We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Sprinkle cayenne pepper (I have found that this works better than chili powder) on plants. This will prevent your cat from digging up the soil and … A pet is there to keep you company when you are alone, comfort you when you are sad (yes, even cats do that), and cheer you up when you are down. Put large flat stones around your garden to make it harder for cats to go digging. It’s a little cruel, but it’s necessary. Anthurium Veitchii – The King Anthurium Care Guide, Wandering Jew Plant – How To Easily Grow It Indoors, Can Houseplants Live Forever? Lay the rocks around the base of the plant, making sure not to crush any stems or dig up the roots. You wouldn't want your cat to eat the tape and get sick. And your cat may become frightened and make their way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. If you place a planter with this grass where your cat can easily reach it, she may be satisfied enough to leave your plants alone. Make time each day to play with your cat. This helps solidify for your cat what behavior is appropriate. Cats sometimes become territorial about their litter boxes. Sara is here to help you grow green thumb! Source(s): Personal experience. Apply the spray to the plant leaves or around the pot … Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The smell of the vinegar will keep your cat away and … Updated March 6, 2019: If you’re anything like me, you feel guilty daily as you leave your pet home alone. A small bit of food or a treat is put inside a puzzle and a cat must figure out to get the reward. There are 26 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Britta writes: A couple of weeks ago, my friend Randi Lynn was kind enough to give me one of the many Spider Plants she had growing in her kitchen.I have wanted a houseplant for a while to keep in my office, so I was very excited to get it home! Alternatively, soak a few cotton balls in lemon or orange juice and place them in the soil around the pot. Today there are tons of new products and methods to help repel your cats, but which are the most effective? If you have a particularly skittish cat, do not use this method. Conversely, a cat may be embarrassed or scared to use a box that's out in the open or in area where there's a lot of noise or commotion. Additionally, moving the litter box around can confuse them, and they go where it is most convenient. It will keep cat away from plants and digging the soil out of boredom, and will also be a great distraction from the unwanted behavior as cats react better to praise rather than punishment. While you cannot constantly watch your plants, try to reward your cat every time you see her leave the plants alone. Free delivery, usually takes 4-13 days. How to Make Cat Repellent to Put on a Christmas Tree. If your cat wants to make in the pot, it will more likely quickly run away from the prickly surface. These will be too heavy for your cat to move, but at the same time allow water to pass through them so you can continue to water them. Pour 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of white vinegar into a spray bottle. 10 September 2020. Sometimes the best solution to lure your cat away from your plants is to give her some of her own. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Keep your litter box clean. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. It might be a good idea to spray a small leaf of your plant with your chosen substance first. Here's some ideas you can try to help train your cat to leave the plants alone: 1. • Play with your cats and tire them out. In addition to growing without cat interference, it also provides you with fresh sprigs for cooking and makes your house smell great. Thank you. Actually quite the opposite but it is fast and safe for both the cat and the plant. She has other things to play with and her food dish is always full. Try a different litter. It can be toxic to cats if swallowed so it's best to err on the side of caution. Chip in for safety. Add Plants that Cats Love. Clean out your litter box at least once a day. Or at least carefully check the ingredients, as sometimes they include some substances that are very toxic to your cat. And your cat may become frightened and make their way outside if strangers come to work on your house or if there is a fire or similar disaster. Cat Toy CAT ALONE Just leave your cat alone with your android device on and let your cat try to chase and catch various objects on screen. This article has been viewed 73,430 times. If you place a planter with this grass where your cat can easily reach it, she may be satisfied enough to leave your plants alone. Place the tape around the pot or even just on the rim of the pot if you have noticed that your cat uses it as a support to reach the leaves. Marj Baker offers an alternative, "I have lots of plants and the cats generally leave the house plants alone, but there is always one kitten who can't keep his paws or jaws of