Plant lovers are facing a new dilemma when it comes to their cats: how do you create harmony between your plants and cats so that they can coexist without harming one another? If you’re a plant mum and a cat mum, you probably know the feeling. Luckily, there are a number of cat friendly plants available as well as some helpful tips that can deter your cat from your plants.
In this article, we’re going to tell you how to choose cat friendly plants as well as highlight some safe plants that could deter your cat. Let’s get started…
How to Choose Cat Friendly Plants?
Before you turn your house into a small jungle, you need to consider how your new plants will affect your cat. That’s right, there are some plants that cats don’t like. There are also some that are toxic to cats. The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants that you can check before buying your house plants.
Are There Plants That Deter Cats?
So, what plants do cats hate? Well, you’ll be happy to read that there are a number of plants that deter cats because of their smell. Some of these include but are not limited to:
- Geraniums
- Scaredy Cat Plant
- Pennyroyal
- Lavender
- Roses
- Cacti
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
- Lemon Balm
Aside from choosing plants that cats hate, a good way to keep them away from your house plants is to provide them with their very own tray of catnip. Typically, if they have a big enough distraction, they’ll leave your plants alone.
Why Do Cats Chew on Plants?
Despite the fact that cats are true carnivores, they do still eat plants when in the wild. These provide them with the added nutrients they need to stay healthy. That said, if you have a house cat that is constantly puncturing, chewing, and scratching your plants it could be a cry for attention. Typically, it’ll be their way of saying they want more stimuli, either through you playing with them or from new toys.
Tips and Advice for Cat Proofing Your Plants
As mentioned above, your cat may want some attention. If you can’t always be there to give it to them, you could:
- Create cat tunnels
- Buy some loose toys
- Provide them with numerous scratching posts
If you find your cat is pushing your plants off the windowsill, it may be time to clear that space. Cats love to peer out the window and if your plants are hogging that space, your kitty will do everything in its power to reclaim it.
Another way to keep your cat away from your plants is to create physical barriers. For example, you can hang your plants from the ceiling or on the wall. Alternatively, group them in stylish greenhouses that your cat can’t get to.
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