Reducing our carbon footprint and making our everyday lives greener have become important to many people in recent years. Here are 10 ways eco-conscious cat owners can reduce the ecological footprint of their pets.*

1. Kibble is a massive contributor to CO2 as industrial production. Reducing your cat’s daily kibble intake can help, plus help prevent pet obesity.

2. Beef has a carbon footprint of almost four times that of chickens. Try to stick with chicken, animal by-products, or sustainable fish as your cat’s main protein source.

3. While cats are obligate carnivores, they can process and gain nutrition from insect and plant sources in well-balanced commercial cat foods, and these alternatives may help to reduce the reliance on meat production.

4. Try and use second-hand toys or cat trees when possible, or make your own DIY cat playgrounds from reclaimed materials. Cats can use their hunting skills to chase and pounce on a homemade teaser toy or even simply have fun leaping around in a cardboard box before it goes out to be recycled.

5. Consider using cat litter made from recycled paper, corn fibers or pine shaving.

6. Fleas and ticks are a problem for all pet owners, but some of the ingredients in shampoos are potentially environmentally damaging and contain pyrethrins and organophosphates, which can be harmful to your cat. Using flea combs, non-toxic and organic shampoos with biodegradable ingredients can help with flea prevention.

7. Planting a cat-friendly garden including cat grass, catnip, valerian, cat thyme, cat mint, and rosemary will provide enrichment to your cat while also helping to clean the air. Additionally, cat mint flowers help to feed honeybees.

8. Opt for collars and leashes made from sustainable materials like hemp. You can also purchase bedding made from bamboo, and toys, bowls, and collars made from recycled plastic. Also, try using stainless steel bowls as they’ll last longer and are not as harmful to the planet as plastic.

9. Remember to keep your cats indoors. This way, they are less likely to kill birds.

10. Lastly, help reduce the pet population by getting your cats neutered or spayed. This helps reduce everything discussed above and helps to make sure fewer cats are living without loving homes.

If you want to learn more about ways to reduce your cat’s carbon footprint, ExcitedCats.com covers all this and more!

*Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet. It is also recommended that you consult a veterinarian for advice regarding cat litter choices and flea prevention.
Source: https://pressroom.journolink.com/excited-cats/release/reducing_your_cats_carbon_footprint_11275

Featured graphic and other illustrations in this post: by Barbara Bullington