Hazards of Flushing Cat Poop Down Your Toilet - Prevent Possible Problems
Hazards of Flushing Cat Poop Down Your Toilet - Prevent Possible Problems
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Intro
As pet cat owners, it's necessary to be mindful of exactly how we throw away our feline friends' waste. While it may appear convenient to flush cat poop down the toilet, this method can have damaging repercussions for both the atmosphere and human health and wellness.
Environmental Impact
Flushing cat poop introduces hazardous pathogens and parasites into the supply of water, positioning a considerable danger to water communities. These pollutants can negatively affect aquatic life and compromise water quality.
Health Risks
In addition to ecological problems, purging feline waste can likewise position health dangers to humans. Cat feces might have Toxoplasma gondii, a bloodsucker that can trigger toxoplasmosis-- a potentially severe ailment, specifically for expectant females and people with weakened immune systems.
Alternatives to Flushing
Fortunately, there are more secure and much more accountable means to take care of feline poop. Think about the following choices:
1. Scoop and Dispose in Trash
One of the most common method of disposing of pet cat poop is to scoop it into a biodegradable bag and toss it in the garbage. Be sure to use a committed trash scoop and dispose of the waste without delay.
2. Use Biodegradable Litter
Opt for eco-friendly feline clutter made from products such as corn or wheat. These litters are eco-friendly and can be safely dealt with in the garbage.
3. Bury in the Yard
If you have a backyard, think about burying pet cat waste in a designated location away from veggie gardens and water resources. Make sure to dig deep enough to prevent contamination of groundwater.
4. Install a Pet Waste Disposal System
Invest in an animal garbage disposal system specifically designed for feline waste. These systems utilize enzymes to break down the waste, minimizing smell and environmental impact.
Conclusion
Accountable pet dog ownership prolongs past offering food and shelter-- it additionally includes proper waste management. By avoiding flushing feline poop down the commode and opting for different disposal approaches, we can lessen our environmental impact and secure human health.
Can You Flush Cat Litter Down The Toilet, Or Is That A Terrible Idea?
As a cat mom, I can definitively say there are many pros to owning a cat — like snuggles, someone to talk to who doesn't talk back, being in awe of so much furry cuteness, and did I mention snuggles? Probably the biggest con, however, is the cat litter business. Scooping it, disposing of it... the whole thing is basically the bane of cat ownership. And let's be honest; the cats are a little smug about it. While it's a necessary evil, I've considered making it a little easier on myself (and my ego) by considering flushable cat litter.
Why not subtract all the fuss and muss and just flush that stuff down the toilet like humans do? What's really so bad about it? Well, it turns out a lot. Much like wipes for humans marketed as flushable aren't actually suitable for plumbing and septic systems, "flushable" cat litter can lead to much bigger issues than having to scoop some poop.
So, this is for all my fellow cat owners wondering, Can you flush cat litter? Keep reading for all the gritty, sh*tty details.
Why You Can't Flush Cat Poop
The most important reason you can't flush cat litter isn't so much the litter (although we'll get to that later) but your cat's poop.
"Cat feces can contain a parasite called toxoplasma," Dr. Paula Simon, DVM, tells Scary Mommy. "This can cause serious health issues in immunocompromised or pregnant women. Placing cat feces in the toilet can contaminate the toilet or bathroom, leading to infections in exposed people."
Cats contract this parasite by eating infected rodents or meat containing parasitic cysts, and if you think indoor cats are free of the risk, think again. According to Simon, because mice and rats love coming indoors, they can still transmit the parasite. The scary thing about toxoplasma is that many infected cats show no signs of disease, and many healthy humans will also be symptom-free.
"Immunocompromised humans may develop enlarged lymph nodes, ocular/neurological problems, respiratory disease, and heart disease," Simon says. "Infected mothers will generally not show clinical signs, but their babies may have developmental conditions or mothers may experience abortion."
Why You Can't Flush Cat Litter
It's not only the poop you can't flush; you shouldn't flush cat litter down the toilet, either.
"I've been in the plumbing industry for more than 15 years, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that you should never flush cat litter down your toilet," Anthony Cafagna, founder and CEO of All City Plumbing, tells Scary Mommy. "As cat owners probably know, cat feces becomes very solid when it dries, so dumping your cat's litter box into the toilet and then flushing it can decimate your plumbing system and clog the pipes."
Cafagna says clay-based litters (the cheapest and most commonly used) can expand up to 15 times their original size once exposed to water, creating a severe clog in your waste pipes over time. "And while there are plenty of flushable litters that claim to be safe for your toilet, the volume of waste that goes down the toilet from emptying a tray is significantly more than your toilet and connecting pipes are designed to handle, especially if you have a water-saving toilet," he says.
"Lastly, septic tanks and water treatment systems aren't designed for cat litter, whether it's clay-based or bio-degradable/ flushable litter. Septic tanks and cat litter don't get along because septic tanks aren't equipped to break down materials like cat fecal matter and litter. Dumping your cat litter tray down the toilet will only clog up the tank and create an expensive problem for yourself down the line."
How to Dispose of Cat Litter Properly
What's the right way to dispose of cat poop and pee? According to Simon, cat litter should be disposed of in a special garbage container or placed directly in a dumpster. She recommends not putting emptied litter in the household garbage, which can lead to foul odors and spreading bacteria/parasites.
Additionally, she advises to "always wash hands after handling cat litter" and clean the cat litter daily, "not only to reduce odor but also to ensure healthy litter box habits by cats. Cats truly dislike dirty litter boxes, so cleaning infrequently can cause them to develop inappropriate urinary habits like urinating outside the litter box."
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