In many ways, cat litter has remained unchanged since its inception in 1947. What has changed is that pet parents prefer more sustainable options, like paper cat litter [1].
Clay litter is still the most popular type used in cat litter boxes, and the practices used to mine and produce clay litter may be just as harmful to the environment as they were almost 80 years ago. Today’s cat parents demand better, more environmentally friendly cat litter options.
Several factors should be considered when choosing cat litter, such as how well it controls odors, how easy it is to clean, and how eco-friendly it is. However, the most important factor is whether your cat will use it.
In this article, we’ll cover the basics of paper cat litter, its perks and drawbacks, and the top-rated options to try.
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Our List
- Best Overall Paper Cat Litter: ökocat Premium Dust Free Cat Litter, Non-clumping Paper Pellet
- Best Budget-Friendly Paper Cat Litter: ExquisiCat Litter
- Best Paper Pellet Litter for Cats: Fresh News Paper Cat Litter
- Best Unscented Paper Cat Litter: So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter
- Best Recycled Paper Cat Litter for Kittens: Small Pet Select-Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter
- Best Shredded Paper Cat Litter: So Phresh Multi-Cat Odor Control Crumble Paper Litter
6 Best Paper Cat Litters of 2024
According to Dr. Lindsay Butzer, finding the right litter for you and your cat may take some trial and error. The top paper litter choices listed here are a great place to start.
Best Overall Paper Cat Litter
Our Pick: ökocat Premium Dust Free Cat Litter, Non-clumping Paper Pellet
This litter is made from paper fibers free of inks, dyes, and scents. While the brand doesn’t use recycled materials, it sources its fibers in alignment with sustainable forestry initiatives (SFI). Like other paper cat litter, it doesn’t clump but absorbs liquids and expands. Reviews note that it doesn’t fall apart on the first — or second — pee, making it a long-lasting option. The brand uses plant-based odor control instead of baking soda in their litter. It has virtually no dust and prevents offensive odors.
Highlights
- Flushable (always check your local regulations).
- No inks, dyes, or scents.
- Low tracking.
- It prevents ammonia creation for up to seven days, although reviews note an odor-free litter box for up to two weeks.
Things to Consider
- This litter has a higher price point than some of our other picks. Reviews note that a box lasts approximately one month when scooped daily.
- Unlike many other picks, ökocat makes their paper litter from virgin, sustainably sourced paper fibers rather than recycled material.
Best Paper Cat Litter for Your Budget
Our pick: ExquisiCat Litter
This paper kitty litter incorporates baking soda and zeolite to neutralize and effectively prevent unpleasant odors in the litter box. According to the brand, this combination keeps the litter box odor-free for up to ten days. It is fragrance-free, low-tracking, and perfect for multi-cat households. At under $1 a pound, it’s a bargain for most budgets.
Highlights
- Low dust, low tracking, and lightweight.
- It is made of three ingredients: recycled paper, baking soda, and zeolite — a compound of aluminum and silicon used as a drying agent [3].
- Affordably priced.
- The non-allergenic formula is also 99 percent dust-free.
Things to Consider
- It’s sold exclusively by PetSmart.
Best Paper Pellet Litter for Cats
Our Pick: Fresh News Paper Cat Litter
Fresh News makes this odor-trapping pellet litter in Michigan from recycled, biodegradable paper, baking soda, and zeolite. Their environmentally conscious approach includes collecting paper from recycling centers and collaborating with their local recycling program, PaperGator. According to the brand, the pellet litter traps odors, has minimal tracking, and is super absorbent—three times more absorbent than clay litter.
Highlights
- Low dust, low tracking, and lightweight.
- Affordably priced.
- Sourced in the United States.
- Features moisture-locking pellets to help neutralize unpleasant odors.
- Non-allergenic formula that is three times more absorbent than clay.
Things to Consider
- Fresh News says litter shouldn’t be flushed down toilets or disposed of outdoors to prevent environmental contamination.
- The pellet size is larger, which might be a no-go for some cats.
Best Unscented Paper Cat Litter
Our Pick: So Phresh Odor Control Paper Pellet Cat Litter
Like some of our other top picks, this recycled litter uses baking soda and zeolite. It doesn’t contain artificial fragrances and is lighter than traditional clay litter. The pellets are designed to be gentle on your cat’s paws without tracking them through your house.
Highlights
- Made from 95% or more post-consumer products.
- It uses baking soda and zeolite to trap odors, making it scent-free.
- Moderately priced.
- It is super absorbent, making it easy to scoop and easy on your cat’s paws.
