Why do cats eat houseplants and how to stop them
By Kristia Goodnight
As a cat and plant owner, you may have experienced the frustration of waking up to find your very smug cat sitting next to your favourite plant - which is mysteriously missing half its leaves. While common, cats eating houseplants can be both discouraging to pet owners and dangerous for your cat. Here are the reasons cats eat plants and 7 ways to stop this behaviour.
Why do cats eat plants?
Despite being obligate carnivores, cats occasionally enjoy greens in their diet. Your cat’s passion for chewing on your house plants can stem from a few main reasons:
Instinctual Behaviour:
Cats' wild ancestors often ate plant matter while hunting prey. This behaviour, much like their need to scratch, persists in domestic cats as a remnant of their evolutionary past.
Exploration:
Cats are naturally curious animals, and their desire to explore and investigate their surroundings extends to your houseplants. Chewing on plants might be a form of sensory exploration or play for some cats.
Behavioural Needs:
A housecat eating plants is generally considered normal behaviour. They may turn to plant-eating simply as a form of entertainment or stress relief, particularly if they lack stimulating activities or are experiencing anxiety.
Age:
Younger cats are more likely than older cats to bite plants (and hands). This is because they're naturally curious, still figuring out what's okay to eat, and might even be teething. Plus, they've got lots of energy to burn and might see plants as toys or a fun snack.
Plants toxic to cats
Cats and houseplants seem like they would naturally go together, but many are downright dangerous for your cats. While many houseplants add beauty to indoor spaces and even offer air-filtering properties, many common options are toxic to cats:
- Aloe Vera: May cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy.
- Arrowhead Fern: Causes oral irritation and vomiting.
- Boston Ivy: Can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation upon contact.
- Cactus: Possesses spines and may cause physical injury if ingested.
- Caladium: Causes oral irritation and swelling.
- Chrysanthemum: Can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Creeping Fig: Can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
- Crocus: Can lead to severe gastrointestinal and kidney damage.
- Dieffenbachia: Releases toxic sap containing, leading to severe mouth and throat irritation.
- Ivy: Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
- Jade Plant: May cause vomiting, depression, and ataxia if ingested in large quantities.
- Narcissus: Contains toxic alkaloids that may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and tremors.
- Pathos: Can cause oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
- Philodendron: Causes oral irritation and swelling.
- Snake Plant: Gastrointestinal upset and lethargy.
How to get my cat to stop eating plants?
Curbing your cat's plant-eating habits requires a multi-faceted approach - as does most things with cats. Combining prevention, management, and behavioural modification techniques is the most effective way to keep your cat (and houseplants) safe.
Placement: Hang plants out of reach or opt for tall plant stands (that your cat can’t climb) to prevent easy access.
Make Plants Unappealing: Citrus spray is a common deterrent as cats generally dislike the scent of citrus fruits. To apply citrus spray effectively, use a natural, cat-safe citrus solution or make your own by diluting citrus juice with water. Lightly spray the solution onto the leaves and stems of the plants your cat tends to nibble on.
Bitter apple spray is another safe and effective deterrent that cats find unappealing. Use the spray according to the manufacturer's instructions
Reapply both as needed. Consistency is key to reinforcing the association between the unpleasant scent and the plant.
Use Decorative Rocks: Placing decorative rocks on the soil surface of your potted plants can discourage your cat from digging and easily accessing your plant.
Provide Alternatives: Offer cat-friendly plants, like cat grass or catnip, to satisfy their natural urge to nibble. This works well for cats looking for fibre sources.
Schedule Playtime: Regular play sessions can alleviate boredom and reduce stress. Try interactive treat puzzles and a variety of toys to find what resonates most with your individual cat.
Training and Aversion Techniques: Use positive reinforcement training methods to redirect your cat's behaviour and discourage plant-eating. Never use punishment as it is both ineffective and can actually lead to more plant destruction if your cat uses it as a stress outlet.
Opt for Cat-Safe Plants: If you simply cannot keep your cat from chewing on your plants, keep only non-toxic indoor plants in your home.
Regardless of the methods you choose, consistency is the key. Cats are creatures of habit, and they learn through repetition. By consistently applying your strategies, you reinforce the message that these plants are off-limits. Also be patient and persistent, as it may take some time for your cat to break the habit of eating plants.
How to stop bad behaviour in cats?
Addressing unwanted behaviour in your cat is best accomplished by first meeting their needs, positive reinforcement training, and consistency.
Provide environmental enrichment, redirect attention, and avoid punishment. Disciplining cats is ineffective and can lead to further behavioural issues. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement training and aversion techniques to modify undesirable behaviours.
Seek professional help from your veterinarian if needed. Our Lifetime Protection Membership Plan includes 24/7 access to whiskerDocs to answer any of your pet health questions, including help with unwanted behaviours.
Through patience and understanding, you can promote positive behaviour and strengthen your bond with your cat.
How to train a cat?
Training your cat requires patience and consistency. Basic obedience commands and behavioural cues can be taught using positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training.
Cat-safe house plants
Fortunately, many indoor plants are safe for cats to be around. Cat-friendly plants that you can confidently incorporate into your home include:
- African Violet
- Bamboo
- Begonia
- Boston Fern
- Calathea
- Cat Grass
- Cat Thyme
- Catnip
- Friendship Plant
- Haworthia
- Lemongrass
- Moth Orchid
- Orchid
- Oregon Grape
- Parsley
- Peperomia
- Polka Dot Plant
- Prayer Plant
- Rosemary
- Silver Vine
- Spider Plant
- Swedish Ivy
- Valerian
Introducing cat-safe houseplants into your home provides enrichment for your cat without health risks. These plants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, adding greenery and aesthetic appeal to any space - while allowing your cat to engage in natural behaviours.
Popular options for cat and plant owners are spider plants, African violets, and Boston ferns creating a safe and beautiful environment for your home and feline companion.
How to get my cat to stop eating plants?
Understanding why cats eat houseplants will help cat owners choose effective deterrent strategies. With a proactive approach, your beloved cat and your cherished house plants can live in harmony.
For further guidance on pet care and protection, consider our Lifetime Protection Membership has so many benefits for you and your cat to live your best life.