Have you found little nibble marks on the edges of your house plants? In the wild, cats may eat grass as a source of fiber, folic acid, or a cure for an upset stomach. In your home, however, nibbling the wrong plants have the potential to be deadly. So, how do you keep your cat from chewing on your houseplants?
Grow cat grass
Nowadays, greens that are grown specifically for cats, also known as “cat grass”, can be found in virtually any pet store and even the farmer’s market! Usually consisting of oats or wheat, you can grow the grasses from seeds, or purchase them already sprouted and ready to eat. Providing a positive (and to kitty, usually tastier) alternative can sometimes be enough to keep your cat away from your houseplants.
Make plants unappetizing
You can use your cat’s keen sense of smell to your advantage by using low-odor, natural repellents on your plants. Some people have had success by using bitter apple spray or vinegar on the leaves of their plants. Others recommend using cayenne pepper.
Keep plants out of reach
If you can’t change the behavior, sometimes the best thing to do is change the conditions. Decorative jute hangers can give your apartment a beachy, bohemian feel while keeping your plants safely out of reach. If you have a balcony, your plants will surely enjoy the fresh air and bountiful sunshine where kitties can’t nibble on their leaves.
Opt for non-toxic plants
As master climbers and natural problem solvers, sometimes keeping plants away from cats seems to be an impossible task. The ASPCA maintains a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats, dogs, and horses. If you’re not sure which plants you have around the house, give them away or throw them out.
Keep in mind that, depending on your cat, not all of these remedies may work for you. Are you worried about your cat nibbling on your plants while you’re away? Our pet sitters can come check on your kitty, water your plants, and even bring in the mail. Give us a call today!
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Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts.
“Ready to pounce” by kitty.green66 on flickr