How to Keep Cats Away from Plants

Do you know how to keep cats away from plants? It’s frustrating when you realize your beloved plants are no longer flourishing due to the unwelcome presence of cats. Whether it’s aggressive digging in the soil, the destruction caused by curious claws or simply using them as a bathroom, cats can quickly turn any beautiful garden into an unusable area.

But there is hope! We’re here to provide you with practical tips on how you can keep unwanted feline visitors away from your precious foliage so that everyone – pet owners and plant enthusiasts alike – can live happily ever after. Keep reading to find out more!

As a cat parent, you know how much cats love to climb and explore around the house, sometimes getting themselves into places they shouldn’t be! And if you have plants on display in your home, chances are that at one point or another one of your feline friends has taken an interest in them. But it can be very confusing trying to keep cats away from plants – and worse yet, finding out once the damage is already done.

If you’re looking for some tips on how to keep cats away from plants without having to give up any of their exploring habits, then this blog post is for you!

Do Cats Like Plants?

It’s important to start by understanding why cats are attracted to plants in the first place. The short answer is, yes cats do like plants! They are curious creatures and are drawn to new sights and smells. Cats love exploring and investigating new things, so it’s natural for them to be curious about plants and foliage. 

Additionally, cats may enjoy chewing on plants – as they would grass outside – due to the presence of vitamins and minerals found within the leaves. 

While this can be a good thing if you want your cat to explore its surroundings, it can also lead to problems if they get too close to your prized foliage. 

How to Keep Cats Away from Plants

There are a few things you can do to prevent cats from getting near your plants.

1. Plant Cat-Friendly Plants:

The first step in keeping cats away from plants is to use plants that are not harmful to cats if chewed or eaten. These plants should contain no toxins and be safe for your cat if ingested. Some examples of these types of cat-friendly plants include spider plants, aloe vera, pothos, and spiderwort.

2. Use Deterrents:

If you don’t want to get rid of all your plants or replace them with cat-friendly alternatives, then you can use deterrents to keep cats away from plants. Common deterrents include motion-activated water sprays, citrus-based sprays, and even peppermint oil, which cats don’t like the smell of.

3. Create a Cat-Friendly Environment:

Cat owners can create an environment that caters to their pet’s needs and interests, instead of trying to keep them away from plants. This could include providing scratching posts, toys, treats and other activities for your cats to stay occupied and away from your plants.

4. Provide Alternatives:

It can also be helpful to provide an alternative for cats that want to explore their environments, such as a scratching post or cat tree with toys attached. This will give them something else to play with and keep them away from your prized foliage.

Following these tips can help you keep cats away from plants and create a safe environment for your furry family members. It’s important to remember that cats are curious creatures and need appropriate outlets for their exploratory nature. By providing them with alternatives to explore, as well as cat-friendly plants, you can ensure that everyone in your home – including your plants – can live in harmony. Happy gardening!

Some Tips for Keeping Cats Away from Plants

1. Plant them in a planter or container that is too deep for cats to reach. Make sure the pot has no drainage holes on the sides, as cats can easily squeeze their paws through those holes.

2. Place mothballs or citrus peels near the plants. The strong odor of these items will deter cats from wanting to go near them.

3. Cover your plants with tulle fabric or bird netting to prevent cats from being able to get at them. Make sure the material isn’t too tightly knitted as it can still allow the cat to get through.

4. Spray the plants with a citrus-scented spray or homemade garlic mixture to keep cats away.

5. Install motion-activated sprinklers around your garden to surprise cats and make them think twice before getting near your plants again.

By following these tips, you should be able to keep cats away from your plants and keep them healthy. With a little effort, you can ensure that your garden looks beautiful all year round.

Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats

Cats are inquisitive and will often try to nibble or chew on plants. Unfortunately, some of the most popular and attractive houseplants can be poisonous to cats if ingested. It is important to know which plants can be dangerous when kept in a home with cats so that you may take proper precautions or avoid them entirely.

