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7 Best Paper Cat Litters in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

black and white cat in litter box

7 Best Paper Cat Litters in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

black and white cat in litter box

When searching for the perfect cat litter, you’ll want to find one that’s good for your cat’s health. You may also be worried about how environmentally safe your cat litter is. If you’re currently using a clay-based litter but have concerns, you’ve probably considered switching to paper cat litter.

Paper litter is a newer type but is much better for the environment. Plus, it’s excellent for felines with sensitive paws and skin. Unfortunately, there are few options available for this type of litter—which should make for an easier choice, right?

Not exactly. There’s plenty to contemplate when it comes to choosing the best paper cat litter, so we’ve reviewed what’s out there so you can find the best fit.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
PURINA Yesterday's News Odor Control PURINA Yesterday's News Odor Control
  • 3x the moisture absorption of clay-based litters
  • Non-toxic
  • Suitable for kittens and adults
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Fresh News Paper Cat Litter Fresh News Paper Cat Litter
  • Good price
  • Contains baking soda to help neutralize odors
  • Recycled and biodegradable
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    HARTZ Multi-Cat Lightweight HARTZ Multi-Cat Lightweight
  • Made for multiple cats
  • Turns blue after use
  • Lightweight
  • Petco Brand - So Phresh Multi-Cat Petco Brand - So Phresh Multi-Cat
  • Made for multiple cat homes
  • Good at odor control
  • Suitable for cats with sensitive paws
  • Small Pet Select-Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter Small Pet Select-Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter
  • Pet-safe odor blocker
  • No tracking
  • Lightweight
  • The 7 Best Paper Cat Litters

    1. PURINA Yesterday’s News Odor Control – Best Overall

    PURINA Yesterday's News Non Clumping Paper Cat Litter

    Weight 30 lbs
    Scent Unscented
    Dust-free 9%
    Recycled Yes

    If you’re searching for the best overall paper cat litter, PURINA Yesterday’s News Odor Control should be your pick. The non-toxic paper pellets absorb three times the moisture of clay-based litter and are soft on paws. Also, with no chemicals that can cause harm, you can use it for kittens and adult cats.

    It’s non-clumping and nearly entirely dust-free, and Purina’s unscented litter will prevent your cat from tracking it around your home. Yesterday’s News is environmentally friendly. Not only is the paper used recycled, but it’s also shipped in a recyclable container. This litter also comes recommended by vets.

    Pros
    • 3x the moisture absorption of clay-based litter
    • Non-toxic
    • Suitable for kittens and adults
    Cons
    • Pellets can be hard to scoop
    • Some cats hated it

    2. Fresh News Paper Cat Litter  – Best Value

    Fresh News Recycled Paper

    Weight 25 lbs
    Scent Unscented
    Dust-free 99%
    Recycled Yes

    Fresh News Paper Cat Litter is our choice for the best litter for the money. It’s cheaper than others on this list but has everything you love about paper litter. Its paper pellets have baking soda to help neutralize litter box odors.

    They are made from 100% recycled paper and are biodegradable and compostable so that you won’t contribute to landfills. The paper is sourced from the Fresh News program, which gives money to non-profits collecting recycled paper.

    It’s dust-free but also non-allergenic, which means you’ll have a healthier home. Plus, it’s non-toxic, so your kitties will be safe from chemicals.

    Pros
    • Good price
    • Contains baking soda to help neutralize odors
    • Recycled and biodegradable
    Cons
    • Can be difficult to scoop
    • Few reports of people finding plastic mixed in with litter

    3. HARTZ Multi-Cat Lightweight – Premium Choice

    HARTZ Recycled Clumping Paper Cat Litter

    Weight 9 lbs
    Scent Unscented
    Dust-free 99%
    Recycled Yes

    When it comes to premium paper cat litter, this Hartz product is the way to go. It claims to be the first paper litter designed for homes with multiple cats, plus it says 9 pounds of its paper litter is comparable to 33 pounds of regular cat litter!

    Not only does this litter clump and trap odors, but it also turns blue after being used, so you know when it’s time to clean out your litter box. It also won’t stick to the pan. This product is made from 80% recycled paper, making it good for the environment, and is almost entirely free of dust.

    Pros
    • Made for multiple cats
    • Turns blue after use
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Can stick to cats’ paws
    • Can be difficult to scoop

    4. Petco Brand – So Phresh Multi-Cat

    Petco Brand Crumble Paper Litter

    Weight 14 lbs
    Scent Fresh Scent
    Dust-free 99.9%
    Recycled Yes

    As another paper litter designed for homes with several cats, So Phresh is incredibly soft and suitable for kitties with sensitive paws. Baking soda and zeolite help trap nasty odors, while the fresh scent helps to cover them.

