You love your houseplants, but your cat might love them a little too much! Nibbling on leaves, digging in the soil, knocking over pots: the cohabitation between felines and greenery can sometimes be a real headache!
Fortunately, there are many solutions to protect your plants while ensuring the well-being of your four-legged companion.
Why Does My Cat Eat My Houseplants? Understanding the Reasons
Before finding solutions, it's important to understand why your cat is attracted to your plants. Here are some possible reasons:
- Boredom: Bored cats may chew on plants to pass the time.
- Curiosity: Cats are curious animals who explore their environment with their mouths.
- Instinct: Eating grass helps cats digest and purge.
- Nutritional deficiency: A cat lacking certain nutrients may try to find them in plants.
- Medical problems: In some cases, a cat that eats plants may have an underlying health problem.
Effective Solutions to Keep Cats Away From Your Plants
Now that you understand your cat's motivations, it's time to take action! Here are some effective solutions to protect your plants while respecting your feline's well-being.
Make Plants Less Appealing: Natural Repellents
- Citrus scent: Spray the leaves with lemon water or place orange peels around the pots. Most cats dislike the smell of citrus fruits.
- Natural repellents: Use natural cat repellents, available at garden centres. They are safe for your pet and your plants.
- Unpleasant surfaces: Cover the soil of your pots with decorative pebbles, shells, or pine cones. This will make the soil less attractive to your cat.
Create Physical Barriers: Protect Your Plants
- Out of reach: Place your plants up high, on wall shelves or furniture that your cat cannot reach.
- Hanging plants: Hanging plants are an excellent solution to keep your plants away from your cat's claws.
- Cages and terrariums: Use plant cages or terrariums to protect your most precious plants.
Offer Alternatives to Your Cat: Toys and Catnip
- Catnip: Plant a small pot of catnip that your cat can nibble on safely.
- Toys and distractions: Offer your cat stimulating toys to divert their attention from your plants.
Non-Toxic Plants for Cats
If you want to add new plants to your home, be sure to choose varieties that are non-toxic to your cat. Here are some examples of plants that are generally safe:
- Calathea
- Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant)
- Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant)
- Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern)
Feel free to ask our garden experts for advice on choosing plants that are safe for your cat.
Protect Your Plants and Your Cat
By following these tips, you can protect your houseplants while ensuring the well-being of your cat. Remember to be patient and consistent, and you will eventually find the solutions that work best for you and your feline friend!
