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

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most renowned breeds of dog there is. These dogs are strong, loyal, and are highly response to training.
Things To Consider Before Feeding Your Cat Fish

Something smells fishy! A few reasons to think twice before feeding your cat fish Even though your cat may go crazy at the mere smell of fish and beg you to…
Best Weighted Blankets for Dogs

We’ve handpicked the 10 best weighted blankets for dogs on the market to make sure you can soothe your dog when they need it the most – read on to find the perfect match for your pet’s needs.
Chorkie

A Chorkie is a mix of Yorkshire Terrier and Chihuahua They are one of the cutest breeds of designer dogs available to the modern dog owner.
Chug

If you can''t decide between a Pug or a Chihuahua, you may be able to get the best of both worlds with a crossbreed called the Chug. Perfect lap-sized dog.
Scottish Straight

The Scottish Straight is one of the feline breeds that make up the Scottish Breed Group, along with the beloved Scottish Fold.
Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound

Also known as the Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic or the Barak, the Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound is a hunting breed developed in Bosnia.
Satin Rabbit

The Satin Rabbit has silky, short, rollback fur that has a unique satin sheen to it. Its hair contains tiny air bubbles inside that catch the light.
Pomerat

Also known as the Pomerat Terrier, this hybrid dog was developed by crossing the feisty Pomeranian and the playful Rat Terrier.
‘Feline Five’ Study Reveals Cats Have Personality Types

A team of researchers from Australia conducted a study on feline behavior and managed to determine five types of personalities. Find out what they are!
Pet Insurance: Why I Think It’s Worth It, No Matter The Cost

Pet insurance costs may be rising, but people are still buying! As I settled in to write this article, my dog Maria, settled in with me. She reached her head…
Can I Put Vaseline on My Dog?

Does your dog have dry or irritated skin? You may be wondering, can I put Vaseline on my dog? Read on to learn if it''s safe for your pooch.
How To Train A Puppy To Sit

""Sit"" is often one of the first commands that owners teach their new puppy and is easy to learn. Let''s go over the steps on how to train a puppy to sit.
Dog Parent Alert: Is Doggie Daycare A Scam?

Before shelling out your money, make sure that doggie daycare is worth the expense Pet spas and doggie daycares are popping up all over the country as an alt…
Carkie

The Carkie is a designer dog breed developed by crossing a Cairn Terrier with a Yorkshire Terrier. This mix has a lot of spunk, spirit and a huge heart.