Yesterday’s News Cat Litter was a popular choice among cat parents who were looking for an affordable and environmentally conscious litter option. Known for its recycled paper composition and pellet format, Yesterday’s News offered a unique alternative to traditional clay litters. However, in 2022, Purina discontinued Yesterday’s News, leaving many loyal users in search of a replacement. If you were a fan of Yesterday’s News cat litter and are now seeking a similar eco-friendly and effective option, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of Yesterday’s News and recommend some excellent alternatives that meet the needs of both you and your feline friend.
At tuft + paw, we pride ourselves on being cat experts. Our insights are derived from extensive research, consultations with veterinarians and cat behaviorists, and our own hands-on experience as dedicated cat parents. We understand the importance of choosing the right cat litter, and we’re here to help you navigate the options available now that Yesterday’s News is no longer on the shelves.
What Was Yesterday’s News Cat Litter?
Yesterday’s News Cat Litter distinguished itself with its unique composition: it was crafted from recycled newspaper, compressed into small, cylindrical pellets. This paper-based formula set it apart from conventional clay and silica gel litters. As a result of its recycled content, Yesterday’s News was positioned as a more sustainable and biodegradable choice, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. Furthermore, its pellet form factor was praised for minimizing dust and tracking, common issues associated with finer, granular litters.
Why Was Yesterday’s News Cat Litter Phased Out?
The discontinuation of Yesterday’s News Cat Litter by Purina in 2022 came as a disappointment to many cat owners. While the precise reasons for this decision remain somewhat unclear, Purina indicated that a decrease in consumer demand for paper-based cat litters contributed to its removal from the market. Despite its absence from store shelves, understanding the qualities that made Yesterday’s News appealing is still valuable. By examining its pros and cons, we can better identify suitable alternatives that offer similar benefits.
The Advantages of Yesterday’s News Cat Litter
Low Dust Formula
One of the most significant benefits of Yesterday’s News Cat Litter was its low dust nature. Thanks to its compressed paper pellet composition, this litter produced very little airborne dust. This feature made it an excellent choice for cats and owners with respiratory sensitivities or allergies. Paper litters, in general, are recognized for their low dust properties, ranking alongside other low-dust options like tofu and cassava litters.
Minimal Tracking
The pellet shape of Yesterday’s News Cat Litter also contributed to its low tracking capabilities. The larger, heavier pellets were less likely to cling to a cat’s fur and paws compared to finer litter granules. This resulted in less litter being scattered around the house, simplifying cleanup for cat parents and maintaining a tidier home environment.
Eco-Conscious Choice
Yesterday’s News was manufactured from post-consumer recycled paper, positioning it as an environmentally responsible option. By choosing this litter, cat owners were making a conscious effort to support recycling and reduce waste. This eco-friendly aspect was a major draw for many consumers seeking sustainable pet products.
Non-Toxic and Safe
Unlike some clay litters that may contain crystalline silica dust, a known respiratory hazard, Yesterday’s News Cat Litter was non-toxic. This ensured a safer environment for both cats and their human families, alleviating concerns about potential health risks associated with litter dust and materials.
Lightweight for Handling
Despite its solid pellet form, Yesterday’s News was noticeably lighter than traditional clay litters. This lighter weight made the litter easier to lift, pour, and transport, which was a practical advantage for many cat owners during shopping and litter box maintenance.
The Drawbacks of Yesterday’s News Cat Litter
Cleaning Challenges
A significant downside of Yesterday’s News was its non-clumping nature, which made cleaning more difficult. Without clumping action, urine wasn’t contained in solid clumps that could be easily scooped. This necessitated more frequent complete litter box changes and more thorough cleaning routines to maintain hygiene and odor control.
Moderate Odor Control
While Yesterday’s News was absorbent, its odor control was not as strong as some other litter types available on the market. Some cat owners found that they needed to change the litter more often to effectively manage unpleasant smells, particularly in multi-cat households or with cats with strong urine odors.
Coarse Texture
The texture of Yesterday’s News pellets was described as rough by some users, which could be uncomfortable for cats with sensitive paws. Cats accustomed to softer, finer litters might have been less inclined to use Yesterday’s News, potentially leading to litter box aversion issues in some felines.
Not Suitable for Automatic Litter Boxes
Due to its non-clumping properties and pellet format, Yesterday’s News Cat Litter was not compatible with most automatic or self-cleaning litter boxes. The pellets could interfere with the mechanisms of these devices, potentially causing malfunctions or inefficient cleaning.
Top Alternatives to Yesterday’s News Cat Litter
Even though Yesterday’s News Cat Litter is no longer available, there are still several excellent alternatives that offer similar benefits, and in some cases, even improvements in performance and features. Here are some of the best options to consider:
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter
Fresh News Paper Cat Litter stands out as a direct paper-based alternative to Yesterday’s News. It shares many of the desirable qualities, including low dust, eco-friendliness, and a lightweight composition. Made from post-consumer recycled paper, Fresh News is a readily available and comparable option for those missing Yesterday’s News.
Pros: Low tracking, low dust, lightweight, unscented, affordable, biodegradable, eco-friendly
Cons: Non-clumping, challenging to clean, average odor control, somewhat rough texture
Ingredients: Recycled paper, baking soda
Price: Approximately $0.84 per pound (based on a 25 lb bag)
tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter
For cat owners seeking an upgrade in performance, tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Litter is an exceptional choice. This clumping tofu litter, primarily made from soybean fiber, offers superior odor control and very low dust and tracking. While it comes at a higher price point, the improved features may justify the investment for many cat owners.
Pros: Very low dust, low tracking, unscented, lightweight, flushable, biodegradable, eco-friendly, enhanced odor control with activated charcoal, softer texture compared to pellet litters
Cons: More expensive, subscription-based availability
Ingredients: Soybean fiber, corn starch, corn flour, guar gum, activated charcoal
Price: Approximately $3.05 per pound (including shipping, based on a 9.5 lb bag subscription)
Feline Pine Cat Litter
Feline Pine Cat Litter is another noteworthy alternative, crafted from pine sawdust. It is well-regarded for its strong odor control and low tracking properties. While it may share a similar texture to Yesterday’s News, Feline Pine provides an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option. Some resourceful cat parents even explore using generic pine pellets as a cost-effective litter alternative, though results can vary.
Pros: Excellent odor control, low tracking, low dust, affordable, lightweight, biodegradable, eco-friendly
Cons: Can develop dust over time, pine scent may be noticeable, non-clumping, cleaning can be more involved, coarser texture
Ingredients: Pine sawdust, baking soda
Price: Approximately $1.00 per pound (based on an 18 lb bag)
Conclusion: Moving Beyond Yesterday’s News Cat Litter
Although Yesterday’s News Cat Litter is no longer available, its legacy as a pioneering eco-friendly and low-dust litter remains. For those seeking the closest match, Fresh News Paper Cat Litter is the most directly comparable option currently on the market. If you utilize a sifting litter box, Feline Pine might be the most suitable choice. And if you prioritize a clumping, flushable pellet litter with enhanced performance, tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter is highly recommended. Ultimately, the best litter choice depends on your cat’s individual preferences and your specific needs as a cat parent. Remember to prioritize your cat’s comfort and acceptance when selecting a new litter. We hope this guide helps you in your search for the perfect Yesterday’s News cat litter replacement!
