The Human Health Factors of Using a Cat Box

Cleaning out the cat box isn't a fun chore. However, as it is where your feline companion is depositing its body's waste products, regular cleaning of it is a first line of defense against potential diseases. For families with young children, daily cleaning of the cat box may be necessary as some toddlers are fascinated with the shape and texture of cat poop.

  1. Toxoplasmosis

    • This condition exists when the parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects a human female and causes birth defects. It can be mitigated by thoroughly washing hands with hot water and soap. However, most physicians recommend not risking possible infection and instruct pregnant women that they should not clean the cat box.

    E. Coli

    • Most strains of Escherichia coli that live in the intestines are harmless. However, a few are not. Depending on the individual infected, certain E. coli strains cause diarrhea or abdominal cramping at best and at worst can cause kidney failure and death. In the case of E. coli possibly lurking in the cat box, danger to humans occurs when making hand to mouth contact after cleaning the cat box.

    Allergens/Dust

    • Some cat litter is very dusty. Other cat litters are treated with chemicals aimed at controlling odor. Depending on an individual's sensitivity, dust and chemicals can cause respiratory irritation. Sneezing is a common reaction as well as a scratchy or itchy throat as the body works to rid itself of the guilty agent.

    Ammonia

    • Cat urine has a high enough concentration of ammonia to make it potentially hazardous. This is especially true if the cat box is not scooped out regularly and several urinary deposits are left to accumulate. The smell of cat urine can cause headaches, eye irritation, swelling and narrowing of the throat and other airway passages and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat. These symptoms can be more acute in children as they tend to have smaller airways than do adults.