Can Potting Soil Make Cats Sick?

Depending on the ingredients and type, potting soil can make your cat sick if ingested. To avoid issues, keep cats away from plants and potting soil. When purchasing soil, choose organic soil with non-toxic ingredients, according to Avian Web.

  1. Ingredients

    • Some non-organic brands of potting soil contain synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, both of which can make cats sick, according to the Humane Society. Potting soil ingredients include "plant food," which is actually a chemical fertilizer. These fertilizers contain nitrates and nitrites, both of which are poisonous when ingested, according to The New York Times Health Guide.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Cats enjoy digging in the soil of houseplants and sometimes eating the plants themselves. After digging in the soil, cats may ingest any remnants left on their paws when grooming. To prevent this, try putting coffee grounds, lemon or orange peels in the soil around the plant to deter cats from digging, according to Alley Cat Allies.

    Considerations

    • While organic soil has less toxic ingredients than regular potting soil, ensure that cocoa mulch is not an ingredient, as it is highly toxic to cats if ingested. If your cat has ingested potting soil, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.