Things to Consider
- Many reviews note that they switched from Yesterday’s News to So Phresh due to the cheaper price point. Additionally, reviewers say that Yesterday’s News tends to stick to the side of the litter box, whereas this pellet litter doesn’t.
Best Recycled Paper Cat Litter for Kittens
Our Pick: Small Pet Select-Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter
Dr. Butzer says kittens may eat things they shouldn’t while learning about their new environment. If your kitten explores the world through touch, smell, and taste, you might opt for non-clumping, natural litter such as paper. The pellets are also smaller, so small kittens can explore the litter box more easily. The litter has natural odor control and no added chemicals or fragrances. The brand says this litter is three times more absorbent than clay options.
Highlights
- All natural and non-toxic.
- Small pellet size is suitable for kittens and all life stages.
- The non-clumping formula is easy to clean.
- Uses all-natural baking soda for odor elimination.
- Moderately priced.
Things to Consider
- Some reviews note that the pellets can be difficult to scoop because they break down after the first or second pee.
Best Shredded Paper Cat Litter
Our Pick: So Phresh Multi-Cat Odor Control Crumble Paper Litter
This shredded paper litter offers a gentle texture that appeals to cats with sensitive paws. It’s made from recycled paper crumbled and mixed with baking soda and zeolite, providing an eco-friendly choice. The added benefit is its affordability, with a reasonable price tag.
Highlights
- Neutralizes odors and absorbs liquids with baking soda and zeolite.
- It features a soft texture, making it suitable for cats who prefer non-pellet litter.
- Low price point.
- Fresh, clean scent.
- Made in the USA.
- Great for multiple cat households.
Things to Consider
- Shredded paper litter may produce more dust than pellet litter. Reviews note it’s not the most effective litter for trapping and controlling odors, so it may not be the best choice for multi-cat households.
What is Paper Cat Litter?
Experts say that creating an optimal litter box setup for your cat isn’t just nice — it’s essential to their health and wellbeing. And while there are many appropriate litter types to fill your cat’s litter boxes with, paper cat litter is a popular option.
It’s typically made of post-consumer paper products, such as recycled newspapers or office paper. This litter is an eco-friendly litter choice that works by absorbing liquids and might have baking soda added for odor control.
Paper litters come in two forms:
- Pellet: Pellets are small, rigid cylinders made from compressed paper. Unlike shredded paper litter, they have a consistent appearance and texture. As pellets absorb liquid, they expand and eventually fall apart.
- Shredded: This consists of paper materials cut into thin strips or tiny pieces. It offers a soft substrate option compared to pellets.
Benefits of Paper Litter for Cats
Keeping your cat happy and healthy is the biggest benefit of any quality cat litter. Other things cat parents like about using this type of litter include:
- It’s eco-friendly. It is typically made from recycled or sustainably sourced paper materials. In comparison, Dr. Lindsay Butzer says clay litter is non-biodegradable and can remain in landfills for a long time. Additionally, mining and producing clay litter consumes many resources and may contribute to pollution.
- It’s low dust. Butzer explains that dust produced by cat litter can worsen a cat’s allergies and asthma symptoms. Additionally, dust-free litter can be better for cats post-surgically since it lacks tiny particles that can stick to incisions.
- It’s lightweight. Paper is a lightweight litter option that is easy to carry and pour.
- It can feel better on the paws. Shredded paper litter is soft and non-irritating for cats with sensitive paws.
Paper cat litter may be flushable, depending on your septic system. Because it is made from recycled paper, you could compost or recycle it. However, cat feces can carry harmful bacteria like E. coli and the protozoal parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
This parasite can survive in the environment for up to 18 months and infect other animals and people [2]. So, before tossing used biodegradable litter in the compost or recycling bin, check your local waste rules and regulations.
Paper Litter for Your Kitty: Our Top Picks
We’ve used paper cat litter in our multi-cat home, consulted experts, and considered the following:
Cleaning and maintenance. We know pet parents want cat litter that doesn’t make a mess and lasts long between scoops, no matter their choice. To select the best paper litter, we considered how easy it is to clean and how frequently you need to change it.
Ratings and reviews. It never hurts to get more than one perspective. So, we sifted through reviews to learn what other pet parents say about each selection.
Price. Your budget and preferences may determine the affordability of paper cat litter. Therefore, we included selections at varying prices, from budget-friendly options to more expensive ones.
Sustainability. A product’s sustainability goes beyond the materials used. That’s why we examined each company in more detail and considered everything from manufacturing practices and packaging to working conditions.
