Why You Should NEVER Flush Cat Poop (and/or Litter) Down Your Toilet

Did you know that some properties of cat poop and cat litter can cause problems with the plumbing and even pose environmental risks? Here are all the reasons why you should never flush cat poop down your toilet.

The Problem with Litter

The main function of litter is to solidify and adhere to your cat’s waste. While this makes litter excellent for collecting cat poop and urine, it’s also the exact property that makes it a nightmare when flushed down the toilet.

Cat litter can and will clog pipes. There is non-clumping litter, but it’s still quite heavy and can build up in pipes. This is true even of supposed “flushable litter.”

The problems only compound when the litter is already clumped into cat waste. Toilet paper is among the more flushable things, and even too much of that will clog a toilet.

Imagine what clumped litter will do to your plumbing!

The Problem with Cat Poop

Sewers and septic systems are designed with human waste in mind. The microbes that help break down human waste don’t work on cat waste. Additionally, cat poop plays host to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

When flushed, this parasite can enter the environment in places it was never meant to, posing a risk to pregnant women, their unborn children, and other people with compromised immune systems. While it might not seem possible, flushing cat poop can indeed introduce this parasite to the public water supply.

These reasons are why, even if you’ve trained your cat to go on the toilet and flush, which is possible, it’s still not a good idea. Also, pregnant women and the immunocompromised shouldn’t change litter, either.

How to Handle Litter

The best way to handle litter is to simply put it in a plastic bag and place it in the trash. Avoiding environmental risks and possible plumbing damage is worth the extra effort.

You can also invest in devices that seal away your cat’s waste in a separate compartment, so you don’t have to change the litter nearly as often. They’re also safer for pet owners because they limit the possibility of Toxoplasma gondii exposure.

Disposing of litter the old-fashioned way will ensure you won’t have to worry about any issues that flushing the waste can potentially cause.

Take Care of Clogged Pipes with Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

The reasons you should never flush cat poop down your toilet are numerous, but sometimes the inevitable happens despite your best efforts.

Stephens Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to help if you’re experiencing litter-blocked plumbing. Whether you need us in an emergency or want to schedule regular maintenance, we’re here for you.

Contact us today for a free estimate.