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Last updated on August 7, 2026
Paper cat litter is made from recycled paper compressed into pellets or granules, and it’s one of the most useful alternatives to clay for specific cats and households.
Paper cat litter is best for kittens, post-surgery recovery, and low-dust households, but it requires more frequent full box changes than other litter types.
What paper cat litter is made from
Most paper litters are made from recycled paper that has been cleaned, processed, and compressed into one of two forms: pellets or granules.
Pellets are the more common and better-performing form. They are denser, absorb more liquid per piece, and track far less than granules. Granules, sometimes called paper crumble, are softer underfoot but absorb less and tend to scatter more like traditional clay.
How paper cat litter works
When a cat urinates on paper pellets, the liquid is absorbed into the paper fibers. The pellets swell slightly as they absorb moisture and eventually break down. Solid waste sits on the surface and is scooped out daily.
Because paper litter does not clump, urine stays in the box until the full litter change. Stirring daily and removing wet pellets helps slow odor buildup between changes.
The two forms compared
Pellets are the better choice for most situations. They track less, absorb more per unit, and hold together longer before needing a full change. A sifting litter box works well with pellets because you can shake out broken-down material while keeping intact pellets in place.
Granules are softer underfoot, which some cats prefer. They are closer in texture to fine clay, which can make switching easier for cats that resist pellets. The tradeoff is more tracking and more frequent changes.
Where paper litter wins
Zero dust. Paper litter produces no airborne dust when poured or stirred, unlike clay litters which release fine particles. For households where dust is a genuine concern, the difference is noticeable.
Gentle on paws. The soft texture is easy on sensitive paws. It is the most commonly recommended litter type for cats recovering from surgery because it does not cling to wounds. Kittens and senior cats with arthritic paws also tend to tolerate it well.
Minimal tracking. The pellets are too large to stick to paws or get caught between toes, which means far less scattered litter around the box. Reviewers who switch from clay consistently report cleaner floors as one of the biggest improvements.
Lightweight. A bag of paper litter weighs significantly less than the same volume of clay. For anyone who finds heavy litter bags difficult to handle, that is a practical benefit.
Eco-friendly. Paper litter is biodegradable and made from recycled materials. Some varieties can be composted, though you should check local guidelines before doing so.
Fragrance-free options available. The original Fresh News formula and Ökocat are both unscented. For cats sensitive to artificial fragrance, that matters.
Where paper litter falls short
Odor control is the weak point. Paper absorbs moisture well but does not trap ammonia the way clumping clay or crystal litter does. Reviews are split on how well it controls odor over time. Some report no smell issues with daily scooping and weekly changes. Others find the smell builds within a few days regardless.
The multi-cat formula from Fresh News adds extra odor-fighting ingredients and is worth choosing over the original if you have two or more cats.
More frequent changes needed. Expect a full box change every one to two weeks for a single cat. Crystal litter can last a full month by comparison.
Most cats need time to adjust. Paper pellets look and feel nothing like clay. Some cats accept the switch without issue. Others take longer, particularly cats that have used fine-grained clay their whole lives.
Paper litter and kittens
Paper pellets are one of the most consistently recommended litter types for kittens under four months old. They don’t produce airborne dust, don’t stick to fur, and are not a risk if accidentally ingested. Fresh News Original has confirmed kitten acceptance from multiple reviewers, including a new kitten trained on it from day one. Ökocat Non-Clumping Paper Pellet has confirmed safe use with kittens as young as four weeks.
Paper litter and post-surgery cats
Vets frequently recommend paper pellets for cats recovering from surgery. The pellets do not cling to incision sites and are soft underfoot. Many reviewers switch to Fresh News after surgery and continue using it long term.
What happened to Yesterday’s News?
Yesterday’s News was for years the best-known paper cat litter on the market. Purina discontinued it in 2022. Fresh News has since become the most widely purchased paper pellet replacement, with thousands of reviews and consistent praise for low tracking and dust-free performance. Ökocat is the other widely used alternative, particularly for households with dust sensitivities.
Switching to paper litter
Cats can be resistant to litter changes, especially from fine-grained clay to large pellets. The most reliable approach is a gradual transition. Mix a small amount of paper litter into the existing litter and increase the ratio over one to two weeks. Keep a second box with the original litter available during the transition if possible.
Some cats switch without issue right away. Others need the full two weeks. Some cats will not accept pellets at all, in which case granule-form paper litter is worth trying as a middle ground.
How to maintain paper litter
- Scoop solid waste daily and remove any visibly wet or darkened pellets at the same time
- Stir the litter once a day to distribute moisture evenly
- Replace the full box every one to two weeks for a single cat, more often for multiple cats
A litter scoop with wider slots works better with pellets than a fine-mesh scoop designed for clumping clay.
Paper litter vs other types
For product picks across all paper litter types, see our best paper cat litter guide. Compared to clumping litter, paper produces less dust but requires full box changes instead of daily urine scooping. Compared to crystal litter, paper is softer and safer for kittens but does not control odor as long. Compared to pine pellets, paper is softer underfoot but usually needs more frequent changes.
FAQ
Is paper cat litter better than clay?
For specific situations, yes. Paper litter is better for kittens, post-surgery cats, and households with dust concerns. For everyday odor control and ease of maintenance, clumping clay is still the more practical choice for most adult cats.
Does paper cat litter control odor?
It absorbs urine, which helps, but odor control is the most common complaint in reviews. Daily scooping, removing wet pellets, and changing the box every one to two weeks is what keeps smell manageable. If you have multiple cats, the Fresh News Multi-Cat formula offers stronger odor control than the standard version.
Can you flush paper cat litter?
Some paper litters are marketed as flushable. In practice, flushing any cat litter in large quantities can cause plumbing issues over time. Check local guidelines before flushing.
Is paper litter safe for kittens?
Yes. Paper litter is one of the safest options for young kittens and is commonly recommended by vets and shelters.
How long does paper cat litter last?
For a single cat, expect a full box change every one to two weeks. Paper litter does not last as long as crystal litter, which can go a full month. The exact frequency depends on how many cats use the box and how consistently you remove wet pellets daily.
