How to Keep Your Cat from Chewing House Plants

Protect your plants from your cat with a simple remedy.

Some cats could care less about house plants and flower arrangements in your home, while others make a beeline to any new foliage you bring home. Keep certain common house plants, such as lilies, mistletoe and philodendron, away from cats because they are toxic when eaten. Keep cats away from safe plants with a simple homemade spray that won't harm your pet or your plant.

Things You'll Need

• 1 teaspoon powdered cayenne pepper
• 1 cup water
• Plastic spray bottle
• Food grinder, blender or food processor

Instructions

1. Use a food grinder, blender or food processor to grind the cayenne pepper into a soft, fine powder.

2. Blend the powdered cayenne pepper with 1 cup water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

3. Spray the pepper spray on the leaves of the plant you want to protect. Spray some in the soil, too if your cat liked to dig in the dirt.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want to make your own cayenne pepper spray, purchase Bitter Apple or other organic sprays at your local pet store. These are made specifically to keep cats away from plants and other items in your home. Because they are made from natural ingredients, they won't harm the plants or your pets.

• Don't spray cayenne pepper spray directly on your cat. It can irritate and burn your cat's eyes, nose and mouth.

References

• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Feline Behavior Problems: Destructive Behavior