Fwd: We heart safe toys, not pesticides

July 24, 2008

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This next song's about catnip

Cleo gives this feline keyboardist two paws up for her catnip-induced stylings.

Dear fellow pet crusaders,

I have some tail-wagging news: Pets for the Environment has hired a Cat Editor in Chief! I looked no further than my couch to find her. (That's where she was napping.)

Didya guess yet? I'm talking about Cleo, my best kitty friend! Her first piece kicks off this email.

Green cat toys for a good time

Cleo logged some serious research hours last week working on her list of safe, fun cat toys. And I know because she was tearing around the house like she'd lost her mind!

My BKF Cleo!

Among the list of cat toys to avoid:

Plastic, especially painted plastic

Little bits and pieces

Ingestible fillings, like nutshells and polystyrene beads

Catnip sprays

The good stuff includes old favorites and some new ideas:

Lightweight balls that can't be eaten (best when paired with a tub)

Paper bags and paper towel rolls

Catnip-stuffed toys

Cardboard boxes

Flashlight, or, Must Kill That Spot on the Floor

Click here for Cleo's full list and tons of feline-friendly tips on getting the most out of batting, chomping, and spinning around in circles.

Another pesticide you don't need

"Triclo-huh? In my bed?" [photo by limegreenlemons]

Last week my nerdy buddies at Environmental Working Group released new research on triclosan, an antibacterial (aka pesticide) you may recognize from the label of your human's hand soap.

What's wrong with triclosan? Glad you asked.

It doesn't work any better than old-fashioned soap and water.

It's really toxic to fish and other watery wildlife when it gets washed down the drain.

It disrupts thyroid function (that is, metabolism and growth).

It's hard to avoid triclosan because it's in everything: clothing, furniture, carpeting, plastics, toothpaste, blankets--even pet bedding, shampoos, and training goods!

It's not always labeled, but you may spot it listed as "fights germs,protects against mold,odor-fighting," or "keeps food fresher, longer."

Check out EWG's handy guide for more information, and be sure to pass it along to your humans for the environment! What's guaranteed about pet food?

Ever noticed that box of phrases and numbers called a guaranteed analysis on the side of your food bag or can? Maybe not; I know I didn't before EWG and I started doing pet food research.

It's pretty simple. The American Association of Feed Control Officials tell pet food manufacturers to list guaranteed minimum amounts of protein and fat, and maximum amounts of fiber and moisture. That's so you can tell how nutritious your food is, right?

Not necessarily, because AAFCO's nutrient profiles don't guarantee the source or digestibility of ingredients. That means you could put almost anything--like shoe leather--into the food as long as a lab machine reads it as "protein." Check out my blog for all the icky details.

Be the next Betty Barker or Chef Meowardee

I want to give you guys some delicious and healthy eating ideas, not just the bad news. But I'm not so good at cooking.

I need your help! Email me your favorite homemade pet treat recipe for cats, dogs, bunnies, horses, and even snacks to share with humans. I'll post it on my blog (with credit, of course!) and maybe whip up a batch to see if it meets my stringent standard of deliciousness. (Cleo would say it's not so stringent at all.)

Sit, rollover, guest blog!

"We love your blog and have learned a lot." --Meena and Heidi

My human guest bloggers this month deserve a big ol' lick on the face for their posts this month. But maybe just reading their posts is enough?

Frankenkitty! Dealing with feline hepatic lipidosis

Jackie tells us about Xena's close call. (Don't let the title scare you--she's all better now!)

Furry friends for pets in condos

Maida knows all about how great it is to have furry friends around. That's why she's fighting for a change in condo no-pet deed restrictions.

Are you a pet or person with a story to tell? Email me and we'll talk about publishing your guest post.

Tremble, all ye stuffed animals who trespass here

Sophie and her next victim [photo by audreyjm529]

The results from my last poll are in: you guys like stuffed toys! I hope all 22% of you don't eat the filling!

Sporty dogs took up the next spot with tennis balls and rubber toys tied for second. Cleo tells me cats don't really enjoy tennis balls, so catnip got fourth place.

The rest of the list ended with rawhide, rope, plastic, feathers, frisbees, sticks, yarn (careful!), and in last place--where it probably should be--shoes and other things you shouldn't be eating. Extra points for honesty, though!

What's next for Edders and Cleo?

Hopefully it'll involve trying out some of your treat recipes (don't forget to email me yours!) and more news on pet food, products, and feline-only tips. 'Til next time!

Your furry crusader,

Eddie

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Pets for the Environment is a project of the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to using the power of information to protect health and the environment.

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www.petsfortheenvironment.org / www.ewg.org