Mark Terry
Cat litter is marketed as an easy and convenient way to manage cat waste, but is it harmful to humans? Cat litter is made from a variety of materials, including clay, silica gel, recycled newspaper, and sawdust, and is designed to absorb moisture and odours. While it is generally safe, there are some potential health risks associated with its use, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Inhaling cat litter dust may cause respiratory issues, and contact with used litter can lead to bacterial infections such as cat-scratch disease and salmonella. Additionally, the parasite T. Gondii, which is found in cat faeces, can cause toxoplasmosis, a serious condition that can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is cat litter toxic to humans? | Ingesting clean, unused litter is minimally toxic. Used litter is non-toxic in small amounts. |
| What happens if a human ingests cat litter? | Minor stomach upset and vomiting. May also cause choking or minor constipation. |
| What should you do if a human ingests cat litter? | Wipe or rinse out the mouth. Give water to drink. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further instructions. |
| Can cat litter cause eye injury? | Yes, if cat litter gets into the eyes, it can cause an immediate sensation of something being in the eye. Rinse eyes with lukewarm water and call the Missouri Poison Center for further recommendations. |
| What are the risks of a dirty litter box? | Can make humans sick with illnesses such as Cat Scratch Fever, Salmonellosis, Overexposure to Ammonia, Roundworms, and Toxoplasmosis. |
| What are the symptoms of illnesses caused by a dirty litter box? | Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting, headaches, asthma attacks, pneumonia, coughing, weight loss, nausea, etc. |
| What are the risks of a dirty litter box for pregnant women? | Toxoplasmosis can cause allergic reactions, flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, miscarriage, or stillbirth. |
What You'll Learn
Ingesting cat litter
If someone ingests cat litter, it is recommended to wipe or rinse their mouth with a soft, wet cloth to remove any remaining granules. Give them water to drink and ensure they do not ingest a significant amount of litter. If problems arise, contact a poison control centre or a medical professional for further advice and guidance.
Used cat litter poses a higher risk and can cause more distress. While ingesting small amounts of urine and faeces is generally considered non-toxic, it can lead to more severe symptoms in larger quantities. This is due to the presence of bacteria and parasites in used litter. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite T. Gondii, can be transmitted to humans through contact with cat faeces. This parasite is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Additionally, roundworms can be transmitted through cat faeces, causing diarrhoea, coughing, weight loss, and nausea in humans.
To minimise the risk of ingesting cat litter, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices. Regularly scoop, clean, and change the litter box, disposing of used litter in a sealed plastic bag. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling cat litter or cleaning the litter box. It is also advisable to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning, especially for pregnant women, to reduce the risk of inhaling litter dust or coming into direct contact with cat faeces.
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Inhaling cat litter dust
Sodium bentonite acts like an expanding cement when it comes into contact with litter, making it easy to scoop up cat urine. However, this same property means that when ingested, it can cause intestine blockages in both humans and cats. In addition, the dust from sodium bentonite litters can coat cats' lungs, leading to respiratory problems. The Hennepin Center for Poison Control in Minnesota has reported instances of poisoning in humans from chronic ingestion of sodium bentonite.
Crystalline silica dust, another common ingredient in clumping litters, is a known lung carcinogen to humans and cats. When inhaled regularly, even in small amounts, it can lead to fatal lung conditions that affect the lungs' ability to expand properly. This dust is classified as a human carcinogen and can cause silicosis, a lung disease that can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and even death.
The potential dangers of inhaling cat litter dust highlight the importance of choosing a natural or dust-free litter option. These alternatives are healthier for both cat owners and their feline companions, minimising irritation and allergies for owners and reducing the risk of respiratory problems for cats.
To minimise the inhalation of cat litter dust, it is recommended to use a dust-free or natural litter made from materials such as wood, corn, or paper. Additionally, maintaining good litter box hygiene is essential. This includes wearing gloves and a mask when handling litter, washing hands thoroughly afterward, keeping the litter box covered and away from children, and changing the litter regularly.