    Pet owners who have used it claim it’s excellent at odor control. It’s a low-tracking litter, so there shouldn’t be issues with your pets getting it all over your home. Plus, it’s absorbent and locks in moisture. So Phresh is made from post-consumer recycled paper, so it’s good for the environment (although it does come in a plastic bag).

    Pros
    • Made for multiple cat homes
    • Good at odor control
    • Suitable for cats with sensitive paws
    Cons
    • Can be difficult to scoop
    • Some cats wouldn’t touch it

    5. Small Pet Select-Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter

    Small Pet Select Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter

    Weight 20 lbs
    Scent Unscented
    Dust-free 99.9%
    Recycled Yes

    This paper litter is made from recycled paper and is non-toxic, so it’s environmentally friendly and safe for your pet. It uses a natural, pet-safe odor blocker instead of baking soda (though it doesn’t say what that blocker is made of) that pet parents seem to approve of.

    Small Pet also promises it won’t stick to your cat’s feet, so there’s no tracking, plus it is soft on kitty’s feet. It also absorbs three times the moisture as clay-based litter.  Other perks of Small Pet are that it’s lightweight and dust-free.

    Pros
    • Pet-safe odor blocker
    • No tracking
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • Complaints of pellets being too large to sift
    • Some cats hated it

    6. ökocat Dust-Free Natural Paper Non-Clumping Cat Litter

    ökocat Dust Free Natural Paper Non Clumping Cat Litter

    Weight 12.3 lbs
    Scent Unscented
    Dust-free 99.9%
    Recycled No

    This next-generation biodegradable paper litter is made from sustainably sourced white paper fiber designed for extra absorbency and less weight. It uses a plant-based odor blocker formulated specifically to counteract the smell of ammonia.

    It is extra absorbent and absorbs moisture quickly, and it won’t stick to your pet’s feet. Because ökocat litter is dust-free, it will be better for your cat’s lungs and your own. It also claims that it will last up to a week with regular scooping.

    This product is free of GMOs, chemicals, inks and dyes, and artificial fragrances.

    Pros
    • Biodegradable
    • Long-lasting
    • Plant-based odor control formulated for ammonia
    Cons
    • Non-clumping
    • Some cats had difficulty adjusting to the litter

    7. Frisco Unscented Non-Clumping Recycled Paper Cat Litter

    Frisco Unscented Non-Clumping Recycled Paper Cat Litter

    Weight 25 lbs
    Scent Unscented
    Dust-free 99.9%
    Recycled Yes

    Made from 95% post-consumer recycled paper, this paper litter absorbs nearly three times as much moisture as clay-based litter and contains baking soda to help neutralize odors. It absorbs liquid quickly so that smells won’t linger. Plus, it’s free of dust, chemicals, and fragrances, making it easier on the lungs.

    You can use Frisco’s litter for a single cat or multiple cats, but they recommend daily scooping for the best results. It also comes in a bag that reseals for easy storage.

    Pros
    • Absorbs quickly
    • Free of dust, fragrances, and chemicals
    • Can be used for multiple cats
    Cons
    • Complaints of recent bags containing shredded paper along with pellets
    • Complaints of it smelling bad

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    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Gift Ideas for Cats

    Like all types of cat litter, paper cat litter has pros and cons. Before you make the switch, you should know exactly what to expect. Below, we’ll tell you the benefits and downsides, what to look for when purchasing, and answer cat owners’ most frequently asked questions about paper cat litter.

    Benefits Of Using Paper Cat Litter

    You’ll find that using paper cat litter has plenty of benefits!

    calico maine coon inside litter box_Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock
    Photo Credit: Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock
    • Absorbency: When you’re looking for a litter that absorbs urine quickly and efficiently, paper cat litter is much better than regular cat litter. Most offer three times the absorption rate of clay-based litter, so you know it gets the job done.
    • Dust-free: If you or a member of your home has asthma or allergies, you’ll appreciate paper cat litter for its lack of dust. Because it uses paper instead of clay, there won’t be any clouds to deal with when pouring a new batch into the litter box.
    • Non-tracking: Since clay-based litters are composed of tiny granules, they tend to get stuck in your cat’s paws, which means you’ll find the stuff all over the house. With paper pellets, that problem is resolved.
    • No scraping: Sometimes, when you clean your cat’s litter box, you have to scrape around the corners and on the bottom because the litter has clumped and gotten stuck. That’s another issue you won’t have with paper litter, so cleaning your cat’s litter box will be an easier job (though this type of litter works better if you clean every day).
    • Good for long-haired cats: Clay-based litter can get stuck and matted in their fur if your feline has long hair. Using paper litter will alleviate the risk of your cat getting dirty each time they step inside the litter box.
    • Kitty’s health: Paper cat litter can be better for your kitty’s health. You won’t have to breathe in any dust with this litter, and neither will your pet. Plus, paper litter is supposed to be more suitable for cats with sensitive skin and paws because it’s soft and doesn’t contain small pieces that can get stuck everywhere.
    • Environmentally friendly: If you’re concerned about the environment, this is the litter for you. Paper litter is usually made from recycled materials. It is also biodegradable, so it breaks down and won’t contribute to landfill waste.
    • Multi-purpose: Do you have other pets besides cats, like gerbils or rabbits? You can use paper litter in their enclosures, too!

