Paper cat litters, also known as paper litters, are a newer alternative to traditional clay litters. These litters are made from shredded paper, a renewable resource, and offer a variety of benefits for both cats and their owners. Paper litters are becoming increasingly popular as more and more cat owners are looking for new and eco-friendly options for their litter box.
Unlike clay litters, paper litters are biodegradable and more sustainable. They also have better odor control properties and are less likely to track. The use of paper litters is not just better for the environment, but also for your cat’s health. However, it’s important to consider some factors when choosing the right paper litter for your cat as not all cats likes all kinds of litters.
In this article, we will be discussing the various types of paper cat litters available, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the best one for your feline friend.
Types of Paper Cat Litter
There are several types of paper cat litters available on the market, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Some of the most popular types include:
Recycled Paper Litter
Recycled paper litter are a great option for cat owners who are looking for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly alternative to traditional clay litters. As the name suggests, this type of litter is made from recycled paper products such as newspapers or office papers, which gives it a low environmental impact and is a more sustainable option.
Due to the fact that the materials used to make recycled paper litters are already used, it also tends to be more affordable than other types of paper litters on the market. It is a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly alternative to clay litters without breaking the bank. Recycled paper litters are also absorbent, easy to clean and good in controlling odors.
Some recycled paper litters are also scented with natural oils that can make the litter box smell pleasant.
Shredded paper litter
Shredded paper litters are a type of paper cat litter that are made from shredded paper, a renewable resource. These litters offer a variety of benefits for both cats and their owners. They are biodegradable and more sustainable than traditional clay litters, and typically have better odor control properties and are less likely to track.
Shredded paper litters come in a variety of forms such as recycled paper, newspaper, and wood chips. These litters are becoming increasingly popular as more and more cat owners are looking for new and eco-friendly options for their litter box.
Advantages of Paper Cat Litter
Environmentally friendly
Paper cat litters are made from natural and renewable resources such as recycled paper and wood chips, making them more environmentally friendly than traditional clay litters. They are also biodegradable, which means they break down much faster than clay litters that can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Paper cat litters can be recycled or composted, which can further reduce their environmental impact. This makes paper litters a more sustainable option for cat owners who are looking to minimize their impact on the environment.
Better odor control
Paper cat litters are able to absorb moisture and neutralize odors better than clay litters. This is because they are made from natural and absorbent materials, such as recycled paper and wood chips, which can absorb moisture and neutralize odors.
Some paper litters are treated with natural odor-control agents such as baking soda or charcoal, which further help to neutralize and control odors. This means that paper litters are able to keep the litter box fresher for longer, which can be especially beneficial for multi-cat households or for cat owners who don’t have the time to change the litter box as frequently.
Less tracking
Paper litters are less likely to stick to your cat’s paws and are less likely to be carried out of the litter box, which means less litter on your floors and furniture. This is because paper litters are more lightweight and less dense than clay litters, and they tend to break down into smaller pieces when your cat uses them.
This can help to reduce the amount of litter that gets tracked out of the box, making your home cleaner and less cluttered. Paper litters are less likely to stick to your cat’s fur, which can also reduce the amount of tracking that occurs.
Health benefits
Paper litters are less dusty than clay litters, which makes them a better option for cats with respiratory issues or allergies. Also, paper litters are not harmful to cats if ingested, unlike clay litters which may cause health issues if ingested.
Cost-effective
Paper litters tend to be more cost-effective over the long-term because they last longer than clay litters. This is because they are able to absorb moisture and neutralize odors better than clay litters, which means they do not need to be changed as often. Additionally, paper litters are less likely to be wasted as they don’t produce dust clouds and don’t stick to your cat’s paws. This means that you don’t have to replace them as frequently, which can save you money in the long run.
Variety of choices
Paper litters come in a variety of forms and scents, which makes it easy to find one that your cat likes. Some paper litters are flushable, which means you can dispose of them easily and it becomes more convenient for you to maintain the litter box.
Disadvantages of Paper Cat Litter
Cost
One of the main disadvantages of paper cat litters is that they are generally more expensive than traditional clay litters. This can be a disadvantage for some cat owners who are on a tight budget.