Some of the most common houseplants that can be poisonous to cats include:

• Lilies – All parts of lilies, including petals and leaves, are toxic. Ingestion of any part of this plant can cause kidney failure in cats.
• Sago Palm – All parts of the Sago Palm are toxic to cats, with the seeds carrying the highest toxicity.
• Aloe Vera – Although Aloe Vera is known for its healing properties in humans, it can be dangerous if ingested by cats.
• Tulip and Hyacinth Bulbs – All parts of these two plants are poisonous to cats, especially bulbs. Eating tulip or hyacinth bulbs can cause vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
• Azalea – Azaleas contain a toxin called grayanotoxin which can be deadly if ingested. Symptoms of azalea poisoning include drooling, vomiting, weakness, and paralysis.
• Autumn Crocus – All parts of the autumn crocus can be poisonous to cats. Ingestion of this plant can lead to gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

If you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of a poisonous plant, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from your veterinarian. With proper care and treatment, cats can make a full recovery. However, to prevent your cat from being exposed to any of these dangerous plants, it is best to avoid having them in the home.

Keeping houseplants out of reach or in an area that your cat cannot access may also be helpful. When purchasing new plants for your home, it is important to research and identify which plants are potentially dangerous to cats. Doing so can help keep your cat safe and healthy.

Some of the Best Plants for Cats

1. Catnip: The most famous of all plants for cats, catnip is a member of the mint family and contains an oil that cats find irresistible. Sprinkle some dried catnip in your cat’s favorite hiding spot or add it to a toy for hours of feline entertainment.

2. Cat Grass: Cat grass, which is actually a combination of different types of grass, provides an ideal snack for cats. It helps keep their digestive system running smoothly and can even aid in the removal of hairballs.

3. Spider Plant: This plant is not only easy to grow indoors but it’s also safe for cats. The leaves contain a mild toxin that can cause an upset stomach if eaten in large quantities, but it’s not generally harmful.

4. Lavender: This fragrant flower is great for cats because it helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also has antibacterial properties and can help reduce the risk of fleas and ticks.

5. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a great natural remedy for minor cuts and scrapes on cats, thanks to its healing properties. It’s also been known to help reduce inflammation and soothe itchy skin.

6. Geranium: This beautiful flower contains volatile oils that have insect-repelling properties, making them ideal for keeping fleas and other pests away from your cat. They also have a mild scent that cats find pleasant.

7. Valerian: This plant is often referred to as “catnip on steroids” due to its intense affect on cats. It contains an oil called actinidine, which can cause cats to become stimulated and playful.

8. Jasmine: This fragrant flower is well known for its calming effects on humans, but it turns out cats also benefit from its soothing aroma. It helps reduce stress and anxiety in felines, making it an ideal plant for a peaceful home environment.

9. Basil: Not only is basil a tasty herb for humans, but it’s also safe for cats to consume. Its antibacterial properties make it an ideal choice for helping with minor skin irritations and inflammation.

10. Dill: This plant contains an essential oil that has been known to help repel fleas and other pests. It’s also a great source of fiber, which can help aid in digestion.

By adding these plants to your home, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your cat while also improving their overall health and wellbeing. Plus, it gives them something interesting to explore and play with! So if you’re looking for a great way to bond with your pet, these plants are definitely worth considering.

Natural Repellents that Will Keep Cats Away from Plants

1. Citrus Peels: Cats have a natural aversion to citrus, so planting or scattering citrus peels around your plants can help keep cats away.

2. Coffee Grounds: Cats don’t like the scent of coffee, so spreading them around your plants will make them think twice before getting too close.

3. Hot Pepper Repellent: Sprinkling cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes around your plants can help keep cats away. The strong odor and taste of the peppers will be too intense for them.

4. Herbs: Certain herbs, like rosemary, lavender, and mint have strong scent that cats don’t like. Planting them around your plants will help keep cats away.

5. Vinegar: Vinegar has a strong smell that cats don’t like. Mix it with water and spray it around the perimeter of your plants to keep cats away.

6. Essential Oils: Citrus, lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils have a strong scent cats don’t like. Mix them with water in a spray bottle and spray around your plants to keep cats away.

