Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 2, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Today is Earth Day, and it’s a good day to remember what going green means: making conscious choices every day about protecting our environment. Recycling, buying organic, and using eco-friendly products are only some of the everyday choices that contribute to a healthier 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.
Feed natural and organic food
Natural and organic pet foods use meats that are raised in sustainable, humane ways without added drugs or hormones, minimally processed, and preserved with natural substances, such as vitamins C and E. 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.
Use natural cleaning products
Many household cleaners contain contain hazardous ingredients such as organic solvents and petroleum based chemicals which can release volatile organic compounds into your indoor air. Some ingredients in household cleaners are known to cause cancer in animals and are suspected human carcinogens. Inappropriate use, storage and disposal of these hazardous household substances may impact your personal health and the health of our environment. Lysol, Pine-sol and other products containing phenols are deadly to cats as they can cause serious liver damage. Chlorox bleach, especially when concentrated, can cause chemical burns when it comes in contact with sensitive cat paws. Use pet-friendly products instead.
Use chemical free pest and parasite control methods
Many of the flea and tick treatments available today contain toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to pets and to people. Even when these products are used according to the manufacturer’s directions, these chemicals are not safe for pets or humans. There are natural and safe options to control parasites.
Don’t wear shoes inside your house
Have you ever gone for a walk in your neighborhood, and every yard you passed just had chemical fertilizer applied? That same fertilizer will stick to the bottom of your shoes, and can present a danger to your cats. They will absorb these chemicals when they lick their paws. It’s better to take shoes off right inside your front door, rather than spreading those chemicals all through your house.
Use eco-friendly cat litter
If your cat will accept one of the alternatives to clay litter such as corn, wheat or pine-based litters, make the switch. Clay is strip-mined, which is bad for the planet, and clay litter contains silica, which is a known carcinogenic. However, don’t make the switch at the expense of your cat’s litter box habits. Some cats will simply refuse to use the new litters, and no amount of going green is worth risking having your cat avoid the litter box.
Recycle
Do you have a lot of old cat toys your cats never play with anymore? What about beds, or litter boxes, or even old towels? Your local shelter or private rescue group will appreciate the donation. Be sure to call first to see what they need.
Happy Earth Day! What are you doing to help the planet?
I leave you with this video from Big Cat Rescue, on how lions, tigers and leopards recycle!
Conscious Cat Sunday will return next week.
Photo Credit: istockphoto
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
That is some mighty good information. We do use as many natural things to kill the fleas. We have used diatomaceous a lot and it does work very nicely. We have used it some in t he house too. We are all for taking care of our Earth. Have a great day.
very cool! Mommy hadn’t thought about the shoes! But we do use eco-friendly and bidegradable cat litter (we shudder about the clay stuff – Mommy knew it has been linked to cancer, so she stays well away from it!).
The shoe thing is one of my pet peeves – I really wish people would stop using chemical fertilizers.
Happy Earth Day! There are so many simple things as you mention to make life better for our cats and our planet. Re: your links to safer options for parasites concerns me. I’d love to see an updated list from Green Paws. The use of some essential oils (when used correctly) are far less toxic than many chemical counterparts. The Lavender website is down. I recall seeing misleading information there a couple years ago.
I’m not comfortable recommending essential oils for cats, Layla. There are too many unanswered questions for me about their safety when it comes to cats’ unique metabolism.
Wonderful tips on being GREEN! Katie and all her friends thank you : )
Happy Earth Day from Katie & Glogirly xo
Thanks, Katie and Glogirly!
FANTASTIC!! SUPERB!!!!!! Thank you for the most important info and for the video as well!
I’m glad you liked the post, Caren!
Good information, thank you, my cats thank you 🙂
My pleasure, Jonathan!