Beyond the Litter Box: How MicroPlastics are Entering Your Cat's Daily Life & into their Bodies.
All my recs are linked here through Google Drive.
Recent Microplastic Studies.
Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine
Podcasts on Microplastics.
Science Vs - Microplastics: How Worried Should You Be?
NC State's Microplastics Podcast
WABE’s Health Wanted - Microplastics and PFAS
One of the top trends I consistently noticed when buying supplies for kittens and cats was the overwhelming use of plastic in everything—from litter boxes and bowls to toys, pee pads, and bedding. What stood out was how much plastic my cat came into contact with daily, whether playing, lying, or licking. Especially concerning is that kittens are in contact with this much plastic during the critical period of building their gut health and immune system, in addition to being surrounded by synthetic materials that could have long-term impacts on their health.
Plastic Overload in Pet Supplies
Let’s break down how pervasive plastic is:
Litter Boxes: If your cat uses the litter box three times a day, that’s 1,095 times per year that their paws come into contact with plastic. Considering cats groom themselves frequently, any residue from plastic that touches their paws could easily enter their bodies.
Food and Water Bowls: Many bowls, especially affordable ones, are made from plastic. If a cat eats and drinks from a plastic bowl four times a day, that’s 1,460 times per year they're interacting with potentially harmful substances. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls seem like a safer alternative, but it’s important to ensure they are labeled **food-safe**, as not all are. Even ceramic bowls, which may seem more eco-friendly, could leach harmful substances like lead from their glaze.
Pee Pads and Toys: Pee pads, often lined with plastic, contribute to constant exposure, especially when they’re used multiple times a day. Toys, which may seem harmless, can contain synthetic fibers like polyester—a form of plastic—which cats inevitably lick and chew. I’ve even run toys underwater to see dyes bleed off, a clear indication of what happens when a cat carries these toys in its mouth.
Bedding: Many pet beds are filled with polyester stuffing—a form of plastic—wrapped in synthetic covers. Cats spend a large part of their day sleeping on these materials, and over time, they may absorb particles into their skin or inhale microplastic fibers.
Carriers: Carriers with plastic "bubbles" are another source of plastic exposure. The enclosed space combined with off-gassing from the plastic, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight, raises concerns about your cat inhaling potentially harmful microplastics.
Cat Scratchers: Many cat scratchers, especially those with carpeting or fabric components, are made with synthetic fibers like polyester—a form of plastic. As your cat scratches or plays with these, they could be ingesting microfibers or chemicals from the polyester. Consider switching to natural alternatives like sisal or untreated cardboard for a safer option.
Flea Collars: Flea collars are a shocking source of plastic exposure for cats. Not only are the chemicals on these collars toxic but they are made from plastic. This means your cat is exposed to leaching chemicals 24/7 as the plastic breaks down and enters their system. Flea collars can cause harm by releasing dangerous toxins and plastic particles that can accumulate over time, putting your cat’s health at risk.
Bottle-Fed Kittens: If your kitten is bottle-fed, they may be exposed to plastics immediately through the bottle itself. During a critical developmental phase, this plastic exposure could lead to microplastics entering their bloodstream at a time when they are particularly vulnerable. Many bottle-fed kittens are already starting off life without their mother’s milk, which most likely hinders their health from the start.
Treat and Food Packaging: Most treat and food packaging also contain plastic, meaning that even when we are feeding healthy foods, our cats are potentially exposed to chemicals. Consider switching to food-grade silicone storage bags, glass containers, or BPA- and phthalate-free packaging to reduce this risk.
Dishwasher and Laundry Pods: Many dishwasher and laundry pods contain microplastics, which can be distributed onto your cat’s bowls, bedding, and toys during cleaning. These microplastics can end up in their environment and be ingested or inhaled. Switching to eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning alternatives helps to reduce this exposure.
The Bigger Picture: Microplastic Dangers
Recent studies have raised red flags about microplastics, which are particles smaller than 5 millimeters that slough off plastic as it degrades. These particles have been found in human blood, saliva, and even in organs like the liver and lungs. Though research is still developing, there is growing concern that microplastics could disrupt hormone regulation, cause oxidative stress, and lead to inflammation. With cats, the risks are just as worrisome, especially since they interact with plastic in their environment even more directly.
Reducing Plastic Exposure for Your Cat
Every cat owner’s situation is going to be slightly different, but my goal here is to make you aware of the problem so you can evaluate the steps that will make the biggest impact on your cat.
Steps to consider.
Switch to Food-Safe Bowls: Opt for stainless steel or ceramic bowls, but make sure they’re labeled food-safe. These materials are less likely to leach harmful substances compared to plastic.
Replace Pee Pads with Natural Alternatives: Look for eco-friendly, non-plastic pee pads or washable, reusable options made from natural fibers.
Choose Non-Toxic Toys and Bedding: Opt for toys made from organic materials and bedding filled with cotton or wool instead of polyester. Look for products that are dye-free or use natural, non-toxic dyes.
Air Out Plastic Carriers: If you must use a plastic carrier, try to air it out thoroughly before use and avoid exposing it to direct heat or sunlight, which can increase off-gassing.
Use Safe Food and Treat Packaging: Store food and treats in food-grade silicone, glass, or BPA- and phthalate-free bags to prevent plastic from leaching into the food.
Opt for Natural Cat Scratchers: Avoid polyester scratchers and opt for scratchers made from natural materials like sisal or untreated cardboard. These provide a safe and durable alternative without the risk of your cat ingesting synthetic fibers.
Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Products: Replace traditional dishwashers and laundry pods with eco-friendly, non-toxic options to prevent microplastics from being distributed onto your cat’s bowls, toys, and bedding.
Avoid Flea Collars: Switch to safer flea control options that don't rely on plastic collars. These collars leach toxins and microplastics into your cat's system continuously.
By being more aware of the materials in our cats' daily environment, we can make better choices that support their long-term health and wellness. Just like in human health, it’s crucial to minimize their exposure to synthetic chemicals and materials during their most formative years—and beyond.