Cat-Proofing Your Houseplants: A Comprehensive Guide
Cats and houseplants can be a tricky combination. Cats are curious creatures that love to explore and play, and houseplants can be irresistible to them. Unfortunately, cats can also be destructive to houseplants, chewing on leaves, knocking them over, and even using them as litter boxes.
But don’t despair! There are plenty of ways to cat-proof your houseplants and keep both your feline friends and your greenery happy.
Growing Plants Cats Dislike
One of the best ways to deter cats from chewing on your houseplants is to grow plants that they dislike. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and there are certain scents that they find particularly unpleasant. Some plants that cats dislike include:
- Rosemary
- Scaredy cat plant
- Citrus plants (lemons, oranges, grapefruit)
- Lavender
- Pennyroyal
- Coleus
Making Houseplants Smell Bad to Cats
Another way to keep cats away from your houseplants is to make them smell bad. Cats hate the smell of citrus, so you can try spraying your plants with diluted lemon juice or orange oil. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper around the base of your plants. Just be sure to avoid getting any of these substances on the leaves of your plants, as they can damage them.
Using Physical Barriers
If your cats are particularly persistent, you may need to use physical barriers to keep them away from your plants. You can try covering the soil in your pots with pebbles or stones, or placing pinecones or aluminum foil around the base of the plants. You can also cover the base of your plants with chicken wire or mesh, or place them in a room where cats are not allowed.
Providing Safe Plants for Cats
If you want to give your cats a safe place to chew and play, you can provide them with their own plants. Catnip and lemon balm are two popular choices, and they are both safe for cats to ingest. You can also grow oat grass or valerian root for your cats.
Training Your Cats
In addition to using the methods above, you can also try training your cats to leave your houseplants alone. One way to do this is to redirect their chewing behavior to something else, such as a toy or a piece of catnip. You can also try using positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to reward your cats for good behavior.
Conclusion
With a little patience and effort, you can cat-proof your houseplants and keep both your feline friends and your greenery happy.
