http://www.care2.com/greenliving/deter-cats-using-potted-plants.html
When Cats Use Potted Plants as a Litter Box
posted by Annie B. Bond Nov 19, 2004 11:10 am
Adapted from The Kitten Owner’s Manual, by Arden Moore (Storey Books, 2001).
The soft, dark soil of your potted plants looks like such a nifty place for your kitty to leave her little offerings that even the best-behaved cat will sometimes develop a yen for using the spider plant to make her deposits. But there are some simple fixes for this common kitty mistake.
Find out how to keep your cat out of the potted plants, here:
Just cover the potted soil with aluminum foil (cats hate the texture) or a cardboard cover with watering holes.
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The Kitten Owner's Manual
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14 comments
add your comment »Keeping critters away from your landscape: The best way I heard is establishing territory by dripping samples of (your) human urine.
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I've found that pinecones work as well. Nobody, not even a cat, likes to step on a pinecone!
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Years ago, I cut wire mesh screening and placed it on top of my planter. The cats didn't like stepping on it.
You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili pepper on top of the soil. Maybe rub a little on the nose to ensure the cat knows to stay away from the potted plant.
Also, sprinkle it on outside flowers or garden plants to discourage dogs from chewing up your blooms.
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I have to laugh...I just checked out "Related Stories" on this page and this was on it...http://www.care2.com/greenliving/keeping-cats-out-of-the-garden.html
What doesn't this site have info on?!
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I've also placed polished rockes and pebbles in my plants and they don't use it anymore.
You may also want to try putting the litterbox where kitty goes then slowly move the box away from that area to where you ultimately want it.
You will need to replace the soil in the planter to get the urine out. It needs to be neutrilized or the plant will most likely die or never do well again and the smell wil make kitty sontinue to think it's ok to keep going there.
Check out these sites...http://www.google.com/search?q=litter+box+avoidance
There is a product from your vet I can't remeber the name of or a product from Petsmart called Dr. Elsey's Precious Cat Ultra Litter Attractant http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754845. Good luck!
To get rid of smells use OUT Stain and Odor Remover. You can buy it at Walmart or online at http://www.outinternational.com/index.html.
To keep cats out of your garden check out these sites for help...http://www.google.com/search?q=keeping+cats+out+of+the+garden
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=cat+repellent&btnG=Search
You can get repellents at Ace Hardware or most hardware stores.
Good luck people!
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You can also try:
-round sharp toothpicks stuck into the soil (like pigeon spikes, only kitty spikes) or wooden skewers used the same way, pointy side up; or
- chili flakes; or
- both!
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I used duct tape, crisscrossed so some tape was smooth and some had the sticky side up. My cats left the tortured plant alone after a couple of days.
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Moss is a great idea but watch out for over watering because the moss keeps in the moisture and if you dont' decrease your water you can have mold.
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Another great thing for discouraging a kitty from using a plant/pot for a litter box is putting Spanish Moss around the plant on top of the dirt. This is a natural material found hanging from trees in the south. It is sold in arts and crafts store and is inexpensive, and it is very attractive in the pot as well.
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Lisa K, Try first moving the box to a different location. Then try a different kind of box. Make sure to scoop everyday or even twice a day. Vetbasis lavender litter is amazing. If anything, re litter box train him. Put him in the bathroom with the box, food and water and once he starts using it consistently slowly give him more freedom in your home! Good luck!
Julie
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