7. Blinking Lights: Cats are curious by nature, so blinking lights may deter them from getting too close to your plants. Try using solar-powered motion-activated lights around your plants.

8. Fencing: If all else fails, putting up a fence around your garden can be an effective way to keep cats away from your plants. Make sure the fencing is tall enough and bury it several inches into the ground to ensure cats won’t be able to dig underneath it.

9. Noise Deterrents: Cats don’t like loud noise, so investing in sonic devices can help keep cats away from your plants. There are a variety of sonic devices available on the market that use ultrasonic waves and sound to deter cats.

10. Sprinklers: Motion-activated sprinklers are an easy and effective way to keep cats away from your plants. The sudden burst of water will surprise and scare cats away without harming them.

Commercial Products that Will Keep Cats Away from Plants

1. ScatMat: This is an electronic mat that emits harmless pulses of static electricity when a cat touches it. The mild shock will startle the cat and help condition them to stay away from certain areas or plants.

2. Cat Repellent Spray: There are many commercial sprays available on the market that contain natural ingredients like citrus, lavender, and peppermint that cats don’t like. Spray the solution around your plants to keep cats away.

3. Cat Repellent Granules: These granules contain natural ingredients like cayenne pepper powder and citronella oil that cats find unpleasant. Simply sprinkle them around your plants to keep cats away.

4. Cat Repellent Stakes: These plastic stakes are designed to release an unpleasant scent when cats walk by them. The stakes can be placed around the perimeter of your plants to keep cats away.

5. Ultrasonic Devices: These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that cats find uncomfortable and avoid. You can use ultrasonic devices around your plants to help keep cats away.

By following these tips, you can keep cats away from your plants without harming them in any way. Remember that prevention is always better than cure and by taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that both your cat and your plants stay safe!

FAQs of How to Keep Cats Away from Plants

What can I spray on my outdoor plants to keep cats away?

There are several products available to help keep cats away from your outdoor plants. Citrus-based repellents are often effective, as cats dislike the smell of citrus. You can purchase a commercial citrus spray or make your own by mixing one part lemon juice with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spraying this mixture on the leaves of your plants can help deter cats from coming near.

It is also possible to make your own natural deterrent by crushing cloves and sprinkling them around the base of plants that you want to protect. The strong odor of cloves will often keep cats away. You can also try other scents that cats don’t like, such as peppermint or menthol.

How toxic is peppermint oil to cats?

Peppermint oil is generally not considered to be toxic to cats, although it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. 

Some cats may also have a reaction or sensitivity to the menthol contained in peppermint oil, which can cause vomiting or diarrhea. It is best to use caution when using any essential oils around pets and keep them away from cats and other animals. 

If your cat has ingested peppermint oil, watch for signs of an allergic reaction and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen. Additionally, never apply essential oils directly to a pet’s skin or fur as it can cause irritation or even poisoning.

What are cats afraid of?

Cats can be afraid of a wide range of things, including loud noises, unfamiliar people and animals, sudden movements, unfamiliar objects or environments, changes in routine, and new experiences. If you observe that your cat is scared of something specific, it’s best to avoid exposing them to it if possible.

Additionally, there are some tactics you can use to help your cat become more comfortable with their fear, such as desensitization, using pheromones, and providing a safe space for them. With patience and understanding, you can help your cat overcome their fears.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best way to keep cats away from plants is to create a physical barrier that blocks their access to the plants. This can be done by placing tall plant stands or window boxes around the area, or by putting up mesh fencing with small openings at the base that prevent cats from slipping through. Additionally, use natural deterrents such as citrus peels, essential oils, and coffee grounds to make the area less appealing.

Finally, be sure to provide cats with plenty of alternative sources of entertainment, such as scratching posts and toys, so that they are less likely to turn their attention to your plants. With these methods in place, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without having to worry about cats ruining your plants.

This article was written to help provide information about how to keep cats away from plants. With a little planning and preparation, you can keep cats away from your plants and enjoy a beautiful garden.

Thanks for reading!