Seated Felis silvestris catus (domestic cat) playing with a passive Calotes versicolor, (oriental garden lizard), facing it, in Laos

Cats are lovely animals. Unfortunately, as pets they may have an impact on the local environment that can be problematic if not managed properly. Suggestions for caring for your cats in a way that is sustainable and considerate of the local environment are offered in this article.

Cats are one of the few animals content to reside alongside the human being in a mutually beneficial relationship. As such, any discussion of their worthiness as a pet in a particular environment must account for the long-held interrelationships between people and cats, a relationship that works for many people. The problems caused by cats do not excuse scapegoating cats in place of acknowledging the choices and actions that human beings do to diminish environmental quality and safety. Focus most on what can be done to ensure the cat is safe, happy and not causing environmental problems.

Keeping the local wildlife safe from your cats[edit | edit source]

  • Arranging a garden for bird and small native mammal safety
  • Providing cat runs (enclosing cats when outdoors) - this is required by law in some jurisdictions
  • Benefits of getting rid of rats and mice might be worth covering
  • The colourful scrunchie collars for cats in colours birds can see and be warned off by (cats don't care about fashion statements)

Caring for cats in a sustainable way[edit | edit source]

  • Feeding - cats are obligate carnivores, so vegan diets are not considered that kind to them but there are people who use taurine supplements; any discussion along these lines would need reliable referencing. Don't overfeed cats, feed right sort of food that fills them up to prevent demanding cats (does higher quality food result in less waste [poo])? Don't buy foods shipped from long distances, etc. (similar to local food movement)
  • Litter options - what eco-friendly options are there? What to do with cat poo? Can cat poo be composted in own container?
  • Training cats to use a toilet (not so inter-species hygienic but possible) - it's possible to train cats to use normal toilets, through the Litter Kwitter (the health aspects of this must be covered, the "cute factor" of this habit tends to overshadow the potential for disease/worm/pest transference between cat and human)
  • Spaying and neutering cats; all pet/companion cats can live perfectly happily without reproducing. Equally, obtain kittens/cats from animal welfare shelters, to ensure that they get a home
  • Worming, vaccinating cats regularly to prevent health hazards to themselves and to humans
  • Carbon footprint of pet ownership - this might be best as a separate article but could be referenced back to this
  • Make cat toys from recyclable items such as scrap fabrics sewn by hand into mouse shapes stuffed with homegrown catnip; if you must buy toys, choose those from companies with sustainable practices. Better yet, buy from local craftspersons who make cat toys from scraps/recycled products. Cats are happy with toilet rolls, sticks, plants, etc.
  • Know which plants are safe for cats and which are not. Could do a list here.

Providing cat-friendly garden zones[edit | edit source]

  • Growing a cat-friendly plant section of the garden to encourage cats to spend their time there (not bothering other areas or species)
  • Making safe structures for cats
  • Keeping cats enclosed makes for happier neighbours too; also lowers risk of escape into environment (which is rare if the cat is well loved and cared for though)

Building cat houses and cat runs[edit | edit source]

  • Perhaps some ideas here for keeping cats inside things and not near the wildlife
  • Cat condos/play gyms

See also[edit | edit source]

Discussion[View | Edit]

Cats[edit source]


A short history of cats Cats are members of the carnivore family who live alongside humans. For thousands of years, they have lived with humans, blending in with their communities. The typical lifespan is 15 to 20 years, while the species can survive 12 to 14 years. Short hair and long hair are the most prevalent varieties in the cat world. Two-thirds of American homes keep at least one of these breeds. According to a study conducted by the American Pet Products Association, over 70% of American families own at least one cat. Keep these tips in mind if you are looking for cat purring solutions.

It's pretty easy to keep a cat. Cats have a long life span and are pretty gentle. They're self-contained. I've also compiled a few additional methods to help keep your cat healthy. Let your cat have the following: A safe habitat, proper nutrition, and routine grooming.

Cats provide numerous health benefits. Benefits vary, but generally speaking, having a cat as a pet offers many health benefits. Cats can enable you to: Lower your stress, provide you with a sense of well-being, and; assist in alleviating feelings of loneliness.

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