I have two adorable cats and would love to decorate my home with plants. However, they seem to have a liking for chewing on every plant I bring in. I've tried getting cat-safe plants, but they manage to destroy them within days, leaving just sad stems behind. I've noticed some of my friends with cats successfully have plants around their homes—I'm seeking tips on how to encourage my cats to coexist with indoor plants without ruining them.
3 Answers
First off, figure out why your cats are chewing on the plants. My cat used to go after mine until I got him a bunch of scratching posts and toys that he loves. Now, he mostly leaves the plants alone. If your cats keep chewing, find them something else to nibble on. You can also try a bitter spray on the plants; it worked for me! They took a couple of nibbles, made a funny face, and stopped after that!
You might want to try growing cat grass. It could help redirect their chewing, but keep in mind it might not work for every cat. It's essential to check that any plants you bring home aren't toxic to cats. In my home with three cats, they don’t bother my plants, but that's probably because we adopted them when they were older, so they might just be too lazy to care!
Many common plants can be toxic to cats, so definitely do your research! As for keeping your plants safe, consider placing them out of reach, like on high shelves or cabinets. You could even get a tall plant stand to elevate them. Plus, if your cats are persistent, you could try a designated 'sacrificial' plant they’re allowed to chew on, like spider plants. That way, they can still enjoy some greenery without destroying your favorites!
Totally agree! I’ve found hanging plants really help too, just make sure they’re out of reach!
Yeah, I second the sacrificial plant idea! It's a great way to keep them entertained without risking your other plants!