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

Coton Tzu

The Coton Tzu is a mix between Coton de Tulear and the Shih Tzu. Read on to find out more about their looks, temperament and care requirements.
Scotchi

Great as lap and companion dogs, the Scotchi has balanced character traits: there’s a lot of fun and goofiness to go around, but they are gentle and affectionate as well.
Glass Fish

The glass fish is a fascinating species of aquarium fish. Its most astounding feature is its transparent body which reveals its bones and internal organs.
Adoptable Dog of the Week – Hulk

Meet Hulk, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. This 2-year-old German Shepherd is waiting patiently in Montgomery, Alabama, for his forever home.
Exotic Shorthair

The quiet and docile Exotic Shorthair adapts easily to any environment, getting along well with dogs and children. They are inquisitive and outgoing.
How-To: DIY Couture Dog Collars In 4 Easy Steps

Fashion blooms on this couture dog collar you can make in minutes for a couple of bucks. It''s the perfect project for fashionista crafters of all levels.
Tzu Basset

The easy-going Tzu Basset brings together the friendly Basset Hound and the headstrong Shih Tzu for a great family pet and companion.
Simple Ways To Keep Your Dog Safe When Home Alone

You want to take your dog everywhere with you, but it''s just not possible. Ensure your dog''s home alone time is safe with a few simple house hacks.
How to Quickly Cool Your Dog Down

Like every other mammal, dogs can overheat. When your dog heats up, you need to act quickly to cool him down. Don’t panic, here’s how to do it
Beef Pupcake Dog Food Recipe

In the introduction of my recipes, I usually write about what I like best about the dish I just made or about an ingredient that stands out. But this time, I…
Best Cat Hair Brushes

The right brushes and combs designed for grooming cats can make your job a lot simpler when it comes to keeping your pet’s skin and coat healthy and beautiful. These products are designed to help you clean your kitty’s coat, remove tangles and knots, get rid of mats, and distribute the oils that are naturally found in your pet’s skin so the coat can remain soft and smooth.
The Urge To Accessorize Our Dogs

Playing dress-up with our dogs – have we gone too far? We love to dress up our dogs. It could be as simple as a snazzy collar or a cute bow. It could b…
Kitten Cuddlers Needed – Dream Job for Feline Lovers

In addition to being a noble act, this could also be a chance for people in need to unwind and relax as well. For those who have been feeling stressed and depressed lately, cuddling with kittens could be a very potent remedy.
Snake Bites in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

When dogs get nosy, it can lead to trouble - especially with snakes! Here''s what you need to know about how to treat snake bites in dogs.
Ovariectomy: An Alternative Method Of Spaying

If you choose to have your dog spayed, there are actually a few different methods for spaying a dog. The ovariectomy is just one of the options available.