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Re: Composting Kitty Krud
In article <MOD$971007.8725@rec.gardens.ecosystems>,
gondwana@ix.netcom.com wrote:
> I am new to cat ownership (just got myself a Personx kitten).
>
> We have become rather wealthy in kitty litter (johnny Cat brand). And
> I've been wondering...does this stuff compost? I realize it is probably
> very high in urea, but the litter material looks like it would be ideal
> for aerating and supplying friability to soil....except that I am
> wondering about chemicals. But for the urea, I'd be tempted to work it
> directly into the soil...
*DON'T DO THIS*.
Many cats carry a critter which causes Toxoplasmosis (sp?). You don't want
it in your soil, as it can cause miscarriage and/or birth defects if a
pregnant woman falls ill with it. Most people who own cats have probably
had a round or two of it, and barely noticed, but it is damaging to
fetuses.
I dump my cats' litter in plastic bags and send it to the landfill. I wish
I knew a better way, but toxoplasmosis is no joke. I figure that not
adding to the existing populations of this organism is part of responsible
cat stewardship.
Fertile women should be very careful when scooping/emptying/cleaning cat
litter boxes. Wear gloves and wash. LIke many teratogens, toxoplasmosis is
the most damaging in the early weeks of pregnancy, before most women are
sure whether they are pregnant.
--
jacque greenleaf
salem, oregon
to send email to me, remove ".spam.block" from my address
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