Q: Is it safe to change cat litter when I’m pregnant?
A: If you are pregnant you may have heard that you should not change cat litter during your pregnancy. Changing cat litter may put you at risk of contracting a parasitic infection known as toxoplasmosis. The effects of toxoplasmosis are mild to you but if you are infected during pregnancy, your baby is at risk of being infected as well, and it may cause more serious problems for your baby. Cats are known to be common carriers of the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. The parasite lives inside of the cat’s intestines and is passed into their faeces. Therefore, it is preferable that someone else changes the cat litter for you. If you need to, make sure you use gloves and a mask and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.
Q. What do I do if my pet eats the litter?
A. As Wee Kitty® Eco Plant Clumping Litter is a natural product, ingesting small amounts will not harm your pet. Be sure to give your pet plenty of water to help break down the product, and of course, if they appear to be unwell or in pain please seek veterinary attention.
Q. Why is there controversy around clay-based cat litters?
A. Clay cat litters are made from bentonite, a type of swelling clay. When liquid is added, bentonite swells to approximately 15 times its original volume. When cats or kittens use the litter box, they lick themselves clean and may ingest the clay and breathe in the dust created from clay.
Anecdotally, many cat owners worry about what might happen when their cats and kittens ingest the clay and it swells and expands in their intestine, potentially causing blockages and dehydration.
Some owners are also concerned about their cats breathing in the dust and the possible respiratory damage this might do.
Clay litters cannot be composted or flushed away and are not biodegradable. Natural alternatives to clay kitty litters, such as plant-based litters, are a good alternative if you're concerned that clumping clay litter is bad for your cat's health.
Rufus & Coco Wee Kitty® Eco Plant Clumping Litter is made from sustainable and naturally absorbent wheat and soy fibres and it is therefore non-toxic, safe for you and your pets, clay free and biodegradable.