any green growing thing. Many of us enjoy a little greenery around the house, but hen you are a pet lover, that can be easier said than done. Cats naturally like to explore their territory, and your plants are included in that territory. % of people told us that this article helped them. Visit Shop! Cats like to dig in the feces so the pebbles will make that impossible if you place them tight together. It may not be pretty but it does the job, and you know both your cat and your plant are safe. Check out some of these fantastic plants that you can safely leave around your pets : Birds Nest Fern(Asplenium Nidus) ... To keep your cat busy and away from your plants check out these cat … If I am working at my desk in the bedroom she lays right behind me on the bed and wants me to touch her. Spraying vinegar on your plants might harm them, so soak cotton balls in a water and vinegar solution and place them on top of the soil. "fat plants," welcome here! Cats love to gaze at wildlife and activity outside. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. This article was co-authored by Francine Miller. You could try roses or other prickly plants, but there are plenty of plants that cats commonly dislike that you can chose from (see here for a nice collection of cat-deterrent plant ideas). Another thing that you can do is to place citrus peels around the plant, directly on the soil. 2 Add 5 to 10 drops of lemon essential oil -- available online or at some vitamin shops -- to the vinegar. Double-sided tape is a great way to keep cats out of houseplants, it is easy to set up and you do not have to worry about changing it too often. Make the chopsticks about 6in long and place them in the pot-prickly side up. Francine has completed all coursework toward an MS in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Do you have a problem to keep cats out of your houseplants? Put the cat grass in areas where your cat frequents around the house. How To Teach Your Dog To Wear Booties. Pay attention to what kinds of plants draw his … Using citrus peels is a good idea, but make sure to not soak them in water beforehand. If she passes by the plant without digging at the soil, praise her. Give Your Cat Her Own Plants. Scented oils and herbs: If you don't feel like planting certain flowers, you can purchase dried lavender and rue to spread around your yard.You can also spread oils like eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender around your garden. Sometimes the best solution to lure your cat away from your plants is to give her some of her own. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Anything and everything about succulents, a.k.a. Keep them distracted. If your cat’s been playing with your potted plants, you can help keep it away with some simple household items. Beautiful handmade planters, self-watering systems, intelligent kits, and much more! Cleaners are deadly for cats period. You could try roses or other prickly plants, but there are plenty of plants that cats commonly dislike that you can chose from (see here for a nice collection of cat-deterrent plant ideas). Your mission here is to find what your own cat really hates and then subject them to it every time they go near your precious plants. There are plenty of tender, young plants you can offer to your cat that are safe, and even good, for her. This could lead to vocalizing and trying to get into the bedroom. Snails, or their eggs, can hitch on most types of plants and arrive in your home aquarium. Cats frequently dig or urinate in potted plants. Sometimes, cats chew on the leaves of the plants leaving them damaged. If your cat is having litter box issues, try a softer brand of litter. You can spray a solution of 16oz ow water and 20 drops of any kind of citrus oil on the leaves of the plant, top, and bottom. By using our site, you agree to our. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to encourage your cat to urinate in its litter box, read on. Other times, the need to eat plants can indicate that your cat has a stomachache and it is trying to find a remedy. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. Correcting the Cat's Behavior Encourage your cat to use her litter box. Cats love trees. If you want your cat to stay out of your potted plants, there are several steps you can take. Combine with spray repellents to be completely on the safe side. Toys that can dispense treats are a great idea to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated. You can drag a string across the floor for your cat to chase. Feather toys, which dangle feathers off the ends of strings, are a popular toy for cat owners. Sometimes they are just bored and need attention. These are special sprays made to use on plants and will … To prevent chewing you can spray Bitter Apple or Bitter Orang e on the leaves. To make the holiday even more spectacular, you found the perfect Christmas tree. Approved. There are specific plants that are safe for your cat to eat. If your cat