A method of making absorbent granules can include mixing activated carbon with a liquid and a binder to form a slurry; applying the slurry to particles of absorbent core material to at least partially coat the particles of the core material with a first distinct layer containing the activated carbon; and applying a clumping agent to the first distinct layer to at least partially coat the first distinct layer with a second distinct layer containing the clumping agent. The absorbent granules can be used as a deodorizer and/or a pet litter, and each of the absorbent granules can include an absorbent core, a first distinct layer containing activated carbon, and a second distinct layer containing a clumping agent such that the first distinct layer is between an outer surface of the absorbent core and an inner surface of the second distinct layer.