How to keep cats away from plants indoors: 7 effective and safe methods you need to try

Say you have house plants, and you love them dearly. You water them, fertilize them, and give them all the TLC they need to thrive. But there’s one problem: your furry friend loves plants too. Every day, it seems like your cat is nibbling on the leaves, digging in the dirt, or taking a nap in the pot. Not only is it destructive, but it can also be dangerous for your felines if they eat the wrong plant.

Having a cat as a pet is enjoyable and rewarding, but it can be difficult to keep cats away from plants indoors. Fortunately, there are several effective and safe methods you can use to protect your plants from curious cats. In this article, we will discuss 7 of these methods that you need to try. With these tips, you can ensure that your plants stay safe and healthy while also keeping your beloved cat out of trouble!

1. Make your houseplants less appealing to smell

Cats are known for their sharp sense of smell, and this can be put to good use when it comes to keeping them away from houseplants. So using items like citrus fruits or banana peels can help stop cats from eating plants.

You can either place these items around the plants themselves or create a nutrient mix that will help your plants and deter your furry friends at the same time. Either way, this is an easy and effective way to keep your plants safe from curious kitties.

What smells keep cats away from plants?

Citrus

Almost all cats don’t like the smell of citrus fruits: lemon, orange, grapefruit, and lime.

There are several ways in which citruses can be used to stop your cat from eating your favorite plants’ leaves.

Toxicity: Toxic

• Citrus Peels > Just take the peel of citrus fruits and spread them around the base of the plant. You can also put them inside the pot. This will work as a natural repellent for cats.

• Citrus Oil > Put a few drops of citrus oil on a cotton ball and place it near the potted plants you don’t want your feline friends to nibble on.

• Citrus Spray > Spray a mixture of water and lemon juice on the whole plant. This natural deterrent will make your cat think twice before deciding to chew the leaves of your potted plant. 

Important: while citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C for humans, they can be toxic to your feline. The oils in the citrus peel can cause gastrointestinal upset, and the ingestion of skins and plant material of citrus fruit can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

Tip: if you want to use citrus peels in order to repel cats, it’s important to take precautions to protect your feline. One way to do this is to place the peels of the citrus fruit in porous cotton bags. Place them directly on the soil around the plant. If they dry up, simply replace them with fresh ones.

Banana

A good way to deter cats from houseplants is by using the power of the banana smell. This fruit has a potent odor that many cats dislike.

You can take a banana peel and rub it on the leaves of your houseplants. As the days go by, the banana smell will dissipate, and you will have to reapply. But it’s worth it to keep indoor plants safe from your fur baby.

Toxicity: Non-Toxic

Spices

You may have noticed that cats tend to avoid anything with a strong, spicy scent. Due to a very sensitive sense of smell, a strong odor can be overwhelming for them. In general, cats prefer delicate, fresh scents.

So if you’re looking for a way to make your plants unappealing to your furry friend, try using some non-toxic spices. Cinnamon is a great choice for repelling curious kitties.

Pepper

Some people recommend using different types of peppers (such as red pepper flakes, black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper) to stop cats from eating houseplants.

However, it is better to avoid using these spices, because they can harm your cat.

Important: Pepper is not toxic to cats, but it can cause them painful irritation, redness, and burn feline’s tongue, feet or eyes. If you sprinkle cayenne pepper around your houseplants, a feline can accidentally step on them and then rub its face or eyes with its paws.

Cinnamon

Cats don’t like generally the smell of cinnamon, so a light sprinkling around your plants should help to keep them at bay. Plus, cinnamon is non-toxic, so it’s safe to use around your houseplants in small amounts and won’t harm your kitties if they accidentally ingest it. Just be sure to reapply every few days, as the scent will fade over time.

Toxicity: Non-Toxic

• Cinnamon powder > Simply sprinkle cinnamon powder on the soil of your potted plants, and your cat will likely decide that eating them is not worth the trouble.

