If you’ve been thinking of trying Feline Pine Clumping Cat Litter, here’s a review of the litter as well as instructions on how to get a box for free.

In June of this year, Feline Pine launched a new and improved clumping formula. They’ve been actively promoting the new product and even sent a comp box for us to try at the Green Little Cat household. Since Furball was already using Feline Pine’s pellet cat litter, we took them up on the offer as I’m always on the prowl for the ultimate eco-friendly cat litter.

Overall, I’d give it an 8/10 for an eco-friendly litter and here are the pros and cons for my review.

Pros

• It’s much better than most natural cat litters in terms of odor control.
• My cat is finally burying his poop. Furball seems to be really enjoying the texture.
• Feline Pine Clumping Cat Litter seems to last forever. The crumbly texture easily passes through the scoop so that I don’t toss out new litter when cleaning the box.

Cons

• With regards to the clumping factor, I’d give it a 6/10. The litter sticks together like tempura batter to fish. Pee makes it come together, but it doesn’t hold tightly. A slight shake of the scoop causes the clump to break up.
• It’s a bit pricey, but it seems to last a really long time.
• The pellet version of Feline Pine does a better job of odor control.

How to Get Feline Pine Clumping Cat Litter for Free

Visit their website for a rebate form. It’s good for any purchase of the 9 lb or 14 lb box (up to $14.99 value) from December 15, 2011 until December 31, 2012. To claim your rebate on Feline Pine Clumping Cat Litter, you do need to get the form and have it in the mail by January 15, 2013.

If you’ve ever wanted to banish litter forever, then you’ll be interested in 5 tips on how to toilet train your cat. Potty training your cat can not only save you hundreds of dollars a year, it can also divert a ton (as in 2,000 pounds) of litter from ending up in landfill sites. If your cat uses even just 100 pounds of litter a year, over the course of 20 years, that is literally a TON of litter.

I attempted to toilet train my cat a few years ago, but unfortunately had to abandon my attempts prematurely. As a result, it’s always felt like unfinished business to me. Recently, I got the chance to uncover the folly of my ways when I wrote an article for Catster.com on how to toilet train your cat.

I was originally using the CitiKitty cat toilet training system. Through some serendipitous circumstances, Rebecca Rescate, the inventor and founder of CitiKitty, sent me an email, offering me a CitiKitty to review on my blog. It just so happened that I was talking with my husband only a week earlier about whether we should try potty training our cat. When I got the email from Rebecca, I took it as a sign that I should go full steam ahead and try to train my cat to use the toilet.

I didn’t realize I was being overly ambitious. At the time, I was also looking after a new baby and was so sleep deprived and overwhelmed that I really didn’t have the time or energy to do the training properly. Poor Furball was subjected to my cat potty training experiment without having the full support of me, his cat mommy. At the first sign of a setback, instead of going back and patiently reinforcing the training, I called it quits.

Hey, if you had a baby crawling around on the carpet, the last thing you’d want to see on the floor is a little brown present from your cat.

Looking back, I really feel that I could have successfully toilet trained my cat if I had simply chosen a different time to do it so that I could do it properly. This was really why I decided to write the article for Catster.

I decided to go back to where it all began and contact the experts at CitiKitty when I began writing the article. Combined with observations from where I went wrong, I wrote up a simple guide with 5 tips on how to successfully potty train your cat.

I also added some details on toxoplasmosis, an infection that cats can get from the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. I live in California and it’s a major concern here because when infected cat feces is flushed down the toilet, it ends up in the oceans. It’s been having a really negative impact on the sea otter population. There’s a whole bunch of things that can put a cat at risk of contracting this parasite, but the main ones are exposure to infected raw meat/milk/rodents or infected feces and soil. Knowing the complete history of my cat, I knew he didn’t have T. gondii and was so confident in this that I even scooped the litter box when I was pregnant.

I’m not saying that I recommend this for others, but it was appropriate in my circumstances. And if you’re thinking of toilet training your cat and you live in a coastal region, it’s the responsible thing to do to educate yourself on toxoplasmosis too.

