Question
QUESTION: I think I gave myself Montezuma's Revenge & ended up in hospital with a swollen appendix that the Doc wanted out!

Raccoons must have gotten into my used kitty litter, so I shoveled it around plants, hopefully helping them bloom.  But I think I trans-planted my grape tomatoes into a spot where the litter was.  I'd been having 'the REVENGE' off and on and the only thing that popped into my head was the little tomato I popped into my mouth like grapes... more on my days off, revenge was worse on the weekends!  SO,  can kitty POO in the dirt of growing vegetables cause this?   I know now... It's not manure & I was stupid...

ANSWER: Absolutley. Used kitty litter and feces contain parsites and bacteria that are very harmful to humans. It is so bad that they do not even recommend composting it. As you said, it is not considered manure. Even when using manure from cows or horses, the manure must be aged for at least three months before adding to the garden. The key difference is that these animals eat vegetation, while cats are carnivores, and therefore pick up bacteria from other animals.

I hope your condition betters soon. If not, you may want to check with a doctor to ensure you have not contracted a parasite. If so, there is medication to treat it.

Good luck, and please write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,

Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks again Mike.  Here's more :  Can I use that little patch in 6 months?  a Year?  Never?  I have Papaya sprouting fruit for the FIRST time, and rosemary near there.  Can I use the rosemary in cooking as long as I don't eat it? DUH!   The Papayas are only size of golf & tennis balls.. Should I avoid them  when grown?  

Answer
Marie, I personally would not eat or cook with anything grown in that patch this year. To ensure that all bacteria is killed, I would solarize the area immediately and through the winter. To do so, lay black 3 mil plastic over the bed. This will kill any soilborne diseases, parasites, and bacteria. You should then be able to plant in that bed again next spring.

Have a great day.

Mike