The environment-friendly movement continues to gain the spotlight, whether in the realm of energy, food or waste management. This wave of consciousness has also permeated the world of pet care, particularly in the form of biodegradable pet litter. Homemade biodegradable pet litter may not sound appealing to most people; however, it’s a viable solution that presents numerous environmental benefits. Plus, it guarantees promising health advantages for your pet while saving you money.
Why Choose Biodegradable Pet Litter
There are many reasons why pet owners are beginning to drift away from conventional clumping clay litters. First and foremost, clay-based litters are not biodegradable. They do not break down naturally over time; instead, they take up space in landfills. On the other hand, biodegradable litters made from natural materials promote less waste by breaking down organically.
Additionally, clay-based litters pose health threats to both pets and their owners due to the dust clouds they create. This dust carries silica particles, which when inhaled, can cause respiratory problems. Biodegradable litters, especially homemade ones, come without these dust clouds making them safer for you and your pet.
Creating Homemade Biodegradable Pet Litter
When making homemade pet litter, there are three popular options to consider: newspaper-based, wood-based, and grain-based.
Newspaper-based Pet Litter
One person’s waste is another person’s treasure, or in this case, cat litter. Old newspapers are an excellent material to make biodegradable cat litter. Newspapers are not just readily available, but by reusing these, you are recycling and reducing the need for new paper to be produced.
To make newspaper-based pet litter, you need to follow the following steps:
- Gather old newspapers and tear them into strips.
- Soak the strips in warm water mixed with dish soap. This process helps in removing the ink.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the newspaper strips with warm water to remove the soap and remaining ink.
- Now, mash the strips into a pulp.
- Add baking soda to the newspaper pulp for odour control and mix thoroughly.
- Knead the pulp into small balls and let them dry for a few days. Once dry, these little papier-mache pieces make a perfect biodegradable cat litter.
Wood-based Pet Litter
Wood shavings or pellets are another ideal alternative for traditional pet litter. They are biodegradable, less expensive, and readily available at pet shops or online markets.
Here’s how to prepare wood-based pet litter:
- Purchase untreated wood shavings or pellets. Avoid using treated wood, because it may contain chemicals harmful to your pets.
- Now, mix the wood shavings with baking soda. The baking soda serves as an odour neutraliser.
- Store your mixture in a cool dry place until ready to use.
Grain-based Pet Litter
You can also use certain types of grains like wheat or corn to make cat litter. These grains clump when moist, facilitating easy cleaning, and are biodegradable and cost-effective.
To make grain-based pet litter:
- Purchase whole-kernel corn or wheat from a farm supply store.
- Grind the grains (but not into flour). This step is optional. Smaller granules may be more comfortable for your pet, but the litter won’t clump as well.
- Place your ground grain in the litter box for use.
Making the Switch
Switching from traditional to biodegradable pet litter might require a transition period for your pet. To assist with this transition:
- Start by adding a small amount of biodegradable litter to the existing one.
- Gradually increase this ratio over a week or two until you replace the old litter fully.
- Ensure to clean the litter box daily to convince your pet that the new litter is acceptable.
Benefits of Biodegradable Pet Litter
A major advantage of biodegradable pet litter is its positive impact on the environment. Moreover, it can turnout healthier for pets, as they are free from synthetic chemicals and dust. Using grain or wood by-products also makes use of items that might otherwise be discarded. Some biodegradable litters also offer superior odor control, particularly those made with cedar or pine.
On a financial note, creating your biodegradable pet litter from recyclable materials you already possess is a brilliant way to cut costs.
While there’s a learning curve involved when transitioning your pet to homemade litter, the benefits – both for your pet and the environment – can be substantial. Alternative pet litters do take a bit more time and effort, but the rewards of lower costs, reduced landfill contributions, and potentially healthier homes for our pets make them worth considering.