Paper Cat Litter Buyer’s Guide
Here are a few factors to remember when choosing paper kitty litter for your cat.
Pellets vs. Shreds
Paper litter is commonly available in two forms: compressed pellets or soft shreds.
Pellets, such as Fresh News Paper Cat Litter, absorb liquids efficiently while being virtually dust-free. However, some cats may find walking on and digging into pellets uncomfortable. Shredded paper litter, on the other hand, provides a soft, gentle surface on the paws.
However, it may absorb liquids less effectively and produce some dust (although still less than clay litter). Small pellets like Small Pet Select-Recycled Pelleted Paper Cat Litter can be an ideal choice for those seeking a middle-ground option, offering ease of use for kittens and a compromise between absorbency and comfort.
Odor Control
Most options are unscented, an advantage since cats prefer unscented options over those with artificial fragrances. Instead of artificial scents, look for paper litter that uses plant-based odor control, baking soda, or zeolite. Zeolite is a compound of aluminum and silicon commonly used as a drying agent. Those considerations make it worthwhile to note that paper-based cat litter usually doesn’t control odors, and clay-based litter doesn’t. So, you may need to scoop and change litter more often to prevent odors.
Ease of Cleaning
We looked for options not to become sticky and plaster to the litter box sides after your cat pees. For pellet litter, we picked ones that absorb several pees and expand before falling apart.
Cost
While paper cat litter can be more expensive than clay-based alternatives, our recommendations start at a lower price point.
Tips for Using Paper Litter for Your Cat
Like any litter substrate you use, there should be enough litter in the box for your cat to dig and bury their waste — ökocat recommends adding two to three inches of litter to your box. The amount of litter you’ll need depends partly on your cat’s size, adds Stephen Quandt, cat behavioral specialist and founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. “The larger the cat, the larger the litter box should be,” he says.
No matter the litter type, our experts agree that you should scoop daily and deep clean your litter box with soap and water every week or two. Whether you can use paper litter in your automatic litter box depends on the unit you own. Most automatic litter boxes require clumping or crystal litter, making paper litter obsolete.
Although you can’t force a cat to use a specific litter type, you can gradually transition your cat to paper litter from other types. This transition may become necessary when your cat prepares for surgery, such as spaying or neutering, where small particles can potentially stick to surgical wounds.
To transition to paper kitty litter, gradually add paper litter to the litter box while reducing the amount of the other litter type. You can also use a litter attractant to help. If your cat eliminates outside the litter box, switch back to the type your cat prefers.
Paper Cat Litter FAQs
Are paper pellets good for cat litter?
Whether in pellet or shredded form, paper cat litter offers pet parents an eco-friendly alternative to cat clay or silica cat litter. They’re typically made of post-consumer paper products or virgin, ethically sourced fibers. Most are unscented and produce litter to no dust, making paper litter an ideal choice for cats prone to upper-respiratory irritation or allergies. Paper litter is also non-toxic and non-clumping, making it a safe choice for curious kittens.
Does paper cat litter smell?
Paper-based cat litter typically offers less effective odor control than other litter types. As a result, it may be necessary to scoop and change the litter more frequently to prevent unpleasant odors. Common ingredients in paper litter to control odors include plant-based odor control, baking soda, or zeolite.
How do you get cats to use paper cat litter?
Transitioning your cat to paper litter from other types can be done gradually. Start by adding small amounts of paper litter to the litter box while gradually reducing the previous litter type. Using litter attractant during this transition can encourage your cat to use the new litter.
However, if your cat starts eliminating outside the litter box during this transition, it is recommended that you discontinue using the new litter and revert to the previous litter type. Butzer says it’s important to remember that finding the right cat litter may require trial and error.
How long should a cat use paper litter after declawing or other surgery?
Quandt advises against declawing cats, which is the amputation of the bone in the first digit of a cat’s claw. “There is some evidence that just like limb amputations in humans, there can be phantom pain. This can lead to other behavior problems and an unhappy cat, including back pain and litter box problems,” he says.
Your veterinarian may recommend using soft litter such as shredded paper or pellets. These options produce minimal to no dust and don’t have small particles that could stick to surgical wounds. If your cat successfully uses paper litter after surgery and you and your cat prefer it, they can continue using it once their incisions heal.
Resources
1 https://www.climateaction.org/news/wwf-huge-rise-in-demand-for-sustainable-goods-during-pandemic
2 https://www.foundanimals.org/safety-warning-composting-pet-poop/
3 https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/zeolite
