While cats are sweet and playful, occasionally they’ll knock things over and get into your potted plants. These behaviors can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that cats are curious creatures and just trying to have fun.
Teaching cats to stay away from plants is similar to teaching children to stay away from the cookie jar; they will need to be reminded often and consistently, but with patience and persistence, it can be done.
7 Cat-friendly ways to catproof your houseplants:
1. Provide alternative spaces
Cats are naturally curious and love to explore and play. Create designated areas in your home or garden where cats are welcome, such as a scratching post, a cat tree, or a comfortable bed. By giving them their own space, they may be less likely to invade your plants.
2. Place physical barriers
Place barriers around your plants to prevent cats from accessing them. You can use materials like chicken wire, lattice, or netting to create a barrier that allows plants to grow while keeping cats out. Make sure the barriers are stable and secure to prevent cats from knocking them over.
3. Use elevated planters or hanging baskets
You can always try to elevate your plants by using a stylish solution such as macrame plant hangers. Cats find it more challenging to reach plants in higher locations, reducing their ability to interact with them.
4. Try using Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are believed to deter cats from certain areas, including potted plants. Cats don’t like coffee’s smell, so the aroma of used coffee grounds can help keep them away from houseplants. Also, coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer, so if it works for your cat, that’s definitely a win-win.
5. Texture deterrents
Cats generally dislike certain textures on their paws. Try placing rough materials, such as pine cones, gravel, or pebbles, around your plants. Alternatively, you can cover the soil with prickly twigs or plastic forks, pointy side up. These textures can discourage cats from digging or walking on plants.
6. Motion-activated pet deterrents
Using this method, you can keep cats and other animals away from outdoor plants – humanely. Lulu Home Animal Repeller sends out infrasonic and ultrasonic waves with alarm sounds and strobe light flashes. This repeller can effectively drive cats away but not hurt them, which is humane and harmless.
7. Cat-repellent sprays
There are commercially available cat-repellent sprays that are safe for plants and animals. These sprays usually contain natural ingredients with scents that cats find unpleasant.
Follow the instructions on the product carefully to avoid any potential harm to your plants.
Also, if you’re new to cats (or to plants!) it’s crucial to know that many common household plants are toxic to cats and should be avoided. Here’s a great video to watch for anyone who loves cats and wants to keep them safe around the house and yard.
To sum things up, and as a general rule, try to provide alternatives to your cats, keep them busy, and show positive reinforcement while discouraging unwanted behavior. With consistency and patience, you can help redirect your cat’s attention away from your plants.
