Combining pet parenthood and plant parenthood can be an exhausting job. You love your pets, except when they try to chow down on, dig up, or poop in (gross!) the gorgeous greenery you have so lovingly collected. Even if you have done your research to ensure that none of your plants are toxic to your pets, it’s still annoying as heck to come home to a chewed-up or overturned houseplant.
We’ve put together our favorite tips for pet-proofing your indoor plants. May Fluffy, Fido, and that gorgeous Ficus you just brought home all live in harmony for the rest of their days!
1. Apply a Pet-Safe Repellent
A simple way to pet-proof your indoor plants is to apply some form of repellent on the plant’s leaves or soil. Some resources will suggest sprinkling cayenne pepper on the soil, but we do not recommend this as it can irritate them if it gets in their eyes or paws.
Cats tend to turn their nose up at the smell of citrus, though, so you can try laying lemon or orange peels on the soil in your plant pots. Alternatively, you can create a solution to spray on the plant leaves out of lemon juice; just be sure to dilute it. Also, remember that citrus oil extracts (like those used in bug spray or essential oils) are severely toxic to cats and should never be used in your home.
2. Get Them Out of Paw’s Reach
If Fido or Fluffy don’t seem bothered by weird smells or textures, one of the most effective ways to get them to stay away from your plants is by putting them somewhere they can’t reach. If you have the space available, you could designate a ‘plant room’ that your pets cannot enter.
Having one plant room isn’t our favorite solution because, if you are like us, you want to be able to display your plants throughout your home and not just in one room behind a closed door. Macramé plant hangers are ideal (and trending!) to keep your plants out of reach, but you can also install a plant shelf or keep your eyes peeled for tall, sturdy plant stands. Sometimes simply placing a planter that is high off the ground can act as a deterrent to keep curious paws away.
3. Cover Your Plant’s Soil
If your pets try to dig up the dirt to play in or use as a litter box, try covering the soil. You can cover your plant’s soil with items like pinecones, seashells, or even burlap. The idea is to use a material that will still allow water through but will feel uncomfortable on their paws and deter digging.
4. Redirect the Digging Impulses
Both cats and dogs usually get digging for a reason; it can be due to separation anxiety or even pure boredom. Try to give your pup all of the exercise and stimulation they require to redirect that digging energy away from your beloved plants.
We are not dog trainers, but we have seen some success in providing dogs with a designated digging spot in the backyard! It does take a bit of training, but it can create a much happier situation for you and your pup.
5. Give Them an Alternative to Chew On
Despite being primarily carnivorous, sometimes cats eat plants for added fiber and nutrients, sometimes for taste, and sometimes they just like to mess with their humans! Regardless of their motives, you might find success by planting some cat grass in your home. This will give them a plant to keep them busy and away from your houseplants. Be sure to check in with your veterinarian before introducing cat grass to your feline’s diet.
For dogs, keeping chew toys around and available is an easy alternative to redirect their need to chew! They should be easy to distract with a good rawhide.
These are just a few easy ways to help your plants and pets live together in harmony. Be sure to stop by Plant Perfect to check out our fantastic selection of pet-friendly houseplants, and give Fluffy and Fido a pat for us!