Is cat poo dangerous to herbs?

[Simone]

Hi, for the first time this Spring I grew an assortment of herbs in a raised bed, I have a cat and there are a few more in the neighbourhood. My coriander suddenly went from being huge and full of life to dead, then one of the cats took to pooing it the spot my coriander lived. Now, my husband says cat poo poisons the soil and therefore the herbs so has banned me from using any more for the cooking but I can't find any facts to verify this and I want to pot them and bring them in for the winter but have two children so obviously don't want to poison them with pooey herbs. Can anyone confirm whether or not these plants are still safe to eat? (Sorry for long and rambling message)

[airconednightmare]

cat poo can give you various illnesses but it's poisons as such. it should ok to eat any new growth once the plants are inside and definately poo free.

alternatively herb plants/seeds arn't expensive if you want to be 110% sure.

[Pot man UK]

We have loads of cats in the neighbourhood and they poo all over the garden, I have never had a problem from eating my veg. I think if it looks good and tastes good it usually is good. Maybe try some yourself if your unsure and if you react badly then get rid! Cat poo is vial stuff tho!

[Simone]

Thanks Guys! I feel reassured. x

[peter6530]

Hi Simone,

When I enterred "cat faeces" into my browser search panel, quite a lot of the references in there would give me considerable concern about eating food grown in an area which cats had used as a toilet. There is at least one pamphlet available in PDF format that gives a pretty comprehensive list of diseases that can be passed on by cats and dogs.

Mesh tunnel to cover the planting area could help.

I remember camping when I was in Scouts, in the last century. About ten of us camped by a stream of beautiful clear running water in the North East of Victoria, just East of Beechworth. I only drank tea or coffee made with boiled water during the three day 'long weekend' camp. Other lads drank the stream water without boiling first. I was the only one of the group who did not end up with medical attention for stomach poisoning after we returned home. While food or water may look clean, it is not always so.

Cheers, Peter

[imir]

If it is deep in the soil it will not be harmful to humans. I get lots of it in my garden. Make sure it is not contacting your veg.

[Pot man UK]

As long as you wash the veg well I'm sure it will be fine. Cats have been pooing in gardens for ever and I've never heard of it being a problem as long as you don't mistake it for an odd shaped potato and serve it with your sunday roast!

[DawnKorus]

Reading a permaculture book suggests planting cat repellant herbs apparently Lemon Balm is good, cats do not like lemon scent, I haven't tried this yet but will be planting plenty of it this year as 2 pesky cats make full use of my garden too.

[Turfwars]

Hi,

Although it is not a pleasant thought I wouldn't imagine that would come to any harm eating your veg. As mentioned above, providing that they are in plenty of soil they should be fine. I also imagine that the rainfall in the UK probably does a pretty good job of, if not cleansing the soil, then at least lowering the concerntation absorbed by your veg.

There are heaps of plants that you can grow around your veg patch. This site lists has some good suggestion: Keep Cats Out of Yard - Cat-World

[Peapod]

I understand why you would be concerned. I've never thought much of it, myself. I know cat feces are not the most pleasant feces in the world.

[sandyLampert]

Thank you. My cat is an indoor cat and has recently started pooing in our herb garden of all places!!!