Are there greener cat litter options out there for your furry friend?

After you decide to adopt a cat from a New York animal shelter, preparing your home for your furry friend's arrival will be a big undertaking. Of course, just because you're bringing a feline into your home doesn't mean that you have to throw your sense of sustainability and eco-consciousness out the window. There are ways to be a green cat parent, and one place to start is with your pet's litter box. Many of the mainstream cat litter products on the market are made with harsh chemicals, fragrances and other ingredients that could make them detrimental to the environment. Here are a few green cat litter options to consider that could help you reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Wood shavings and sawdust. According to HealthNewsDigest.com, there are a wide variety of cat litter products that use wood shavings and sawdust, which is beneficial for the environment and puts potential waste to good use. These products are typically made without clay or fragrances, and are usually far less expensive than mainstream products. Be sure to clean out the box daily and use baking soda to help cut down on the smell.

2. Wheat and corn litter. These are other great options that repurpose wheat and corn kernels that would otherwise be disposed of and turn them into reliable cat litter for your furry friend. The natural enzymes from wheat crops also make for an effective natural deodorant. Additionally, corn and vegetable derivatives are wonderful eco-friendly options that could dramatically reduce the amount of waste your home produces.

3. Discarded newspaper. If you really want to go for the gusto in your green movement, discarded newspapers could be another earth-friendly option that can help out your bottom line. While the process of cutting newspapers into small strips that can form enough of a padding for your cat's business may be time-consuming, you'll be removing many pounds of trash from the waste stream and finding the most cost-effective method possible.

Thankfully, there are plenty of natural options out there for pet parents who want to take the extra steps to improve the environment and reduce their carbon footprints. If you have questions about sustainable cat litter, consider visiting a Bideawee Animal Hospital for additional tips on how to be a better pet parent and green homeowner.