cat peeing in flower pot

11 years ago

So I brought my large geranium in from the back porch and set it on the pantry floor like I do at the end of every season. One day I noticed a wet spot on top of the soil, I knew I hadn't watered. Didn't smell like pee as I suspected the cat. Another day, I see it again. So this time I realized it WAS the cat - she has a litter box and always uses it (until now).

I decided to lay aluminum foil over the top of the pot including around the base of the geranium. That worked for two days. Tonight I heard a "thump" and wondered what the heck that was, went to the pantry and she was looking suspicious. Yep - she peed on top of the foil! I showed her the deed, scolded her, and she raced out of there. So I put the large pot up on the sink for now until I either find another place for it or a solution to it being used as a litter box.

I've searched online for an answer and found some but was wondering if this has every been a problem for others here and what really worked best for you.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Charlee_MO
11 years ago
I had a cat that would get in my flowers when I'd bring them inside for the winter.

I used red pepper flakes sprinkled on top of the dirt. Then in one large flower pot I had to use plastic forks.
glaserberl
11 years ago
Our four faithfully use the litter boxes until I bring the plants in. For me the aluminum foil works best. Repellents don't seem to bother one of the cats.
Related Professionals
Middletown Architects & Building Designers · Altoona Architects & Building Designers · Yuma Architects & Building Designers · Riverside Architects & Building Designers · Juneau Architects & Building Designers · Leamington Architects & Building Designers · Bainbridge Interior Designers & Decorators · Vicksburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Miami Interior Designers & Decorators · Webster Interior Designers & Decorators · Lewiston Interior Designers & Decorators · Harrisburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Green Bay Interior Designers & Decorators · Portsmouth Furniture & Accessories · Traverse City Furniture & Accessories
schoolhouse_gw
Original Author
11 years ago
Yesterday I put the large geranium and its pot back out on the porch. I think it will survive awhile longer there. There is really no other place in the house to sit such a heavy pot and putting it up high may lead to disaster. Garage is unheated, cellar too dark. You know last year she never bothered it at all. Now I'm wondering if it is even worth the stress and should I just throw it away later. I know this isn't the flower forum, but this geranium is three years old which I can't believe. Only one half of it survives but that half is healthy and is still blooming.

I had thought about digging out the soiled areas and replacing with fresh potting soil but knowing my cat she'll smell "something" still there or rejoice in the fact it's clean litter. I'll look around today while shopping and see if I find anything like forks or ouchy items to put in the pot. Thanks all for your replies.
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
11 years ago
Throw it out. By the third year geraniums get so woody they aren't worth the winter hassle. They are always on sale tables in the spring cheap after the initial bloom. But then they bloom all summer, of course.
polyd
11 years ago
I had a cat ruin a lovely potted palm. There was no way to stop it. Cats LOVE potted plants.
gsciencechick
11 years ago
I don't have any suggestions, but my friend's cat did this to her vintage hibiscus. I think the plant wound up dying.

I don't keep any plants in the house because our current and former kitties would try to eat them. I would have to take all flowers and plants to my work.
aurorawa
11 years ago
I had a michelia figo in a large pot and one of my rescues absolutely LOVED piddling in it. After flushing the pot thoroughly, then rinsing the roots thoroughly, sanitizing the pot and adding new medium to it, I cut some screen, like the kind you use for windows, and placed it over the pot, holding it in place with shipping tape. I then covered the screen with pinecones. Kitty was NOT interested anymore, lol.
User
11 years ago
A forest of sticks (8 - 12" long or so) stuck into the soil surface fairly close together (along the idea of punji sticks) works to keep my cats out of pots and flower beds -- no place to squat!