What Pro2 is Up2

Cats are one of Americans' favorite pets! They are well-suited for apartment dwellers or those with limited access to the outdoors. Cats don’t necessarily have to go outside to use the bathroom either; most indoor cats use a litter box.

It can be easy to identify the ammonia smell from cat urine- even when you've been careful to keep the litter box clean. While the amount of ammonia in an average litter box poses no health hazard, allowing litter boxes to go uncleaned may threaten cat owners' well being. The elderly, children, and people with a compromised respiratory system due to diseases such as COPD or asthma are especially susceptible.

When urine accumulates in the litter box (or anywhere in the house), ammonia fumes will build up. Ammonia is a toxic gas and inhalation of its fumes can lead to a number of respiratory issues. The fumes irritate the lining of the respiratory system which can lead to coughing, increased sputum, and difficulty breathing. People who are exposed for short periods usually experience minor symptoms such as mild headaches, lightheadedness, and nausea. Exposure for longer periods can cause more severe symptoms such as respiratory distress, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Over an extended period of time, individuals may experience an increase in respiratory infections and even damage their lung tissue.

So remember- always keep your cat’s litter box clean! For extra protection you may want to use gloves to protect your skin, goggles to protect your eyes, and a mask to avoid inhalation when cleaning the litter box.


Source: Make Sure Your Furry Friends Don't Make You Sick! January 2013. The Pulmonary Press.