becomes stressed, this may lead to other unwanted behaviors. Keep your spider plant out of reach by hanging it higher or placing its pot in a less accessible spot. Have you tried them yet? ‘CAT ALONE 2’ is a sequel to cat toy application ‘CAT ALONE’ with 6 unique stages. Remove dangerous chemicals, poisonous plants, sharp objects, small toys, and plastic bags from your cat’s reach. The dog just can’t seem to break that dog/cat … Nobody is immune to the silly faces, crazy sleeping positions and cute sounds they make when they want your attention. Of course, it is best to give your cat their own plant (like oatgrass) so that they leave yours alone! Watch your cat around your plants. Some companies sell stimulating or calming DVDs to play on your television while you're away. Always use juice rather than citrus-based sprays containing citrus oil extract, sometimes referred to as Limonene or Linalool. Using sticky tape for training cats is one of the most painless and quickest methods there is. Britta writes: A couple of weeks ago, my friend Randi Lynn was kind enough to give me one of the many Spider Plants she had growing in her kitchen.I have wanted a houseplant for a while to keep in my office, so I was very excited to get it home! I know some cats are extremely sensitive to plants though. If it’s possible, settling your plants in the most off-limits part of your … This way, she won't get bored while you're not at home. Booties can be an amazing tool for keeping your puppy's paws protected. My cats typically leave my other plants alone as they prefer the spider plant! My own kitties don’t really love house plants… Your cat will not be able to dig or urinate in the soil as the rocks block her access. A happy and tired cat will leave your plants alone. Some scents, such as pine or lemon, repel cats. ) and gave him/her some nice ledges to climb and some scrap carpet screwed to a wall, the cat would probably leave (leaf, lol) your plants alone. It seems we have tried all the suggestions with no luck. Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the leaves of houseplants and your cat will back away pretty quickly. Young Cat. Choosing Your Plants Observe your cat's preferences. The other thing is, they use the pot as a toilet. Scaredy cat plant is another plant that deters cats based on the smell, thus the name. Or just buy a bunch of things cats like! This can be a fun, somewhat quirky decorating trick that will add some flavor to your home while keeping your cat away from your plants. Remove dangerous chemicals, poisonous plants, sharp objects, small toys, and plastic bags from your cat… She will dig in them, pee in a few, and attack the … Can Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality – Myth or Reality. With over 16 years of experience, Francine specializes in treating behavior problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, urine marking, and compulsive behaviors. Check out some of these fantastic plants that you can safely leave around your pets : Birds Nest Fern(Asplenium Nidus) ... To keep your cat busy and away from your plants check out these cat trees.. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) If you have seen a fern indoors it was probably a Boston fern. http://www.catscenterstage.com/kitty-houseplants.shtml, http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat_peeing_in_potted_plant.htm, http://www.sheltermedicine.vet.cornell.edu/documents/CorrectingUnwantedBehaviorinYourCat.pdf, http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677&aid=2281, https://www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-behavior-and-training/cat-litterbox-training/, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/solving_litter_box_problems.html, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/training_your_cat_positive_reinforcement.html, https://www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-care/entertainment-for-cats-5-ways-to-keep-kitty-happy/, mantener a un gato alejado de las macetas con plantas, protéger les plantes en pots contre les chats, Manter o seu Gato Afastado dos Vasos de Plantas, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. She uses a behavioral management and modification plan that is positive reinforcement only. How do I stop my cat from eating my plants? She holds a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). In both cases, leave a note on the amount of required cat food, litter box maintenance instruction, sleeping area, number of meals, veterinary contact information, dosage of medicines, and the emergency phone. In every pet store, there is a cat grass kit you can buy and grow your own cat grass. I have never had a cat poisoned by any of my plants. The collar and visible ID could help someone get your pet back to you. Even when you’re away, you can entertain your cat by providing toys for cats home alone: a cat tree, a ball of string or open paper bags can provide your cat with a daily dose of fun. Repeat a couple of times a week, and you will see the change in the cat’s behavior soon. Subscribe for a future 10% off the whole order! They may also chew on plant stems and leaves, affecting your plant's health. She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. These work only if you are persistent and are able to watch your cat for the bigger part of the day. The container you use to keep the peels in will grow mold. Photo credit: Aleshyn_Andrei . Photo credit: Aleshyn_Andrei . Cats are sensitive about their litter and may dislike using certain brands. The most common is that the litter box is not clean, so they are looking for a  clean place to pee in, the same goes for pooping. 