Are you also such a fan of those cute cat videos? You just keep scroll to more once the algorithm has found you. And many a cat owner can talk about how much cosiness a cat brings to the home. But how do you actually be, or become, a sustainable cat owner? And what about that ecological pawprint? We have dived into the cat matter for you and have a lot of sustainable tips for cats and their green owners.
Sustainable tips for cats: environmental impact is not for the faint of heart
By the way, did you know that the Netherlands has more pets than inhabitants? Three million domestic cats alone can be found in the Netherlands. And all those pets need food and care, of course. But what about that huge pile of faeces that all our cosy companion animals produce? Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the climate impact of your dog or cat, for example. We dive into the world of domestic cats in this article. Sustainable cat food, the cat bar, toys and even the purchase of your new housemate, it all comes to pass. Because that cat, you can go through life quite a bit more sustainably. Let's start with the biggest hit: cat food!
Sustainable cat food
As a green cat owner, do you really want to make a difference? Then make the biggest step in choosing the right food for your cat. Pet food, like our food, is quite a burden on the planet. And since cats are true carnivores and need meat to stay healthy and strong - unlike dogs - their diet makes for a nice paw print. Small consolation: most meat in cat food consists of animal by-products, so-called offal such as organ meat and udders. The kind of meat that we humans are not too keen on, but which your cat or tomcat feasts on. In short, a vegetarian diet will not work. But what can you do? We have some sustainable tips for you:
- Choose organic cat food. Consider brands such as Yarrah, Edgard Cooper, Power of Nature or Just Russel (but organic alternatives can also be found in the supermarket).
- Dose your food as indicated on the package.
- Also for cat snacks, look for the organic alternatives. For example, take a look at PetsFish or Pawfact.
- Try to stay away from plastic packaging whenever possible.
A durable litter box
Well, that litter box is not the most charming part of your cat's outfit. The litter box is mostly made of plastic. And is then filled with cat grit and that very filling is not so good for the environment. Much cat litter is made from minerals such as bentonite, sepiolite, attapulgite, aerated concrete and silica gel. These are raw materials extracted by mining. This process has a large ecological footprint due to other deforestation and high energy consumption. Moreover, they are raw materials that run out. And yet, when it comes to litter boxes and their filling, you can certainly make greener choices:
- Opt for a good second-hand litter box.
- Choose cat litter made from renewable resources such as wood and straw.
- Scoop poop and urine out of the litter box regularly. This saves odour and saves on cat litter.
- Throw your cat litter with the residual waste and definitely not with the organic waste.
Cats and biodiversity
Birds and cats are not exactly a match made in heaven. Because your purring lap warmer is not only a cuddly animal inside, but also an effective hunter outside. After all, the cat is the most common predator in the Netherlands. And certainly not all cats outside are sweet and pouty. Because besides our tame domestic cats, there is also a large number of feral cats in the wild. Their hunting has a negative impact on the bird population. On the website of the Bird Conservancy there are several tips on how to make responsible choices for your cat and the birds in your garden. Some examples include fencing off part of your garden so that your cat can go outside and be protected. Also, when feeding the birds in your garden, make sure you have adequate protection from chasing cats.
You can't put a cat on a vegetarian diet, but you can buy their meat more sustainably, such as from organic brands. And don't forget that keeping the right portions saves a lot too!
Second-hand toys for cats
Your cat won't see the difference. And as with the litter box, cat toys can also be bought second-hand. Marketplace is full of them! Would you rather buy a new item? Take a look at the sustainable pet shop, Ecoshop for Animals or The Green Cat. And also cool: how about making your own? There are countless ideas on the internet to give your furry companion a cool homemade toy. It might be a good idea to start with one to see if your cat is interested in cat toys. An older cat, for example, is often less playful than a young kitten. What is indispensable: the scratching post! Unless your window coverings and sofa need replacing anyway. Because our cuddly friends sharpen their nails on anything and everything. Unfortunately, for lack of a better alternative, they also use our interior for that. So score that scratching post, scratching mat or scratching board! Also good to make yourself, by the way. That's another great way to reuse your cardboard.
You can buy durable cat toys new, but Vinted and Marktplaats are also full of them. Or how about a cosy DIY cat toy?
Purchasing your sustainable cat
Finally, a word about buying your cat. Where can you find such a new housemate? And what is the least stressful choice in that? Do you go for a kitten or is it better to go for an adult male or female cat? Below, we have mapped out a number of options.
The domestic cat
Of the average (HTK) kitten, the mother cat is often obvious. But whether the father is Pluisje from next door or Rambo from down the road... well... that is often difficult to find out. By the way, did you know that one litter of kittens can even come from different fathers? So if you are looking for a cat with a traceable pedigree, this kind of cat might not be the most convenient choice.
The pedigree cat
With a pedigree cat, the ancestry is clear. In fact, pedigree cats are often bred for a specific appearance and character. Think for example of breeds like Maine Coone, Siamese and Ragdoll. Important sustainable cat tip: do you have a cattery (cat breeder) found then first check whether it is well known. Because even within catteries there may be abuses. Consider, for example, overbreeding on certain external characteristics. A good example are cats with snouts that are too short. This causes eye diseases, shortness of breath and dental problems, among other things. This is therefore seriously detrimental to the cat's health. Therefore, always choose a reputable breeder.
The shelter cat
A second-hand cat is possible? Yes indeed: how about a shelter cat? Besides being super sustainable, they are also super sweet. Moreover, the staff at the shelter can give you good information on the character and care needed for the cats in the shelter. That way, you can make the best choice. Another advantage: shelter cats are usually already dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped. So besides being a more sustainable choice, it is also a cost-saving choice. Hey, a win-win and we love that.
Sustainable tips for cats: make your cat greener and more sustainable too
Got some inspiration again for the boost of your green lifestyle together with your cat? Green gains can be made from purchase to food and toys. By the way, do you also think about spaying, neutering or contraception for your male or female cat? After all, females can have up to three litters a year. And such an average litter quickly consists of about four to six kittens. Phew... yes, it goes fast. And that leaves quite an ecological footprint. So perhaps not one of the most fancy topics, but so good to think about spaying, neutering or contraception. Anyway, it is important that besides space in your home and heart, there is also space in your wallet. After all, the average cat quickly lives to be around 11 to 14 years old, but there are some that have lived to be much older. So you are making a best (financial) commitment to your new family member. Are you going to insure your cat? If so, consider the green insurers. In any case, we wish you and your cat good health, lots of fun and above all lots of love.
More sustainable tips
- Also see: Shorter showering and other handy shower tips.
- Also see: toxic fast fashion clothing.
- Also see: cleaning the dishwasher eco-friendly, roadmap.
Sources: research.ed.ac.uk, animalsreccht.nl, purina.nl, wikipedia.org, environmental centre.nl, bird protection.nl. Photo credits: main image: Cottonbro (Pexels), others: hand with food: cat in bed: Dương Nhân (Pexels), Mart Production (Pexels), cat in vista: Pizxabay (Pexels), cat toy: František Čaník (Pexels).
