Polluted Garden

Question

I have about 12 tomato plants. Four cats have been using the garden for a litter pan. I am afraid to eat anything from this garden. Is it contaminated?

Answer 1

It can be. Make sure to wash your vegetables well. Washing will make them safe from the possible bacteria in the cat feces. The feces itself is not the issue (manure is an excellent fertilizer) but rather animals that eat meat can carry ecoli and the like. Chances are slim, however, that the cat has this issue, but just wash your veggies well to be safe. This article may also help with keeping the cats away: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/cat-repellent.htm