Cat owners love their cats but they may not be too happy about the cat litter mess. They also may be concerned about the impact of cat litter on the environment. Read on for information on where cat litter comes from, as well as eco-friendly alternatives for you and your feline friend.
Types of Litter
There are several types of litter. Although some absorb odor better than others, none of them provide an ideal solution to waste. Clay litter is one of the most common types of litter but clay litter comes from strip mining which is harsh on the environment. Cat litter is notriously difficult to recycle so the common practice of dealing with litter is to scoop solid waste and flush down the toilet while disposing of the soiled litter in the garbage. That litter then ends up in landfills.
Better Litter Choices
There are alternatives that are more eco-friendly and organic such as litter made from natural sources such as sawdust, wheat or pine. Some people also use shredded newspaper. Feline Pine is a good example of an eco-friendly litter. It is made from reclaimed sawdust and it is quite effective in absorbing the ammonia odor in cat urine.
Raw Food Diet
Consider feeding your cat a raw food diet. Some veterinarians believe that it is a healthy alternative to processed commercial pet products. Pets that are fed a raw food diet produce less waste and less waste equals less litter. It is best to consult your veterinarian before making any sudden changes to your pet’s diet.
Toilet Training
One creative alternative to cat litter is to teach your cat to use the toilet. It may require some time and patience but it can be done. Start by placing the litter box next to the toilet. Leave the bathroom door open and the toilet seat up. After a couple of days, place the litter box on a stack of newspapers to lift it up higher. Allow the cat to use the litter box in this manner for a few days. Once he gets accustomed to using the litter box in its heightened position place a bowl that is large enough to fit inside the toilet bowl but not fall in over the toilet bowl. Place some litter in the bowl and remove the litter box. After the cat gets used to this new manner of elimination remove the bowl and allow him to use the toilet. Don’t despair if your cat doesn’t get the hang of it right away. It takes time.
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Buy Your Cat His Own Toilet
Another option to help reduce litter is to purchase a self-cleaning litter box such as the Cat Genie self-flushing litter box. It is designed similar to a regular toilet and uses granules that are permanent and washable. The appliance also liquefies solid waste so that it drains easily like urine. Litter boxes such as these may be costly upfront but in the long run it will save on the cost of litter and benefit the environment.