How to Make Paper Litter for Cats

Recycling old newspaper into cat litter is a good way to save money on commercial cat litters while doing your bit for the environment. Furthermore, clumping in clay litters occurs due to presence of sodium bentonite, which can be inhaled or ingested by the cat, leading to respiratory and/or intestinal problems according to Green Little Cat, a website devoted to greener living ideas for cat owners. While there are natural cat litters, they often can be quite expensive; therefore, making cat litter from newspaper is something to consider. It can take less than one hour to make litter out of old newspaper.

Things You'll Need

  • Old newspaper
  • Paper shredder
  • Water
  • Liquid detergent
  • Colander
  • Baking soda
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shred old newspaper in a paper shredder and collect the shredded pieces in an empty carton.

    • 2

      Transfer the collected, shredded newspaper into a large-mouthed bowl or bucket. Add warm water and a little bit of mild liquid detergent. Let the shredded newspaper soak in the water until it reaches the consistency of cooked oatmeal. At this point, you may notice the water turning gray. This is from the ink of the newspaper.

    • 3

      Use a colander to strain the newspaper. Soak the newspaper again in warm water. This time, do not add the liquid detergent.

    • 4

      Drain the newspaper once more and sprinkle baking soda on it. Be generous with the baking soda. Knead the shredded newspaper and baking soda thoroughly.

    • 5

      Squeeze out excess water from the kneaded newspaper and spread it out onto a tray to let the newspaper dry completely. You can place the tray in the sun during the day and keep it in a moist-free room during the night. Drying may take up to a few days.

    • 6

      Spread between 1 1/2 to 2 inches of the dried newspaper litter into your cat's litter tray. When your cat uses the litter, scoop out the solid mass from the tray. Change the litter once per week.