So, if you’re thinking of going green and saying sayonara to cat litter, and you’re ready to save hundreds of dollars on litter AND you want bragging rights on how smart your cat is, or at the very least, a real conversation starter, then please visit Catster to read the full article: How to Toilet Train Your Cat.

Here are five simple tips for playing with cats that will make your kitty’s playtime eco-friendly and lots of fun.

1. Channel Your Inner Cat

Let’s face the truth.   When choosing cat toys, you tend to buy the ones that appeal to you.  The toys are bright, colorful and awfully darned cute.  Don’t think this applies to you?  Well, here’s the litmus test.  Ask yourself when was the last time you sniffed a catnip toy and pontificated on its herbaceous bouquet?

Instead of choosing toys that appeal to you as a human being, think like a cat.   Your cat already gives you lots of clues on what she enjoys playing with.  Cats let you know in an instant whether a toy is a hit or a miss.

Take an inventory of the toys that your cat loves to play with and notice what characteristics they have in common.  And, do this from a cat’s perspective.  Maybe your cat’s favorite toys all make a rattling sound or are stuffed with catnip. The next time you’re looking for new toys to play with your cat, choose ones that have similar characteristics.

You’ll help save the planet by choosing toys that your cat will actually play with instead of ones that she’ll never use.  Buying fewer toys is not only greener, it’s also great for your wallet.

2. Buy Locally Made Cat Toys

Transportation emissions are a significant source of greenhouse gases.  When a cat toy is made on the other side of the world, it needs to travel a very long distance in order to arrive at your local pet store. Reduce your carbon footprint by buying toys made closer to home.

Ask your favorite retailer to carry locally made pet products.  And if you need more inspiration for playing with cats, search online for cat toys made by local businesses and craftspeople. An added bonus will be that you’ll be helping to support the local economy.

3. Examine Cat Toys for Quality and Durability

Before buying a bag of cheap mice for a few dollars, stop and consider how long these cat toys will last.  Are they the kind of toy that your cat will chew up within seconds?  Will your cat tear through it in a matter of minutes?

While quality cat toys might cost a bit more initially, you’ll end up saving money in the long run because they’ll last longer.  Check fabrics for durability and tug at attachments to see if they’ll stay attached when playing with your cat.

4. Upcycle When Playing With Cats

Your recycling bin is a delightful source of inspiration.  When playing with your cat, you don’t need to be fancy. Something that you might consider to be garbage is probably the cat’s meow to your kitty.  Get creative and turn that trash into an eco-friendly cat toy.

Scrap paper crumples nicely into paw-sized balls to chase.  Toilet paper rolls can easily be morphed into a multitude of cat toys and plastic rings on a string are cat heaven. For even more homemade cat toys, check out the eco-friendly book, Make Your Own Cat Toys: Saving the Planet One Cat Toy at a Time.

5. Go Organic

A 2008 study by the Environmental Working Group found that pets had much higher concentrations of chemicals in their bodies than humans do.  Given that cats spend a lot of time licking and gnawing on their toys, it makes sense to reduce your cat’s exposure to potentially hazardous toxins.

Choose organic cat toys made from organic fibres and filled with organic catnip.  Organic products are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides. Your cat and the planet will both benefit.

Going green when playing with your cat is easy and fun to do.  Your cat and the planet will appreciate your efforts.

What are your favorite green ideas for playing with cats?  Share them below.

Here’s a guest post from Becky, a Green Little Cat reader.  She shares three greener ideas for playing with your cat.

Cats are undoubtedly very laid back, nonchalant creatures. It takes a lot to impress them or even get their attention. Many people waste a lot of time and resources on non-recyclable, non-biodegradable toys and treats for their cats But there are healthy, organic treats and toys that will have even the most reserved cat bouncing off the walls.

Here are a few ways to mesmerize your cat the “green” way:

Catnip 

Catnip for cats is an irresistable treat for cats. Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a mint plant that drives most cats crazy. According to WebMD, one in two cats is sensitive to catnip and the high sensation will last approximately 10 minutes. Nepetalactone, the oil found in catnip, stimulates the cat and pushes her to a temporary state of insanity.

Catnip can be used for training. Sprinkling a little on your cat’s scratching post will encourage her to scratch the post and not those undesirable places such as your furniture or rugs.