5 years ago. Some cats are prone to chewing or eating plastic. Your cat will thank you for the much needed plant fiber and will surely leave your artificial plants alone. This is found in many perfumes, insecticides, and shampoos. If your cat simply cannot resist the tender leaves of young plants, then give her a garden of her own to eat. There are several reasons for that. You can also use cat-safe booby traps. Decorative pine cones can be pushed down into the soil around your plants to make your garden less comfortable for cats to dig in. Francine has completed all coursework toward an MS in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Watch for any negative effects to make sure it's won't hurt your plant. This article was co-authored by Francine Miller. Do not, NEVER spray artificial plants with cleaners to stop a cat from chewing it. She uses a behavioral management and modification plan that is positive reinforcement only. The citrus smell and taste will keep your cat away, but will, at the same time double as an air freshener for your home. Also, these places can be a good retreat when your cat needs to get away from an aggressive or annoying kitten. 15% Discount on orders over $70! For extra insurance, consider having your cat microchipped and keep your … If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Many house plants are toxic to cats as well. I thought it was sweet when the cat was sleeping in a flower pot, encircling the base of the plant, my grandma was not thrilled, though. I decided that I would place it on my windowsill during the day, to make sure that it received as much light as possible. A box with sides that are too tall may be difficult for your cat to climb in and out of. Bruce will get in my one plant, its a potted begonia/spider plants. These steps may cost a little money up front, but work effectively without any effort on your … If the answer is in the negatives and your cat clearly needs more interaction, another cat can fill that need. Many pet supply stores sell cat grass kits that allow you to grow safe grass your cat can nibble on whenever she wants. Especially kittens. If you keep your litter box in a space that's often closed off, your cat will not be able to find the box when necessary. Christmas is coming soon and everyone is so excited. I currently have my little collection of house plants … Your cat may be able to remove pine cones if she wants to get to the plant. Use Sticky Repellent. If their box isn't clean to their liking, they'll make use of other objects around the house. She is a certified Associate of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. You could put up a tower of soda cans near your plants that will topple over if your cat walks by them. Sara Elizabeth Taylor has been a lover of things that grow, and that love has been a major part of her life. Cats do not like any of it. Spray a cat deterrent. You can put up barriers to keep your cat out, correct the behavior, or explore alternative solutions. ... and watering plants. It grows very quickly so you can give your cat a healthy alternative to your ornamental plants. We present 6 stages with brilliant graphic stuffs and typical sound for each. Be as consistent as you can. If you put the grass near her bed or by her food or water bowl, she may make the connection that these plants are for her. My own kitties don’t really love house plants, but they do really enjoy the culinary delights of various cut flowers. If you have snails in your tank, you put them in there. Just stick the bamboo down into the plant and leave … In addition, decreases in vision or hearing may make your cat more anxious and not want to be left alone or in the dark. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. She still goes straight for the plants and digs them up as soon as my back is turned. Luckily, we’ve compiled some of the best tips to teach your dog to wear booties. Many pet supply stores sell cat grass kits that allow you to grow safe grass your cat can nibble on whenever she wants. If your cat ingests a toxic plant, take her to the vet immediately. Toxic Plants If your cat has her own plants to chew, she might be less interested in your potted plants. Thread starter cutepixie93; Start Date Mar 20, 2014; Mar 20, 2014 #1 cutepixie93 TCS Member Thread starter. 