Though paper cat litter is often advertised as flushable, it’s not recommended to do so. Flushing cat litter can clog or damage pipes and septic systems. Flushed cat waste can spread harmful pathogens, like the harmful parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Soiled cat litter should only be disposed of by bagging and trashing or by composting.
Table of Contents
Flushing cat waste can spread Toxoplasma gondii
Cat poop can sometimes contain Toxoplasma gondii, the infectious parasite that causes the disease Toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasmosis poses a risk to expecting mothers, those with weakened immune systems, and some wildlife.
Unfortunately, many wastewater treatment plants aren’t equipped to eliminate T.gondii.
When contaminated cat waste is flushed, the parasite may find its way to local waterways, where it can infect and harm sea life.
Because of the risks associated with T.gondii, paper cat litter should be disposed of carefully and responsibly.
Bagging and sending to the landfill is the standard option that a majority of cat parents will choose (ideally plastic-free using biodegradable, plant-based bags). Composting additive-free, plant-based litters is a more eco-friendly choice for those with the time, land, and knowledge of how to safely compost pet waste.
Regardless of the type of litter and the manufacturer’s recommendations, soiled cat litter should never be flushed.
Flushing paper cat litter can cause plumbing issues
Despite what some brands recommend, flushing paper cat litter can lead to clogged pipes and costly repairs.
The only things that are safe to flush down the toilet are pee, poop (human only!), and toilet paper. Flushing anything else can block the pipes in your home, your septic system, or your town’s sewer system.
Unlike wood pellets, paper litters don’t dissolve. This includes all types of paper litter — paper pellets, granular paper litters, recycled paper litter, and even DIY shredded newspaper litter.
In fact, paper litters do quite the opposite of dissolve. They actively absorb moisture and swell.
While the ability to absorb moisture while retaining structure makes paper litters great at controlling urine, it also makes them great at backing up pipes.
If you live in an older home with older pipes, you’re even more at risk of causing costly damage by flushing litter.
Learn to properly dispose of your paper cat litter.
Don’t flush cat litter.
Related questions
Can you flush Yesterday’s News cat litter?
Yesterday’s News cat litter is not flushable. According to the directions on the packaging, you should not “flush cat litter in toilets or dispose of it outdoors in gutters or storm drains” to avoid environmental contamination.
Is ökocat paper litter flushable?
Though ökocat advocates for flushing, it’s not recommended to do so. Flushing cat litter can spread harmful parasites, like Toxoplasma gondii, and may clog or damage pipes and septic systems. Soiled cat litter should only be bagged and thrown in the trash or composted.
Is Exquisicat paper litter flushable?
Exquisicat’s paper cat litter is not flushable. Though not specifically stated on the packaging, the online directions for use state that you should “not flush cat litter in toilets or dispose of it outdoors in gutters or storm drains.”
Can you flush Fresh News cat litter?
Fresh News litter can’t be flushed. According to the directions on the packaging, “do not flush in toilets or dispose of in gutters or storm drains”. Because Fresh News paper litter contains baking soda, it cannot be composted either. It should be bagged and thrown in the trash.
Summary
Paper cat litter should never be flushed down the toilet. Flushed cat waste can spread harmful pathogens, like Toxoplasma gondii. Not to mention that paper litter can clog pipes in your home, your septic tank, or your town’s sewer system.
Don’t flush paper cat litter. It should be bagged and sent to the landfill or carefully composted.
Sources
- https://www.portland.gov/bes/safe-flush
- https://www.cawd.org/did-you-know-flushed-kitty-litter-harms-sea-otters
- https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html
About Matthew Alexander
Matthew lives in Maryland with his two cats, Puff and Pancho. He’s been caring for and fostering cats with various special needs for more than fifteen years. He hopes to pass some of the insight and knowledge that he’s gained on to the readers of Pawmore.