You can also entice your cat to play with certain toys by dipping them in a bag of catnip prior to handing it over to her. Many cats will roll around, and aggressively lick or smell the infested area. Some may even get aggressive and be very protective of the area or item that contains the catnip.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options for organic catnip as well. Many catnip seeds are grown right here in America using sustainable techniques.

Laser Lights 

Every cat loves a good chase which is why they are so fascinated with laser lights. The moving target simulates a chase to them as they race around the house trying to capture the beam of light. Many pet stores carry laser lights specifically designed for cats. Purchasing these cat-approved toys will ensure they are both safe and appropriate for your feline friend. Most cats love laser lights, so this is one toy that you know can entertain your cat for hours on end and won’t get tossed in the reject pile.

Dangling String 

Finally, string has survived the test of time as a toy favorite for cats. Attaching something to dangle at the end brings even more pleasure. You can dangle the string and object in front of your cat for endless entertainment. Another option is hanging it from something so that your cat can entertain herself. Either way, the constant rebounding object gets your cat’s paws up and batting it back and forth.

One of the great things about string is that you can usually find it in any old random closet in the house. This is a great example of reusing old supplies in a way that’s fun for your car and good on the environment. Why contribute more plastic waste to the world by buying some contraption your cat may not even like when good, old-fashioned string is all you need?

Stocking these three irresistible toys and treats for cats in your home will result in an entertained, happy cat. Since these non-wasteful delights will have your cat moving and burning calories, you can also feel great about providing her with an organic, reusable treat option. These can be found at your local pet store or online, along with a myriad of other “green” pet supplies.

A Green Little Cat reader sent us some tips on what to do when your cat is sick.  Consider this a public service announcement to encourage you to create a plan of action for what to do if you kitty needs medical attention, which hopefully will be never.  At the very least, find the number and address for the 24-hour emergency vet nearest you.  Here’s the post:

Like humans, cats can pick up a large number of ailments and illnesses from a sprained poor to an eye infection, a lost tooth to a ripped-out claw, an upset stomach to an abscess. A lot of animal ailments are obvious and visible to the eye, but some are less obvious and can take some working out to diagnose and treat.

My kitten scared us when he was getting severe diarrhea and after 48 hours of it we had to assume it was not just something he had eaten whilst out and about but possibly something more serious, so we took him to our vets for an appointment.

The vet asked what food we were feeding him on and said it could be a case of a dietary intolerance and to try him on Royal Canin Sensitivity, which is a “highly digestable, hypoallergenic diet for kittens and cats”. It has been specially made to assist in managing any diet intolerance and hypersensitivity.

We were very fortunate that the new food helped Ackee’s stomach; we don’t know what triggered his reaction but having found a food that keeps his stomach well we decided to stick with it and not investigate the trigger any further. There is plenty of other cat food on the market to help with other dietary issues your cat might have, so it is always worth a look to see if a food could help with a particular problem.

We have found that some problems do not require medical attention so long as you keep an eye on them. For example, Ackee ripped out one of his claws and it did bleed a lot but he kept it clean and we checked it daily to ensure it was not infected, and it healed up well with a new claw coming through.

It is sometimes easy to panic and rush your cat into its cat carrier and down to the vets, but sometimes problems do resolve themselves. My rule is to think of your cat like a child and would you rush your child to the doctor if they got a cut or a bruise, or would you use common sense and keep an eye on things to see how they got on so long as any wounds were clean? And if the problem is indeed urgent, then always take to the vets ASAP.

Are you looking for US made cat toys filled with organic catnip that your cat will actually play with? Check out this review from Furball as he plays with Imperial Cat’s CAT N AROUND organic catnip filled toy bird.

With the plethora of cat toys made in China, it’s refreshing to see Imperial Cat offer a selection of high quality cat toys filled with organic catnip that are made in the USA. The good cats at Imperial Cat were kind enough to send Furball a kitty basket of toys to review along with one of their eco-friendly cardboard scratchers.

When the box arrived in the mail, Furball immediately knew something fun was inside. He started sniffing the box intently as soon as I set it down on the floor. I’m sure he could smell the freshness of the organic catnip straight through the cardboard box.

