Today, we can’t deny the importance of being eco-friendly and how environmentally friendly practices can have a positive impact on our planet. And, the good news is that there are several simple things that you can do at home in order to reduce your personal impact on the planet, from recycling more to using cloths instead of paper towels and cutting back on the amount of single-use plastic that you use. And, it doesn’t have to stop there. If you have a pet cat at home, there are several great eco-friendly cat products that you can get to extend your new environmentally friendly habits to your pet too. Here are some fantastic eco-friendly cat products ideas that every cat owner has to have.
Biodegradable Cat Litter:
It’s well-known among cat owners that cats prefer to do their business in a clean toilet – after all, who doesn’t? We’re sure that you wouldn’t be too happy if your bathroom was filthy, and neither is your cat. But all that cat litter that you are scooping out every day could be damaging to the environment. Investing in biodegradable cat litter made from natural materials is a great idea, as once your cat is done with it, it can continue being beneficial to the environment. Woodchip litter is a great option that is widely available. You can even use it yourself afterwards by popping it in a compost bin in the garden rather than in your regular waste.
Non-Plastic Bowls:
Plastic cat bowls might still be a cheap and popular option, but there are plenty of reasons to avoid plastic if you want to be eco-friendlier. Eating from a plastic bowl isn’t always safe for your cat – the plastic can leach into the water or food, which can be toxic to your pet. And, plastic can cause irritation to your cat’s skin around their mouth and chin, which could even lead to feline acne. Ceramic and glass bowls are a great choice for your cat. However, the most environmentally friendly options are bamboo bowls – you can even compost the bowl when you replace it. And don’t forget about the dreadful plastic litter box – replace it with an eco-friendly and durable stainless steel litter box
Natural Collars:
Your cat’s collar is their ultimate fashion statement and can say a lot about them. Perhaps you like your cat to wear a collar in your favourite colour, or don’t really care as long as it’s got a section to put a name tag so that everyone knows this cat is yours. However, not all cat collars are great for the environment. If your cat is in the market for a new neck accessory, consider buying them a collar that is made from all-natural ingredients like organic cotton or hemp. Not only is this kinder to the environment, but the collar will be biodegradable if your cat loses it – and less likely to cause them any irritation.
Grooming and Bathing Products:
Some cats don’t really need a lot of grooming, while others have long or fluffy coats that need regular care and attention. If you need to bath or groom your cat a lot, it’s important that you only use shampoos and soaps that are natural and non-toxic. The good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly, toxin-free cat shampoos and bathing products out there to choose from that will make bath time that little bit easier.
Cleaning Products:
Cats tend to be naturally quite clean animals, but it’s still important to ensure that their areas of the house are kept clean and tidy. Any cleaning solutions and substances that you use to clean your cat’s bedding, litter tray, toys and other items should also be free of toxins. Cats also have quite sensitive noses, so it’s a good idea to avoid any cleaning products that are heavily perfumed.
Of course, you can’t always keep your cat away from the other areas in your home where you might have used general cleaning products, so it’s a wise idea to think about cat insurance to help cover the cost of vet bills if your cat ends up ingesting something that they shouldn’t. Hopefully, you will never have to use the policy, but it’s wise to have one for your peace of mind. Everypaw can help you choose from a range of different cat insurance cover options to make sure you have the right one for your cat and her health needs. All policies are underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance PLC.
Toys:
Plastic toys for cats are so last-century. Today, more and more cat parents are investing in eco-friendly toys for their furbabies, not only because of the positive impact on the environment but also because they tend to be safer for your cat. Felt balls, for example, can provide hours of fun when your cat bats them around or even plays fetch with you, and they are 100% plastic-free, compostable, and natural. If your cat is the type to lose interest in a certain toy after a certain amount of time, you might want to consider getting biodegradable toys that you can put in your compost bin once your cat has done with them.
Scratching Post:
Finally, a happy cat has their own scratching post – and as a cat parent, this is probably an essential on your pet shopping list in order to prevent your cat from sharpening his claws on your sofa, armchairs, bed, carpet, table legs, and anything else that’s scratchable. Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, so it’s important to provide them with something that they can use to do this safely and without damaging any of your stuff. Ideally, you should provide a scratching post that allows your cat to also fully stretch out their body while they are scratching. You can get them in all kinds of different materials, but if you are concerned about making eco-friendly choices, opt for a biodegradable material such as natural wood or 100% recyclable cardboard. You can also get recyclable cardboard scratching pads to place around your house to prevent your cat from using the carpet.
If you’ve vowed to be more environmentally friendly, you’ll be glad to hear that there are plenty of eco-friendly options to choose when it comes to products for your cat.