You should wear a mask when cleaning cat litter because wearing a mask will prevent the inhalation of airborne bacteria and germs from the litter. The germs, if inhaled, can cause respiratory problems, resulting in allergic reactions and respiratory diseases. To protect your lungs, wear a dust mask.
Crystalline silica dust, the other ingredient in most clumping litters, is a known carcinogen for both humans and household pets when inhaled. According to OSHA.gov, “Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen.
The best way to clean a litter box is to dump the entire box and soak it in hot water for a few minutes at least once a week. It is not necessary to use detergents or cleaning chemicals, as hot water will generally do the trick.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that you wear gloves while cleaning your healthy cat's litter box, and to thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.
Cat-scratch disease is just one of the bacterial infections that people can get from dirty cat litter. In particular, children under the age of nine and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of this disease.
Cat feces with the parasite.
Cats that hunt or who are fed raw meat are more likely to carry toxoplasma parasites. You may get infected if you touch your mouth after touching anything that has been in contact with cat feces. This may be gardening or cleaning a litter box.
The problem, however, is that the main ingredient in cat litter is Sodium Bentonite and some of which contain crystalline silica (this includes silica gel cat litter). Research has shown that prolonged exposure to crystalline silica dust may cause silicosis (a fatal lung disease) and bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
A dust mask is the best respiratory protection to wear when cleaning cat litter. The filters in these masks are specifically designed to stop the smallest dust particles from entering your airways.
Interestingly, most people acquire toxoplasma by eating undercooked meat or contaminated produce. A pregnant woman can also become infected by inadvertently ingesting contaminated cat feces or inhaling litter dust while cleaning the litter box.
Dr. Justine A. Lee, a long-time veterinarian, believes the box should be scooped daily but admits it's OK if you do it every other day. “We neurotic types clean litter boxes daily. If that's too much for you, litter boxes should be scooped out at least every other day,” she said in this post on Pet Health Network.
Cats and parasites in dirty litter boxes
When you have a dirty litter box, it's even easier for a parasite to enter your cat's body and land in its gastrointestinal tract. These infections can be caused by worms or single-celled microorganisms. The symptoms of these ailments can be life-threatening.
Always wash your hands after scooping litterboxes or picking up dog poop, even if you used gloves or a bag.
Litter boxes should be washed routinely to prevent odor and bacteria from building up on the surfaces. If you have the time, it's good to give a typical litter box a quick scrub-down every time you replace the litter, so once or twice a week for clumping clay litter boxes.
Can You Get Toxoplasmosis from Breathing in Cat Litter fumes? One of the most well-known dangers of cat litter exposure is toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is known to be extremely harmful to pregnant women, as well as immunocompromised humans. Though infections from breathing in the litter are rare, it is possible.
No, you do not have to give up your cat. Owning a cat does not mean you will be infected with the parasite. It is unlikely that you would be exposed to the parasite by touching an infected cat because cats usually do not carry the parasite on their fur.
The most common symptoms of toxoplasmosis include fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Other symptoms may occur depending upon whether the infection is acute or chronic, and the location of the parasite in the body.
The prevalence of oocyst shedding in cats is very low (0-1%), even though at least 15-40% of cats have been infected with Toxoplasma at some point. This means very few cats at any one time are actually able to pass their infection on to people.
Baking Soda
If you're still having odor problems, try sprinkling a little baking soda on the bottom of the box before you add fresh litter each week, or place an open box of baking soda in the same area as the box.
Use Lots of Baking Soda
Just a little bit of baking soda in the bottom of your cat box absorbs odors and can help to keep the area smelling clean. You can also just place an open box of baking soda near the box to absorb the smell.
It's no wonder that a self-cleaning litter box appeals to many cat owners. Unfortunately, such a device may not appeal to the cat. In fact, some cats become frightened of the automated action of a self-cleaning box and may go on a "potty strike," avoiding the box altogether.
The safest cat litter choices for your feline companion, yourself, and the environment is a biodegradable material such as wheat or paper-based litters.
In Conclusion
Keeping your cat's litter box in the bedroom isn't ideal so if you can, move it to a more appropriate part of the house. Although the risks are small, you could become ill if you contract Toxoplasmosis, worms or you're exposed to too much ammonia.
Cats can develop painful kidney infections, bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections if their litter boxes are not kept clean. The vets at Anasazi Animal Clinic recommend daily scooping and weekly litter changes to best protect your cat's health.
Add baking soda to the litter: Surprisingly, baking soda is a great all-natural deodorizer that is both safe for cats and can help manage the litter box smell. By mixing a little bit of baking soda with the litter, you can help absorb any urine odors also.