Many cats are drawn to houseplants, either out of curiosity, boredom, or instinct. However, chewing on plants can be harmful—some are toxic to cats, and even non-toxic plants can cause digestive issues. Preventing this behavior is essential for both your cat’s safety and the longevity of your plants.
In this guide, we’ll explore why cats eat houseplants and how to train them to stop.
Why Do Cats Eat Houseplants?
Cats may chew on plants for several reasons:
✔ Curiosity – Cats explore the world with their mouths, especially kittens.
✔ Boredom or Lack of Stimulation – If they don’t have enough toys or activities, they may turn to plants.
✔ Dietary Deficiency – Some cats chew plants due to a fiber deficiency.
✔ Attraction to Moving Leaves – Swaying leaves trigger their hunting instincts.
✔ Soil Digging Behavior – Some cats enjoy playing in or eating the soil.
Now, let’s go over how to prevent this behavior effectively.
Step 1: Remove Toxic Plants from Your Home
Some plants are highly toxic to cats and should never be kept indoors.
🚫 Common toxic plants include:
❌ Lilies
❌ Aloe Vera
❌ Pothos
❌ Philodendrons
❌ Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
❌ Snake Plant
✔ If you have toxic plants, replace them with cat-safe alternatives like spider plants, Boston ferns, or areca palms.
✔ Eliminating toxic plants ensures your cat’s safety.
Step 2: Place Plants Out of Reach
If your cat can’t access the plants, they won’t be able to chew them.
✔ Hang plants from the ceiling or place them on high shelves they can’t reach.
✔ Use wall-mounted planters instead of floor or table plants.
✔ Keep plants in rooms your cat doesn’t have access to.
✔ Strategic placement prevents temptation.
Step 3: Make Plants Unappealing to Cats
Cats avoid certain scents and textures.
✔ Spray leaves with citrus-scented deterrents (cats dislike lemon and orange).
✔ Place aluminum foil or double-sided tape around the base of plants.
✔ Sprinkle cayenne pepper or coffee grounds in the soil as a deterrent.
✔ If plants are unappealing, your cat will lose interest.
Step 4: Provide Safe Alternatives for Chewing
If your cat craves greenery, offer cat-friendly options.
✔ Grow cat grass (wheatgrass, barley, or oat grass) for them to nibble.
✔ Provide catnip or valerian plants as a fun, safe alternative.
✔ Ensure they have enough fiber in their diet to reduce plant cravings.
✔ Safe alternatives satisfy their need to chew.
Step 5: Keep Your Cat Mentally Stimulated
Bored cats often chew plants out of curiosity or frustration.
✔ Increase daily playtime with interactive toys.
✔ Offer puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys to keep them engaged.
✔ Provide cat trees, tunnels, and scratching posts for extra stimulation.
✔ A well-stimulated cat is less likely to chew on plants.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Ignoring the Danger of Toxic Plants
❌ Mistake: Keeping toxic plants within reach, assuming the cat won’t chew them.
✅ Solution: Remove or place all toxic plants out of reach.
2. Punishing the Cat Instead of Redirecting
❌ Mistake: Yelling or spraying them with water when they chew plants.
✅ Solution: Use deterrents and provide safe alternatives instead.
3. Not Providing Enough Stimulation
❌ Mistake: Assuming plants are the problem rather than a symptom of boredom.
✅ Solution: Give them interactive toys, playtime, and cat-friendly plants.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your cat continues eating plants despite training, consult a:
✔ Veterinarian – To check for dietary deficiencies.
✔ Feline Behaviorist – For additional behavior modification strategies.
Conclusion
Stopping your cat from eating houseplants requires a combination of prevention, redirection, and environmental enrichment. By removing toxic plants, keeping greenery out of reach, and offering safe chewing alternatives, you can protect both your cat and your plants.
With patience and consistency, your cat will learn to leave houseplants alone and focus on their own cat-friendly greens!