DIY Cat Litter

DIY - Recycled Cat Litter

Most of us already take measures to improve our environment, but how many of us take the time to reduce the imprint our four-legged friends are leaving behind on Earth? One easy way to make a difference is to use a litter that is safe for the environment. Clumping cat litters are the most popular because they are cheap and have cute commercials (usually a sign of a bad product). However, clumping litters are made from a natural chemical called sodium bentonite that is not biodegradable meaning cat litter is dumped in a landfill and left forever. 

Non-biodegradable cat liters are toxic to the Earth, animals, and humans. To prevent odors and increase absorbency they are coated with harmful chemicals. When touched, pieces of clay litter turn to dust particles, which can cause respiratory and urinary track infections as well as trigger allergies and asthma in both cats and humans. In the past, I used this type of cat litter and the dust would get stuck in my throat. It was unpleasant for me to clean their box and for my cats every time they used the bathroom. Also, cat liter is designed to clump and harden for easy cleanup. Once ingested the same hardening process will cause a blockage inside your cat’s gastrointestinal tract. Think your cat does not ingest the cat litter? When cats clean themselves they are swallowing their fur and whatever is on it, hence cat hairballs. Also if the clay litter hardens on the cat's paw your cat will bite and lick it away, swallowing a hard piece of clay. Most cat litters state not to flush used cat liter for this same reason. 

A simple fix is to use litter that is safe for the environment and our pets such as Plant Petco’s Paper Cat Litter or Purinia’s Yesterday’s News. We can reduce the four-legged imprint even more by making our own cat litter with recycled newspaper. 

This DIY is not just for cat liter. It is also great for small animal bedding, birdcages, soft bedding for feral cats, paper for gift bags, and packaging.  

You will need:

Free local newspaper and paper shredder

Optional: storage bin or bag

Step 1: Separate the newspaper into two piles - newspaper articles and glossy paper (usually advertisements and coupons). We will be working only with the articles because it absorbs more than the glossy paper. This will not work with printer paper. 

Step 2: Separate each article section into individual sheets, fold in half, and tear into strips. Tear the strips following the grain of the paper.  The grain will vary pending the style of the paper but it is usually from top to bottom.

Step 3: Feed strips into shredder                                    

Step 4: Optional: Store in a bucket, bag, or box 

How to use:
I use a mixture of 50/50 store bought cat litter and paper shreds. The amount to use will vary pending the likes of your cat.  My cat took to the paper shreds right away, but if your cat is picky, I suggest adding some shreds to the litter slowly, especially if you plan on replacing all the litter with paper shreds.

Step 1: Add regular cat litter, just enough to cover the bottom.
Step 2: Add the paper shreds on top to cover the store bought litter.
Step 3: Generously sprinkle baking soda over the top. 

Clean Litter Box, Happy Cat Tips:

1. Clean Litter: Change your litter every 1-2 days and remove soiled litter daily. Every few weeks also wash and disinfect the litter box. Cats are clean animals, they like to keep themselves clean and even their bathroom. To disinfect naturally read my blog post on how to make your own. Do not use a harmful wash or disinfectant because cats do not like strong odors and doing so may deter them from using the litter box. Also the chemical additives found in cleaning products are harmful to their health.

2. Baking Soda: One of the amazing uses of baking soda is as an odor remover. It absorbs the odors of the litter box safe in a safe and natural way.  Sprinkle baking soda on top of the cat litter and the bottom of the litter box to catch any urine. This is highly effective to remove odor. 

3. Privacy & Location: Cats are private animals, even more so when using the litter box. Just like humans shut the bathroom door,  cats do not like using the box in front of others or out in the open. If possible use a covered litter box, or place the litter box inside of a soft dog crate. This is also a helpful if your dog likes to eat from the cat litter box and great to catch fall out litter and prevents tracking. My cat is too big for most covered litter boxes, so I use a soft dog crate to keep the litter box private and away from the dog. Do not place the litter box near an eating or sleeping area because no one likes to eat or sleep in the bathroom. If you do not cover the liter box, for privacy place the liter box in an area that does not track a lot of attention.

4. Type of Litter: Instinctually, cats like sand as litter, because of the soft texture. Hence, why some cats use potted plants as their bathroom.  If your cat is having a hard time using the litter box, try a different kind of litter. The pet store sells a variety of textured litters safe for the environment. Alternatively, the paper shreds provide a softness that cats like and is fluffy to allow them to bury their business.

If you have any tips for a happy cat please post below in the comment section. 

Marchetto

Sookie

                                                      

Twig



                                                                            MEOW. 

Homemade Applesauce

Many people buy prepackaged fruit cups and assume they contain the same nutritional benefits as a piece of fruit. However these products are made with high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and food coloring. Even fruit cups or cans found at the health store contain similar ingredients to stay fresh on the shelf.

Avoid eating prepackaged fruit products by making your own!

Applesauce is the first recipe I made with the crockpot because it was quick and easy. I was hooked on the fresh flavor and soon my natural food journey began. Without corn syrup and other additives the pure taste of real food is amazing. 

I hope you have the same experience! 

You will need:

Apples, peeler, apple slicer (or knife). 

Not pictured: Crock pot and half cup water. 

Optional: Stevia (or sugar) or cinnamon. 

Step 1: Peel the skin off the apples.

Step 2: Cut the apple into pieces and remove the stem and seeds.

Step 3: Put the sliced apples in the crock pot and add 1/2 cup of water for every 10 apples. If you like your applesauce a bit less chunky add 3/4 cup. 

Optional: Add cinnamon and/or sugar to your taste. 

Step 4: Set crock pot to cook for 5 hours on low.

Once in the crock pot your house will smell wonderful like warm apples! 

Step 5: Use a fork to mash apple pieces. 

Step 6: Scoop into a jar once cooled.

Great for snacking! You can make your own individual serving snack cups with this recipe. Just fill small reusable containers and store in the fridge. This saves money and the environment. 

Animal lovers will love this recipe too! Most dogs like apples so it is easy to hide their medicine in applesauce.  Crush their medicine and mix well with the applesauce. This trick works well with children too. You can also add applesauce to your dog’s food or serve as a snack. 

I love applesauce mixed with oatmeal and over my homemade waffles. 

Add applesauce to a fruit or vegetable smoothie or make frozen ice pops!

Applesauce freezes well so you can make a big batch and freeze extras in an airtight container. This is a good idea when apples are in season or if you need to use up apples before they spoil. 

Enjoy!

Check with your vet if it is okay to feed your dog apples and the other ingredients used before feeding them applesauce.