    Downsides Of Using Paper Cat Litter

    There are only a few cons to using paper cat litter (but the benefits outweigh them!).

    • Harder to scoop: Most paper cat litter doesn’t clump, which will make it a bit harder to scoop out of the litter box. Sometimes, the pellets are too large, making them more difficult to sift with the scoop.
    • Odors: Many paper cat litters have baking soda or something similar to help counteract odors, but some do not. Since paper litter soaks up urine and easily soils, it may have lingering smells, especially if you don’t scoop daily.

    What To Look For

    red haired cat in litter box
    Photo Credit: Tiplyashina Evgeniya, Shutterstock

    When deciding upon a paper cat litter, you should consider the following.

    • Material: Some paper pellets are made from recycled paper, but others are made from lumber. Some may be sustainably sourced, while others are not.
    • Ingredients: Does the brand you’re eyeing have ingredients other than paper? Some add an odor blocker, while others may contain a polymer or starch.
    • Absorbency: Always check how absorbent a litter is before buying. It will show you how often you’ll need to scoop.
    • Dust factor: Is the litter 100% dust-free or just nearly there? Being dust-free is one of the top reasons people make the switch.
    • Odor control: Most paper cat litter is unscented, so there won’t be anything to cover up the dreaded litter box odor, but a few have scented versions. You’ll also want to check and see if baking soda or another odor blocker has been added to make litter less smelly.
    • Clumping: Clumping paper litters are rare, so you’ll have a harder time finding one, but it will make scooping easier.
    • Size of pellets: If you have something other than a standard litter box, like a self-cleaning one, you may have difficulty using paper litter since some of the pellets are too large. However, others have smaller pellets, so check the size and view pictures (if available) to see if they fit.

    FAQs

    You probably have a few questions about using paper cat litter, so we’ve answered the most frequently asked ones below.

    • Can’t I just use shredded paper? Well, technically, yes. But the shredded paper will be thinner than paper pellets, meaning it will become wet when it absorbs moisture, which your cat will likely hate. Shredded paper will also be stinkier than pellets, so you’ll have to scoop more often.
    • How often does paper litter need to be changed? Unless you’re using a clumping paper litter, you should be scooping out your box once a day and changing the litter entirely once a week. If you have a clumping version, you can go a little longer without changing it out completely.
    • Is paper litter easy to dispose of? You can get rid of paper cat litter in a few ways. Since it’s biodegradable, you can throw it into a compost pile if you have one. Some brands are flushable, but you need to read the bag carefully before attempting this, as some brands will have pellets too large to flush. You can also throw it in the garbage.
    • Can I add something to control odor? Since many paper cat litter brands are unscented or have nothing added to help neutralize odors, you might want to add something to help. The easiest solution is to add baking soda, which is non-toxic and safe for cats, or a litter box deodorizer.
    • How do I scoop paper litter? Because it typically doesn’t clump and comes with large pieces, you’ll likely have some difficulty the first couple of times you scoop out the litter box. However, you can buy a different scooper with larger holes. Other than that, you should first collect the feces in the box while letting the fresh pellets go through or roll off of the scooper. Then, dig around the bottom of the box to find any pellets that have collected urine. Finally, add new pellets if needed.

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    Conclusion

    There are several advantages to switching to a paper cat litter. Our reviews of the best products on the market lead us to believe PURINA Yesterday’s News Odor Control is the best overall. Not only is it vet-recommended, but it’s also entirely recyclable down to the packaging. The best value litter is Fresh News due to its lower price but great qualities. If you’re looking for a premium choice, we recommend Hartz Multi-Cat Lightweight litter. It’s useful for multi-cat households and turns blue, so you know when to scoop.


    Featured Photo Credit: Tiplyashina Evgeniya, Shutterstock

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