• Cinnamon sticks > Put the cinnamon sticks in porous cotton bags and place them over the soil in the plant pot. You can also put them in a container with holes like a filter, net, or spice jar. Just place the container near your houseplant. So the cinnamon sticks will be out of reach of your feline friends if they decide to chew on them.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that cinnamon is not toxic to cats. Sometimes, they can have a reaction to this spice by either regularly exposing themselves to the cinnamon powder or inhaling a large amount of it.

Important: According to Pet Poison Helpline, ingesting more than one teaspoon of cinnamon powder can cause problems for pets. However, using this spice in your home normally is not likely to cause a reaction in cats. But be careful when using cinnamon essential oils near your furry friends because those oils are much stronger and could harm them!

Coffee

Coffee grounds are a great way to deter your furry friend from eating the houseplants because cats hate the coffee aroma. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that caffeine can be toxic to pets if ingested.

Be sure to put coffee grounds in a container with holes (like cinnamon sticks) if you want to ensure that kitties do not ingest them accidentally.

Vinegar

The strong smell of white vinegar will deter your furry friend from coming near your houseplants. You can mix equal parts water and vinegar (either white or apple cider vinegar) in a bowl.

Then, soak some cotton balls in the mixture and place them in containers around the potted plants, but be sure to reapply every few days as the scent will fade over time. 

Important: Vinegar is non-poisonous to cats. But be careful and keep undiluted vinegar out of the cat’s reach, because it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and oral irritation if ingested. However, we do not recommend spraying vinegar directly on the houseplants because it’s an acid that can damage them.

Use a natural repellent spray

Many commercial products like bitter apple spray are available to keep cats away from plants, but you can also make your own natural repellents.

These repellents won’t hurt your plants, but they will make them less appealing to your feline. Simply mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle and spray liberally on the houseplants.

Important: Use only natural, non-toxic supplies. Avoid using any essential oils since they can be harmful to cats.

DIY Spray = Citrus peels + bowl of water

You can make a DIY citrus spray by adding the peels of oranges, lemons, or limes to a bowl of water.

2. Place your potted plants out of reach of cats

As all cat owners know, our furry friends have a way of getting into places they’re not supposed to. So if you’re looking for ways to protect your houseplants, consider putting them up out of harm’s way.

Here are some tips and tricks to do it. This could be as simple as placing the pots on a table or shelf or getting a trellis or cage to surround the indoor plants. Make sure the barrier is tall enough and sturdy enough to deter even the most determined cat.

Place plants high up on a shelf

If you’re looking for a way to keep your houseplants out of the reach of the cats, placing the pot on a high shelf is a good option.

This is especially true for smaller plants; after all, you don’t want your cat knocking it over and making a mess.

Use a plant stand

If your plants are on the floor, you can try placing them in raised planters or on plant stands.

Yet, if the feline likes climbing all over things then this may not work for very long but usually, it does! Because eventually, even an adventurous kitty gets bored enough trying out new things outside its favorite window perch!

Use a plant hanger

Hanging houseplants are the best way to keep cats away from them! It’s a great idea to use a different plant hanger for this.

The plants will be secure, you’ll have more space for other things because there’s no need to worry about shelf or basket placement – plus it looks marvelous in any room.

Hanging houseplants are also a great choice for shelves; not only do they look great, but they’re out of reach even if your cat decides to take a leap.

Use physical barriers

If you have a houseplant that your cat just can’t resist, you might need to protect it with a physical barrier. No, you don’t need to wrap your indoor plants in aluminum foil or chicken wire. There are better ways to protect them and also make your home look nicer.

You can use a decorative birdcage or glass terrarium as a barrier. This will hide the small plants you have and also look stylish in your home. For larger plants, you can use a cloche made from glass or metal.

Another good option for a barrier is a large glass terrarium, greenhouse, or plant protection box, which you can use indoors and outdoors. All these barriers will not only look great, but they will also keep your furry friends from destroying plants: digging in the soil, chewing on them, and knocking them over. 

