We love our kitties, but between the cat litter, toys and food, they’re not exactly the most eco-friendly pets. What can an eco-conscious pet owner do to reduce their environmental impact while still making sure their cats get the best life possible? In celebration of International Cat Day on 8 August, here’s our pick of eight eco-friendly products for cats.
1.

Fur-Zoff Fur Remover
Keep pet hair at bay with this simple tool made from 90% foamed recycled glass. Simply sweep it over furniture, clothing and carpets to uproot fur. According to the company who makes it, the Fur-Zoff will never need to be replaced, unlike sticky tape pet hair removers.
2.

Vegan Cork Leather Cat Collar
This cute collar is made from sustainable vegan cork “leather.” Cork is made from the bark of oak trees, which is removed, then the bark can grow back and can be re-harvested years later. In addition to being water resistant, it also has antibacterial qualities.
Available in a range of colours at Noggins and Binkles
3.

Cardboard Cat Scratcher
Help your kitty condition their claws with a cardboard scratcher made from recycled materials. This one is lifted to allow for better leverage when ripping, tearing and shredding and can be recycled if it becomes too worn.
4.

Organic Wool Felt Cat Cave
This handmade wood felt cat cave is made from 100% merino wool, soap and water and is free of chemicals and dyes. Besides its eco credentials, it has thick walls to better hold its shape and to keep your kitty warm.
5.

Hemp Cat Litter
Hemp is a weed so it can grow quickly with little water and no pesticides. It produces more pulp per acre than trees and is biodegradable. This hemp cat litter from Oley Hemp is not only 100% biodegradable, but it’s also ultra absorbent and odour-free.
6.

Recycled Toys
Your cats will love playing with this pair of pigs stuffed with recycled plastic, catnip and silver vine. Each toy is made with sustainable jute and other natural materials.
7.

Solid Cat Shampoo
This zero-waste kitten shampoo from Petty Care has a plant-based formula and is biodegradable. It’s free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, synthetic essences and is 100% cruelty-free. Even the packaging it comes in is recyclable cardboard!
8.

Organic Cat Food
Cats are carnivores by nature, meaning that they need to eat meat to survive. So while they can’t exactly go vegan, the next-best thing is to feed your cat organic cat food like this dry food from Organix, which is made from organic free-range chicken and contains no grains, corn, wheat or soy. It’s also made with a blend of superfoods, like organic flaxseed, organic cranberries and organic coconut oil to keep kitty healthy.
Now, there’s no reason not to be a responsible cat owner with these eco-friendly cat products. If you’re ready to – or already – making these sustainable switches, be sure to tag us (@8shadesofficial) in your eco-friendly cat photos on Instagram for a repost!
See also: How to… Have a Sustainable Boat Trip