If you’re a cat owner, chances are you’ve been through the struggle of your feline friend destroying your houseplants. But have no fear! There are a few things you can do to keep your kitty from turning your greenery into their personal playground. Check out our tips below and say goodbye to shredded leaves and upturned pots.
While it may sometimes seem so, your cat is not on a personal mission to destroy the plants you love. For cats, plants can be a source of fun — they can bat them, bite them, scratch, chew, and dig in their dirt. Plants are like nature’s perfect toy. But, plants can also be a source of serious danger, so before bringing any houseplants into the home, make sure they aren’t toxic to your furriest family members.
Keep houseplants out of your cat’s reach.
This one can be tough, especially if you’ve got a young, energetic cat that considers every surface of your home a part of their domain. Add the requirements of your plants (natural light, access for watering) and the fact that you have plants because you like admiring them, and the out-of-reach options can become rather limited. Still, high-mounted plant shelves, hanging planters, and plant cabinets can all be great solutions for keeping plants and pets safely separated.
Use deterrents around your plants.
If you have large potted plants that sit on the floor, you might find your feline family member digging in the dirt or even using it as a litter box. Try putting aluminum foil or double-stick tape around the base, both common household items that are generally offputting to cats. Cover the dirt with mesh that’s breathable, but will prevent digging. Or, stick clear plastic forks, tines up, into the dirt, so there’s nowhere for your cat to stand inside the pot.
You can also use cat repellants, like citrus sprays or peppermint oils. Just test a small area first to make sure it doesn’t harm your plants.
Redirect the behavior.
Another key to keeping your plants safe from cat-astrophe: redirect their behavior. Give your kitty an appropriate outlet for their scratching and digging needs with scratching posts, interactive toys, and safe places to scratch, dig, and play.
In the end, remember that it’s important to find a balance between protecting your houseplants and making sure your cat is still having fun. With a few simple tricks and some patience, you can keep your cats away from your houseplants for good.
Provide alternate houseplants that are safe for cats.
If you want to make sure your cat doesn’t harm your houseplants, try introducing some plants that are safe for cats. Catnip, wheatgrass, spider plants, and lavender are all pet-friendly options that they can safely bat, scratch, and chew. If you provide kitty with a few plants that she is allowed to interact with, you can save your prized houseplants from kitty’s wrath.
Reward good behavior.
Finally, don’t forget to reward your cat for good behavior around plants. When you see that your cat is staying away from the plants, give them a treat or some extra cuddles and pets. Positive reinforcement goes a long way with cats — just remember to be consistent in rewarding desired behaviors and your kitty will soon stay out of trouble!
Earning the trust and respect of your pet can take time, but it’s worth it! With a bit of effort, you can create a home where plants and cats happily coexist. And you won’t have to worry about your beloved houseplants becoming victims of kitty’s curiosity.
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