6 Best Paper Cat Litters in 2026 - Reviews & Top Picks
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.
In this article
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2026
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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ökocat Dust-Free Natural Paper Non-Clumping Cat Litter |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Fresh News Paper Cat Litter |
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Premium Choice
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HARTZ Multi-Cat Lightweight |
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Petco Brand - So Phresh Multi-Cat |
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Small Pet Select-Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter |
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The 6 Best Paper Cat Litters
1. 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
2. Fresh News Paper Cat Litter – Best Value
| 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
| 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
| 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
| 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. 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
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!
Downsides Of Using Paper Cat Litter
There are only a few cons to using paper cat litter (but the benefits outweigh them!).
What To Look For
When deciding upon a paper cat litter, you should consider the following.
FAQs
You probably have a few questions about using paper cat litter, so we’ve answered the most frequently asked ones below.
How We Selected Our List of Paper Cat Litters
Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat litters. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat litters. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!
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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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
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