Questions about cocoa mulch

[nscrbug]

The hubby and I were out shopping today for landscaping ideas. We are going to be changing our front yard landscaping a bit. Currently we have rocks as a landscape covering and we are looking to change over to mulch, wood chips or possibly cocoa shell mulch. I've read/heard that cocoa mulch can be toxic to dogs and cats, IF they ingest enough of it (however, I've also read that it is unlikely that they would). I've also heard that cocoa mulch is a natural deterrent to cats, which appeals to me (NOT because we don't like cats...we have 2 of our own)...but because we are having an issue with 2 "roaming" neighborhood cats that have taken a liking to peeing on our landscape rocks. Which is the reason we want to switch over to something else...the rocks STINK of cat urine!

So I guess my question is...do any pet-owners here use cocoa mulch in their landscaping? And if so, have you encountered any health issues with your pets? Our male cat does go outside, but only with my DH who watches his every move because he has a tendency to "bolt" out of the blue and chase things like birds, squirrels, mice, insects, etc. Is it okay if the cat walks and/or sits on this cocoa mulch? Would he ingest any toxic residue if he licks himself afterwards? I'd appreciate any info or suggestions on this. Thanks!

Linda

[goldfinch]

I used it as an experiment in one part of my flower gardens that were fenced away from my dogs when the mulch first was becoming popular. The dog issue is real, but apparently most (but not all) dogs apparently won't touch it. http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp My dogs like blood meal, I wasn't about to try cocoa mulch where they had access.

There are other issues. It is lightweight and can blow away so you might need to water it down when it is new and not yet settled. It also can develop an unattractive mold, especially if you live in a wet climate or it has been really rainy.