How to stop your cat eating plants

A touch of greenery around the house would lift anyone’s spirits. But maybe not if you’re a cat owner. Despite cats being carnivorous animals they are prone to nibbling on a leaf or two. And that’s just the start of it, some cats will dig or even do their business in your plant pots. Aside from the frustrating, messy side effects of your cat playing havoc with your plants, it’s worth nipping it in the bud early on. Some house plants can be toxic to cats and can make them seriously unwell. Take a look at our list of common plants that could poison your pets.

Why does my cat eat plants?

There are many reasons it’s thought that cats like plants, whether that’s playing with them or devouring them. Cats have got a curious nature and use their mouths as a way of exploring their world, much like human babies. Investigating your plants could just be their way of finding out more about their environment. If your cat has got a playful side, the movement of grass and plants could easily entice them over. It’s also thought that some cats instinctively search out plants when their diet is lacking in fibre and they are feeling a little ‘backed up’. 

How to stop your cat eating plants

If you’d like to keep things green, there are a couple of ways you can protect your plants without having to remove them all from your home. First of all, think about where you’re putting your plants. Try to put them in a spot that is hard for your cat to access. This will depend on your cat’s physical ability of course, if you’ve got a prized leaper then you might need to get a little more creative. Consider creating a terrarium instead, which is protected by glass or displaying your plants in a vintage birdcage. 

Cats are really not fond of citrus. Which is great news for you as it makes for a fairly cheap and easy cat repellent. Simply dilute the juice of an orange, lemon or lime with water and lightly spritz the leaves of your plant. Or you can place some peel in the pot. The chances are, even if your cat decides to continue investigating the plant after smelling the citrus spray, the taste will put them off for good. A vinegar/water mix will also do the job.

If all else fails, it might be worth trying to train your cat to keep their distance from your plants. If you suspect their interest in plants might be down to boredom then consider getting some new toys or scheduling in some daily play time.

Fri Mar 25 2022