While cat owners are intensely defensive at any suggestion that our cats can cause ecological problems, we need to accept the facts when it becomes apparent that there is a problem. Scientists and researchers are exploring broader solutions to the threats to marine life, including finding solid scientific data that their preliminary findings are correct. They are aware that global solutions are going to be tremendously expensive, such as finding better ways to process sewage and water runoff, and they want to be absolutely sure of their findings, before lobbying for these solutions.
In the meantime, assuming those findings are on target, responsible cat owners can do a number of things to help mitigate this potential marine ecology disaster:
- Don't Flush: Even if you use a "flushable litter," dispose of used litter, including feces and clumps by placing it in a plastic bag, tying tightly, and putting it in the garbage can. (Land wastes, where your garbage will end, are covered with soil and have membranes to prevent polution of ground water.) I have a small covered 5-gallon pail, lined with a plastic liner, which I use to hold the daily scoopings. The cover holds in any odor, and it's a simple process to remove and tie the bag every few days for disposal. I spray the empty pail with Petrotech Odor Removal before putting in a new plastic liner. The scoop fits right inside the can for easy storage.
- Don't Compost: Your state-of-the-art litter may advertise that used litter can be mixed with garden soil, composted, or used as a "top dressing." Don't fall for this easy disposal. Surface runoff could carry the T. gondii parasite right into your storm drain. Instead, dispose as in #1.
- Don't Hose it Down: If you should find cat feces on your lawn or in your garden, resist the temptation to hose it out into the storm drain. Pick it up with a plastic baggy over your hand and dispose of properly.
- Keep Your Cats Indoors: If they are carriers of the T gondii parasite, it will prevent further spread through their feces. If they are not carriers, it will help them from acquiring the parasite.
As a cat lover as well as a lover of all animal life, it will be interesting to learn what develops as the researchers dig further into the evidence. This whole subject is of close personal interest to me. We live "on the water," and our storm drain drains directly into the bay behind us, which eventually drains into the San Francisco Bay. We have two charming river otters (pictured above) who cavort on and around on our dock on occasion, giving us great entertainment and joy. It would be horrifying to learn that they, too, could become sick because of the runoff from our neighborhood.
