Don't Flush Cat Litter

Why?

• Of California (southern) sea otter deaths, 17% are from a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.
• This land-based parasite makes it way to the otters' food source through cat litter.

The Details
Toxoplasma gondii

• Most animal immune systems can deal with the parasite
• Cats cannot deal with this parasite and release the parasite's eggs through their litter.
• Cats get the parasite by eating smaller infected animals such as birds, mice, etc.
• Most sewage treatment plants are unable to remove this parasite.
• The parasite is ingested by the otter's food source, where the concentration of the parasite is magnified.

California sea otters

• As of the 2010 annual count, there are only an estimated 2,711 California sea otters.
• After a decade of population growth, the number of sea otters has leveled off for 3 years and in 2010 declined.
• They are a federally listed threatened species.
• Sea otters eat about 25% to 30% of their weight daily and have a diet that includes crabs, mussels, and abalones.

Humans

• Most humans are immune to Toxoplasma gondii.
• People with weak immune systems or HIV/AIDS can be harmed or killed by the parasite.
• Pregnant women's fetuses can also be harmed or killed by the parasite.

What can you do?

1. Don't flush cat litter - Dispose of it securely in a plastic bag and throw it out with the trash.
   
2. Keep your cat indoors - They won't have the opportunity to eat infected animals and their litter won't have a chance to wash into the sewage system.
   
3. Tell your friends  - We don't all own cats, but your friends might.