3. Cover the soil in plant pots

The soil in the plant’s pot is often a great spot for cats to dig and even use as their own personal litter box. If this is the case with your furry friend, you can try to block access to the soil using these effective and simple methods:

Stones, shells, pinecones, and bottle corks

If you’re looking for a way to keep cats from using your houseplants as a litter box, try covering the soil with big stones or seashells. This will create a barrier between the soil and your cat’s paws, making it difficult for them to get to the dirt.

For an even more interesting and decorative look, you can use bottle corks and pine cones! Cats are delicate animals, and they don’t like anything that looks dangerous or prickly. So if you cover the soil with any of those things, it will make your plants less inviting for them to use as a litter box.

Toothpicks, chopsticks, cocktail picks, plastic forks, and sandwich picks

Another way to keep cats from digging in the soil of indoor plants is by using toothpicks. Simply place toothpicks in the soil, and it will be difficult, if not impossible, for your cat to get its paws in there.

Aluminum foil

You can also try to cover the soil with aluminum foil. Cats don’t like the feel of the foil on their paws, so this can help to keep them at bay. Besides, the noise and the texture of tin foil will usually deter most cats. Just be sure to smooth out any sharp edges on the foil, so your cat doesn’t hurt themselves. You may need to replace the aluminum foil every few days as it can lose its effectiveness over time.

4. Keep your cat’s litter box clean

One of the main reasons your cat might be using your plants as a litter box is because their litter box is dirty.

If you’re not keeping up with regular litter box cleanings, your cat will start looking for other places to go and this might be the soil in the potted houseplants.

The litter box is an important part of a cat’s life, and it should be checked and cleaned regularly.

Try to do this at least once a week. In case your cat avoids the litter box even when it is clean, try changing the litter. Sometimes changing the type of litter or buying a new litter box can help solve the problem of cats digging in the dirt of house plants.

5. Choose the right houseplants to keep cats away from

If you have a cat, you don’t have to give up growing plants. Choose the right plants, so your cat can’t damage them or eat them. You can try choosing plants that have a strong scent or are unpleasant to touch. You can also choose plants that are out of reach for curious kitties, like hanging plants or plants on high shelves. Finally, make sure to choose non-toxic houseplants for your feline, as some houseplants can be harmful if ingested.

Choose houseplants cats dislike

There are a few different types of plants that are less appealing to felines and will help keep them away from your other house plants. You can do this by growing plants that have a strong scent, like lavender, rosemary, or mint, or by choosing plants with unpleasant textures, like prickly cactus. Place these plants next to other indoor plants you have, and your furry baby will avoid them all. 

What plants do cats dislike?

Plants that have a strong scent

You can try growing rosemary, lemon balm, and thyme as felines don’t like the strong scent of these herbs. They are safe for cats if ingested and their scent can deter curious kitties from other indoor plants that might be too tempting. Plus, you can use them in cooking, adding flavor to meals, or making aromatic tea!

Plants with prickly texture

Here are 5 incredible prickly houseplants that your feline friend will leave alone: Christmas Cactus, Thimble Cactus (Mammillaria Fragilis), Rose, Haworthia, Opuntia. According to the ASPCA, they are non-toxic to cats. So, they are safe when ingested. However, I doubt it will come to that since even curious feline friends will avoid it. 

Choose indoor plants cats love

Some felines are attracted to plants because they contain essential nutrients for their diet. If you’re finding that your cat’s attention is focused on other plants in the house, give him his own plants to nibble on. Not only will this help keep your houseplants safe, but you won’t have any more worries about your kitty eating them!

What plants do cats eat?

Cat grass

Cats love grass, and cat grass is a great way to keep your cat away from other plants in the house. There are many types of cat grass, but the most common are grown from rye, wheat, oat, and barley seeds. It is safe for your furry baby to eat, and it can help to satisfy their need to chew and can be good for their digestion.

