If you’re a cat lover, then you know that cats aren’t the biggest fans of plants.
We don’t blame them – with all the hissing, swatting and scratching that can ensue in their presence, it’s no wonder why cats don’t enjoy being around certain types of foliage!
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 plants that cats hate most so you can make sure your precious feline companion doesn’t get into any plant-filled mischief.
Read on to find out what kind of plants to steer away from and how best to keep your kitty safe in her surroundings!
Top 10 Plants Cats Hate the Most
- Plant #1: Lavender
- Plant #2: Peppermint
- Plant #3: Rosemary
- Plant #4: Citronella
- Plant #5: Lemon balm
- Plant #6: Lemon thyme
- Plant #7: Lemon verbena
- Plant #8: Lemon grass
- Plant #9: Lemon scented geranium
- Plant #10: Lemon basil
Why Cats Hate Them?
Cats have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and some plants have very strong scents that can be overpowering to them.
This may cause them to avoid the plants, or in some cases, try to chew on or dig up the plants.
In addition, some essential oils used in scented plants can be toxic to cats if ingested, so it is important to keep these plants out of reach of your feline friends. It is always a good idea to research the safety of household plants before bringing them into your home if you have pets.
How to Keep Cats Away from Your Plants
There are several steps you can take to keep your cats away from your plants:
- Keep your plants out of reach: One way to prevent your cat from damaging your plants is to keep them out of reach. This can be as simple as placing them on a high shelf or in a room that your cat cannot access.
- Use plant covers: Another option is to use plant covers or cages to protect your plants. These can be purchased at most garden centers or online.
- Try deterrents: There are also several deterrents you can try to keep your cat away from your plants. These include placing double-sided tape on the leaves of the plants, sprinkling the plants with citrus peels or essential oils, or using a commercial cat repellent spray.
- Provide alternative scratching posts: Cats may chew on or dig up plants because they are bored or need to satisfy their natural scratching instincts. To prevent this, provide your cat with plenty of alternative scratching posts and toys to keep them entertained and engaged.
- Train your cat: If all else fails, you may need to train your cat to stay away from your plants. This can be done through positive reinforcement, such as rewarding your cat with treats and praise when they leave the plants alone. Over time, your cat should learn to avoid the plants on their own.
Only for You…
And that’s the end of our list! We hope you enjoyed reading and found it helpful.
Be sure to keep these plants away from your feline friend, for their sake and yours. And as always, if you have any questions or would like to share your own experience, feel free to leave a comment below or head over to the forums.
Happy cat!
