Is it Safe to Flush Cat Litter? What You Need to Know

We get it. Flushable cat litter sounds almost too good to be true. It’s convenient and makes containing litter box odors easier. Many cat owners also appreciate the eco-friendly aspect of reduced landfill waste.  But you may have heard warnings not to flush cat litter—even if the packaging says it's safe.

In this article, we’ll answer the question: Is it safe to flush cat litter? We’ll also go over what type of cat litter is flushable, flushing cat litter risks and what precautions you should take to safely flush cat litter.

Is it Okay to Flush Cat Litter Down the Toilet?

We know that you’re looking for an easy answer to this question, but the answer is that it really depends. The type of litter you use, your cat’s habits, and where you live all impact whether it’s okay to flush cat litter down the toilet.

The Quick Answer:

Flushing cat litter can be safe when:

• The litter is labeled flushable

• Your cat lives indoors and eats a commercial diet

• It’s allowed under local regulations

• You flush small amounts in a well-maintained system

When Is It Safe to Flush Cat Litter?

Generally, flushing cat litter down the toilet is low risk if you have an indoor cat who eats a commercial food diet. However, flushing cat litter is not allowed in all areas. Before you flush your cat litter down the toilet, check that it’s allowed in your municipality. If you live in an apartment building, you’ll also want to check your building’s policy. Finally, older homes and low-flow toilets may increase flushing cat litter plumbing risks. Opt to flush litter in well-maintained systems to prevent plumbing issues.

When You Should Never Flush Cat Litter

Not all types of cat litter can be flushed. Before considering flushing your cat litter, check that it is labeled as flushable. In general, clay and silica gel litters shouldn’t be flushed, but even some biodegradable litters aren’t safe for flushing. You’ll also want to consider your cat’s habits. If your cat spends time outdoors or eats raw or undercooked meat, avoid flushing their litter due to health risks.

Flushing Cat Litter: Sewer vs. Septic Systems

In sewer systems, it may be okay to flush small amounts of flushable litter, provided it’s permitted by your local area. However, septic systems can have a higher risk of clogs. If you do have a septic system, look for a flushable cat litter that disintegrates in water. You can test a little in a cup of water to be sure. We personally have many customers who are on a septic system who are able to flush our tofu litter in small amounts.

Potential Risks of Flushing Cat Litter

Flushing cat litter can be convenient, but it does come with potential risks. Understanding these flushing cat litter risks can help you decide whether it’s right for your household.

Health Risks

Cat feces can contain parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause an infection called toxoplasmosis. The CDC states that pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk. Dr. Julie Hunt, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, warns that if your cat does have toxoplasmosis, flushing their litter can spread the disease as the parasite can survive regular wastewater treatment.

However, these parasites are more common in cats who are young, fed a raw meat diet or go outdoors. “It is very unlikely that an apparently healthy indoor-only mature adult cat that is fed a standard commercial cat food diet and has not been exposed to other cats outside the home would have toxoplasmosis,” says Dr. Hunt.

Plumbing Risks

The main plumbing risk with flushing cat litter is creating a blockage or clog. Clay litters are the leading culprit, as they can turn cement-like and create blockages. Biodegradable litters are safer, but some of them can expand in water and cause blockages. To reduce flushing cat litter plumbing problems:

• Only flush litter labeled as flushable

• Flush one small clump at a time

• Stop immediately if drains slow or toilets back up

If you have more than one cat, you’ll want to be especially mindful, as you may have more cat litter than you can safely flush. 

Environmental Concerns

Because wastewater treatment plants are designed to process human waste and toilet paper, they’re not always able to fully remove pathogens and cat litter materials. This means that these contaminants can enter waterways and pose a risk to local ecosystems.  Some cat litters also have additives, such as fragrances and antibacterial agents, that can be problematic for local aquatic life. Choosing a cat litter that is marked as flushable, disintegrates in water, and doesn’t contain any additives can help with managing this risk.

What Types of Cat Litter Are Flushable?

While many natural types of cat litter are flushable, not all are. Always check the packaging of your cat litter to ensure that it is flushable. It’s also important to note that “flushable” is a marketing claim and isn’t verified. Checking that your cat’s litter disintegrates in water, 

flushing a small amount and waiting to see if you notice any changes can help you determine if flushing your cat’s idea is a good choice.

Below is a quick comparison of common cat litter materials and whether they are safe to flush.

Looking for a flushable cat litter? Check out our top-rated flushable cat litters.

Tofu Litter

Many cat owners wonder is flushable cat litter safe, and tofu litter is one of the safest options. Tofu litter is biodegradable, highly absorbent, and softens instead of swelling or hardening. Because it disintegrates into smaller pieces, the risk of blockages is low.

Several brands have performed independent testing to confirm that tofu litter is safe to flush. For example,  Really Great Cat Litter has been independently tested by Eurofins. They used a standardized flushability protocol designed to simulate real consumer toilet use. In all test conditions, the litter was fully evacuated from the toilet bowl without leaving a residue. There were no clogs or blockages caused.