We received a selection of Imperial Cat’s CAT N AROUND toys and here’s the first review from Furball. If a picture says a thousand words, a video must say a million!

Furball loved the CAT N AROUND bird toy, stuffed with fragrant organic catnip. If you watch the video, you’ll hear him snorting (YES SNORTING) with delight. My toddler adds his commentary in the background.

I was busy spreading the green gospel again . This time, I was sharing some of my DIY eco-friendly cat toy ideas with Catster readers.

If you’ve got a toilet, a cat AND you use toilet paper, have I got cat toys for you! Learn how to make 4 simple cat toys from a toilet paper roll by checking out my article on Catster.

4 Cat Toys You Can Make from a Toilet Paper Roll

And then, check out my latest post on 5 eco-friendly tips for playing with cats.

Here’s a guest post from cat lover, Becky, who wrote a pawsome summary on greening your cat’s dining habits.

If you’re one of the many Americans trying to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about the environmental impact of the food on your plate. But have you considered the carbon footprint of the food you feed your cat? In the struggle to create a sustainable future, every little bit counts. Here’s some things to consider when you’re creating a more eco-friendly diet for your cat.

Different Species, Same Questions

All of the questions that you ask about the food you eat are good questions to ask about your cat’s food too. Does the meat come from animals raised on an organic farm? Were they treated with artificial growth hormones and antibiotics? Did their diet include healthy wild grasses or large amounts of highly processed grains?

You also want to consider how local the food you feed your cat is. Even meat from an ethical organic farm can have a large ecological footprint if it has been shipped across the country. There’s also the issue of containers. Does the food come in a can made from recycled metal? Is there an excess of unnecessary plastic packaging?

DIY If You Can

The most eco-friendly way to meet your cat’s food needs is to make the food yourself. That way you can have total control of the ingredients and make sure that you’re using only local, organic, ethically raised meat. You can also tailor the food in unique ways if your cat has any allergies or other special dietary needs. Making the food yourself also eliminates the need for any packaging, and will be a manageable expense whether you use cash or credit card.

Baby Steps

For many of us,making our own cat food is out of reach because we have limited time and/or money. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry. There’s still a lot you can do to reduce the waste and energy consumption associated with your cat’s food.

First, see if you can find some locally produced organic cat food. If money is a concern, check out the websites of some local pet stores and use your credit cards comparison shop. You might be surprised at the deals that are available.

Regardless of the brand you buy, be sure to recycle the metal containers. If you purchase food in bags, try to buy a larger bag next time. This can dramatically reduce the amount of packaging that ends up going to the landfill. When you go to the store to buy more cat food, pick up more than you normally do. By taking trips to the pet store less often, you’ll save both time and gas.

Chances are good that some of these ideas will fit into your budget and lifestyle. If you’re like most cat owners, part of the reason you wanted an animal companion in the first place is because you love the natural world.

Changing your cat’s diet to a more eco-friendly one will help make
sure your pet is helping the rest of the world at the same time.

Did you know June is Adopt-a-Cat Month?  When I adopted Furball over ten years ago from the local animal shelter, all I wanted was a healthy and happy kitten. On the other hand, a woman I worked with chose to go with a breeder because she wanted a specific breed of cat.

What most people don’t know is that shelters are overflowing with all types of cats, including very specialized breeds.  You don’t need to pay hundreds of dollars for a cat.  Love is right around the corner.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a cat, our friends at Adopt-a-Pet.com have shared some pawsome information about different breeds of cats that are available for adoption right now.  Here’s what they have to say about Scottish Folds, Ragdolls and Bengal cats.

About Scottish Folds
Scottish Folds are a unique breed of cats.  Their folded ears often give them an “owl-like” appearance.  Though they don’t always have folded ears, they are always referred to as Scottish Folds even when they have fully erect ears. Scottish Folds are a wonderful breed and usually become very attached to their human companions. They are soft-spoken and loyal, and rarely have qualms with any other cats or animals in a household.

Here’s a Scottish Fold available right now for adoption!

