How To Dispose Of Cat Poop?

​There are a number of undeniable advantages to owning a cat; you benefit from unconditional love, a furry friend on the end of your bed, and a constant companion to greet you when you walk through the door after a long day.

​There are, however, some less-than-savory elements to cat ownership: and this includes disposing of their poop when they are done.

Fortunately for you, we have put together all you need to know about disposing of cat poop safely and effectively - and in a way that minimizes the smell and general unpleasantness of the task!

How Should I Not Dispose Of Cat Poop?

​When dealing with cat feces, there are a number of methods of elimination that are best avoided - but too many cat owners will still use these as their preferred method of disposal. 

Some of the main ways to not dispose of cat poop include:

Don't Flush It

It is important to resist the temptation to flush cat waste - no matter how logical this method may appear.

There are a number of products that claim to be biodegradable and flushable, but even these should be avoided - flushing cat litter can have a number of unwanted consequences, including clogging up drains, causing flooding, or overflowing toilets, and creating an environmental hazard.

In addition, both cat poop and cat litter will contain pathogens and toxins that are harmful, and this includes substances such as Toxoplasma, which can cause serious health problems if ingested by humans, and cause a lot of damage to sea and marine life.

These pathogens cannot be filtered and removed by municipal waste plants, meaning that they will make their way back into waterways and cause serious health hazards and risks to wildlife and humans.

Don't Compost It

Once again, there are certain brands of cat litter that claim to be safe to compost, but this is not a good idea for the most part.

The reason why is because cats produce a large amount of urine, which contains ammonia, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and other compounds that can create a toxic environment within your compost bin.

This means that it's better to avoid composting any form of cat litter at all, rather than risking the potential harm that could come from doing so.

Don't Bury It

This is another common practice amongst pet owners who don't want to deal with the mess associated with disposing of cat poo.
​
​Burying cat waste can cause the toxins mentioned to leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater, and also creates a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria and parasites.

​What Are My Options For Disposing Of Cat Poop?

​There are several options available for disposing of cat poop, and each has its own pros and cons. Here are just a few of the more popular ones:

Send It To Landfill

The first option is to simply send your cat's waste to a landfill, scooping the poop into a bag and placing it into your bin for collection to be taken to landfill.

While this may seem wasteful, you can reduce your environmental impact by choosing bags that are biodegradable - this will boost the chances of the waste breaking down properly, and will reduce the rubbish that is sent to landfill.

Choose A Sustainable Litter Box

Another option is to choose a sustainable litter box that is made from recycled materials and is designed to break down quickly once it reaches landfills, and the litter box has reached the end of its life. 

​Cat Poop Cleanup Tips

​If you're looking for some tips on how to clean up after your cat, then here are some helpful hints!

Use A Good Scoop

A good scoop is a crucial piece of kit when it comes to cleaning your cat's tray; the right scoop will allow you to remove any solid sections, leaving the clean litter intact, and this will save you money and avoid waste.

Make Sure You Use Enough Litter

It's important to use enough litter in your cat's tray, as well as to make sure that you change out the litter regularly.

If you do not have enough litter in your tray, this will encourage your cat to go elsewhere to relieve itself.

Clean Your Cats Tray Regularly

Cleaning your cat's tray is an essential part of keeping your cat healthy and happy, and it should be done every day. Make sure that you keep your cat's litter clean, and that you replace the litter frequently.

Wash Your Hands

You should always wash your hands before handling your cat's waste, as this will prevent the spread of diseases such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), as well as help to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Keep Litter Trays Away From Food And Drink

Your cat's litter tray should never be placed near food or drink containers, as this can lead to contamination of both.

​Your cat is also unlikely to eat their food or drink if it is too close to their litter tray, as they may find it unpleasant.

Avoid Using Chemicals

Chemical cleaners can damage your cat's sensitive skin, and they can also contain chemicals that are harmful to humans.

Instead, try using natural products like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and water. Natural products are often safer for your cat than chemical products, and they can also be less expensive. 

Feed Your Cat The Right Diet

When feeding your cat, make sure that you give them the best diet possible. This will ensure that they stay healthy and active throughout their lives.

​Foods such as wet foods, dry foods, raw meats, and canned foods all provide different nutrients to your cat, so make sure that you feed them something appropriate for their age and health needs.

​Final Thoughts

​It is important to take care when disposing of your cat's waste and to ensure that you follow these guidelines to avoid causing harm to yourself or others.

​By following these steps, you will be able to dispose of your cat's waste safely and effectively, keeping everyone safe, happy, and healthy.