SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hike-catholes

Where should you dig a cat hole for human waste?

200 feet from water, trails, and camp, 6 to 8 inches deep.

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  1. Two inches deep beside the trail
  2. In a stream to wash it away
  3. Six to eight inches deep, 200 feet from water ✔

Why: A small hole 6 to 8 inches deep lets waste break down. Staying 200 feet from water protects water sources.

Huh, didn't know that: CDC adds: bury it downstream from where you or others collect water.

The dad joke
I told my friend to dig a cat hole. He came back with a shovel and a litter box.
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References

Answer: Six to eight inches deep, 200 feet from water. A small hole 6 to 8 inches deep lets waste break down. Staying 200 feet from water protects water sources.

  1. NPS: Leave No Trace Seven Principles www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
    catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. CDC: Water Treatment When Hiking, Camping or Traveling www.cdc.gov/drinking-water/prevention/water-treatment-hiking-camping-traveling.html
    Make sure to bury poop downstream from where you or others collect water.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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