If your cat is constantly pooping in potted plants, you are not alone. It seems like there are so many people out there with the same problem! If you want to stop this from happening, here is what you need to know.
How to stop cats from pooping in my potted plants
One of the best ways to stop your cat from going on your plants is to provide a litter box indoors or move your plants outside. Cats instinctively use a litter box and revert to that behavior as long as you provide them with one. By having a litterbox inside, you also avoid the mess that comes with the outdoor cleanup.
- Cats can be very sensitive creatures and become stressed from something as simple as moving their litter box from one end of the house to another. If this is driving your cat away from using it, but some of their old litter in the new place for a few days before putting the rest of it there.
- Cats need to have a litter box to have a healthy lifestyle. It’s not just for their mental health but also their physical health. A cat that does not use the litter box is more prone to urinary tract infections or other illnesses.
- If you are using scented litters, try an unscented variety instead. Cats are very sensitive creatures, and certain smells might make them avoid the litter box. You also want to make sure that you are cleaning the litter out of the box frequently and completely once a day, maybe more.
- Cats can be very sensitive creatures and become stressed from something as simple as moving their litter box from one end of the house to another. If this is driving your cat away from using it, but some of their old litter in the new place for a few days before putting the rest of it there.
Here is why your cat should to have a litter box
Cats need to have a litter box because they need it for their health and hygiene. A cat without a home or place to use the bathroom will either become ill from using the wrong areas or suffer from depression and anxiety.
- Your cat needs a litter box to be healthy and well. They have the instinct to use the bathroom in a specific area, so when they do not have that option, it can come back to “haunt” them later. Cats that are forced to go to other areas could contract intestinal parasites from their feces.
- It’s pretty rare for a cat to have a urinary tract infection if they use their litter box regularly. It can happen, but it’s not common.
- Cats that use the litter box daily are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like urinating or defecating outside of the box where they aren’t supposed to. A cat without a litter box may resort to trying to cover their waste with dirt, sand, or even your potted plants.
- Being forced to go in other areas can make them contract intestinal parasites from their feces. Cats that use the litter box daily are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like urinating and defecating outside of the box where they aren’t supposed to.
Cats can be very sensitive to changes in their surroundings, and a dramatic change to a litter box can stress them out, causing them to avoid it entirely.
recommended litter box - Purina Tidy Cats Non Clumping Litter System
This system works with any BREEZE pads, so it’s compatible with our other systems too!
You won’t believe how easy this system makes caring for your cats. Just scoop clumps and solid waste into the pullout tray every day, then replace the pad once a week or when needed.
That’s it! No more heavy lifting or deep digging in smelly litter boxes ever again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when cats poop in your plants, it can spread diseases to the plant. It’s best to keep them separated so the litter box is not nearby.
No, there is no need to worry about cat poop killing your vegetables. Cat poop usually doesn’t hurt vegetable gardens.
It takes about 10 days for cat waste to decompose.
No, cat waste is not toxic. It does contain bacteria and parasites that can be harmful under certain circumstances, such as if the cat has an infection or eats something it shouldn’t have. These bacteria and parasites can cause health problems for humans.
Pepper has chemicals that discourage animals from approaching, but it will not stop them once they get there.
It could make the cat planning on coming back to your garden think twice, though and give you time to pick up their mess.
Conclusion
The best way to stop your cat from peeing and pooping in potted plants is by buying them a litter box, keeping it clean, and putting the pot on one side of the house.
If you do not have enough space for a litter box near your plant, try replacing the soil with fresh soil every week or so.
You can also use pepper spray around your garden to deter cats from going there again while they are thinking about what they did wrong.