Paper Cat Litter: The Gentlest Choice
Made from recycled newspapers and cardboard, paper litter is the go-to recommendation for post-surgery cats and sensitive felines.
Quick Facts
What is Paper Cat Litter?
Paper cat litter is made from recycled paper products—primarily newspapers, magazines, and cardboard that would otherwise go to landfills. The paper is processed into either pellets or crumbled pieces that absorb moisture and control odors.
Because it's made from recycled materials, paper litter represents a true circular economy product: waste becomes a useful product, which then biodegrades back into the earth.
Vet's Choice for Post-Surgery Cats
If your cat has recently been spayed, neutered, or had any surgical procedure, your veterinarian likely recommended paper litter. Here's why:
- Zero dust: Clay and silica dust can enter surgical incisions and cause infection. Paper produces no airborne particles.
- Non-clumping varieties: Clumping litter can stick to wounds. Paper pellets won't adhere to sensitive areas.
- Soft texture: Gentle on tender paws and healing bodies.
- Non-toxic if licked: Cats grooming around surgical sites won't ingest harmful substances.
Types of Paper Litter
Paper Pellets: The most common form. Cylindrical pellets made from compressed recycled paper. They absorb urine but don't clump—the pellets simply swell and darken when wet. Easy to identify and remove soiled litter.
Crumbled Paper: Some brands break the paper into irregular crumbles rather than uniform pellets. This texture is closer to traditional litter and may be more accepted by picky cats.
Clumping Paper: Newer formulations use paper fibers treated to clump when wet, offering the convenience of scoop-and-toss cleaning while maintaining paper's benefits.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Virtually dust-free
- Extremely soft texture
- Made from recycled materials
- Safe for kittens
- Vet-recommended post-surgery
- Lightweight
- Highly absorbent
Disadvantages
- Poor odor control
- Doesn't clump (most types)
- Needs frequent changing
- Different texture than clay
- Some cats reject it
- Can get mushy when saturated
The Odor Challenge
Let's be honest: paper litter's biggest weakness is odor control. Unlike wood with its natural phenols or clay with added deodorizers, plain paper doesn't have inherent odor-fighting properties.
If you need to use paper litter (for medical reasons or sensitive cats), here are ways to manage odors:
- Scoop frequently: At least twice daily, more for multiple cats.
- Add baking soda: A thin layer at the bottom of the box helps neutralize ammonia.
- Use activated charcoal: Adding an activated carbon supplement like Purrify can significantly improve odor absorption without compromising paper's gentle properties.
- Change completely often: Replace all litter every 5-7 days rather than just topping off.
- Good ventilation: Place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to prevent odor buildup.
Perfect for Allergies
For cats or humans with respiratory sensitivities, paper litter can be life-changing:
- No silica dust: Traditional clay litter produces fine silica particles linked to respiratory issues in both cats and humans.
- Hypoallergenic: Paper doesn't trigger most common allergens.
- Asthma-friendly: Cats with feline asthma often improve dramatically after switching from clay to paper.
Ideal for Kittens
Paper litter is one of the safest choices for young kittens:
- Kittens explore with their mouths—paper is safe if accidentally eaten
- The soft texture is gentle on developing paw pads
- No clumping materials that could cause intestinal blockages
- Dust-free environment protects developing respiratory systems
Many breeders and shelters use paper litter for kittens under 8 weeks old, then gradually transition to clumping varieties as the kittens mature.
Environmental Impact
Paper litter scores high on sustainability:
- Diverts waste: Every bag of paper litter represents newspapers and cardboard saved from landfills.
- Reduces new production: Using recycled paper means fewer trees cut for virgin paper production.
- Biodegrades quickly: Used paper litter breaks down in weeks when composted (without cat feces).
- Low energy production: Manufacturing paper litter requires less energy than mining and processing clay.
When Paper Litter Makes Sense
Paper litter is the best choice when:
- Your cat is recovering from surgery or illness
- You or your cat have respiratory allergies
- You have very young kittens
- Your cat has sensitive or injured paws
- Environmental sustainability is your top priority
For everyday use without special medical needs, you might prefer options with better odor control like wood or walnut litter.