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Top 5 Paper Pellet Cat Litters in the USA for 2025: Expert-Tested, Low-Dust Options for Kittens, Recovery and Eco-Conscious Homes — Which One Fits Your Cat?

Made from recycled paper compressed into pellets, paper pellet cat litter offers a gentle, low-dust, highly absorbent option that appeals to pet owners across the United States in 2025. Consumers choose paper pellet litter for its soft texture that is kinder to kitten paws and post-surgery cats, its lower airborne dust compared with clay and silica litters, and its biodegradability and often flushable formats that match growing environmental concerns. Additional appeal comes from practical benefits — strong liquid absorption that helps control odor, lightweight bags that simplify handling, and formulations that reduce tracking — which make paper pellets a popular choice for urban households, multi-cat homes, and families seeking low-irritant solutions.

Top Picks Summary

  1. Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter
  2. Yesterday's News Original Unscented
  3. Purina Yesterday's News Softer Texture
  4. ökocat Paper Pellet Cat Litter
  5. ExquisiCat Naturals Paper Pellet Cat Litter
1
BEST BUDGET PAPER PELLET

Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter

Fresh News
🏠 Local Product

Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter is a budget-friendly paper pellet option made from post-consumer paper that emphasizes high absorbency and very low dust, making it a practical choice for multi-cat households. Its cost-per-use advantage and straightforward odor control position it as the economical alternative to Purina's Yesterday's News line, while sacrificing some of the premium sustainability claims and refined textures offered by boutique brands like ökocat and ExquisiCat.

4.2
  • Super-absorbent pellets

  • Low-dust air

  • Super-absorbent pellets

  • Low-dust air

Review Summary

85%

"Users consistently praise Fresh News for being low-dust, highly absorbent for urine, and gentle on paws, making it a good choice for kittens, seniors, and litter-box sensitive cats; some owners note pellets can be tracked and require frequent scooping to control odor. "

  • Recycled champion

  • Made from 100% recycled paper for reduced environmental impact.

  • Recycled champion

  • Made from 100% recycled paper for reduced environmental impact.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter is a budget-friendly paper pellet option made from post-consumer paper that emphasizes high absorbency and very low dust, making it a practical choice for multi-cat households. Its cost-per-use advantage and straightforward odor control position it as the economical alternative to Purina's Yesterday's News line, while sacrificing some of the premium sustainability claims and refined textures offered by boutique brands like ökocat and ExquisiCat.

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$10-20 USD

2
BEST UNSCENTED PAPER PELLET

Yesterday's News Original Unscented

Yesterday's News
🏠 Local Product

Yesterday's News Original Unscented, distributed by Purina, is the mainstream staple in paper pellet litters, known for consistent unscented odor control and minimal tracking. Priced mid-range and widely available, it offers a reliable balance of performance and cost that undercuts premium eco-focused litters like ökocat and ExquisiCat while offering a softer, more polished experience than basic budget offerings such as Fresh News.

4.4
  • Gentle on paws

  • Unscented neutrality

  • Gentle on paws

  • Unscented neutrality

Review Summary

90%

"Yesterday's News Original Unscented is widely loved for excellent odor control, low dust, and being very gentle on paws—popular with multi-cat homes and shelters; critics mention the pellets are bulky and can be tracked around the house. "

  • Veterinarian favorite

  • Unscented formula ideal for cats and owners sensitive to fragrances.

  • Veterinarian favorite

  • Unscented formula ideal for cats and owners sensitive to fragrances.

Increased Safety & Security

Yesterday's News Original Unscented, distributed by Purina, is the mainstream staple in paper pellet litters, known for consistent unscented odor control and minimal tracking. Priced mid-range and widely available, it offers a reliable balance of performance and cost that undercuts premium eco-focused litters like ökocat and ExquisiCat while offering a softer, more polished experience than basic budget offerings such as Fresh News.

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$15-25 USD

3
BEST SOFT-TEXTURE PAPER PELLET

Purina Yesterday's News Softer Texture

Purina Yesterday's News
🏠 Local Product

Purina Yesterday's News Softer Texture builds on the original formula by refining pellet size and feel for gentler paws and reduced tracking, making it a better fit for kittens and senior cats; that targeted technical tweak typically carries a modest premium over the Original Unscented. It aims to bridge the gap between the value-oriented Fresh News and higher-cost eco-litters like ökocat by delivering a comfort-focused product with Purina's broad distribution and predictable quality.

4.1
  • Feather-soft pellets

  • Sensitive-paw friendly

  • Feather-soft pellets

  • Sensitive-paw friendly

Review Summary

82%

"Purina Yesterday's News Softer Texture is appreciated for its gentler feel that many cats accept quickly and for decent odor control, though some reviewers say it breaks down faster than the original formula and can require more frequent replacement. "

  • Kitten-approved comfort

  • Softer, finer pellets designed for senior or sore-pawed cats.

  • Kitten-approved comfort

  • Softer, finer pellets designed for senior or sore-pawed cats.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

Purina Yesterday's News Softer Texture builds on the original formula by refining pellet size and feel for gentler paws and reduced tracking, making it a better fit for kittens and senior cats; that targeted technical tweak typically carries a modest premium over the Original Unscented. It aims to bridge the gap between the value-oriented Fresh News and higher-cost eco-litters like ökocat by delivering a comfort-focused product with Purina's broad distribution and predictable quality.