“Spencer is a Darling pure white Scottish Fold! He is quite the handsome cat with his little downturned ears and big beautiful golden eyes. He is snuggly, a tad bit shy, but one happy fella! Spencer is a senior kitty and will need a nice quiet home, but he loves kids, cats, and pretty much any human that comes his way. Let his beautiful eyes win you over today! If you don’t want to adopt Spencer, he’s also looking for a foster. “

Find a Scottish Fold Cat or Kitten Near You Now at Adopt-a-Pet.com

About Ragdoll Cats
If you like fluffy and ridiculously cuddly cats, maybe a Ragdoll is for you! This breed originated in Southern California about sixty years ago and has rapidly become one of the most popular kitties in the United States. With their characteristically soft fur and bright blue eyes, most people find Ragdolls irresistible. They are a highly intelligent cat and will often follow you around and sit in your lap at every given opportunity. Ragdolls are best as inside only cats because they have been known to get into trouble chasing cars or with unfriendly animals – they’re just too friendly to stay away!

If you’d like to adopt a Ragdoll kitty for yourself, maybe Jesse is the beautiful girl for you!

“Ragdolls are known for their tendency to go limp when picked up, and Jesse is one of those kitties. She loves people and has the personality to get along with just about anyone, but it’s best she is rehomed without any female cats or small children. Jesse’s coloring is typical of a Ragdoll – she even has white mittens to boots – and is a big, soft, fluffy kitty with white and black fur.

Find a Ragdoll Cat or Kitten Near You Now at Adopt-a-Pet.com

About Bengal Cats
Bengal kitties are quite an interesting breed. They are described as half domestic kitty, half Asian Leopard Cat, and often have beautiful and unique spots and stripes that make them look “wild”. Generally speaking, the Bengal breed does possess a predictably sweet personality as long as they are well socialized; otherwise, they can be a little hot tempered and reckless. Bengal cats can be extremely sweet, loving, and gorgeous but experienced cat owners usually know best how to have a happy Bengal family member.

For an example of a beautiful and excellent Bengal up for adoption, meet Maui!

“She’s a wonderful three year old kitty that needs a new home because her family is leaving to go somewhere that doesn’t allow kitties. Maui is fully vetted and also declawed in the front and will love you as soon as you sit down! This black spotted grey kitty is around three years old and loved to drink from the faucet the moment you turn it on! Maui loves to purr in your ear and absolutely adores all people and other kitties. “

Find a Bengal Cat or Kitten Near You Now at Adopt-a-Pet.com

We have a HOT giveaway for Green Little Cat readers! You could win $50 of premium cat products from our friends at Mr. Chewy, the online store for pet people.  Mr. Chewy delivers pet happiness by offering a huge selection of products for cats and dogs (and free shipping), while ensuring at-risk animals’ lives are improved across the planet.

Mr. Chewy carries stuff for CATS too!

MrChewy.com is driven by pet happiness and not the bottom line. You can see this in the quality products that they carry. They’ve got the who’s who of premium and organic cat food and eco-friendly cat litter.

And the best part about this contest is that YOU get to choose what you want from over 70+ brands of pet food and stuff!  Come peruse the online shelves at MrChewy.com to find a delectable treat for your kitty.

How to Enter the Giveaway

Join the cool cats at our Facebook page and simply “Like” the page and leave a comment with the following phrase, “I want to win $50 of premium cat products from MrChewy.com because”.  Be sure to finish the sentence!

• Like Us on Facebook and tell us why you want to win $50 of premium cat products from MrChewy.com

At this time, Mr. Chewy only ships to the continental U.S.  The winner will be sent a $50 off promotional code to use at MrChewy.com.  Even if you don’t live in the U.S., you can participate and

Here’s how to get more contest entries:

• On our Facebook page, there’s also a post about the contest.  Share the Mr. Chewy Contest post on your wall for 3 additional contest entries
• Share our Facebook Mr. Chewy Contest post on your FRIENDS’ walls and receive FIVE additional entries for each wall you share it on
• Tweeters: Include @GreenLittleCat and @MrChewy in a single Tweet and receive 2 additional contest entries

Winner Announcement

We’ll declare the winner on July 4th, 2012.  So, you’ve got until Midnight, July 3, 2012 to enter by “Liking “us on Facebook, sharing the post on Facebook or tweeting about us (@GreenLittleCat) on Twitter.