flower beds and cats

[GA Jamie]

Ok, what is the secret to keeping your cat from using your flower beds as their personal litter boxes? They are scratching up my straw and bulbs! I'd really like to know. Help!

TIA!

[k9Karen]

A friend of mine uses pine mulch. She says they don't like the smell.

[Tambrey]

I have yet to find anything that works, but really, the cats do not seem to bother my gardens too much...

however, if someone tells you to use mothballs...DON'T...they add harmful chemicals to the soil and they cannot be removed...you will have to remove the soil to remove the toxins...

[Traci]

Ok, what is the secret to keeping your cat from using your flower beds as their personal litter boxes?

Only solution: Indoors ONLY.

[Tambrey]

I was thinking along the lines of stray/feral cats...did not catch the "your cat" meaning your own cat...
I agree...INDOOR only is all there is to it...

[Beleriphon]

My mother used a fun blend of chili powder and ground jalepeno pepper. Works great, its a strong smells that most cats can't stand, and it wont hurt the plants. You just need a little of the stuff around the edge of the garden, and it needs to be replaced after a heavy rain fall, but otherwise is easy use. I don't recommend touching your face after applying it to the garden though, I know how much it can irritate your face from experience.

[E's]

My mother used a fun blend of chili powder and ground jalepeno pepper. Works great, its a strong smells that most cats can't stand, and it wont hurt the plants. You just need a little of the stuff around the edge of the garden, and it needs to be replaced after a heavy rain fall, but otherwise is easy use. I don't recommend touching your face after applying it to the garden though, I know how much it can irritate your face from experience.

O For Crying Out Loud! The meanspirited halfwits that show up here from time to time make me furious... Poisoning God's Outdoors with toxic compounds to blind or kill, causing endless misery and suffering to innocent animals... just for a few decorative plantings?! ... and how about when a visitor's toddler wanders into the trap during an instant when adult attention is diverted? ... AARGHH! So again: THINK about it, won't you?

[Marty]

You might try plantins some catnip to encourage them to use a spot where you don't mind having them. Or there is a spray called Boundary which is supposed to discourage them, yet be safe.

I'd be hesitant to use pepper also...they"d get it on their paws and then lick their paws. That can't be very good for them either!

[Traci]

Folks, please don't shoot the messenger. Many people use spices around their gardens and homes to deter pets and "pests". As well, many people are commonly "natural"-minded and prefer these as opposed to pesticides, etc that can cause much more damage to a pet.

I think the important thing is that people use common sense, are conscious about the products they choose, and make every effort to prevent poisonings to pets. Cats are not highly likely to lick pepper from their paws, once they get a taste of it, they will refrain from licking more of it. Do I suggest it? No, but if used appropriately, in inconspicuous areas and care is taken to prevent real harm, then it may be an aoption (again, as opposed to pesticides, etc)

[E's]

I guess my language was a bit harsh - I don't object to use of substances which deter through scent/taste and are otherwise harmless to animals and the environment. But I am from San Antonio, Texas - talk of using the caustic content of jalapeno or chili peppers in this way touchs a very sensitive nerve: I could (but won't) tell some real horror stories on the subject. All I'm asking is that people THINK - even do a little research - before suggesting often-dangerous remedies from a less kind and gentle past.