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$15-30 USD

4
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY PAPER PELLET

ökocat Paper Pellet Cat Litter

ökocat
🏠 Local Product

ökocat Paper Pellet Cat Litter is positioned as a premium, eco-focused paper pellet litter that emphasizes sustainable sourcing and engineered pellet structure to improve odor encapsulation and biodegradability. Its technical advantages in material processing and stronger environmental credentials justify a higher retail price compared with mass-market Purina offerings, appealing to buyers who prioritize sustainability and odor performance over lowest cost.

4.2
  • Compostable pellets

  • Low tracking

  • Compostable pellets

  • Low tracking

Review Summary

83%

"ökocat Paper Pellet litter earns praise for sustainability, low dust, and minimal scent additives; however, some users report the pellets crumble with time and that overall absorbency and odor control lag behind clay/clumping options. "

  • Earth-first brand

  • Made from recycled paper and sustainably sourced materials.

  • Earth-first brand

  • Made from recycled paper and sustainably sourced materials.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

ökocat Paper Pellet Cat Litter is positioned as a premium, eco-focused paper pellet litter that emphasizes sustainable sourcing and engineered pellet structure to improve odor encapsulation and biodegradability. Its technical advantages in material processing and stronger environmental credentials justify a higher retail price compared with mass-market Purina offerings, appealing to buyers who prioritize sustainability and odor performance over lowest cost.

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$20-35 USD

5
BEST PREMIUM PAPER PELLET

ExquisiCat Naturals Paper Pellet Cat Litter

ExquisiCat
🏠 Local Product

ExquisiCat Naturals Paper Pellet Cat Litter targets the boutique segment with a focus on natural, low-dust ingredients and convenience features such as easier disposal or flushability options, which allow it to command a premium in specialty retail. Compared with mainstream options like Yesterday's News and Fresh News, ExquisiCat sacrifices mass-market pricing and availability for a niche proposition aimed at small-household buyers seeking eco-friendly disposal and sensitive-cat compatibility.

3.9
  • Premium paper blend

  • Odor-lock performance

  • Premium paper blend

  • Odor-lock performance

Review Summary

76%

"ExquisiCat Naturals is favored for being biodegradable, low-dust, and comfortable for paws, but many buyers note the pellets tend to break down and track more than expected, requiring more frequent full-litter changes. "

  • Flushable where allowed

  • Premium biodegradable paper pellets offering long-lasting odor control.

  • Flushable where allowed

  • Premium biodegradable paper pellets offering long-lasting odor control.

Increased Safety & Security

Time-Saving Convenience

ExquisiCat Naturals Paper Pellet Cat Litter targets the boutique segment with a focus on natural, low-dust ingredients and convenience features such as easier disposal or flushability options, which allow it to command a premium in specialty retail. Compared with mainstream options like Yesterday's News and Fresh News, ExquisiCat sacrifices mass-market pricing and availability for a niche proposition aimed at small-household buyers seeking eco-friendly disposal and sensitive-cat compatibility.

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$25-40 USD

What Research and Expert Guidance Say About Paper Pellet Litter

Evidence from laboratory tests and veterinary guidance supports many of the practical benefits pet owners report for paper pellet litter. Tests comparing litter types show paper pellets produce less respirable dust, which reduces the risk of respiratory irritation for both cats and sensitive humans. Cellulose from recycled paper delivers good liquid retention and odor control when properly processed, and biodegradability makes paper pellets an environmentally preferable option compared with non-biodegradable clay litters. Veterinarians commonly recommend low-dust, soft litters for kittens and cats recovering from surgery to minimize irritation and encourage litter box use, while wastewater and municipal guidelines emphasize checking local regulations before flushing any litter.

Lower dust levels: Laboratory particle-count tests and veterinary guidance indicate paper pellet litters generate substantially less fine dust than clay and silica options — beneficial for cats with respiratory sensitivities and for maintaining cleaner home air.

Absorbency and odor control: Cellulose fibers in recycled paper absorb and lock in moisture; manufacturers often add formation and texture processes to improve odor control without harsh chemicals.

Gentle on paws and post-surgery use: Soft pellet texture and low abrasiveness make paper pellet litter a common recommendation for kittens and cats recovering from procedures, helping maintain comfort and encouraging litter box use.

Biodegradability and disposal: Paper pellet litters break down faster than mineral-based litters in composting conditions; however, flushability depends on product formulation and local wastewater rules — always check municipal guidance before flushing.

Veterinary and environmental context: Veterinary professionals and sustainable-pet advocates recommend paper pellet litter for households prioritizing low-dust and eco-friendly options, while advising attention to odor management and replacement frequency.

In USA, paper pellet litter is an increasingly practical choice for pet owners who want a gentle, low-dust, and more sustainable option. The five products featured here — Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter, Yesterday's News Original Unscented, Purina Yesterday's News Softer Texture, ökocat Paper Pellet Cat Litter, and ExquisiCat Naturals Paper Pellet Cat Litter — each offer a slightly different balance of softness, absorbency, and eco-features. For most households seeking a dependable, widely available option in 2025, Fresh News Recycled Paper Litter stands out as the best overall choice among these main products due to its consistent absorbency and broad availability across the USA. I hope you found what you were looking for; use the site search to refine by texture, flushability, scent, or price if you want to narrow or expand your options.