Wheat-Based Litter

Wheat-based litters are made from wheat byproducts. Because of the natural starches in wheat, clumps are formed. But when these clumps come into contact with more water, such as in the toilet, the starches begin to break down. This means that they soften and break apart rather than settling in pipes. Some wheat cat litters also form softer clumps, which can make them easier to flush. 

Paper-Based Litter

Paper-based litter is made from recycled paper or pulp, so it acts like toilet paper in water. This means that it breaks down and disintegrates rather than absorbing water and swelling.  It’s also lightweight, so it doesn’t settle in pipes. However, some paper-based litter has clumping agents that can’t be flushed, so be sure to check the label.

Corn-Based Litter

Like wheat, corn contains natural starches that soften and loosen in water, so clumps break apart in the toilet. However, some corn-based litter swells in water, so it’s important to ensure that your brand is flushable. Some corn-based litter brands have additional testing to show corn litter is flushable. For example, World’s Best Cat Litter, a cat litter made from whole-kernel corn, has performed independent lab testing which found their litter is safe to flush in both sewer and septic systems.

How to Safely Flush Flushable Cat Litter

Follow these steps to safely flush your cat litter:

1. Double-check that your cat’s litter is flushable by looking at the label on the package. You’ll also want to make sure that your municipality allows flushing cat litter.

2. Flush 1 clump at a time to prevent any blockages. Don’t flush your cat’s entire litter box contents at one time.

3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some cat litter brands recommend waiting for up to 20 minutes for the litter to soften in water before flushing. 

4. Watch for issues. Stop flushing your cat’s litter if you start to notice problems, such as slow drains or slow flushing.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Flushing Cat Litter

If you don’t feel comfortable flushing your cat’s litter or it’s not allowed in your area, there are other eco-friendly ways to dispose of it.

Biodegradable Litter and Composting

Non-biodegradable cat litter options, such as silica gel and clay, don’t break down, meaning that they end up in the landfill. Instead, choose biodegradable litter, such as tofu, wheat, or corn. These materials break down over time, so that less waste ends up in the landfill. 

Many biodegradable litters are also compostable. However, because of potential toxins, cat litter compost shouldn’t be used on plants intended for consumption.  Some municipalities may also ban composting pet waste, so it’s important to check local restrictions.

Biodegradable Bag & Bin

Bagging and binning your cat’s litter is a safe, easy way to dispose of it. However, if you are regularly using plastic bags, these can build up in the landfill. Switching to biodegradable bags can be more eco-friendly.

Cat Litter Disposal Systems

Cat litter disposal systems that use biodegradable or compostable bags can help cut down on plastic waste. They also trap odors well, and can be a good alternative to the convenience of flushing cat litter. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Flushing Cat Litter

What happens if you flush cat litter down the toilet?

Some cat litters are flushable in small amounts. But traditional clay-based litter absorbs water and becomes cement-like, which can cause plumbing blockages. Signs of plumbing blockages include slow drains and water backing up. 

Is it okay to flush small amounts of cat litter?

You can flush small amounts of flushable cat litter, such as corn, wheat, and tofu, if your municipality allows it. However, you shouldn’t flush cat litter that isn’t marked as flushable, such as clay and silica gel litter.

Can you flush cat poop without litter?

You shouldn’t flush your cat’s poop if they eat raw or undercooked meat or go outside. The risk of Toxoplasma gondii contamination is too high. 

Is flushing litter bad for septic tanks?

Most types of cat litter are bad for septic tanks. However, certain types of cat litter, such as tofu and corn, are low risk to use with septic tanks if flushed in small amounts.

How to correctly dispose of cat litter?

One of the best ways to dispose of cat litter is to scoop clumps daily into a biodegradable trash bag. Then place the secured bag in an outdoor trash can with a secure lid. 

Why do most plumbers recommend never flushing litter?

Most plumbers say to avoid flushing cat litter because most cat litters absorb water and form hard clumps, which can lead to blockages. But some alternative cat litter materials, such as tofu, disintegrate and soften, reducing the risk of plumbing issues.

Conclusion: Can You Flush Cat Litter?

If you have an indoor cat who eats a commercial diet and uses a litter labeled as flushable, it’s usually safe to flush small amounts of their litter at a time. Biodegradable cat litter, such as tofu, corn, and soy, can be suitable for flushing, as long as it is labeled as such. Clay-based litters should never be flushed, as the material can form cement-like blockages.

Of course, there’s more to cat litter than whether it’s flushable or not, including odor control, tracking level, and dust. If you’re curious about what flushable litters get our seal of approval, check out our list of the 5 Best Flushable Cat Litters. Even if flushing cat litter isn’t the right choice for you, many eco-friendly cat litters are available to help reduce your environmental impact.