Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 1, 2023 by Crystal Uys
We’re all about conscious living here at The Conscious Cat, and green living is a big part of living a conscious life. Recycling, buying organic, and using eco-friendly products just makes sense – and not just for you, but also for your cats.
Here are some ways you can help the planet by going green with your cat:
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.
Feed natural foods
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. But be careful: not all foods labeled “natural” really are. Read labels, and make informed choices.
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 cat-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.
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.
Only Natural Pet offers a wide range of products ranging from natural foods to litter to flea and tick prevention. For more information, and to purchase, please visit their website.
This post is sponsored by Only Natural Pet on behalf of the BlogPaws Blogger Network, which means that I was paid to feature this content. Regardless of payment received, you will only see topics on this site that I believe are of interest to my readers. Only Natural Pet is not responsible for the content of this article.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
Thanks for the tips. We are already following many of them.
For those still using this particular cat food — a caveat when cleaning cans of Little Friskies to put in the recycle bin — it is VERY easy to cut your fingers or hands!
And in re Easter lilies which another blog mentioned. I believe that is what happened to a darling & sweet little feral kitten in our neighborhood who was about to become an indoor cat. Her humans grew lilies and she was found near one.
Oh Brenda, that is so sad about the little kitten in your neighborhood.
Sometimes people don’t take greener approach because it’s too much work or it’s expensive but they don’t know how easy it is. There are multiple affordable products that are better for the earth and for your family and pets. You just have to do a little bit of research. Thank you for sharing!
You’re right, going green may require a little bit of research, but it’s so worth it!