How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating House Plants
Spring is in the air, and for many homeowners this is the time of year when their homes will be decked out with flowers and green plants.
Unfortunately, if you own a cat, these plants can be particularly tempting for them to eat when you're not around, and while some may be safe for your companion, others may put him or her at a risk of poisoning or myriad other feline health problems. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can deter your cat from eating your house plants and utilize these decorative ideas for a cat-friendly home.
Remove toxic plants.
To err on the side of caution, you should make an effort to remove any plants from your home that could be poisonous to your cat. According to Care2.com, common plants like aloe vera, amaryllis, azalea, begonia, daffodils, lilies and many more could cause digestive problems and even death in some cases, so make sure you do your research before purchasing one to ensure that you aren't putting your cat at risk. Rover.com has a more complete list of plants that could pose a danger to your cat.
Invest in cat grass.
While cats are carnivores by nature, there's a reason they're drawn to house plants. In the wild, cats eat grass to aid their digestion, and you can pick up a similar product at your local pet store. According to VetInfo.com, cat grass is a great source of fiber, niacin and B vitamins, and you can usually buy it in potted form at the nearest pet store.
This will satiate your cat's need to chomp down on some greenery and avoid your plants, as well as holding a number of unique health benefits.
Utilize chili powder.
If you have a plant in your home that isn't toxic but your cat never seems to leave it alone, a good way to keep him or her away is by sprinkling chili powder on the leaves. Lightly dust the plant with the spice and you'll soon notice that your cat will avoid it altogether. Be sure to water your plants from the bottom in the weeks following the application of the chili powder to prevent the spice from washing off. Last but not least, you can also place aluminum foil around your potted plants - cats hate the feeling underneath their feet and will avoid your plants in the future.
This content is provided by the pet wellness experts at Hartz. We know that adopting a dog or cat is a huge commitment, so we're here to help you feel confident and become the best pet parent you can be.
