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Last updated on October 1, 2026
The best paper cat litter keeps things simple: very little dust, far less tracking than clay, and bags that are easy to lift. It doesn’t clump, so you’ll change the whole box more often, but for dust-conscious homes and cats that scatter litter, it’s hard to beat.
For a full breakdown of how paper litter works and how it compares to other types, see our guide on paper cat litter.
The best paper cat litter for most homes is Fresh News Original, an unscented recycled paper pellet. Fresh News Multi-Cat adds extra odor control for busier boxes, and ökocat is the pick when dust has to be as close to zero as possible.
Quick Picks
If you only buy one, make it Fresh News Original. Reviewers consistently praise how little it tracks and how easily the box cleans.
Best overall: Fresh News Original. Unscented recycled paper pellets with baking soda.
Best for multiple cats: Fresh News Multi-Cat. A softer crumbled paper texture with extra odor control for busier boxes.
Best for the least dust: ökocat Dust Free Paper Pellets. Reviewers confirm zero dust.
| Litter | Best For | Scent | Dust |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh News Original | Single-cat homes | Unscented | 99% dust free, per Fresh News |
| Fresh News Multi-Cat | Two or more cats | Scented | 99% dust free, per Fresh News |
| ökocat Paper Pellets | Dust-conscious homes | Unscented | Zero dust, per reviewers |
Fresh News Original
Why It Stands Out
Fresh News Original is made from recycled paper with baking soda, and it’s unscented. Fresh News says the pellets keep their shape when wet, which helps cut tracking. One reviewer who had tried several pellet litters says it was the only one that truly stopped litter scattering across the floor. Another uses about one bag a month for a single cat with weekly full changes. The pellets don’t stick to the box, so cleaning is quick.
Possible Downsides
Odor control is the most debated point in its reviews. Because the pellets keep their shape when wet, used and fresh pellets can be hard to tell apart once dry, so remove darkened pellets at every scoop, using a scoop with wide slots.
Best For
Single-cat homes that want a low-tracking, unscented paper litter.
Fresh News Multi-Cat
Why It Stands Out
Fresh News Multi-Cat uses a softer, lighter, more absorbent crumbled paper texture rather than the firmer pellets used in Original. It’s made for homes with two or more cats, with added odor control. One reviewer with four indoor cats says house guests didn’t realize the litter box was in the same room.
Possible Downsides
It’s scented. Reviewers disagree on how strong the scent is, so start with the unscented Original if fragrance is a concern.
Best For
Multi-cat homes that want stronger odor control from a paper litter. See our best clumping cat litter for multiple cats if paper can’t keep up.
ökocat Dust Free Paper Pellets
Why It Stands Out
Multiple reviewers confirm zero dust, with no cloud when pouring or scooping. It’s unscented, and one reviewer used it successfully with a 4-week-old kitten.
Possible Downsides
Like other non-clumping paper litters, it needs regular full changes because urine stays in the litter rather than forming scoopable clumps. Follow the bag and change it sooner if it becomes damp or starts to smell. It’s also harder to find in stores than Fresh News.
Best For
Homes where dust has to be as low as possible. For kittens, see our best cat litter for kittens guide.
How to Choose
One cat, no fragrance: Fresh News Original.
Two or more cats: Fresh News Multi-Cat, or consider whether a clumping litter would be easier to keep fresh.
Dust is the main concern: ökocat.
For all three, use a wide-slot scoop. Fine-mesh scoops made for clumping clay don’t separate paper litter well. The Depets Wide Slats Litter Scoop is built for pellet litters, and multiple reviewers confirm it works with several pellet brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paper cat litter for odor control?
Fresh News Multi-Cat is made for busier boxes, with added odor control. For a single cat, Fresh News Original works well with daily scooping, removing wet pellets and regular full changes.
Can kittens use paper cat litter?
Yes, it’s one low-dust option, but not the only one. AAHA suggests starting kittens with unscented clumping litter, the litter they used before, or both. Our best cat litter for kittens guide compares the options.
How often do you change paper cat litter?
Remove wet litter and solid waste daily, then follow the brand’s directions for full changes. Non-clumping paper usually needs more frequent replacement than clumping litter, especially with multiple cats.
Does paper cat litter track?
The larger paper pieces tend to track less than fine clay, and reviewers often mention cleaner floors after switching.
Can paper cat litter be composted?
Paper litter is biodegradable, but used cat litter shouldn’t automatically go into compost. Follow the bag’s disposal directions and your local rules.
