Are your cat's plant-munching habits preventing you from creating the purrfect indoor jungle? Before you give up altogether and start to accept the fact that you’re doomed to a greenery-free home, here are some tips to keep your kitties away from your houseplants!
Display your plants out of reach
The first tactic you can try is perhaps the most obvious: making your plants inaccessible to your cat. Placing them on a high bookshelf, in a room that is off-limits to them (for example, a bathroom that has a window), or hanging them from the ceiling may be a quick fix. Using heavy plant pots, and securing the pots to the shelf with sticky putty ensures that in the chance your cat does make it to the top shelf, they can’t knock your plants to the ground.
Try out different types of cat-safe plants
A giant palm with long, flouncy leaves will look like a giant toy to your cat; a rubber plant, maybe not so much. Try leaving out a few pet-friendly, low-cost plants around your home to see how your cat reacts. Here is a list of our cat-safe faves. You can also refer to the ASPCA’s website for an extensive list of toxic and nontoxic houseplants and flowers.
Surround plants with aluminum foil
Many cats don't like the sound and texture of aluminum foil. You can try placing strips of foil around your houseplants to train your cat to stay clear of them.
Give your cat their own plant
Catit Cat Grass Planter, $15.99, Catit
Get a grow-your-own cat grass kit so that kitty has their own cat-safe greenery to munch on.
Surround your kitties with distractions
Monthly cat subscription box, meowbox
One of the reasons why your cats could be attacking your plants is simply that they’re bored! A monthly meowbox of stimulating toys and yummy treats will switch up kitty’s routine and keep them distracted. Get your goodies here!
Go the artificial route
When it comes down to it, there’s unfortunately no magical solution to keeping your kitties away from your plants. If all else fails, you can always get some fake plants. Sometimes you just need to do whatever it takes to add that lacking pop of green to your living space!