What Can I Put On Plants To Keep Cats Away?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Cats dislike the smell of rue, lavender and pennyroyal, Coleus canina and lemon thyme. …
  • Cats steer clear of strong citrus scents. …
  • Sprinkling brewed coffee grounds over the soil may also help. …
  • The scent of human hair is said to deters cats.

Why does my cat dig up my indoor plants?

Plant digging is a perfectly natural behavior for a cat, based on

the feline instinct to dig before eliminating

. Soil, a cats litter in nature, tends to evoke this instinct. And since digging is so natural to cats, its probably enjoyable, too. The attraction often starts with curiosity about the plant, says Kroll.

How do I keep my cat from digging in my house plants?

Discourage digging by covering the soil surface with pebbles, large chunk mulch, pinecones or crumpled aluminum foil. Or

purchase a mat designed

for this purpose. These mats have prickly protrusions that prevent cats from digging in containers.

Can I spray my plants with lemon juice?

Lemon juice is a natural weed killer. Cover weeds in the juice and they’ll shrivel away within a few days. Just be careful:

Lemon juice will actually kill any plant

, so make sure you’re not accidentally spraying your flowers or lawn.

Do cats eat houseplants?

Why Do Some Cats Eat Plants? Although cats are primarily carnivores, in the wild they also nibble on plants, for added nutrients or fiber, or perhaps just because they like the taste. … In the home,

cats sometimes eat houseplants out of boredom

, or because they’re attracted to the leaves fluttering in the air currents.

What smell do cats hate the most?

  • Citrus: orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit. Citrus smells are widely reported as being repugnant to cats. …
  • Lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus. …
  • Rosemary, thyme, and rue. …
  • Banana and mustard. …
  • Pepper, curry, and cinnamon. …
  • Mint, wintergreen, and menthol. …
  • Pine. …
  • Dirty litter box.

What is a good homemade cat repellent?


Mix apple cider vinegar and water at a 1:1 ration

. The vinegar can also be substituted for an essential oil such as citronella, lavender, peppermint or lemongrass (1 part oil to 3 parts water). Either one will make a fantastic cat repellent spray. Just spray it where your cat likes to hang out.

Can I spray something on my plants to keep cats away?


Sprinkle cayenne pepper

around the leaves of houseplants and your cat will back away pretty quickly. Cats also hate the smell of citrus. Put orange and lemon peels in your pots along with the plants to help deter them. Another option is spraying the leaves directly with diluted lemon juice or orange oil.

Will cayenne pepper hurt your houseplants?

Cayenne Pepper:

Cayenne pepper won’t hurt your plants

but it will keep many small animals away. Every few days, sprinkle about 1⁄4 cup of cayenne pepper throughout your garden.

Does lemon juice repel bugs?

Lemon is a nice addition to teas, beverages, fish dishes and more. However, it also

can be used to repel multiple types of pests in several forms

. When homeowners notice bugs in their homes, they may immediately run for the pesticide.

Will lemon juice hurt my houseplants?

Lemon juice exemplifies this ideal, being a liquid that can help your plants or harm them, depending on how it’s used. Adding small amounts of lemon juice to the soil makes the soil more acidic, says the University of Hawaii, altering the pH, but

pouring it over the plant’s leaves can burn them and kill the plant

.

Is Spider plant toxic to cats?

In fact, the

spider plant is listed as non toxic to cats

and other pets on the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website along with many other educational sites.

What can you spray on plants to keep cats from eating them?

Make Your Plant Unappealing.

Using

either juice of a lemon, lime, or orange diluted with some water

can be sprayed on the leaves of your plant to ward off any feline invasion. If you don’t feel like creating your own mixture, Bodhi Dog makes a Bitter Lemon Spray.

Why is my cat suddenly eating plants?

A cat that constantly eats grass or plants also may be

exhibiting signs of a displacement behavior

. This occurs when your cat is trying to cope with stressors in her life. … (If your cat exhibits this behavior, you need to make sure that the plants you have in your household are non-toxic for your cat.)

Do cats like the smell of peppermint?

Peppermint. … Some kitties dislike the smell and with good reason: peppermint contains salicylate, a chemical also found in aspirin and poisonous to cats.

Other cats are attracted to peppermint because

it contains compounds similar to nepetalactone.

What smells deter cats peeing?

In a spray bottle, mix 16 ounces (about 500 ml) of warm water with

10 drops of peppermint essential oil

or two tablespoons of peppermint extract. Spray all of the areas that you think your cat may have urinated or marked. Within a few hours the scent will be gone.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.