Green Living with Cats
Learn More About Your Kitty’s Impact on the Environment
Our feline friends use a lot of products that can harm our planet. How can we be more eco-conscious with our pet purchases?
Does Your Cat Care About the Environment?
Your cat may not think much about her impact on the environment, but you probably do! Our cats leave more of a footprint behind than many cat owners know. Just think of all the plastics – cat food bowls, litter boxes, toys. Even the containers kitty products come in are typically plastic. And where does all that clay cat litter go? It doesn’t just go away! Even the food you give your feline friend can have an impact on the environment. Simply feeding your cat a small amount of organic food can lessen her impact on the environment.
What Can We Do to Help?
As a cat’s guardian and caretaker, you are the one responsible for its environmental footprint. These days, there is an amazing array of environmentally friendly cat products readily available to everyone. There are all types of cat scratchers being made from cardboard. They are very inexpensive and completely recyclable! Don’t buy plastic food bowls. Stainless steel lasts longer and is more sanitary. Recycle old litter boxes and scoops. Every little bit we do helps our environment!
Cat Litters That Are Good for the Environment
With most families having more than one cat and the litter box rule being “have one litter box for every cat plus one,” creates a lot of kitty litter. Unfortunately, clay litters are the least expensive and the hardest on our environment. There are, however, a wide variety of environmentally friendly kitty litters on the market. Check out Feline Pine, Swheat Scoop, the World’s Best Cat Litter, and Yesterday’s News. Not only are they organic, but several of the organic litters can also be reused as mulch in your garden. Talk about a bargain! Most of these litters come in a bag rather than the big, plastic tubs, too. If you do use the plastic tub, simply recycle!
Recycle, Refurbish, Repurpose
Recycling is our number one friend when it comes to the environment. Our cats’ canned food tins can be recycled. Carpeted cat scratching posts can be re-carpeted or wrapped in sisal rope when they are showing too much wear. If you have materials left over from a building job, build your own kitty condos and scratching posts. If you have old clothes, a little sewing can make adorable, creative cat pillows and beds! With a little thought, you can create all kinds things your kitty will love.
Ways Your Cat Can Help the Environment:
- Buy longer lasting or recyclable toys
- Make your own cat toys
- Buy organic whenever you can, including food
- Recycle all metal, plastic, and cardboard
- Avoid buying plastics when possible
- Use natural cat litters and reuse those you can
- Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
- Talk to your vet about natural health care products, including grooming and flea control
- Buy products made from recycled products
- And of course, have your pet spayed or neutered and adopt or rescue whenever possible
Related link:
