Kitty litter contains bacteria and other infectious agents, such as Toxoplasma gondi, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Here's how you can dispose of cat litter properly to prevent health concerns associated with infectious agents in cat feces:
Equip Yourself Properly
Have some of the following on hand before cleaning your cat litter pan:
- rubber gloves
- plastic or paper bags
- hot water and soap
- fresh litter
Remove Lumps Daily
You should remove solid waste and lumps from your cat litter daily, to reduce to risk of infection to your cat and yourself. Automatic litter pans can help you keep your cat's litter at its cleanest.
Change Litter Regularly
If you're using a clumping litter, you only need to change the whole litter pan once a month. With a non-clumping litter, change once a week.
Dispose of Litter Properly
Never put cat litter on a vegetable garden. Safe cat litter can be flushed down the toilet or used as mulch. If you're using cat litter as mulch, remember the risk of infection when you're working on your flowers--wear gloves and wash your hands after gardening.
If you're using clay cat litter, dispose of it in the trash right away.
Rinse and Repeat
After disposing of dirty litter in the trash or toilet as appropriate, wash your cat's litter pan thoroughly with soap and hot water. Refill with fresh litter. A litter liner can help keep lumps from sticking to the bottom of the pan, and make the whole process easier.