Cat litter can be a significant part of the cost of owning an indoor cat. Litter made of clay, whether clumping or not, has a much higher cost to the environment. The clay that goes into cat litter is the product of strip mining. This process destroys the soil and vegetation of the area, and leaves behind land that is barren for generations. Clay cat litter also takes up space in our landfills.
Fortunately, there are alternatives. The following plant-based litters are all made from renewable resources, and are probably the most environmentally friendly options available.
World's Best Cat Litter is made from corn. This clumping litter is biodegradable as well as flushable. For those who wish to avoid using products that contain GMOs, this litter may not be the best choice, as corn is one of the most common GM crops.
Swheat Scoop is a clumping litter made from wheat. The naturally occuring enzymes in the wheat neutralize odors. Currently there are no GM varieties of wheat being grown.
Feline Pine comes in clumping and non-clumping formulas. This litter is made from the pine shavings that are a byproduct of the lumber industry. This company has a "Pine Perks" program that allows customers to collect and redeem points that they can exchange for things like donations to the ASPCA or reforestation programs.
Blue Naturally Fresh comes in clumping and non-clumping varieties, both of which are made from walnut shells.
Yesterday's News is a non-clumping litter made from recycled newspaper.
Being conscious of where your cat's litter comes from is a big step toward going green, but is just as important to think about where the litter goes after your cat is done with it. If you choose to compost your litter, make sure it is far away from your vegetable garden. Be careful about flushing the litter as well. Currently there is a problem in California with sea otters becoming infected with toxoplasmosis. This is thought to be a direct result of flushed cat feces.
