It’s a common question from feline owners: Is cat litter flushable? And can you flush cat poop without litter? While sending litter and cat poop down the toilet may be tempting, it's not a good idea and can lead to plumbing blockages.

The truth is that even cat litter that’s marketed as plumbing-safe can cause problems.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we’re dedicated to helping our customers keep their home plumbing in optimal working condition, so it's essential that you know that cat litter and cat poop should never be flushed.

Related: 5 Things That Should Never Be Flushed

Can You Flush Kitty Litter?

While it may go down the toilet, the plumbing blockages will likely come later, and you may end up dealing with a plumbing emergency. There are several types of cat litter on the market – from clay and silica gel to paper litter – and none are plumbing-safe.

Is Flushable Cat Litter Safe for Plumbing?

Some brands claim to offer a safe, flushable litter that doesn’t cause the same issues as flushing standard cat litter. But is flushable cat litter really flushable?

These litters are typically made from biodegradable products like corn, wheat, paper, or wood. Although cat litter marketed as “flushable” may be better for the planet, putting any cat litter in the toilet is not the best for your plumbing system.

Flushing litter is especially risky for homes with older pipes, but even newer pipes struggle with the litter load. It’s not just your plumbing pipes. Today's toilets flush with less water, which makes flushing litter even more problematic. Also, septic tank systems are not designed to accept and break down cat litter materials.

In addition to clogs, litter is abrasive and can cause damage to the plumbing pipes.

Why You Shouldn’t Flush Cat Poop Either

Maybe you’ve tried separating the cat’s business from the litter, so the only thing going down the toilet is cat poop. Still not okay. Cat poop often contains an organism called Toxoplasma gondii, which makes flushing it a public health hazard. This organism is harmful to sea animals when it washes into the ocean and dangerous to humans, especially pregnant women, babies, and people with compromised immune systems.

This is also why you should always wear protective gloves when handling cat feces and litter.

When it comes to your plumbing and health, taking a no-flush approach to cat litter and cat poop is imperative. No matter how convincing a flushable cat litter brand’s marketing is, now you know the truth and can prevent clogs, damaged plumbing, and health risks.

Count on Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for All Your Household Plumbing Needs

Whether you’re dealing with a clogged toilet after flushing cat litter or have a plumbing question, the qualified plumbers at your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are here to help. Contact our trusted team today to schedule plumbing service by calling 1-877-BEN-1776 or book online.