Cats make the world a better place. As cat owners, we want the best for them and our planet too. That’s why we’ve looked into the different facets of cat ownership and how we can reduce our carbon paw print. Keep reading to discover ways to treat lighter on the planet, without sacrificing convenience or your cat’s health.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet needs to be a majority meat-based. And unfortunately, the meat industry uses valuable resources and can be quite destructive to our planet. 

Meat production requires a significant amount of water and is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the land needed for livestock contributes to deforestation and subsequent biodiversity loss. Once processing, shipping, and packaging are factored in, the meat in cat food can take a hefty toll on our environment. 

When you feed your cat, you are also feeding the billions of microorganisms that live in their gut. Bacteria in your cat’s gut play many important roles in your cat’s health by breaking down food into nutrients that your cat’s cells need.

Protein and fiber are two of the most important nutrients to keep a cat’s gut flora diverse and balanced. Prebiotics and probiotic supplements are also great ways to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Click here to view our range of products to improve and maintain your cat’s optimal gut health. 

Cats need to eat meat, but you have a say in which meats they eat. Let’s take fish, for example, a crowd favorite from our pet cats. Seafood is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient for your cat’s gut flora. But fish like Atlantic, Pacific Bluefin, and Yellowfin tuna are one of the most unsustainable cat food ingredients to choose from. Tuna fishing is destructive to the entire ocean food web and comes with one of the highest bycatch rates. Instead, opt for more sustainable options like farmed salmon or sardines with a Marine Steward Council certification. Use resources, like Seafood Watch, to make informed and sustainable sources for your cat’s food (and yours too!).

We get it, cats can be picky eaters so homemade cat food may be off the table for some pet parents. But for those that want to give it a try, homemade pet food comes with many benefits for your cat’s health, the planet, and your wallet. 

Buying ingredients from organic and local sources can drastically reduce the environmental impact of your cat’s food. Furthermore, homemade pet food means less processing and fewer packaging materials that take a toll on our earth.Here are some recipes you can try out. As you peruse homemade cat food recipes, keep in mind that poultry is less environmentally-harmful than red meats and many types of fish.

Many cat toys are made from non-recyclable materials that will eventually end up in landfills. Pet owners can opt for more eco-friendly cat toys made from natural materials like wool, organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp. Don’t forget to check out your local secondhand marketplaces to see if you can score some pre-loved toys.

It is very easy to DIY pet toys by reusing what you have already too. Cats don’t need much to be entertained; cardboard boxes or some fabric scraps can offer plenty of excitement. You can also grow your own organic catnip to add to your DIY cat toys. 

It is truly amazing all of the places cat hair ends up, right? No, we’re not suggesting that you repurpose cat hair for crafting, although it has been done. Simply look for sustainable options in all of the ways you clean up your feline friend.

For example, get an energy-efficient vacuum and choose renewable power sources for your home. You can use earth-friendly soaps and detergents, which are much better for your cat’s skin too. Or, add a filter to your washing machine’s drainage to catch small fibers and drastically reduce microplastic pollution. 

Minimize your environmental impact by making sustainable choices for items your cat needs. Here are a few ways you can do that:

• Opt for pet products sold in plastic-free or recyclable packaging
• Buy and give secondhand – and save money too!
• Choose plastic-free materials like bamboo, wool, hemp, and organic cotton
• Purchase eco-friendly pet products from local companies 
• Follow zero-waste strategies, like DIY and upcycling what you have
• Find machine-washable cat products, like plush toys and pet beds

Keep in mind that animal shelters are happy to accept donations. So if your cat doesn’t like the new kibble you bought or they’ve rejected your litter choice, contact your local rescue to organize a drop-off.

It’s a controversial subject about whether or not cats should be indoors only. But statistics show that indoor cats live longer. Here are reasons why:

• They don’t get hit by cars
• They don’t get abscesses or infections from cat fights
• They don’t sick from pathogens and parasites from other animals
• They don’t get attacked by wildlife 
• They don’t get lost

Many pet parents who want their cat to reap the benefits of being outdoors without the risks build catios. Catios are outdoor enclosures that not only protect your cat from many outdoor threats, but also protect birds and other native wildlife from your cat. If you have a roaming outdoor cat, consider using a multi-color collar with a bell to protect local wildlife.