling odor and keeping litter dry

Cons

• Not tough enough for kittens that scratch a lot
• You’ll need to replace these pretty often, which can add up
• Feels pricier over time compared to regular plastic pans with liners

These boxes are roomy and super light, so tossing them when they’re dirty is effortless. Cleaning is almost a non-issue since you just swap out the whole box every couple weeks.

The cardboard holds up well—no leaks for us. It also helps with ammonia smells, which is a relief since some plastic boxes really trap odors.

Just a heads up: heavy use will wear these down faster than plastic. Kittens might tear them up, so they’re better for adult cats or chill pets. Still, they saved us a lot of hassle.

Arm & Hammer Sifting Litter Box

This one’s great if you want a big, easy-to-clean sifting box that keeps odors under control without much fuss.

Pros

• Lift-to-sift system makes cleaning almost too easy
• Microban built in to fight nasty smells
• Made in the USA from recycled materials

Cons

• Feels a bit wobbly when you move it
• Can be snug for extra-large cats
• Getting used to pellets takes a little patience

We loved being able to just lift and sift instead of scraping and scooping. It kept things fresher, and we didn’t have to deal with as much odor.

There’s enough room for most cats, though big cats might feel a bit cramped. The box is light, so be careful when carrying it—it wobbles a bit.

Using pine pellets or other litters worked fine after a short adjustment. Once your cat’s on board, it’s a breeze. For a budget-friendly box that almost cleans itself, this is a solid choice.

Buying Guide

If you’re shopping for a cheap cat litter box, size is the first thing to check. Your cat should be able to turn around easily. Too small? Your cat might just skip it, and who could blame them?

Material is next. Plastic is everywhere—just make sure it’s tough enough to last. You don’t want something that cracks after a week.

Design matters, too. High walls help stop flying litter. Lids can cut down on smells, but some cats hate them. Open boxes are usually cheaper and easier to clean, but you’ll be sweeping more often.

Cleaning should be easy. Smooth surfaces are best since clumps won’t stick as much. Some boxes come with non-stick coatings, which is a nice perk.

Here’s a quick table for comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to help you score a litter box that fits your budget and doesn’t make you compromise too much. Knowing what to expect price-wise, where to shop, and which litters work best with cheap boxes can make a difference.

What are the most affordable alternatives to traditional cat litter boxes?

Plastic storage bins and trays are a cheap, practical swap. They’re easy to clean and come in all kinds of sizes.

Cardboard boxes lined with plastic bags can work for a bit, but honestly, they won’t last long.

Where can I find budget-friendly litter boxes in my area?

Discount stores like Walmart, Target, and local dollar stores usually have some cheap options.

Check pet supply stores for sales or clearance deals, too.

How do self-cleaning litter boxes compare in price to standard ones?

Self-cleaning boxes cost way more upfront—sometimes double or triple what you’d pay for a regular box.

They might save you time, but probably not money, especially if you need replacement parts down the road.

Is it more economical to buy cat litter boxes in bulk?

Buying in bulk can bring down the price per box if you need a bunch.

It’s a smart move for shelters or homes with lots of cats, but not really for single-cat folks.

What are the best budget cat litters that pair well with cheaper boxes?

Clumping clay litters are usually the cheapest and work just fine in plastic boxes.

Pine or paper pellets are also affordable, and they kick up less dust—nice for keeping things cleaner.

Are there any low-cost litter boxes with lids available at major retailers?

Yep, a lot of big stores carry simple covered litter boxes for less than $20.

The lids do a decent job keeping smells and scattered litter in check, and they won’t break the bank.