You can find cat grass kits at most pet stores, or you can easily grow your own by planting wheatgrass seeds in a pot. Some cat grasses have flowers, which can make them even more appealing to your furry baby.

Catnip and others

Some people recommend growing catnip, lemongrass, and parsley for cats to chew on. However, I would not advise this as all three plants are listed by the ASPCA website as toxic to cats (including the most popular catnip which can cause vomiting). The effects may vary depending upon what type your feline ingested and how much. Some reported instances include upset stomach, diarrhea, or even dermatitis. Please consult with a vet before giving your kitty any plant if unsure!

Choose safe houseplants for cats

Cats are naturally attracted to plants, and will often nibble on the leaves. But, some plants are poisonous to cats and can make them very sick if ingested. If your cat likes to nibble on indoor plants, make sure to choose varieties that are safe for your feline. 

What indoor plants are safe for cats?

A good place to find them is the ASPCA website, which has a comprehensive list of toxic and cat-safe plants. Here are some amazing and safe plants that will add beauty and life to your home while keeping your cat happy and healthy:

6. Train your cat to stay away from plants

If you have a particularly curious or determined cat, you might need to resort to training to keep them away from your indoor plants. This can be done by rewarding them for staying away from the plants or using a deterrent like a water bottle to spray them when they go near. With time and patience, you can train your cat to stay away from your plants and keep them safe.

If you catch your cat eating or digging your houseplants, there are a few things you can do to train them to stay away:

Give a treat

There are different ways to train a cat, one of which is called positive reinforcement. This means that you give your cat a treat or show them love, when they do what you want them to do, like staying away from houseplants. This is the best way to train a cat because it’s gentle and doesn’t use force.

Spray water

Another way is to use aversion therapy, like spraying your curious kitty with a water spray bottle. Most cats don’t like getting wet, so this will work well. If your cat tries to get into your house plants, spray the kitty with water imperceptibly, and it will run away. After a few tries, your feline doesn’t want to go near the plant anymore. 

Create a sticky surface

You can try putting double-sided tape on the leaves or around the plant pot. It can be very effective, as most cats don’t like the feeling of sticky things on their fur or paws. Double-sided tape between your plant pots can be a great way to create a barrier that will prevent your furry babies from approaching your plants.

Make noise

You can also try to startle your furry baby with a loud noise (like clapping your hands) whenever they go near the plants. If you keep repeating it, eventually they’ll learn that coming near the plants results in unpleasantness.

If you want to keep your cats away from certain areas in general, try using motion activated sprinklers or sound deterrents such as ultrasonic noise makers. These are effective ways of training cats to stay away from certain areas without harming them in any way.

7. Provide entertainment for your cat

One of the reasons why cats may chew on or play with plants is because they’re bored. If a cat is left alone for long periods of time, it may start to get destructive out of boredom. 

The best way to keep cats away from your plants is to provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied. A bored cat is more likely to seek out trouble, so make sure your feline friend has plenty of things to do.

Here are some ideas for keeping your cat entertained:

• Cat trees or scratching posts
• New toys
• Hiding treats around the house
• Playing games together

Conclusion

Anyone who’s ever tried to keep a cat away from their houseplants knows how difficult it can be. By taking these simple methods, you can help ensure that your cat and plants stay safe and healthy. While all these methods can be effective in keeping cats away from plants, it’s important to note that not every method will work for every cat. You may have to try a few different techniques before you find the one that works best for your feline friend.

These methods have been pretty effective in my experience. If you’ve got any tips of your own or know someone else with cats that like green thumbing as much as they do (or even more!) please share them by leaving us a comment below, so we might learn something new.

Have you had success using any of these methods? Do you have any other methods that have worked for you? Do you have any tips to share on how to keep cats away from houseplants? Let us know in the comments below.

FAQ

Susan Green

Author

Susan is a plant lover with over 10 years of experience caring for houseplants. She enjoys watching her plants thrive and sharing her knowledge with others. As the writer for this website, Susan offers simple, practical tips to help readers grow happy and healthy plants.