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Cat-scratch disease
CSD is transmitted to humans when an infected cat licks an open wound or bites or scratches hard enough to break the skin. The disease causes redness and swelling at the site of a cat scratch or bite and flu-like symptoms, including headache, decreased appetite, fatigue, joint pain, or fever. It can also lead to swollen lymph nodes, particularly in those under the arm or in the groin. In rare cases, it can cause infections of the eye, liver, spleen, brain, bones, or heart valves.
Most cases of CSD occur in children under the age of 15, and it is more common in the southeastern United States. Stray cats are more likely to be infected than pets. To prevent CSD, it is important to avoid cat scratches, bites, and licks, especially from kittens or stray cats. Wash hands promptly after handling cats, and keep cats indoors and away from stray cats.
While CSD can cause serious complications in people with weakened immune systems, most healthy individuals do not experience any issues. Treatment for CSD is typically not necessary, and the infection usually clears on its own. However, in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection and manage symptoms.
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Toxoplasmosis
The likelihood of humans contracting toxoplasmosis from cat litter is relatively low. It requires contact with contaminated faeces in the litter box, followed by touching the mouth or transmitting the contaminated matter to the digestive system without washing hands. However, it's important for pregnant women to take precautions as toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to their unborn baby, potentially leading to miscarriage or congenital disabilities.
To reduce the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis, it is recommended to clean cat litter boxes daily and wash hands thoroughly afterward. Additionally, keeping cats indoors and feeding them commercially prepared, cooked food can help prevent infection. It is also advised to avoid undercooked meat, wash all fruits and vegetables, and wear gloves while gardening or handling soil.
While toxoplasmosis is a serious concern for pregnant women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that people are more likely to contract it from consuming raw or undercooked meat or gardening than from their pet cats.
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Ammonia inhalation
Cat litter itself is not toxic to humans, but it can become dangerous if it is not regularly cleaned. Cat litter that is not cleaned often enough can contain a buildup of urine and faeces, resulting in dangerous ammonia fumes. Ammonia is a toxic gas that can cause serious breathing issues and other problems.
Children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are at an increased risk of suffering from the effects of ammonia inhalation. If you have a weak immune system, it is important to be especially vigilant about regularly cleaning the litter box.
To reduce your exposure to ammonia fumes, it is recommended to use a litter made from wheat or corn, as these do not contain sodium bentonite, which can throw up more dust. When disposing of used litter, slip the litter box into a large plastic bag before upending it, and always avert your head or wear a mask when filling the litter box with new litter.
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Frequently asked questions
Ingesting clean, unused cat litter is only minimally toxic. However, it can be a choking hazard for young children and may cause minor constipation. Used cat litter is more distressing for parents, but ingesting small amounts of urine and feces is generally considered non-toxic.
Wipe or rinse out their mouth with a soft, wet cloth. Go between the cheeks and gums to find and remove any granules in the mouth, and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call your local poison center.
A dirty litter box can make people sick. It can lead to bacterial infections such as Cat-Scratch Disease or Salmonella, which can be transmitted from cats to humans. Overexposure to ammonia from cat urine can cause headaches, asthma attacks, and serious respiratory diseases. Roundworms, which live in cat feces, can also be transmitted to humans, causing diarrhea, coughing, weight loss, and nausea.
Toxoplasmosis is a serious risk for pregnant women. Cats can harbor the Toxoplasma gondii parasite and excrete it in their feces. If a pregnant woman touches the feces, she could get infected, potentially leading to miscarriage or stillbirth.
A dirty litter box can also make your cat sick. It can cause kidney, bladder, and urinary tract diseases. Bacteria can travel up the urethra when a cat squats over a pile of feces, causing infections. Additionally, cats may refuse to use a dirty litter box and may start relieving themselves elsewhere in the house.
