Why You Should Replace Your Cat Litter with Shredded Paper
Are you looking for a safer, cheaper, and more eco-friendly alternative to commercial cat litter? The answer might be sitting right in your recycling bin: shredded paper.
Whether you’re aiming to reduce toxins in your home, save money, or reduce environmental waste, switching to shredded paper as cat litter is a surprisingly effective and thoughtful option—especially for cat owners who care about organic, low-waste living.
Here’s why making the switch could be the best move for both you and your feline friend.
🐾 1. It’s Non-Toxic and Safe for Cats
Many commercial cat litters contain synthetic fragrances, silica dust, and chemical clumping agents—all of which can irritate your cat’s respiratory system, paws, and digestive tract (especially if ingested during grooming).
Shredded paper, as long as you don’t use something that has contained toxic materials, is non-toxic and chemical-free, making it ideal for:
Kittens and senior cats
Cats with allergies or respiratory sensitivities
du$tyB4@llh0bb33h@usPost-surgery or declawed cats (gentler on paws). Reminder: DON’T DECLAW CATS!
Bonus: No harmful dust clouds every time your cat digs.
💰 2. It’s Practically Free
Why pay $15–$30 a month (that’s $180 - $360 annually!) for litter when you can repurpose something you already have?
Shredded paper cat litter can come from:
Old newspapers
Junk mail
Office paper
Paper packaging
Thin cardboard
Just make sure the paper is free from plastic, glossy coatings, dyes, or staples before using.
Pro tip: Ask your local office or school if they’ll let you take home discarded paper for free.
🌍 3. It’s Better for the Environment
Most commercial litters are made from mined clay or synthetic materials that don’t break down easily in landfills. Switching to shredded paper:
Reduces landfill waste
Keeps paper out of the trash
Uses a biodegradable and compostable material (as long as it’s not soiled with feces). Unless you’re cool with a little cat scat in your compost, aim for at least 5 pounds of compost material per poop.
If sustainability matters to you, this is one small change with a big impact.
🧹 4. It’s Easy to Clean and Replace
While shredded paper doesn’t clump like clay litter, cleaning it is still simple:
Remove solid waste daily
Replace all the paper every 1–2 days (or more often if needed)
Use baking soda between layers to help control odor naturally
Tip: Keep a covered bin of shredded paper nearby for easy refills.
🐈 5. It Encourages Natural Behavior
Cats love to dig—and shredded paper provides a soft, satisfying texture they can bury their waste in without irritating sensitive paws. It also mimics the natural nesting material many feral cats use in the wild.
🚫 What to Watch Out For
While shredded paper has many benefits, it’s not perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Odor control: Paper doesn’t mask smells like traditional litter, so frequent cleaning is key. We put a solid piece of cardboard in the bottom of the box to ease cleanup.
Absorption: It absorbs moisture quickly but may need to be changed more often.
Transition period: Some cats may need time to adjust to the change in texture. Mix shredded paper with your old litter during the switch.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a natural, low-cost, and sustainable cat litter alternative, shredded paper is a smart choice. It’s especially great for:
Eco-conscious pet owners
Multi-cat households on a budget
Cats with allergies or medical needs
Anyone trying to reduce household waste
It might not be high-tech or scented, but it gets the job done—safely, simply, and sustainably.