I just found out that my husband has been flushing the cat litter down the toilet. I've always known that you can't do that, but he won't believe me. What do you think? Is it okay to do that?

The Hidden Danger: Toxoplasmosis

If the threat of an astronomical plumbing bill isn't enough to convince your husband, the public health aspect should be.

Felines are the primary hosts for a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which causes the infection toxoplasmosis. When cat feces are flushed down the toilet, this parasite enters the wastewater system.

Unfortunately, standard municipal water treatment plants are rarely equipped to filter out Toxoplasma gondii. As a result, the contaminated water is eventually released back into local waterways, where it can infect marine wildlife (it has been heavily linked to deaths in sea otter populations) and potentially make its way back into the public water supply, posing a serious threat to pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems.

How to Settle the Argument Once and for All

If he still refuses to take your word for it, here are three quick ways to settle the debate:

• The Jar Test: Take a small clump of the unused litter you buy, put it in a glass jar filled with water, stir it, and let it sit for an hour. Show him the results. If it turns into a thick, gooey paste or a hard sludge rather than completely dissolving like toilet paper, ask him if he wants that sitting in his pipes.

• Check the Plumbing Warranty/Lease: If you rent, show him the clause in your lease about plumbing negligence. If you own, look up any local municipal codes—many cities have explicitly banned flushing cat waste or litter due to environmental regulations.

• Call a Plumber on Speakerphone: Sometimes, it takes an unbiased third party. Call a local plumber, tell them your husband is flushing cat litter, and watch your husband's face as the professional explains exactly how much it will cost to fix his mistake.

The Verdict: Keep the litter in the trash bag, keep the toilet for human waste, and celebrate the fact that your instincts were 100% correct