However, paper litters tend to last longer than clay litters and are more cost-effective over the long-term, so the initial higher cost may be offset by savings in the long run.
Besides, some paper litters are more affordable than others, so it’s worth comparing prices and looking for deals before making a purchase.
Limited odor control
While paper litters have better odor control properties than clay litters, they may not be able to completely eliminate strong odors.
Absorbency
One of the disadvantages of paper cat litters is that they are not as absorbent as clay litters. Paper litters are typically made from shredded paper, which can be less absorbent than clay. This means that they may need to be changed more frequently, especially if you have a cat that urinates frequently. On the other hand, this can vary depending on the type of paper litter you choose, and there are some paper litters that are more absorbent than others. It is important to consider this when choosing a paper litter. Also, some paper litters are designed to be more absorbent than others, and it will be better to choose one of them.
Potential for tracking
Paper litters can track more than clay litters. Because paper litters are usually made from shredded paper, they can be more crumbly and can stick to your cat’s paws more easily than clay litters. This can lead to more litter being tracked throughout your house, which can be messy and difficult to clean up. This is one of the disadvantages of paper litters and something to keep in mind when choosing a litter for your cat.
Availability
The availability of paper litters may be limited in some areas, and not all pet stores may carry it. This can make it difficult for some cat owners to find and purchase paper litters. In this case, cat owners may have to look for online retailers or specialty stores that carry paper litters. Moreover, as paper litters are becoming more popular, more pet stores are starting to carry them in their inventory.
Variety
Some cats may not like the texture or scent of certain types of paper litters, making it difficult to find the right one for your cat. This is why it’s important to consider your cat’s preferences when choosing a paper litter. Some cats may prefer a certain texture or scent and may not use the litter box if they don’t like the litter.
Also, some paper litters are not flushable, which means that they may not be disposed of as easily. This means that they will have to be disposed of in a landfill or compost, which can be more difficult and less convenient than flushing them down the toilet.
And, some paper litters are not clumping, which means that it’s harder to keep the litter box clean. Clumping litters forms a clump when wet, making it easier to scoop out the waste and keep the litter box clean. Without this feature, you’ll have to change the whole litter box more frequently, making it less convenient.
How to Use Paper Cat Litter
- Start by selecting a litter box that is large enough for your cat to comfortably use.
- Pour the paper litter into the litter box, filling it to a depth of at least 2-3 inches.
- Add a few drops of essential oils or a small amount of baking soda to the litter to help control odors.
- Show your cat where the litter box is and encourage them to use it by placing a small amount of their regular food or treats nearby.
- Monitor your cat’s use of the litter box and adjust the amount of litter as needed.
- Scoop out solid waste and clumps of urine at least once a day, and use a litter box scoop or a sieve to remove any debris.
- Once a week, completely empty the litter box, clean it thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, and refill it with fresh litter.
- If you notice any signs of discomfort or reluctance to use the paper litters, try a different type or brand of paper litters.
Cleaning and Disposal of Paper Cat Litter
- Scoop out solid waste and clumps of urine at least once a day, and use a litter box scoop or a sieve to remove any debris.
- Once a week, completely empty the litter box, clean it thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, and refill it with fresh litter.
- Some paper litters are flushable and can be disposed of by flushing them down the toilet, but it’s important to check the packaging and make sure that the litter you’re using is safe for flushing.
- If the paper litter are not flushable, they can be disposed of in a compost bin or a landfill. Some paper litters are biodegradable and can be broken down naturally over time.
- Avoid mixing the paper litter with other types of waste, as this can negatively impact the composting process.
- If you’re using a clumping paper litter, make sure to only flush small amounts at a time to avoid clogs in your plumbing.
- Some paper litters are made with natural and organic materials, they can be used as a fertilizer in your garden after they’re used.
Conclusion
These litters are made from shredded paper, a renewable resource, and offer a variety of benefits for both cats and their owners. They are biodegradable and more sustainable, have better odor control properties, less likely to track and are a healthier option for cats.