5 Ways To Go Green With Your Cat

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Purrr-fect ways you and your cat can be eco-friendly

You recycle, buy organic, and use eco-friendly green products for yourself, so why not make similar choices for your cat? Going green is not only better for your cat’s health, it’s also good for the planet.

You can also help the planet by making choices for your cat that will not only benefit the planet, but will also keep your cat healthy.

Most commercial household cleaners contain hazardous ingredients such as organic solvents and petroleum based chemicals. Some of these are known to cause cancer in animals and are suspected human carcinogens. In particular, Lysol, Pine-sol and other products containing phenols are deadly to cats as they can cause severe liver damage. Chlorox bleach, especially when concentrated, can cause chemical burns when it comes in contact with sensitive cat paws.

Use pet-friendly cleaning products with natural ingredients instead. A word of caution: steer clear of natural cleaning products that contain essential oils. They can be harmful to cats.

Look for premium foods, preferably organic, that use meats that are raised in sustainable, humane ways without added drugs or hormones. Certified-organic pet foods must meet strict USDA standards that spell out how ingredients are produced and processed, which means no pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, artificial preservatives, artificial ingredients or genetically engineered ingredients.

Clay is strip-mined, which is bad for the planet, and clay litter contains silica, which is a known carcinogenic. If your cat will accept one of the alternatives to clay litter such as corn, wheat or pine-based litters, make the switch. Always switch litter gradually, and always provide at least one litter box with the litter your cat is used to until you know your cat is accepting the new litter. Going green is not worth risking having your cat avoid the litter box.

Many of the flea and tick treatments available today contain toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to pets and to people. Even when used according to the manufacturer’s directions, these chemicals can create problems for cats and the humans handling the product. Look into natural and safer options to control parasites.

Lawn chemicals are bad for the environment, and they don’t just affect outdoor cats. An EPA funded study in 2001 found that chemicals used in herbicides are easily tracked indoors, contaminating the air and surfaces inside residences and exposing children and pets at levels ten times higher than pre-application levels.

Going green is a win-win: your cats will be healthier, and you will help make a positive impact on the environment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ingrid King is the award-winning author of Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher, Purrs of Wisdom: Conscious Living, Feline Style, and Adventures in Veterinary Medicine: What Working in Veterinary Hospitals Taught Me About Life, Love and Myself. She is a former veterinary hospital manager turned writer. Her popular blog, The Conscious Cat, is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health, and happiness for cats and their humans. The Conscious Cat has won multiple awards. For more information about Ingrid, please visit ConsciousCat.com.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Midland Painted Turtle

The Midland Painted Turtle is a good option for beginner turtle keepers, as is is tame, hardy, and enjoyable to watch. They come in a range of colors.
Miki Dog

Developed in the 1980s, the Miki Dog is still considered to be fairly new. This breed is a cross between a Japanese Chin, a Maltese, and a Papillon.
Take A Hike: Adventures In Dog Hiking Part 1

A-hiking we will go! Oscar and I take on the challenge of dog hiking Oscar and I decided we needed a new challenge this summer. We’re not the most athl…
Bichpoo

Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix of a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) poodle. He has a small but sturdy stature.
Best Puppy Treats

If you have recently brought a puppy into your home, it’s an exciting time! Especially if this is your first dog. One mistake that new pet owners make is to buy everything and anything that catches their attention, spending far more than needed to meet their new dog’s needs. This often results in piles of dog supplies sitting unused and going to waste. With treats specifically, you may purchase 5 different kinds only to find out later that 4 aren’t recommended for your dog due to the ingredients used, the brand’s recall history, or other factors.If you relate to this, don’t worry. We’ve got yo
8 Tips On How To Prepare For Your First Skijoring Race

And they’re off! Our resident skijoring expert Kevin Roberts sounds off on what you need to know about races before you cross the finish line. It&rsquo…
New Noms: Cricket-Based Dog Treats Packed With Protein

Care to crunch on a cricket? The newest dog treat craze involves a delicacy you can find hopping around in your backyard!
Eels

Eels are one of the more fascinating species of fish in the aquarium trade. They are characterized by their long bodies and snake-like heads.
Fetching Tips For Transitioning Fido To Fall

As the leaves begin to drop, it''s a sure sign to pet parents that we need to get our dogs ready for fall. Be prepared for the season with these timely tips.
Adventures In Fostering: A Day In The Life Of Dog Foster Dad

Kevin Roberts has taken in a new foster dog. The first bloom of excitement has worn off - it''s time for Francis to show his true colors and begin training.
Home Away From Home: Best Outdoor Dog Houses

The best outdoor dog houses should provide shelter from the elements and a safe haven to retreat to and rest when playing outside.
Standard Chinchilla Rabbit

The Standard Chinchilla Rabbit is known to be sweet, docile creature who have no problem being picked up by their owners or strangers.
Blennies

Blennies are a species of marine fish made up of 6 distinct families. They are characteristically small in size and are similar to gobies in appearance.
Cats And Car Rides: How To Get Them To Mix

Cats are skittish creatures of habit who prefer to stay on solid ground rather than a moving car. Is your kitty equipped for your next road trip?
A Pet Parent’s Guide To Heartworm Treatments

Is your dog safe? Let''s go over the basics about what heartworm is, how and why you should protect your dog, and the heartworm treatments available to you.