My cat digs in the TRASH! how do i stop it?

Question

My cat digs in the TRASH! horrible isnt it? i've tried everything! from trying different cat foods for her to yelling at her when she comes into the kitchen but she STILL WONT STOP! i put plenty of food and water out for her and i STRONGLY discourage hand feeding her human food, but stilll....... i dnt know what to do! everytime i find her digging in the trash, i put her in the back room where all of her food and water is, and i keep her in there for a while, but every time she comes out, i find her digging in the trash again. Now i feel like she hates me from all the times i've scolded her or locked her in the back room! i love my cat, but not when she digs in the trash! any help?

Answer 1

Get a trash can with a tight lid, and spray the can with citronella. most cats don't like the smell, and will avoid it

Answer 2

Fix your trash situation.  It will be much easier then changing the cat.

Get a new can with a lid.  

Or you can try tin foil with your old trash can.

Cats hate tin foil.  Try placing a large slightly crumpled sheet on top of the garbage.  Most likely your cat wont play in the trash any more because of it.  After a month or so you should be able to not use the foil any more, because your cat will have moved on to something else.

Answer 3

Make up a solution of strong vinegar water in a spray bottle and when you catch her spray her with it, also look at changing the bin lid to one she finds hard to get off.  

Answer 4

She likes to have some excitement, they have toys that you can hide treats in and they have to work for the treat.  This will keep her from getting bored and they love it.  Good luck.

Answer 5

They do make kitchen trash recepticles with lids to discourage dogs from eating or pulling things out. They work for cats too.

http://www.initeck.com/Unique_Gifts/Hand...

A search online will find all sorts, in all price ranges.

Answer 6

What sort of food are you feeding her?  It isn't very common for a cat to dig in the trash unless it's starving.  It could be that the food you're feeding it is of such poor nutritional value that your cat is searching for something to fill her up.

Answer 7

Cats hate walking on aluminum foil, bubble wrap and double sided tape.  Stack empty soda cans on the trash can.  When she goes dumster diving, the noise and avalanche might make her think twice.

If you booby trap your kitchen, chances are, kitty will find a new pass time.

There are trash cans that lock.  Rubbermaid puts out a few good ones.

"No Stay" spray works wonders with my cat.  It's all natural and organic.  My cat absolutely avoids it.  I got it at Petsmart.

All of this works:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pe...

They make toys that dispense food, and toys you can hide food in.  Consider getting some of those to satisfy the hunting urge in your wild beast.

Answer 8

well maybe u could hide some human food for her to find,, u know just little pieces,,

i guess she just wants to have fun and try different food :)

Answer 9

This worked for my Rottie who would stay clear of the trash when i was home but as soon as i left she would scatter it every where. I got a bottle of tabasco sauce and sprinkled it heavly on top of the trash and then left the house when i returned no scattered trash anywhere, i continued this for a week or so when i would leave the house and she never went for the trash again.or try putting leftovers or scraps in a groecery bag and keep it in the freezer until you take the trash outside.