Types of Cat Litter
There are multiple existing types of cat litter. Sand was the first material to be used as cat litter. However, sand cannot cover the odor of the cat urine and feces. Clay is also used as cat litter. Clay is a highly absorbent material; however it may present health risks. Clay types that contain silica are harmful to your lungs-causing Silicosis, which is a severe disease blocking large parts of your lungs from proper functioning. In addition, the mining clay litter is not environmental friendly. Clay is not a biodegradable material and in a few years there will be a significant amount of landfills made up of cat litter.
An environmental friendly solution is the scoopable cat litter. Regular scoopable litter is made of wheat, alfalfa, oat or peanut hulls and even recycled newspaper, which are all biodegradable materials.
Health Risks of Improper Cat Waste Disposal
Regardless of which type of cat litter you use, the improper disposal of cat waste may have repercussions on your health. There are numerous parasites that may be transmitted from a cat to humans. These are called zoonotic diseases and most of them are transmitted through feces. Viruses and bacteria thrive in moist and humid conditions and cat litter is an excellent medium for these.
The most frequent diseases that humans can catch from cats are: the toxoplasmosis, psittacosis or the ringworm. The toxoplasmosis caused by a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can harm a pregnant woman-resulting in a baby with congenital deformities. Toxoplasma is also dangerous for marine life if flushed down the toilet.
The psittacosis is a respiratory infection, which is not severe but may cause complications in humans with a weak immune system.
The ringworm is a parasite that causes skin irritations in humans. It is transmitted through feces.
Proper Disposal of Cat Waste
Always wear rubber gloves when dealing with cat litter and fecal matter. Avoid direct contact with the feces and cat litter to prevent infection with parasites and viruses.
Clean and disinfect the cat litter on a daily basis to avoid the formation and spreading of viruses.
Wash your hands after handling the cat litter even if you have used gloves. Don't flush the cat litter down the toilet. Use plastic bags and deposit these in garbage bins.