When you bring a kitten or cat into your home, there are many items you will need to buy. Some items, such as a kitty bed or kitty condo, will be occasional purchases. Others, such as cat litter, will need to be bought regularly. It’s important to choose a litter that your cat will like and that you are comfortable purchasing once or twice a month. For those who care deeply about conserving nature’s resources, environmentally friendly cat litter is the best choice.
Understanding Your Cat’s Preferences
Keep in mind that your best intentions won’t mean much if your cat refuses to use the earth-friendly litter. Some cats are simply pickier than others regarding what type of litter they will accept.
Some will only use traditional clay litter, while others don’t care what type of litter is in their box; as long as it’s there, they will use it. The only way to know if your cat will accept one of the types of litter that is good for the earth is to try it.
Making the Change
When transitioning from another type of litter to environmentally friendly cat litter, it’s important to do so gradually. A sudden change can make it less likely that your cat will respond positively.
Start by mixing a small amount of the new litter with the old. Over the next several days, gradually increase the amount of new litter while decreasing the old.
Another option is to leave your cat’s current litter box filled with the old litter. Place a new box next to it with the new litter, adding just a bit of the old litter so your cat understands what this new box is for. If your cat uses the new box without issue, you can remove the old box and type of litter.
Types of Environmentally Friendly Cat Litter
Recycled Paper
One type of litter that environmentally conscious pet owners may choose is made from recycled newspaper or other types of recycled paper. The paper is shredded into material that resembles traditional litter and works similarly to clay litter.
Litter Made from Wood
Environmentally friendly cat litter made from wood comes in various forms. Some brands feature wood pressed into pellets, while others use wood shavings. Still others are ground to resemble traditional litter.
While all are fairly effective at controlling odors and absorbing moisture, some cats may be less likely to use the pellets or shavings. They may prefer litter made from wood that closely resembles the texture of traditional cat litter.
Grass Boxes
This litter alternative is relatively new. Instead of traditional litter, it offers an environmentally friendly option: a box of actual grass. The makers claim it’s like bringing the outdoors in. You simply pick up solid waste, while urine can be rinsed away manually or automatically, depending on the type of box.
You can choose real grass or synthetic grass, which can be easily replaced when necessary. While marketed primarily to dog owners, some cat owners are using these grass boxes as well.
Reusable Litter
Reusable litter is an economical choice, but there are some important considerations. Typically, it comes in the form of small balls or pellets placed in a special litter box connected to a water line. When the cat uses the box, it rinses the pellets and cleans the box, leaving it fresh for the next use.
Although this option is low maintenance, the box itself can be quite expensive, with a price tag of $250 to $300. Additionally, it can only be used where there is a water line, limiting where you can keep your cat’s setup.
Some cats may also dislike the texture of the litter and refuse to use the box. Before investing in this type of box and litter, consider how picky your cat is about his litter. Try using an inexpensive pellet or ball type litter first. If he responds well, he may be a good candidate for reusable litter.
Litter Made from Wheat
One company produces cat litter from wheat. This option absorbs odors, and because its texture closely resembles traditional litter, many cats that shy away from other alternatives may be willing to use it.
Litter Made from Corn
Similarly, corn is ground down until its texture resembles clay or clumping cat litter. This can also be a good choice for cats that are a bit particular.
As you can see, if using environmentally friendly cat litter is important to you, there are plenty of options. It might take some trial and error before you find a litter that is both earth-friendly and works well for you and your pet.
While some types of litter mentioned above are available at most pet supply stores, others may need to be ordered online. It’s wise not to stock up on any new litter until you’ve tested it to ensure its effectiveness and that your cat will use it.
Some options may cost a bit more than traditional clay and clumping litter, but many are willing to pay a little extra for the peace of mind that comes with knowing their choice is not harming the environment.
