Health risks from a dirty cat litter box

Cleaning out your cat's litter box may be a dirty job, but it's important that you do it. Not only does a soiled litter box look and smell unpleasant, it can pose health risks to both the human and feline members of your household. And if you or anyone in your family is pregnant or has a suppressed immune system—or if there are young children at home —the following information is especially invaluable for keeping everyone healthy.

Cat health risks - a dirty litter box

More than one companion feline in the house? If so, you should know that disease can be passed from one cat to another through the use of a common litterbox. The fatal feline leukemia virus, feline infectious perionitis and feline immunodeficiency virus are spread from cat to cat through saliva, urine and fecal matter. A cat who is suffering from intestinal parasites, such as roundworms or tapeworms, can pass the eggs of these parasites in his feces. Should another animal come in contact with the infected cat's feces, he is immediately at risk of contracting the parasites. And take note, some worms can be passed from animals to humans. Every year about 10,000 children annually, for example, are infected with roundworms.

Another parasite that can spread from cats to people is the organism that causes toxoplasmosis. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis include fever, shortness of breath and neurological problems. If a mother-to-be contracts the disease in her first trimester, it can produce cysts in the brain of the fetus. This can lead to developmental abnormalities or even miscarriage. The organism that causes toxoplasmosis is common in raw meat and gardening soil, and can also sometimes be found in cat feces.

Keep the litter box clean! Cat feces can be dangerous

How can you avoid potential problems caused by cat feces? The solution is simple—keep the litter box clean. It is recommended that you remove all solid waste twice daily, ideally after each use. Never handle feces directly. For extra protection, it's a good idea to stock up on disposable rubber gloves. Pregnant moms, the elderly and immunocompromised may want to have someone else clean the entire contents of the litter box once a day.

Bury cat health risks with the right litter box

Whether you opt for litter-pan liners or a covered litter box, clay filler or clumping litter, make sure you've selected something that's easy for you to clean. Many pet owners are now choosing to use the new self-cleaning litter boxes. Particularly useful in multi-cat households, this type of litter box features a rake that cleans away waste matter and deposits it into a sealed receptacle. Because it's programmed to begin working minutes after your cat leaves the box, the box stays virtually odor-free and the need for scooping is eliminated.