By Flushing Poop, Am I Putting Toxoplasmosis into the Water System?

Understandably, as an environmentally conscious cat parent, you don’t want to be responsible for passing on the parasite or introducing it into the water system by flushing parasite-y poop. The parasite only lives for two weeks in the host so keeping your cat indoors for two to three weeks will allow T.Gondii to complete its life-cycle and clear the body, rendering any feces parasite free. Hurrah! By flushing with TofuKitty, you’re eliminating the chances of spilt litter contaminating pathways and bins. And remember, wild and outdoor cats are pooping outside, which leads to runoff. In effect, you’re actually preventing toxoplasmosis and protecting the environment by stopping at least one source of the parasite. Go you!

Risks and Reassurance...

• Though a small risk, cat litter can be a possible source of infection for T.Gondii. The parasite isn’t infectious until one to five days after it’s shed (pooped out) so cleaning out your litter tray daily will ensure it doesn’t have a chance to develop. With TofuKitty, this is super easy as you can simply scoop and flush, then refill. No worries!
• Feeding your cat only canned or dry cat food removes the chance of them picking it up from contaminated raw meat, particularly venison, lamb, pork and beef. This keeps your cat healthy and happy, and your family too, by preventing toxoplasmosis for everyone.
• Women have no need to be concerned about owning and caring for their cat during pregnancy (but always check with a certified medical professional if you have any concerns!). But taking a simple precaution, like having someone else take charge of the litter box while expecting, is always a sensible move. Frequent hand-washing is also a good idea, whether pregnant or not!
• Stick with your current cat throughout pregnancy too, as you can be certain of where it’s been, and save adopting or handling other kitties until after the baby is born.
• A child’s sandbox is easily mistaken for an outdoor litter box by wandering cats, so cover up the sandbox when not in use. Wash your hands thoroughly after gardening, for the same reason.
• Cats are famously very clean by nature so any infected poop that may get on paws, claws or fur will have been groomed away before the infectious period sets in. If your cat is particularly furry, or old and less agile, keeping them trimmed in the hindquarters will prevent any clumping of fur or missed spots. TofuKitty won’t track much anyway, so the chances of it sticking or finding its way out of the litter box is much less than with other, non-eco friendly litters.

Final Thoughts

Toxoplasmosis is a scary sounding word for something that will have little to no effect on most of us. But for the sake of those for whom it has more serious effects, we have a responsibility to keep it at bay. To sum up everything you need to know about toxoplasmosis: for prevention, wash your vegetables, cook your meat thoroughly, and keep your cat indoors. Simple!