Cats Using Veggie Beds As Litter Box!

[Christie H]

Hi! New to this forum and need some really good advice.

My neighbor's cats have decided to use my empty vegetable raised beds as litter boxes. I have cleaned all the debris out of the beds and covered them with weed cloth to deter repeat visits.

I am afraid to plant in them this spring because I'm afraid the soil is contaminated with their urine and other residue.

How can I prepare the soil so it is safe to plant my veggies?

Thanks in advance.

[Mattemma]

I would work the soil as you usually do. Maybe add a top layer of compost. As long as you wear gloves there is little to worry about. Urine won't be an issue unless the cats start peeing right on your plants resulting in a *burn*.

Given the diseases other animals leave in their droppings all over the cat is probably less of a concern, but here is a useful list:

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/broch...icdisease.html

I would be worried about more visits from the cat to the yard, because they can damage property and kill native birds. I have strays that like to pee along the foundation of my home, and the smell is horrid. I doubt it will do any good, but you could let your neighbors know their cats are damaging your property. Suggest they build a cat enclosure. Many people trap problem animals and hand them over to animal control.

If you opt to tolerate the cats then you could set up an old sandbox for the cats with some catnip near it. That might keep them from your garden. I have 3 cats, but I keep them fenced in. I only let them outside (in our fenced yard) if I am there to watch them. A squirt gun is also a useful deterrent. Best wishes!

[Christie H]

Thanks for the tips and the link to cornell.

I contacted my local Master Gardener program and in addition to adding compost, they also suggested that I feed the bed with liquid kelp and water it in well. The thought is that the enzymes in the kelp will break down and neutralize the urine and increase the microbial life of the soil. Then add the compost.

They also suggested making it impossible for the cats to dig, since that is what they want to do. I can use weed cloth until I'm ready to plant.

I actually did speak to my neighbors and they acted as though it isn't their responsibility to control their cats' behavior. They have 4 cats and a concrete patio for a yard. No wonder their cats prefer my yard to theirs. And, yes, a spray of water from the hose has gone a long way to discourage frequent visits. I've noticed their cats jumping over the other neighbor's fence instead of mine.

Happy Gardening!

[Mattemma]

I will look into the kelp as well. My own animals *go* all over the place when I am not around to deter them! Wishing you a bountiful harvest!