How to Stop Cats from Terrorizing Your Potted Plants

Cats are curious animals by nature, and they love to explore their surroundings. If you have potted plants in your home or garden, you may have noticed that your furry friend is keen on discovering and playing with them. Unfortunately, cats can cause a lot of damage to your plants, which can be frustrating, especially if you’re a plant enthusiast. In this article, we’ll give you some handy tips on how to stop cats from terrorizing your potted plants.

Choose Cat-Friendly Plants

One of the easiest ways to protect your plants from your feline friend is to choose varieties that cats don’t like. Some plants have natural odors that act as a deterrent to cats. Examples of these include lavender, pennyroyal, and citronella. Other plant types, such as succulents, are less appealing to cats because they have thorny leaves. When you’re selecting plants for your home or garden, try to focus on those varieties that are less interesting to cats, and your plants will be less likely to fall victim to your pet.

Use Citrus Peels as a Repellent

Cats dislike the smell of citrus, so using lemon or orange peels around your potted plants can help to keep them away. Simply place the peels in and around the plant to create a barrier, and your cat should stay away. You can also use citrus-scented sprays or oils for the same effect. However, you need to be careful not to use any citrus products that could be harmful to your plants.

Provide a Cat-Friendly Space

If your cat is particularly fascinated by your potted plants, it may be because it doesn’t have another space in which to play and explore. To solve this problem, consider creating a cat-friendly area in your home or garden. This could be a designated play area, complete with toys, scratch posts, and climbing structures. By providing your cat with an alternative place to play, it will feel less tempted to explore your potted plants.

Use a Repellent Spray

If the above methods don’t work, you can try using a cat repellent spray. These sprays work by using scents that cats find unpleasant. Popular repellent scents include lavender, eucalyptus, and bitter apple. Simply spray the solution around your plants, and your cat should stay away. However, it’s important to remember that some sprays can be harmful to plants, so make sure you use a cat-safe product.

Conclusion

Cats are wonderful pets, but they can be a little too curious for their own good. If you have potted plants in your home or garden, it’s important to take precautions to protect them from your furry friend. By choosing cat-friendly plants, using citrus peels as a repellent, providing a cat-friendly space, and using a repellent spray, you can keep your plants safe from harm, and your cat happy and healthy.