Cats in the compost pile

MordechaiGoodbuds · Jan 2, 2009

I keep a compost pile in my backyard for my garden.

My neighbor of two doors down has about 20 cats.

When I add compost to the pile, the cats think I'm feeding them.

You wouldn't believe the junk they eat--moldy bread, rotten fruit, winter squash skins, stale popped and unpopped popcorn, egg shells, etc.

I find them annoying, I step in their manure almost everyday.

I know I shouldn't have done this, but I started feeding three of the cute ones some real food. I feed a skinny one that can't ever put on weight, a half-Persian kitten with a twisted tail, and a little half-blind one. Now, they follow me around like I'm some kind of God.

Chumplet · Jan 2, 2009

Put chicken wire over the composter if it has walls. You can tie it down with a twist of wire, then lift it when you need to add to it. If they get hold of chicken bones or anything like that, they could choke.

Those poor cats are obviously not getting the attention they need. Perhaps the SPCA should get involved?

moonslice · Jan 9, 2009

MordechaiGoodbuds,

I hope you're able to have a discussion with your neighbor about why the cats are so desperate. Perhaps they need new homes.

minervaK · Jan 10, 2009

Mordechai --

Congratulations! You just formed a feral cat colony. Check out www.alleycat.org for more info on what you can do for those critters.

MK

RobJ · Jan 10, 2009

MordechaiGoodbuds said:
Now, they follow me around like I'm some kind of God.

You are.

And that's a great thread title. Would make a good story title.

Cheers,
Rob

moonslice · Jan 10, 2009

But these aren't feral cats, are they? Didn't you say they were your neighbor's cats?

JHillman · Jan 11, 2009

moonslice said:
But these aren't feral cats, are they? Didn't you say they were your neighbor's cats?

Sometimes the distinction is a bit thin. If they are coming around to your place that often, they are more feral than that they have acquired an home of their own.

Good job on helping them, but please take care. "Feral" cats have a wide range of problems which could affect you, your family or your friends.

And plant some mint around the compost pile. They'll love it.

moonslice · Jan 11, 2009

JHillman, I agree. Sounds like a thin distinction!

If compost is being used around plants that will produce human food, watch out. Cat poop is toxic and not to be used in compost, so hopefully they won't turn it into a litter box as well.

Cats in the compost pile

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