HELPING KEEP NATIVE BIRDS SAFE

Hi-tech litter box solution to keeping cats inside & saving birds.

Conservationists have long grappled with a daunting challenge: protecting Aotearoa’s native bird population from threats like feral cats, which have already driven up to 11 bird species to extinction.

While there’s a stark contrast between wild cats roaming the countryside and our cherished domestic pets, conservationists advocate for stricter regulations on keeping pet cats confined at home rather than allowing them to roam freely. The goal is to keep cats indoors, and now a smart new litter box has emerged on the market, simplifying this task.

Despite 88 percent of domestic cats in the country being spayed or neutered, concerns persist that the remaining cats are contributing to the harm caused by the estimated 2.4 million stray and feral cats. The Royal Forest and Bird Society reports that around 1.1 million native birds, including vulnerable flightless species and penguins, fall prey to feral cats annually.

Sarah Ambler, PetSafe’s marketing manager for Australia and New Zealand, stresses the importance of finding solutions in New Zealand that cater to the needs of both native birds and beloved family pets. PetSafe’s latest innovation, the ScoopFree Clumping Self-Cleaning Litter Box, represents one initiative aimed at addressing this challenge by providing pet owners with technology to keep cats comfortably indoors while actively managing waste.

“As a passionate advocate for conservation and native species protection, and a devoted pet owner myself – where my pets are like family – finding this balance is crucial,” says Ambler, speaking from her home in Queensland, where local regulations mandate cats to remain within their owners’ property boundaries.

“It’s essential to sustain and protect our environment for future generations while also ensuring the safety and well-being of our pets. They can enjoy outdoor spaces within limits, ensuring they do not negatively impact the environment.”

Conservation groups such as Predator Free New Zealand Trust and the National Cat Management Strategy Group, which includes organizations like SPCA, Local Government New Zealand, and the Gareth Morgan Foundation, advocate for a national cat management act in New Zealand. This proposed legislation, similar to Australia’s approach, aims to eradicate the feral cat population nationwide by 2025, potentially leading to stricter regulations on cat ownership, including curfews.

These changes may prompt Kiwi cat owners to enhance their indoor environments with attractive outdoor enclosures or “catios,” equipped with secure play areas and climbing structures. Such initiatives align with eco-friendly principles, necessitating superior cat litter solutions like the PetSafe ScoopFree Clumping Self-Cleaning Litter Box. This new product expands on the popular ScoopFree Crystal Self-Cleaning Litter Box, accommodating various types of clumping litter without requiring a change from the cat’s preferred choice. This flexibility is crucial, as cats can be particular about their litter preferences.

The PetSafe ScoopFree Clumping Self-Cleaning Litter Box excels in odour control and offers the option of using eco-conscious clumping litter made from biodegradable natural materials such as nut shells, wood, or grains, appealing to environmentally conscious pet owners.

Here’s how it operates: after the cat uses it, the clumping litter absorbs the waste and forms clumps. The machine’s rake then automatically scoops these clumps into a sealed waste compartment, eliminating the need for manual scooping and minimizing contact with the litter.

PetSafe’s updated litter box incorporates a redesigned motor and structure compared to the original, preventing dustier litter types from affecting its mechanics.

“For all cat owners seeking a more convenient waste solution,” explains Sarah, “this is ideal. Creating a pleasant indoor environment for your cat is key to protecting wildlife, and a high-quality litter box is an essential part of that.”

The PetSafe litter box also eliminates the necessity of disposing of multiple disposable trays. With ScoopFree Clumping, the tray is integrated, allowing the option to use environmentally friendly clumping litter.