The following table lists some of the more common harmful plants. Lawns outside can be risky because of pesticides that might be sprayed upon it. Stepping on tin foil creates … Booties or shoes for your dog can help keep your dog’s paws properly protected when faced with ice, snow, or other inclement weather. One is to keep the cats out of specific areas by planting a few varieties they don’t like. Have a spray bottle of water handy, and give your cat a spritz when they get near your plants. Vinegar is acidic, and it can kill roots and keep the plant from absorbing water and nutrients. Cats don’t like the scent of citrus. This is the classic cat “training” technique. In some cases, it's easiest just to give plants away to someone who doesn't live with a cat (or other animal who needs to be kept away from houseplants). Keep the plants in an area your cat can’t reach or has no access, such as a bedroom. Keep dangerous plants out of kitty's reach. In most cases, cat versus houseplant will result in a mess. Place tin-foil plates on a table. Another option, especially with larger plants, is to keep the plants in a room that is inaccessible to kitty, but this is much easier said than done. You can also rub a dilute vinegar solution on the leaves; it won't hurt the plant, but it's a major turnoff for cats. You can also plant a container of wheatgrass yourself; it's easy. About two out of three cats go wild over catnip for its mind-altering properties (which, by the way, decrease the more that a cat is exposed to the plant). You can also cat-proof houseplants by making them smell bad. As pooch parents, it’s our responsibility to make sure that our dog stays fit and healthy. The toxicity of other plants in the list ranges from mild to severe. For best results, you may want to situate kitty's private vegetable garden near her food and water, away from the other plants, to avoid giving mixed signals about eating plants. Even plants that are inherently non-poisonous can be toxic if sprayed with chemicals. (Side note: sharp rocks may also stop cats from urinating in planters. Fresh catnip is another healthy option; the plant is not difficult to grow indoors. The smell of the vinegar will keep your cat away and break her habit of eating or playing in the plants. Luckily, we’ve compiled some of the best tips to teach your dog to wear booties. The easiest (and probably the most effective) way in keeping your cats from eating houseplants is to keep the plants out of their reach. Out of sight, they say, is out of mind. With the new year right around the corner, why not create a fitness resolution for both you and your pooch? Spraying your plants with vinegar will prevent Kitty from eating the leaves -- but the leaves will be dead. Even the slightest wiggle can activate your cat’s hunting instincts. Sign up for the FREE Cat Health Mewsletter: How to Keep Your Cat from Chewing on Houseplants, Click here to see a comprehensive list of toxic plants, Click here to see a comprehensive list of non-toxic plants, How to Select, Set Up, and Maintain The Litter Box(es), If it's after-hours, call the nearest emergency veterinary clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at. We're not really sure. Put cat-friendly plants like "kitty grass" in a separate area, such as near the food bowl. How to Use Clicker Training to Keep Your Cat off the Counter, Training Your Cat To Stay Off The Kitchen Counter. As you can't always stay on top of your cat's every move, there are other simple tricks that will dissuade your animal from playing with plants. Keep your houseplants in a different room that you can lock and keep your cat out of. In addition to making the plants unattractive to your cat, you can startle her whenever she's about to start munching on a plant. An alternative, particularly if your cat … If a plant is toxic, assume all parts of the plant are poisonous! One crucial suggestion, though – try not to keep plants that are toxic for your cat in the apartment. Cats have a strong distaste for anything citrus. As a result, they won't want to come close to the plants. There is a charge for the service if you choose to connect to a veterinarian. Stopping a cat from eating plants is fairly simple, and there are a couple of different tactics you can try to keep the feline away from your indoor garden. However, be aware that any plant matter, when consumed, may produce minor gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea. Put plants on shelves that are too high for a jumping cat. Although … If you don't feel like creating your own mixture, Bodhi Dog makes a Bitter Lemon Spray. Eating them can cause real trouble for your pupil. Many house plants are toxic to cats as well. Even with this guide, accidents happen. You can ease up on the disincentives if your cat is not eating the plants but merely sniffing or rubbing her cheeks against them, as part of her normal "taking inventory" routine. Ask-a-Vet is not manned by the staff or owners of CatHealth.com, and the advice given should not delay or replace a visit to your veterinarian. Put Plants Out of Sight. The following plants are generally recognized as safe for cats. When you go to the veterinarian, if at all possible bring the plant, or at least a piece of it, for identification. Click here to see a comprehensive list of non-toxic plants. This is by far the most effective step you can take to prevent your cat from eating your indoor plants—some of which may be toxic. Clap your hands, say "no" in your moderately-loud "bad kitty" voice, or use a squirt gun. Be aware that repellents have two common shortfalls. First, place orange peel on the ground as this has an acidic smell which is very unpleasant to cats. The new year is just around the corner, and with it comes the age old tradition of setting goals to send you into the new year. Lastly, try to keep your cat's environment as stimulating as possible, to prevent boredom, one of the main causes of improper behavior. Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. In Short... Keep the plants out of your kitty's reach. Sticking the handles of plastic forks into the soil with the tines facing up can prevent your cat from digging. Research shows that cats have a tendency to chew on grass even if they do not consume them. Many popular houseplants, such as ivy and philodendron, are poisonous to cats. NOTE: Citrus oil extracts like those found in insecti… When in doubt, assume that a plant is poisonous. Discontinue any negative reinforcement that overly frightens your cat or that is ineffective. 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