Yesterday’s News Paper Cat Litter has been a popular litter choice for cat parents thanks to its affordable price and eco-friendly features. Unfortunately, Yesterday’s News was discontinued by Purina in 2022. In this article, we'll go into the pros and cons of Yesterday’s News Cat Litter and provide some alternatives for cat parents who are looking for another natural pellet litter to replace their old favorite.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. 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, online research, and our own experience as cat parents.
What Is Yesterday’s News Cat Litter?
Yesterday’s News Cat Litter was a brand of cat litter that stood out for its unconventional material: newspaper shreds compressed into small pellets. Unlike traditional clay or silica gel litters, Yesterday’s News was made of recycled material, making it a sustainably sourced and biodegradable litter choice. One of its key selling points was its reduced tracking and dust compared to granular litters.
Why Was Yesterday’s News Cat Litter Discontinued?
Unfortunately, Yesterday’s News Cat Litter has been discontinued, leaving many cat owners searching for alternatives. The reasons behind its discontinuation are not entirely clear, but Purina cited a decrease in demand for alternative paper litters as playing a role. Despite its discontinuation, the features and benefits of Yesterday’s News Cat Litter are still worth exploring for cat owners seeking similar options.
Yesterday’s News Cat Litter Pros
Low Dust
One of the standout features of Yesterday’s News was its low dust content. Made from compressed paper particles, this litter produced minimal dust, making it an ideal choice for cats with respiratory sensitivities or post-surgery recovery. Paper litter in general is one of the lowest dust litter types on the market, up there with tofu litter and cassava litter.
Low Tracking
The pellet format of Yesterday’s News Cat Litter contributed to its low tracking properties. The pellets were less likely to stick to cats' fur or paws, reducing the spread of litter around the house and making cleanup easier for cat parents.
Eco-Friendly
Yesterday’s News was made from post-consumer recycled paper, making it an environmentally sustainable choice. By opting for this litter, cat owners could contribute to reducing waste and promoting recycling efforts.
Non-Toxic
Unlike some traditional clay litters that contain crystalline silica dust, Yesterday’s News Cat Litter was non-toxic and safe for both cats and humans. This feature provided peace of mind to pet owners concerned about their cat’s health and well-being.
Lightweight
Despite its sturdy composition, Yesterday’s News was significantly lighter than clay litters, making it easier to handle and transport.
Yesterday’s News Cat Litter Cons
Hard to Clean
One drawback of Yesterday’s News was its non-clumping nature, which made it challenging to clean. The lack of clumping action meant that solid waste couldn't be easily scooped out, requiring more frequent litter box changes and thorough cleaning.
Mediocre Odor Control
While Yesterday’s News absorbed moisture effectively, it did not offer robust odor control compared to some other litter types. Cat owners may have found themselves needing to refresh the litter box more frequently to manage odor.
Rough Texture
Some cats may have found the texture of Yesterday’s News pellets to be rough or uncomfortable on their paws. This could be a concern for cats with sensitive feet or those accustomed to softer litter materials.
Incompatibility with Automatic Litter Boxes
Due to its non-clumping nature and pellet format, Yesterday’s News Cat Litter was not a good fit for automatic litter boxes. The pellet’s shape and size could interfere with the self-cleaning mechanisms of these devices, leading to operational issues.
Yesterday’s News Cat Litter Alternatives
While Yesterday’s News Cat Litter may no longer be available, cat owners still have several alternatives to consider:
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter
Fresh News is another paper-based cat litter that offers low dust, eco-friendly, and lightweight properties. It's made from post-consumer recycled paper, making it an easy alternative to Yesterday’s News.
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
tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Litter is a clumping tofu litter made primarily from soybean fiber. It boasts super low tracking, very low dust, and superior odor control, although it comes at a slightly higher price point.
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 Cat Litter
Feline Pine Cat Litter is crafted from pine sawdust and offers excellent odor control and low tracking. While it may have a rough texture like Yesterday’s News, it also provides an eco-friendly and affordable option. Many thrifty cat parents have also tried using generic pine pellets as litter, to mixed results.
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
Conclusion
While Yesterday’s News Cat Litter may no longer be on the market, its legacy as an eco-friendly and low-dust litter option lives on. The most similar litter still available is Fresh News Paper Cat Litter. 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!
