Medical Reasons for Cleaning a Cat Litter Box

Scooping that litter box may be your least favorite thing to do. But keeping your cat's box clean is as important for you as it is for the cat. A dirty box can create medical risks for both cats and humans. Getting rid of feces before bacteria has a chance to grow, and washing your hands after you scoop, will prevent health problems.

  1. Toxoplasmosis

    • Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), a microscopic parasite, causes toxoplasmosis. Cats that eat infected birds and small animals can become infected and excrete oocysts in their feces. Although few cats or humans become sick from toxoplasmosis, it can be dangerous to pregnant women and can cause birth defects in unborn babies. Cleaning the litter box daily will remove all the oocysts before they become "ripe" and infectious.

    E. Coli

    • E. coli lives in the intestines of most animals and humans. While this bacterium is usually harmless, some strains cause stomach cramps and diarrhea. Keeping your cat's litter box clean and washing your hands after scooping will help you avoid exposure to E. coli.

    Parasites

    • Roundworms, giardia and cryptosporidium all live in the feces of infected cats. And fleas will sometimes jump off the cat and take up residence in the litter box. Parasites can affect your cat's health, and the cat should be treated for worms or fleas. Keeping the litter box clean will minimize risk to you.

    Lung Irritation

    • The ammonia from cat urine can irritate the lungs. Avoid irritation by removing the urine clumps or changing non-clumping litter daily and putting the used litter in a trash can outside. Keeping the litter in a closed container in the house intensifies the ammonia smell.

    Maintenance

    • To protect your health and your cat's, scoop the litter box thoroughly each day. Be sure to remove all the clumps of urine that are stuck to the bottom and corners of the box. Wash the box monthly by pouring boiling water into the box and letting it sit for a few minutes. Using detergent with a strong scent could discourage your cat from using the litter box.