Can You Keep A Litter Box In Your Bedroom?

by Jayley
Can You Keep A Litter Box In Your Bedroom

Unless it is an extremely large room, you should never keep the litter box inside a bedroom. This can be done in a bathroom, closet, or laundry room. However, remember that the box should never be near your cat’s food and water, as this can prevent them from using it.

If you ever have a litter box in your bedroom, it is important that it is regularly cleaned. Doing so will keep the environment clean and avoid harmful effects from the urine and feces.

Most people who live in apartments or houses with smaller rooms usually have a litter box in their bedroom. With more awareness raised about the hazards of cat litter, some have wondered if it is dangerous to keep a box there.

Does putting a cat's litter box in a bedroom dangerous

Is it fine to put a litter box in the bedroom?

When the litter box gets dirty, it can accumulate ammonia, which can then accumulate in the urine and feces inside. Overexposure to this toxic substance can cause mild symptoms in humans, such as nausea and headaches. However, regularly cleaning the box can prevent this from happening.

There is no doubt that cats are great companions for people. You keep cat litter boxes in your laundry room so you can clean them several times daily.

Since you may have limited space in your house, consider placing your cat’s litter box in your bedroom. However, before you put it in there, you should know it is risky. You should avoid using dirty cat litter as it can cause health problems.


Does putting a cat’s litter box in a bedroom dangerous?

In most cases, keeping a litter box inside the bedroom is generally safe, provided that you do not have a medical condition that would make you more susceptible to the effects of cat litter.

However, when choosing the best place for your cat’s litter box, it is important to consider its size and location. The right place will allow you to feel comfortable while your pet takes care of their business.

Placing the litter box in the wrong place can lead to various problems.

  • If the container is not kept clean, the toxic gas produced by cat urine can be released.
  • If you frequently get up at night, you might accidentally step on or fall into the litter box.
  • Although it is not clear if the dust from your litter can be harmful, we recommend that you stay away from it and use a safe area.

These are the main reasons why keeping your cat’s litter box in your bedroom is dangerous.


3 kinds of problems you may encounter if you put a litter box in a bedroom

3 kinds of problems you may encounter if you put a litter box in a bedroom

Before we can conclude about the hazards of cat litter, it is important to understand its potential impact on people.

1. Cats’ urine contains ammonia

When cat urine is inhaled in high concentrations, it can cause respiratory and throat irritation and other conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory illnesses are at risk.

The bad news is that it takes only a minimum amount of ammonia to cause harm. However, if you regularly clean your cat’s litter box, the smell and the dangers of ammonia will be greatly reduced.

Read also: A Guide To The Best Product To Get Rid Of Cat Urine Smell

2. Respiratory illness caused by clay litter

In addition to your cat’s waste, the box can also be dangerous due to the contents of the litter itself. Many types of clay litter are known to contain crystalline silica, which can be toxic if inhaled.

When your cat stirs the litter around or when you pour it, the fine particles of silica dust can become airborne and inhaled.

Due to the presence of silica dust, people regularly exposed to it can develop respiratory problems such as tuberculosis and pulmonary fibrosis.

Read also: Best Cat Litter Disposal System – Top 3 Options!

What Alternative Can You Use?

Although many cats and parents use clay litter, it’s not always a good idea to use it as it can probably cause respiratory issues. Instead, try using plant-based litter. These are made from various materials such as wood, paper, and wheat and are more eco-friendly.

If your cat is very particular and can’t handle non-clay litter, you should avoid having one in a bedroom or a room with poor ventilation.

3. Cats litter contains parasite that causes toxoplasmosis

Sometimes, cat feces contain a harmful parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. This can cause a disease known as Toxoplasmosis.

Although the CDC believes that up to 40 million Americans may have been infected with the parasite, most will never know.

The immune system of healthy adults can easily identify and prevent parasites from developing. When they do, they typically manifest mild symptoms, such as fatigue and body aches. These are often mistakenly attributed to minor ailments.

Other Dangers

Pregnant women, those with compromised immune systems, and their unborn children are at risk. If the mother gets infected with the bacteria while pregnant, her unborn child may also develop symptoms such as jaundice, seizures, and an enlarged liver or spleen.

Those suffering from compromised immune systems may also experience other severe symptoms such as blurred vision and seizures.

If you are in a high-risk category, you should avoid exposure to the harmful effects of T.gondii. There are various steps that you can take to protect yourself.

  • If your cat has toxoplasmosis, get it tested.
  • Having someone else clean your cat’s litter box is also a good idea.
  • Wear gloves and a mask if you have to do it yourself.
  • It would be best if you regularly changed your cat’s litter to prevent the development of cysts that can become infectious. This will help minimize the risk of them getting infected.

Is it harmful if you breathe cat litter?

Some cats carry parasites that can cause respiratory problems. However, it’s not always possible to determine if they are present when you breathe in cat litter dust. Dr. Andrew Weil, a medical expert, says there are no clear answers regarding the link between dust and illness.

He conducted a medical literature review to see if studies linked exposure to cat litter dust to various health conditions. Some cat owners avoid using litter made from clay due to their concerns about dust. Instead, they prefer to use products from various sources, such as wheat, corn, and pine.


What is the best place to keep a litter box?

A good location for a litter box is in a quiet area, such as a bedroom or living room. A linen closet can be a great choice, but ensure the box is covered to prevent dust and odor buildup.

Keep it away from noisy appliances, like the washing machine and the furnace. Seniors should also be allowed to use the litter box if they can go no further than a certain distance. If you have a studio apartment or small place, you may be unable to find a suitable location for your litter box.

Read also: Can A Litter Box Go In A Closet?


Conclusion

If you are not in a high-risk category and your cat is not prone to getting sick, then keeping a litter box in the bedroom is not a big deal. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the box by either sifting or sweeping it at least once a day.

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