Don't Bother Buying Cat Litter...

When you get a pet, there are some things that you need to splurge on - like food and vets.  But other things, you can save money on.  Cat litter is an example of this.  I buy my cats litter when I'm going on holiday and someone else will have to scoop their poop.  Otherwise, I make it myself.

While watching the evening news, I pull out my newspapers and junk mail of the day.  I grab my cross-shredder, which cost my about $40.  And then, I shred away. 

Some might argue that this is a waste of recycling - but in fact it's actually a great eco-friendly alternative to store bought cat litter.  Consider all the energy that goes into producing a bag of commercial cat litter.  Further, it's often packaged in unrecyclable plastic.  Newspaper and junk mail, on the other hand, is something you probably have on hand.  (I have a "no junk mail please" sign up, but I still get junk mail!)  If not, just rummage through your neighbours recycling or ask a friend to keep their newspaper for you.  If you avoid papers with coloured ink, and scoop the poop into the toilet instead of into your litter container (because it can be dangerous to compost), you can compost the paper after.  Urine, high in nitrogen, speeds up the composting process.  Paper is considered a brown material, which your compost needs.

Another benefit to shredded paper litter is that it's healthier for you and your pet.  Vets warn against using many litters because the dust can be harmful to you and your cats.  Many litters claim to be dust-free, but they're rarely completely dust free.  Paper, on the other hand, is completely dustless and harmless.

When I decided to start using newspaper for litter, I was concerned that it might smell.  However, I quickly realized that I could not stand the scent of commercial litter.  With paper litter you will smell what the cats leave in there, but if the scent is bothering you just scoop it out.  Some people recommend putting baking soda in with your paper.

So, instead of throwing your money away on commercial litters and wasting time lugging large, heavy bags home, just shred some paper and make your own at home.