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Growing Tomatoes

Cat poop in tomato bed

16 years ago

I recently planted my first tomatoes, and I've noticed what looks like cat poop appearing in the tomato bed. We have a lot of stray cats that wander around the neighborhood, and I guess they're attracted to the bare dug up earth. Luckily the plants themselves have not been disturbed (knock on wood). I was planning on not mulching for a while, because the temperatures are not very warm here (SF Bay Area)--highs in the upper 60s. I'm not up for spending serious money on electric fencing or motion activated sprinklers. My question is if anyone knows if the cat poop will negatively affect the soil (dirt+compost+a little composted manure), and if I should be worried about parasites in it.

Thanks,

Adam

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Comments (6)

carolyn137
16 years ago
My question is if anyone knows if the cat poop will negatively affect the soil (dirt+compost+a little composted manure), and if I should be worried about parasites in it.

*****

No, the cat poop is not going to affect the soil and the only parasite that I'd worry about is Toxoplasmosis gondii.

I've linked to the life cycle below but the shed oocysts need very warm temps and high humidity for them to morph into a form ingested by humans that's infectious.

And you don't have those conditions where you live and garden.

If it still bothers you make sure you wash the tomato fruits well before eating them.

Carolyn

Here is a link that might be useful: Toxoplasmosis Life Cycle
latierra84
16 years ago
just a note. my house cats peed on two of my tomato plants. i have six plants total. of the six, the two that were peed on are growing like crazy and have tons of flowers and little bitty baby tomatoes. the other four's flowers are barely opening.
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You can contract several diseases and parasites from cat feces found in your garden soil. If the area contains perennials, it would be wise not to solarize the soil in that area or you will certainly lose those plants. If the bed is an annual bed, I would solarize it as mentioned above. Toxoplasmosis in cat feces will remain infectious for about a year, depending on the conditions. Turning the garden bed under will help to hinder transmission of any diseases found in the feces. If you do decide to plant in the bed this year, just make sure you wear a good pair of rubber garden gloves and be certain you wash your gloves and hands thoroughly afterwards. If you are or plan to become pregnant in the near future, treat that bed as you would a litter box during pregnancy. In other words, don't take the chance with your unborn child.
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In the spring, I actually collect our dogs' poo and bury it about 6 inches below the surface in my tomato beds. Plants love it and I feel there is no additional risk because our dogs are regularly wormed and sleep with us anyway but more importantly, plants do not uptake pathogens through their root systems. It is one thing to be dumping carnivore waste directly onto a leafy green that you will be eating and another to feed a fruiting plant with waste that will never contact the fruit you eat. Stray cat poo is a little different because you do not know the health status of the animal but I still don't think it would be a problem if there was no contact between the poo and the fruit. Americans can be a little squeamish about nature and make generalizations about benefits not worth risk but with reasonable care, I really don't think anyone can draw up a specific scenario that could lead to a harmful result.
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Did you add additional litterboxes? You need at least one per cat on each level - if cat is not using the litterbox at all, you might put one behind your chair (TEMPORARILY - yeah I know, it's a PITA, but it's only TEMPORARY - idea is just to get habit re-established to go in litterbox, then move it gradually to where you want it to be.) And keep the daughter's door closed. Even if the new cat is not actively chasing your cat away from the litterbox, Dandelion could be put off by someone else using it. If you didnt do the proper gradual introductions you might want to start over and keep them separate, gradually letting them get used to each other.
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Hey guys,silvergold,he did fine today.No more poopsies,LOL. He seems alot happier too,and more lovable. Sorry for over-reacting.I tend to always think the worst about things.Sort of a defense mechanism. I was mostly just venting cuz I almost stepped right in it with bare feet,LOL. He is a great cat and a good friend,and I cant imagine my life without him. I'll let you all know if it happens again.But I think maybe it was just stuck to his butt or something.Anyways,he is due to a check up,so it couldnt hurt to ask the vet. Thanks for all your kindness! :)
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oldroser
16 years ago
To deter cats, lay strips of chicken wire flat on the ground and weigh down with stones. Speaking only for myself, I don't want my neighbors cats using my garden, veggie or otherwise, as a litter box.
adamp
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the responses. If nothing else I will definitely be more careful about washing my hands after touching the soil. I'll keep an eye out for chicken wire and might give that a try.
wamaterhead
16 years ago
I use a #220 Conibear trap in a box with cat food sprinkled in. It works wonders & none of the cats get away alive. I had tons of ferral cats pooping in my garden & digging up plants. I think there is one left and I'll get it this week with some tuna. They get killed anyway @ the pound so I might as well save the city some $$$$. DEAD CATS ON THE SPOT!!!
100% effective and instant results.
fixerupperinnh
16 years ago
I got a dog. Now the cats are rarely seen in my yard.

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