I’ve only had one cat, and that was when I was about 8 years old. He was a black cat named Spooky, which was fitting because he used to hide under the bed and attack my feet when I would walk by. This scared the compost right out of me.

I’ve never really been a cat person, but cats are the only other animal after a dog that I’d want to own, so I’m considering not only how I could own a green dog, but also how I could own a green cat.

Creating a garden with cat-friendly herbs and plants for your feline friend is a safe way for him to spend time outside. Photo By OiMax/Courtesy Flickr

-Just as with dogs, adopting a cat from your local shelter or Humane Society is one of the greenest things you can do. This way, you can help decrease the growing number of unwanted pets while finding a new best friend. Spaying or neutering your cat is another important step in green pet ownership. This will help cut down on potentially unwanted kittens, thus preventing them from filling up the shelters.

-Use green products as often as you can, which includes what kind of litter you buy. Yesterday’s News is made from recycled newspaper and is not toxic if ingested. World’s Best Cat Litter is another option that is made from all-natural whole-kernel corn, which absorbs odors without the need for extra chemicals. Feline Pine is another all-natural litter that I hear is really good. Their website even offers tips on how to transition your cat to a new litter. Regardless of which litter is your match, do not dump the entire box every time you scoop. Don’t leave the litter in there forever, but dumping the entire box instead of scooping is extremely wasteful, no matter how eco-friendly the litter itself is.

-Instead of buying expensive and potentially harmful toys, amuse your cat with safe items from around your house. Simply tie some fabric strips to the end of a stick with a long string and watch the hilarity ensue. Cats love to play, and they don’t care how much a toy costs as long as it’s fun to bat around. You can also plant a garden for your cat to play in, and fill it with cat-safe herbs and flowers. Catnip (or cat mint) is a favorite, and planting wheatgrass can give your friend something healthy to chew on outside. Just make sure to designate a spot for your cat to relieve himself. While this is a great idea, some plants are not safe for cats to ingest. The ASPCA provides lists of toxic and nontoxic.

-Treats are a great way to show your love, and making them at home can ensure you’re only feeding your feline friend the best. Here are some recipes I found that I might want to try.

I haven’t found nearly as many helpful sites about raising a green cat as I found about raising a green dog, but they’re out there. I hope these tips, along with the first installation about dogs, has helped you focus on the simple things each pet owner can do in order to keep your furry friend—and the planet—healthy and happy.

All I can think about lately is the day I’ll finally have a dog again. I grew up with dogs (often more than one at a time) constantly around me until about 8^th grade, so I have been living with an ever-growing a dog-shaped hole in my life, and once I graduate that dream will finally be realized. However, I understand that there is a lot to consider with this kind of choice, and having worked at Natural Home now for a while, I have even more to consider than just which breed and names I like.

You don't have to dye your dog green to have a green dog. Follow these tips to get started on greening your dog ownership. Photo by  Beau B /Courtesy of Flickr

While my boyfriend and I may bicker about the fine points, what we both agree on is that we will be as green in our pet ownership as possible. Even though we won’t have to make any big decisions for a few months still, we’ve already come up with some guidelines to follow:

-First and foremost, we want to adopt a “recycled” dog if at all possible. Adopting from a local shelter or Humane Society is important because those animals need homes, and there is limited space for all of them. I’ve volunteered at the Lawrence Humane Society, and I can attest that the people who work there take good care of the animals there, and they only want what’s best for them. Going to a shelter can feel overwhelming and tiresome, especially if there is a particular breed you are searching for, but at least consider checking out your local shelter before you contact a breeder.

-The next important step to green pet ownership is spaying or neutering. We both know this is important because it prevents unwanted puppies, and thus more animals in shelters. We don’t want to add to the problem of animal overpopulation—we want to be part of the solution.

-I’ve been really interested in making my own green products lately, and I plan on continuing that into the future. I’ve found some great dog treat recipes lately, like this one for homemade frosty paws, and I want to try them all out. This way, I can be sure that only the best ingredients go into our pup’s treats. Another way I can be sure this is to feed it organic food.

-Making toys is another venture that can save you money and can ensure that your dog isn’t coming in contact with dangerous substances. One or two knots + a cotton towel or wool sock = hours of fun for your best friend.

Enough sites exist with information about owning a green pet to make your head spin, and it can be overwhelming sifting through everything. I’ve found the Raise a Green Dog blog extremely helpful and entertaining. It features products and tips that I never would have thought about (like using dog- and eco-friendly melting salt to help keep your pet and your rivers healthy and chemical-free), plus an engaging blog to help you through the green transition.