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FAQ #17549

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Does "big cat manure" put around your vegetable garden keep animals away? It is being sold at a local zoo.

Related resource areas: Gardens, Lawns & Landscapes, Wildlife Damage Management, Organic Agriculture


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Composted lion or tiger droppings probably have no efficacy as an animal repellent. However, they may have value as a soil supplement, increasing the growth of your plants and making them even more attractive to herbivores! So let the buyer beware. Urine from meat-fed cats probably is repellent to true herbivores (deer, rabbits), but the collection process is not to be recommended.

We recommend that any manure—big cat, elephant, or steer—be well composted before using it on a vegetable garden (Using Manures in Your Vegetable Garden).

Don't forget that manure may contain parasites unless sterilized. Be careful where untreated manure is used and handled.

If you could identify the critter that is causing your problems, we can direct you to various possibilities that may be more practical. For instance, if deer are the problem, a tall fence gives virtually 100% protection.

Browse related FAQs by tag: horticulture, integrated pest management, wildlife damage management, organic production, science education

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