Fresh News Paper Cat Litter has become the go-to paper litter for many cat parents, especially since Purina discontinued Yesterday’s News Paper Cat Litter in 2022. Fresh News is now the top dog (or cat?) in the paper litter game, but how does it stack up against other natural and pelleted cat litters? In this article, we'll delve into everything you need to know about Fresh News Paper Cat Litter, from what it is to its pros and cons.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. Over the last couple years, we've spent countless hours determining which litter features are most important to cats and cat parents alike. The information in this article is based on consultation with a cat behaviorist, veterinarian, hundreds of customer reviews, and our own experience as cat parents.
What Is Paper Pellet Cat Litter?
Paper pellet cat litter, as the name suggests, is made from compressed paper particles, forming small pellets. This kind of cat litter is almost always made from post-consumer recycled paper, as is the case with Fresh News. While most cat litters are granular in nature, such as clay or silica gel, pellet litters offer a distinct alternative. The primary advantage of these pellets lies in their reduced tracking and dust compared to traditional litters.
Credit: Chewy
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter Pros
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter has garnered attention for several compelling reasons:
Low Tracking
One of the standout features of Fresh News Paper Cat Litter is its remarkable ability to minimize tracking—it even made our list of the best non-tracking cat litters. The larger pellets are less prone to sticking to your cat's fur or paws, and their size helps limit scattering when your feline friend digs around in the litter box. Combining Fresh News with a litter mat and high-sided litter box can nearly eliminate tracking woes.
Low Dust
Unlike many granular litters that can generate a considerable amount of dust, Fresh News Paper Cat Litter is a notably low-dust cat litter. This characteristic not only keeps your home cleaner but also reduces the risk of respiratory irritation for both cats and humans.
Eco-Friendly
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter is a natural litter for cat parents who want to make an eco-conscious choice. It is crafted from post-consumer recycled paper, making it a sustainable option. This eco-friendly approach ensures that no new trees are cut down to produce this litter.
Non-Toxic
Safety is a paramount concern for cat owners, and Fresh News Paper Cat Litter provides peace of mind in this regard. It is much safer for cats than clay litter, which can pose health risks. Clay litter often contains crystalline silica dust, which the CDC considers carcinogenic when inhaled. In addition, if a cat ingests clumping clay litter, it can lead to gastrointestinal blockages. While more research is needed in this area, it's a concern worth considering.
Lightweight
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter is significantly lighter than traditional clay litters. Even smaller bags can last an impressively long time due to its lightweight nature. For example, a 5-10 pound bag of this litter can provide up to a month of use.
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter Cons
While Fresh News Paper Cat Litter offers numerous advantages, it's essential to be aware of its potential drawbacks:
Texture
The primary drawback of Fresh News is its coarser texture. While many cats adapt well to larger pellets, some may find it uncomfortable, particularly those with tender paws or cats that have been declawed. It's advisable to consider your cat's preferences when choosing a litter.
Cleaning Challenges
Each type of pellet litter requires a unique cleaning method, and some may be more manageable than others. For instance, clumping pellets like tofu cat litter can typically be cleaned similar to regular clumping litters. However, non-clumping pellets present a different set of challenges. Wood pellets, for instance, dissolve into sawdust when wet, necessitating the use of a sifting litter box. Paper and walnut pellets, while not breaking down as quickly, may require mixing to ensure thorough moisture absorption. Additionally, some litter scoops may have difficulty accommodating the size of larger pellets, making the removal of solid waste a bit tricky.
Incompatibility with Automatic Litter Boxes
If you rely on an automatic litter box to manage your cat's waste, be aware that pellet litters, including Fresh News, are generally not compatible. The unique pellet shape can hinder the self-cleaning mechanism of automatic litter boxes. Therefore, it's advisable to stick with granular litters if you have an automatic litter box.
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter vs Other Natural Litter Brands
As you consider Fresh News Paper Cat Litter, it's helpful to compare it to other natural litter brands on the market. Here’s a quick rundown:
Fresh News Paper Pellet Cat Litter
Pros: low tracking, low dust, lightweight, unscented, affordable, biodegradable, eco-friendly
Cons: hard to clean, non-clumping, average odor control, uncomfortable texture
Ingredients: recycled paper, baking soda
Price: $20.98 for 25 lbs = $0.84/lb
tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter
Pros: low tracking, very low dust, unscented, lightweight, flushable, biodegradable, eco-friendly, activated charcoal for odor control, paw-friendly texture vs other pellet litters
Cons: pricey, subscription only
Ingredients: soybean fiber, corn starch, corn flour, guar gum, charcoal
Price: $29 for 9.5 lbs = $3.05/lb (shipping included)
Feline Pine Platinum Wood Pellet Cat Litter
Pros: great odor control, low tracking, low dust, affordable, lightweight, biodegradable, eco-friendly
Cons: uncomfortable texture, pine scent, can become dusty, hard to clean
Ingredients: pine sawdust, baking soda
Price: $17.99 for 18 lbs = $1.00/lb on Chewy
Naturally Fresh Non-Clumping Walnut Pellet Litter
Pros: low tracking, low dust, affordable, unscented, lightweight, biodegradable, eco-friendly
Cons: hard to clean, non-clumping, average odor control, uncomfortable texture
Ingredients: crushed English walnut shells
Price: $19.99 for 26 lbs = $0.77/lb
Really Great Cat Litter by tuft + paw is one of the few natural pellet litters that offer clumping.
Conclusion
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter is an excellent option for cat parents who are looking for a natural, non-clumping pellet litter. However, depending on your needs, you may prefer one of the other brands we’ve listed above. If you use a sifting litter box, Feline Pine is probably your best choice. If you prefer a clumping flushable pellet litter, then the tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter is the way to go. Just remember to prioritize your cat’s preferences over human convenience. Good luck!
