For many people, houseplants make a home feel fresh, bright, and welcoming. They bring a little piece of nature inside. But if you also share your home with a cat, you may have already discovered a small challenge: cats and houseplants do not always mix well.
It is not unusual to find bite marks on the leaves of your favorite plant or soil scattered on the floor after a curious paw has been at work. While this can be frustrating, it can also be dangerous because some common houseplants are toxic to cats.
Keeping cats from eating houseplants is part of creating a safe and comfortable environment for both you and your pet. In this article, we will explore why cats are so attracted to plants, what risks plants can pose, and the most effective ways to protect both your greenery and your cat.
Table of Contents
Why Cats Are Drawn to Houseplants
Before we talk about prevention, it helps to understand why cats are interested in plants in the first place.
Curiosity and Play
Cats are naturally curious animals. A plant is an object that moves slightly in the breeze, has a different texture, and sometimes smells interesting. This makes it an irresistible target for exploration.
Instinct to Chew Greens
Even though cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to stay healthy, many cats like to chew on grass and leaves. This behavior may come from their wild ancestors, who sometimes eat small amounts of vegetation. Some theories suggest it helps digestion or provides trace nutrients.
Boredom
A bored cat will look for things to do, and a plant sitting on a windowsill is an easy way to pass the time. Chewing or digging in soil can become a form of entertainment if there are no other outlets for energy.
The Risks of Plants for Cats
While some plants are harmless, many popular houseplants are toxic to cats. Even small nibbles can cause problems. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or worse, depending on the plant.
A few examples of plants that are toxic to cats include:
- Lilies (very dangerous, can cause kidney failure)
- Dieffenbachia
- Pothos (Devil’s ivy)
- Aloe vera
- Philodendron
- Peace lilies
- Sago palm
Because it can be hard to monitor every plant all the time, prevention is the best solution.
Strategies to Keep Cats Away from Plants
There is no single solution that works for every cat. Cats are individuals, and some are more determined than others. The most effective approach often involves a mix of strategies.
1. Choose Cat-Safe Plants
The simplest and safest way to start is by choosing plants that will not harm your cat if they take a bite. Many websites and veterinary organizations list cat-safe plants. Some good options include:
- Spider plants
- Areca palms
- Calathea
- Bamboo palm
- Herbs like rosemary and thyme (in moderation)
While this does not stop a cat from chewing, it does ensure that if they do, it will not be dangerous.
2. Provide Cat Grass
One reason cats chew on houseplants is to get some greenery into their diet. Cat grass (usually a mix of wheat, barley, and oats) can be grown in a small pot and placed somewhere the cat can easily access.
Offering cat grass gives your cat a safe outlet for this chewing instinct. Many cats prefer the texture of the grass to other plants.
3. Keep Plants Out of Reach
Sometimes the best solution is physical separation. Placing plants in areas your cat cannot reach—such as on high shelves, hanging from the ceiling, or in rooms with closed doors—can protect both the plant and the cat.
However, keep in mind that many cats are excellent jumpers and climbers. A shelf that seems high to you might still be accessible.
4. Make Plants Less Appealing
Cats are sensitive to smell and texture. You can use these sensitivities to make your plants less attractive:
- Citrus peels: The smell of orange or lemon peel around the soil can discourage many cats.
- Safe sprays: There are commercial sprays made for plants that taste unpleasant to cats. These are designed to be non-toxic for both cats and plants.
- Pebbles or rocks on the soil: Placing decorative stones on top of the soil makes digging less fun.
5. Give Your Cat Alternatives
A cat that has toys, climbing spaces, and regular playtime is less likely to bother with plants out of boredom.
- Offer scratching posts and climbing trees.
- Use interactive toys to burn energy.
- Rotate toys to keep them interesting.
When a cat has enough stimulation, it may ignore your plants completely.
6. Use Training and Redirection
While cats do not respond to training in the same way dogs do, they can learn boundaries through gentle redirection.
If you catch your cat chewing a plant, calmly remove them and offer something else, like a toy or cat grass. Consistency is important. Over time, many cats learn that the plant is off-limits.
Avoid shouting or physical punishment. These methods often create stress and can damage your relationship with your cat.
7. Watch for Signs of Stress
Sometimes plant chewing is a sign of stress or anxiety. Changes in the home, lack of routine, or boredom can all contribute.
Creating a calm environment, with regular feeding times and safe hiding spots, can reduce this behavior.
Combining Approaches
Often, the best results come from combining several strategies:
- Keep toxic plants out of the house entirely.
- Provide safe alternatives like cat grass.
- Make plants less appealing with smells or textures.
- Offer plenty of stimulation and play.
When these strategies work together, the interest in houseplants usually fades.
Monitoring Your Cat’s Health
If you think your cat has eaten a plant and you are unsure if it is safe, it is important to call your veterinarian right away. Even small amounts of certain plants can cause problems.
Watch for signs such as:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
Prompt treatment is important if a cat has eaten a toxic plant.
Safe Decorating for Plant and Cat Lovers
Living with both cats and plants is possible. Many people manage it successfully. It just requires a little planning:
- Choose pet-safe plants as much as possible.
- Use high shelves and hanging planters for plants you want to protect.
- Add cat-friendly spaces so your cat has its own spots to explore and climb.
- Be consistent with redirection if your cat shows interest in plants.
When the environment supports both your plants and your cat, there is less conflict between the two.
Why It Is Worth the Effort
Cats chew plants out of curiosity and instinct. They are not trying to ruin your home. By understanding this, you can approach the problem with patience.
The reward for putting in the effort is a safe space where your plants can grow, and your cat can enjoy its natural instincts without harm. It is a balance between protecting your greenery and respecting your cat’s needs.
Keeping cats from eating houseplants comes down to three ideas: make plants less accessible, offer safe alternatives, and keep your cat engaged.
While it may take time to find the right combination of strategies, it is possible to live with both thriving plants and a happy cat.