Paws off! How to keep cats away from plants

Updated 26/09/2024

Why do our mischievous furballs always gravitate toward the things they shouldn’t? Whether you’re trying to keep cats away from plants because they’re toxic or you just don’t want to see your plants become chew toys, here are five tips to keep curious paws off your greenery.

How to keep cats away from plants

1. Use strong smells

Purr pals have sensitive noses, and they find the smell of citrus, lavender, mint, and vinegar pretty off-putting. Here’s how to use these smells to repel cats from plants:

• Citrus spray: Mix a little citrus juice with water and spray it on your plant’s leaves and soil. Avoid using actual fruit or citrus peels, as they can upset your fur baby’s tummy if ingested. Bear in mind that you’ll need to reapply the spray regularly for it to be effective, and it may not work with every cat.
• Vinegar solution: Mix one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar with four tablespoons of water and spray it near your plant. Be careful to avoid the leaves, as vinegar can damage them.
• Strong-smelling plants: Plant rosemary, lavender, or other strongly scented herbs around your garden – most cats won’t be interested in getting too close to these pungent plants in the first place.

2. Move your plants around 

You know the saying “out of sight, out of mind”? Well, if your furry friends can’t reach your plants, then they’re likely to lose interest. Despite their impressive jumping skills, there are a few clever ways to protect plants from cats:

• Hang your plants: Use macrame plant holders or place potted plants on tall shelves to keep them out of reach.
• Create a plant sanctuary: Protect indoor plants from cats by setting up a “plant room” that your kitty can’t use. 
• Create enclosures: Glass-fronted cabinets and terrariums can be used as indoor plant protection from cats.

3. Protect the soil

Do your curious cats like to play gardener when you’re not around? If your kitty enjoys digging through plant pots or using them as a litter box, try covering the soil with natural materials like rocks, stones, or pine cones to make it look less appealing.

Chicken wire can also be an effective cat plant deterrent, as long as it’s well-maintained with no sharp spikes to cause injuries. Aluminum foil might work too – cats hate the crinkly sound and the texture of the foil on their paws, although others will happily chase a foil ball around!

4. Train your cat to stay away from plants

Believe it or not, keeping cats away from plants is possible with training. If your furry friend starts poking around your plants, call them away or gently pick them up and move them on, without making a fuss. You don’t want them to think this is a way to get your attention, so keep it as neutral as possible.

After a minute or two, redirect their focus with something fun like a quick play session, a food puzzle, or some clicker training. This will keep them busy and make them less likely to return to the plant. If your purr pal’s chewing on your plants out of boredom, this gives them a fun alternative, and if it’s due to stress or anxiety, it offers a healthier way to manage their nervous energy.

5. Give your cat their own plant

If you want to know how to keep cats from eating plants, giving your fur baby their own plant might keep them from messing with yours. Most cats love nibbling on cat-safe plants like catnip or cat grass, but it’s a good idea to check with your vet first to ensure it’s suitable for your furry friend.

One thing to keep in mind is that this method could make it trickier to keep your kitty’s mitts off your other plants. It’s hard to teach a cat that one plant is okay to munch on while others are off-limits, so you’ll still need to keep other plants out of reach. 

Now you’ve got five different ways to keep cats out of houseplants, why not give them a try? Remember, if you find your favorite plant with a bite mark or knocked off the shelf, your furry friend isn’t just doing it to annoy you. They may be looking for attention, wanting to play, or trying to relieve some stress. For this reason, it’s important to understand your cat’s behavior and see if there’s anything you can do to make them happier. 

Don’t forget that some plants are toxic to cats, including lilies and daffodils. Since it’s very hard to make absolutely certain that your cat won’t chew on your plants, it’s best to avoid toxic plants in your home altogether.

And if you need some extra help keeping your non-toxic plants safe while you’re away, consider finding an in-home cat sitter. Our loving, verified cat sitters provide kitties with all the attention and playtime they need, so they won’t be tempted to tamper with your precious plants while you’re away. Oh, and it’s not just pet care they offer – you can also ask them to water your plants, take out the trash, and even collect mail. It’s a win for pet parents, purr pals, and plants!

Related article: Pet-friendly plants to spruce up your home

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.