How do you keep your cat out of your flower beds?

Answer 1

You need to make sure that the litter box is easy to get to, but has some privacy. Also, that it is cleaned daily and fresh litter as often as needed. Change the litter weekly if you use clay litter, and every other week if you use the scoopable. But clean every day. Wash the litter box when you change the litter, with mild soap and hot water, rinse well, then make sure it is dry before you fill. Make sure the area that you put the box is clean, and open enough for the cat to enter, and exit comfortably.

The same time you do this you need to change the top soil of the plants, to change the scent and cover the dirt with smooth rocks (river rocks), tightly packed together to cover as much dirt as possible. Then when your cat starts digging in the plant you have a warning system! Don't hit, or yell at the cat (this might be some physcial problem), pick the cat up and promtly head to the litter box. Put you cat in the box, and step back a little, indicating you want your cat to use the box. You will know if your cat is going to use the box or not, quickly, if not, watch the cat closely until you see them make another attempt on the plants, or go to the litter box on their own.

Do this several times, to break a bad habit that might have developed. If after three to four days of this, you are not seeing any litter box use, you need to take the cat to the vet. Your cat could have an infection of the bladder or urinary tract, sometimes this will cause cats to stop using the litter box because they associate the box with the burning pain during urination. It is hard to tell because your cat is using dirt in plants, which is also instinctive for a cat to use, this might have started because the box got dirtier than your cat liked and now the cat has a bad habit.

If you can afford to, and have the time, you could take the cat to the vet. first, for a check up. Ask them to check for an infection (bladder or urinary tract) and explain what your cat has been doing. It could be someting else, but usually it is one of these two things. When you change the dirt in the plants and add the rocks, try to do it with all the plants on the same day as you start the new litter box rules. And you will need to do something with your plants either way, so the cat will not be tempted in the future.

I can't tell which your cat has, but going the slower route will prove if it is just a problem with the litter box, and you are a better judge of that. You are the one who maintanes the box. But if you have heard your cat cry or meow while he was in the litter box or in the plants urinating, or covering, and scratching in the dirt, then the cat needs to go to the vet. without waiting to see what the response will be to this test. So, if you hear any crying, go to the vet NOW!

Answer 2

I think the pet stores have a spray out now for that. If it smells like the one I bought to house train my dog I wouldn't use it. If all else fails make it harder for the cats to get into the plants.

Answer 3

Quite possibly you may have to consider what is most important to you and limit your battles. There are a few ways to help train your cat to behave in your house. Typically, cats are climbers in the wild, (think trees) so they will always try to jump on book cases or window sills. They also dig and love dirt, so anticipate them trying to dig in your plants as well. If you catch the cat in the act you don't want repeated, try making a loud noise with your hands and yelling. If they continue, move on to the next step: the water pistol. Most cats hate getting wet with water, so a few squirts on the cat's body should make them move. They will begin to associate bad consequence for the action of being in the plants. If that doesn't work, try laying down a thin mesh wire in the planter. Cats don't like different textures on their paws so the wire will detour them. Just remember to be patient when training cats, they will learn and obey, but they also have their own animal instincts.

Answer 4

mothballs works for me

Answer 5

Cats don't like the smell of citrus

Answer 6

put something around the flowers