Cleaning the cat litter

**shortcake** · 12-27-2007, 11:32 PM

OK this is a silly question but I have to ask. Going forward I don't want to use plastic bags when shopping I will use my re-usable totes. The problem is that my DD has always used the plastic grocery bags to clean out her cat litter every day. Since we won't have these bags anymore I need to know how you guys do it? I am trying to go as green as possible this year so any suggestions that can help to be green with our cat would be appreciated.

**Marie78** · 12-27-2007, 11:38 PM

I was just wondering this! I am going to bring cloth bags to the grocery store in the new year and not bring home plastic bags anymore either. I have only ever used the grocery bags to scoop the cat litter into. I am considering laying down a sheet of newspaper and loading the scoops into the center of that and folding it up and then immediately tossing the small package into the trash can outside. I am going to try it tomorrow and I'll let you know how it works out.

**PB&J** · 12-28-2007, 12:13 AM

I use cloth bags at the grocery store, but when I do my big shopping trip (twice a month) I don't have enough cloth bags for all my stuff. So I do end up with a few plastic bags. We use those for kitty box cleanup. I also save bread bags and other misc bags that stuff comes in.

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-28-2007, 12:37 AM

[ame="http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92605"]Use for newspaper - Frugal Village Forums[/ame]

**ilovechocolate** · 12-28-2007, 07:09 AM

On another site I read how one woman puts the "waste" from the litter box into a coffee can with a lid. When it's full she empties it into a plastic bag.

So you wouldn't need many bags at all.

**shortcake** · 12-28-2007, 08:12 AM

Thanks! Great ideas!

**shortcake** · 12-28-2007, 08:58 AM

I just found this online, interesting.
http://cdn.ecosafeplastics.com/qs/pr...4/143233/0/0/1

**LizaZ** · 12-28-2007, 06:57 PM

The whole cat box thing is something I feel a bit of guilt over. Everything from the scoopable litter itself, to the plastic jugs and buckets it comes in to the plastic bags to dispose of it. But I haven't figured out anything better yet. I have discovered that my favorite brand also has a large economy size that comes in a cardboard box, but there is a big plastic bag inside.

I take my own tote bags to the health food store and get the plastic from Kroger -- mainly for the cat litter. But many of the plastic grocery bags seem to have holes in the bottom -- that is not good.

We have an elderly cat with a thyroid problem -- which causes excessive urination. So I have to scoop and clean the box frequently and her box still gets quite stinky -- believe me it is a mess. I can't imagine not having the scoopable. Her T4 level on her last blood work was just inside normal range and I thought the symptoms might get better, but the vet says they won't.

So, the shredded newspaper thing wouldn't work for me. I might check out the biodegradable bags though.

**Marie78** · 12-28-2007, 07:02 PM

I found that the newspaper square worked okay. I keep an old boot mat under the litter box to catch the loose litter. I put the square of newpaper on that and I scooped the clumps into the center of it, then I folded and rolled and took out to the trash can outside. I have two cats and one litter pan (I scoop once a day). I think the newspaper squares are going to work out well, I won't use those plastic grocery bags to scoop in anymore!!

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 12-28-2007, 08:22 PM

I would ask the neighbors fro their extra plastic bags if you don't do the newspaper thing. Most people are thrilled to get rid of their bags. When I clean the cat box (DS#1 normally does it) I use the bags the newspaper comes in. I also use these when I am out walking my dog and for poop patrol.

**bumplett** · 12-28-2007, 09:25 PM

hmmmm..... can you flush it if you use a biodegradeable litter?

just a thought??

**shortcake** · 12-28-2007, 09:39 PM

I have seen it mentioned on the box that I bought that it was flushable. I haven't tried it though. I am afraid to block the toilet? Does anyone else do it? I also wondered if wasting the extra water was better or worst than a plastic bag? I am looking into biodregradable bags, or wrapping in newspaper. I will try out different options this week.