Cat Pooping in House Plants

How do I stop my cat from pooping in my indoor plants? He has access to the litter box but digs in the plants and poops in it.

Leah from Anna, TX

Answers:

Cat Pooping in House Plants

You could try putting chicken wire or screening over the soil, or some cats will shy away from scrunched up aluminum foil. (11/07/2006)

Cat Pooping in House Plants

My cats did that, too. I finally got rid of my floor plant. You could try making it difficult for your cat to get to the dirt and hope it works. Perhaps put foil around the plant, or criss-cross tape, or mothballs if you can stand the smell.
I do have small plants that they don't bother. Good luck. (11/07/2006)

By Sandy from WI

Cat Pooping in House Plants

Use the orange mesh bags that onions come in. The cats don't like it because their claws get caught in it. Just put around the plant right to the edge and to the stalk. Good luck. (11/07/2006)

By LEONA LABINE

Cat Pooping in House Plants

You could try using pine cones. Just place them all around the stems of your pot plants, they are attractive and pretty to look at. And well, let's be honest, have you ever seen a cat trying to walk on pine cones? (11/08/2006)

Cat Pooping in House Plants

I found that when my shy and wild kitty was sneaking into the 8' Ficus Tree pot at night, that she not only pooped, but also kicked dirt out everywhere. So, I simply found some thick leafed fancy silk flower greenery that comes in bunches at the dollar store and stuck them all around the base of the tree to completely cover the pot of soil. I then sprayed the flower greenery leaves thoroughly with a cheap but lovely room deodorizer and she hasn't been back since! :) (11/08/2006)

By Lynda

Cat Pooping in House Plants

I agree with putting something over the soil (netting or wire), but please do NOT use mothballs. They are toxic to cats and will destroy your pet's liver, even the scent will do damage. Also, once you cover the plant's soil, place the cat's litter box near the plant to encourage the cat to use it, even if inconvenient, you can move it later.

You may have to try different types of litter. My cat refuses to use the feline pine stuff, maybe yours is finicky too. If you need to, put some soil in the litter box with the litter until the cat regularly uses it, then cut back slowly on the soil.

You may try to put a scoop of your cat's waste in the litter box so he smells his scent in it. I bought a new litter box for one of my cats, and he initially wouldn't go in it because he didn't realize that it was his. Once he realized it, he never had another accident. This is a very fixable problem. (11/08/2006)

By susan

Cat Pooping in House Plants

I had this problem recently with our new cat, Patton. We have several large plants that are on the floor. I put bamboo skewers poking up out of the soil every inch or so, it looked like a forest of skewers. He had no place to sit or walk comfortably. I had no further problems. Be sure to place the sharp part of the skewer down so that your cat doesn't accidentally fall on them.

Good Luck! Jess (11/08/2006)

By Jess

Cat Pooping in House Plants

Thanks for all the tips! (07/26/2008)

By beth-chelle