I've got a ginger tom cat who has decided that he doesn't like his litter tray and prefers using the garden instead. He's claimed two beds out there as his go-to spots, and while I don't mind that too much, I'm concerned about the smell. I know cats prefer cleanliness, so I'm wondering if there are any effective ways to deodorize the soil without having to dig it all up and relocate the compost. Any tips would be appreciated!
4 Answers
If you want to encourage your cat to stick to one bed, try making a trench filled with sand. It’ll make removing clumps a lot easier, but remember that if it gets too dirty, he might choose a different spot. I wouldn't want to use a stinky loo if there was a cleaner one nearby either!
You could also try rotating the areas where he goes. After a while, the wear and tear might make him choose a less used spot. Just a thought if cleanliness is key for you!
I totally get this! I have cats that use a raised bed outside, and I just clean it out once a day—let nature handle the rest. The rain helps dilute things, so I haven't had any issues with odor. Just keep it tidy, and your cat should be fine!
I've been doing that but wasn't sure if the rain would dilute the ammonia in his pee enough?
From my experience, cats love using fresh, soft soil. I often top up the bed with old compost or bark, but my cat doesn’t seem to like that as much. Dig the soil occasionally, and he’ll probably enjoy any freshly turned dirt you create!

He tends to move between two beds, so I really wish I could keep the original one cleaner.