2. Make sure your cat's litter box is easily accessible. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Place the bowl with cat-friendly grass near the feeding bowls or the cat’s favorite sleeping place so your pet will know that it is for her to use. Plants like cactus and roses are great indoor options and cats will only try messing with them once because of the thorns. Sometimes lonely cats just need a friend—a feline friend, that is. These keep cats entertained when no one is home. Play with your cat. That said, like the majority of plants out there, the spider plant can cause some vomiting when ingested. References Another box may encourage your cats to use their litter boxes instead of your plants. Cats love nothing more than exploring new spaces, especially places where they can get high off the floor and curl up. Get them Plants of Their Own. Next Steps. Always reward your cat as soon as she passes by the plant without incident. I know I could just get rid of the plants, but I’ve always loved collecting plants, and surely my cat and my succulents can get along somehow. If you have a multiple cat household, you may need to get another box. Raimund. Another solution is putting … Do this a few times a week until your cat learns not to chew the plants. Another option is spraying … A tired cat is less likely to get into trouble with your plants. • Cut chicken wire and lay it flat on top of the soil. Make sure your cat has access to windows in your home. you can also buy wheat grass berries to grow. If you leave them alone you have to make sure they will be safe while you are away. You set it up, carefully decorate it and then stand back to bask in the beauty of the twinkling lights and delicate ornaments handed down from generation to generation. A bonus of this technique is that it is very decorative, you can even use broken glass or ceramic tiles (be careful with glass though, make sure that the edges are not sharp, just in case). To a cat, the soil around a potted plant looks like kitty litter, which is why cats tend to dig in the pots. These will be too heavy for your cat to move, but at the same time allow water to pass through … If you have a very stubborn cat that will not stop nibbling on your plants regardless of how much repellent you put, or even if they have got a stomachache before but still insist on eating the plants, you should give them something that they can eat. If you choose this method, make sure that the oils are organic, and that you do not use a more concentrated solution, because it may (rarely, but it happens) damage the leaves. Certified Animal Behavior Counselor. If your cat is using a potted … Usually, it is not dangerous just annoying and leaving your plants looking chapped (we do not want that, either), however, it depends on the plant. You wonder what he does all day, how much he misses you and if he’s sad and lonely. If it is toxic, the juices can cause poisoning or stomachache, and even end by visiting a vet. Or is it? Another option is spraying the leaves directly with diluted lemon juice or orange oil. Unplug paper shredders to prevent accidents. Keep in mind many cats dislike litter that is scented and might go outside the box to avoid it. Try to schedule 20 to 30 minutes of playtime each day. Try laying a barrier on top of the soil so your cat can’t get to it. Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the leaves of houseplants and your cat will back away pretty quickly. Get Simple Solution indoor/outdoor repellent for cats & dogs. Q: We have two adult cats (ages 13 and 4 — both adopted) and recently adopted an adult dog from our local shelter who seems to be about 2-3 years old. You want to startle your cat but not scare him. You may be able to order decorative rocks or gems online if you're going for a particular style or color scheme. Safe houseplant cat deterrents include pine cones nestled into the top of the soil. Another option would be that you do not allow cats in the room where you keep your plants. If your cat has been known to eat or chew on plastic bags or wrappers in the past, this might not be a great method for you. We have Peace Lillies in our house, and my cats were chewing on them. It will not hurt your cat’s paws; however, it will not be pleasant. Catnip easily tops the list of my cats favourite plants. While it may seem strange, you can use an unusual cat deterrent that is … For about the last year my cat May will not leave me alone. It is a red & white spray can and works great! It can be frustrating when your cat urinates in your houseplants, but fortunately there are some crafty ways you can get it to stop. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Keep-a-Cat-out-of-Potted-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-a-Cat-out-of-Potted-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Keep-a-Cat-out-of-Potted-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid839921-v4-728px-Keep-a-Cat-out-of-Potted-Plants-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"