You Love Your Cat, but Your Plumbing Doesn't.
Updated: May 5
66% of American households love their cats, and while it may seem convenient to flush cat poop down the toilet, it is actually a terrible idea.
Cat feces can cause significant damage to your plumbing system and harm the environment in several ways. In this blog post, we'll explore why flushing cat poop down the toilet isn't a great shortcut.
Cat poop can clog your pipes
This is because cat litter is designed to clump and absorb moisture. When this litter mixes with feces, it can create a thick, heavy mass that is difficult for your pipes to handle. Over time, this can cause blockages, resulting in slow drains or even a complete backup.
Cat poop can damage your septic system
If you have a septic system, flushing cat poop can be even more problematic. Cat feces contain harmful bacteria, such as Toxoplasma gondii, that can contaminate the groundwater and harm aquatic life. Additionally, the litter used with cat feces can clog your septic system's drain field, causing expensive repairs.
Cat poop can harm the environment
When you flush cat poop down the toilet, it doesn't just disappear. It goes to the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment plant, where it is filtered out of the water and sent to a landfill. While this may seem like a responsible solution, it can harm the environment. Landfills are already overflowing with waste, and adding cat feces to the mix can create a toxic soup that can contaminate the soil and groundwater and cause problems for the local flora and fauna.
Cat poop can spread disease
Cat feces can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Toxoplasma gondii. When you flush cat poop down the toilet, you risk contaminating your water supply and potentially spreading disease.
What should you do instead?
Instead of flushing cat poop down the toilet, it is recommended that you dispose of it in a responsible manner, by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and disposing of it in the trash. Alternatively, you can use biodegradable cat litter that can be composted or disposed of in your regular garbage.
In conclusion, flushing cat poop down the toilet is not a good idea. It can cause significant damage to your plumbing system, harm the environment, and spread disease. By disposing of cat feces in a responsible manner, you can help protect your home, your community, and the environment.