It is natural for cats to be curious about plants – by playing with them and even nibbling on them. Many cats enjoy greenery, such as grass, and houseplants are no different. However, this attraction can turn from a simple nuisance of having damaged plants or overturned pots into a real danger. Many houseplants are toxic and pose a real danger to your cat’s health. You can avoid this by having only nontoxic plants in your home; check the Animal Poison Control Center’s Web site for a list of toxic and nontoxic plants.
You can try to keep your cat away from houseplants by hanging them up, putting them on higher tables, or putting objects in the way of the plants so as to block your cat’s access to them. You can also provide many forms of enrichment for your cat that may help keep him away from your plants. Having catnip or “cat grass” available can satisfy your cat’s need to ingest something green. Providing plenty of toys, scratching posts, and interaction with you and other animals will help relieve boredom and promote exercise.
In addition to chewing on and playing with plants, some cats may also be attracted to houseplants, especially larger potted plants, for the dirt. Some cats enjoy digging in the dirt and can cause quite a mess. You can use decorative rocks to discourage digging, or use foil or some other covering to prevent your cat from pawing through the dirt.
If the methods described above are not successful, there are also repellents available to make your houseplants less attractive to cats. Bitter or unpleasant-tasting substances can be sprayed on or around plants. Consult your veterinarian for substances that are safe to use. Some people also find success in using a spray water bottle to discourage cats from eating or playing with the plants; however, always be cautious with such methods so as to not damage the bond with your cat.
The options described here will provide some guidance in keeping your houseplants and cats healthy and safe. For persistent cats, however, plants may simply need to be housed in an area in which the cats are not allowed.
Daniela Sharma, Ph.D. - Rutgers University
