Cats and houseplants do not always get on well together. Or perhaps they do from the cat’s point of view. Just because your cat chews the leaves or digs out the soil because she enjoys doing so? does not mean that she is deliberately trying to annoy you. There are ways to discourage such behavior so that cats and plants can co-exist in harmony as Susan Patterson, a Master Gardener, explains in her article from the Gardening Know How website.
Houseplants are a great addition to any home as they add color, interest and, of course, oxygen. Unfortunately, cats seem to enjoy our houseplants as much as we do, but for the wrong reasons. Read on to learn how to cat-proof houseplants.
Safeguarding Plants from Cats
Cats commonly chew on houseplants and wreck their foliage, use them as litter boxes, or play with them until their leaves fall off. This makes it tough to successfully grow houseplants and enjoy your feline friends. While most cat owners just give up on growing indoor plants, there is no reason to do so. Fortunately, there are ways of safeguarding plants from cats so that you do not have to forgo your greenery, or your cats.
Houseplants Cats Won?t Chew On
Growing plants indoors that cats dislike is a great way to distract them. Cats don?t like some plants because of their strong odor, others because of the way they feel. Here are a few indoor plants cats avoid:
- Rosemary?is a great indoor plant that cats hate because it is highly aromatic. In addition to growing without cat interference, it also provides you with some fresh sprigs for cooking and makes your house smell great.
- Scaredy cat plant is another plant that deters cats based on the smell, thus the name.
- Plants like cactus and roses are great indoor options and cats will only try messing with them once because of the thorns.
See more at Gardening Know How
Image source: Eva101
What can you do with outside cats in my garden?