Kitty cat's new hobby - need your advice please!

[eminenz2]

My rogue kitty (my mom calls him a "delinquent" - heehee!) has taken on a new activity to occupy his time: digging the dirt out of my potted plants.

The big plants need to stay on the floor because of their size, but it's not as if he couldn't get to them on a table either. In fact, he digs up the one I have on the bedroom dresser.

I tried covering the dirt with double sided tape, but couldn't get it to stick to the pots.

Your sure fire preventative remedies are most appreciated!

Thank in advance!

Susan L.G.

 

[Gayle]

I've heard the putting something in the top of the planter, like stones can deter digging.

 

[alsrnbsn]

Either stones or sprinkling cayenne powder in the dirt may help. The powder sticks to their paws and then when they groom, they get a little shocker! It may also burn a bit when they dig, I'm not sure, but it's a safe way to keep them out!

I had one that used to dig up my aloe vera plant. The cayenne powder solved that problem really fast and it's not been an issue since!

 

[red_mct]

Someone once told me to try tin foil so they can't get at the dirt. I am not sure how well it might work; my cats used to treat plants in my house like an elaborate indoor plumbing system. Needless to say, I kept the cats and ditched the plants.

Marie

 

[Joni]

I have this same problem. A friend recommended a spray you can buy from the pet store that you spray around the planter to deter cats from digging. She said it worked like a charm on her new kittens.

I might pick some up this weekend - I'll let you know if it works.

 

[Fach]

I have hear tin foil on top of soil. I don't know if it would work.

 

[Fach]

Oh yes, just read the thread. [sorry about the repeat on tin foil The product sold for deterring cats and dogs is called Keep Off. There are many names under many brands. This product does work. i forgot about it.

 

[kathryn]

Just make sure kitty isn't using the potted plants as a litter box, which is what a roomate's cat used to do!

Lemon oil can keep cats away from an area you don't want them to hang around. Putting lemon-oil (real lemon oil flavoring you can get in the spice area of a grocery store)on a cotton ball and then putting the cotton ball in a metal tea ball and hanging it from the plant (if it's a big plant) can work.

You can also try cutting a piece of chicken wire to fit in the pot on top of the soil, with a bit of soil on top.

But the repellant sprays will probably work.

 

[eminenz2]

Thanks ladies!

Susan L.G.