Since I'm allergic to cats, having one destroy my houseplants will never be an issue... however, I do have dogs. Canines respond a lot better to discipline than felines do, so my plants have never been in jeopardy. A firm "No!" holds a lot more weight with a dog than with a cat! Cats seem to ignore anything they don't deem important or interesting.

If you find a good solution, I'd be interested in hearing what it is! I'm sorry I can't help... but I do wish you luck!

That's so funny - I, too, have dogs, but they stay outside, and so the only plant-related problem they've ever caused is when the younger one used to jump the garden fence and pull peppers and pea pods off the vines. And, as you say, discipline is much easier with dogs, so she learned quickly that was a "No No". : )

The cat responds to "no" with "yeah, whatever. You and what army?".
J

A squirt bottle used with a loud 'No' works for us as far as training goes. There are also cat repellant products that are reported to work fairly well. Look in your pet store.

Our cat couldn't be less interested in our plants, other than liking to nap amongst them on the window sill.

Suggestion #1: put orange or lemon peel on top of the soil. Cats hate the smell of citrus.

Suggestion #2: keep a squirt bottle or air horn nearby. Every time you see the cat touch the plant, squirt him with water or blow the horn. This is also a good way to teach him to, say, stay off the couch.

Suggestion #3: buy some bird netting and string it around the plant. Cats do not like their claws to get caught.

Oh, what excellent suggestions! Thanks so much! I'll start with orange/lemon peel, since I do have a grocery store in town, but not a pet store. I've used the water bottle method for other cat-issues, but of course the cat never goes anywhere near the plants when anyone is in the room. So she does know she's not supposed to get into the plants, just does it anyway when no one's looking. The worst day was when I had to clean up the pothos in the morning, then again after I took a shower! That's when I tried red pepper.

I might try bird netting for the ficus, if the citrus doesn't work with the pothos. That's the plant I'm least attached to (since it's new), so it's a good one to experiment with. I can get to a pet store next weekend if citrus doesn't seem to work.

Hey rhizo, wanna trade cats? : )

DO NOT USE NETTING!!! Your cat could get its paw or claw caught in the net. A cat will try to chew its leg (front or back) off it it gets caught in anything and can't get away. Also do not use pepper either. They will scratch their eyes out. I have two cats and the other methods work pretty good. Instead of putting netting of around the tops of the pots consider putting stones on top of the dirt or even foil around the trunk of the tree.

I have had five cats in my 52 years on this planet. The kitten stage is definitely the worst. You'll find a cat getting into everything, not just your plants. I usually get cats in the summertime and they're still kittens by Christmas. Every time I get a new kitten, the Christmas tree only has ornaments above where the cats can't jump. Just know that they will grow up and simmer down after about a year. In the mean time you have to cat proof your house. And with plants that means either making them unattractive or putting them way out of their reach for a while.

I don't know if you have had cats before but this is not uncommon. I will say that cats have been a joy in my life for most of my of lifetime. The kitten stage is rough but well worth the aggravation.

Take care,

Larry

I'm a big fan of water bottle training of cats. It worked with all of ours and I have numerous house plants.

If we watch our cats wash themselves, we should put aside any thought of putting pepper or some other caustic material where they can get their paws on it.
First the paws, then the tongue, then the eyes.
Let's let kitty be the clean animal she is and find other ways to dissuade her.

if she licks the p[ant, then a simple spraying of the leaf with a soapy solution should change her mind. Unless, of course, she blows bubbles and you think that's cute and want to amuse others.
A little soap on a leaf wont hurt the plant.

Scrunch up some aluminum foil and place it on the soil. Make it so she has to brush against the foil...Cats don't like that against their fur.

Water from a pistol or spray bottle at your own risk.
if the plant is near furniture, you certainly don't wish to wet that. Besides, that only works for the moment. Kitty is wise enough to know when you leave the room, she aint going to be having to be taking a bath.

Give him/her something else to play with...try catnip.
It can be fun watching a cat doing her thing with catnip.

You might in the end put it down to which one you like more....your cat or your houseplant.
Life's a bugger aint it.

On the light side, Maisy Cow and Daisy Cow were out walking in the meadow when Daisy made a comment to her friend.

"I had an artificial insemination today .....by needle" Daisy recounted to her friend.

"No way, that cant be done, can it" Maisy came back with.

"Its true, Daisy said, honest, ....no bull"

So I gave the kitty some lime peel yesterday to check her aversion to citrus (it was the only citrus I had in the kitchen), but she chewed on it and licked the juice off my fingers. IÂll still try orange or lemon when I can get to the store, but her enjoyment of that particular citrus is not particularly encouraging. As I said, training by spraying water at her wonÂt work. She acts as if the plants donÂt exist when anyone is in the room so thereÂs no point.

I appreciate the concern but the pepper thing is over and done with, and neither discouraged the cat nor hurt her. Foil or stones at the base of the ficus wonÂt work, since she doesnÂt dig in the ficus but climbs it. IÂm not sure if she digs in the pothos before knocking it over. I might put it in a bigger, heavier pot then use foil. That worked with the philo.

Also, sheÂs not a kitten, although I do call her ÂkittyÂ. She was a year old when we got her a year ago. But youÂre right, Larry, maybe sheÂll settle down as she ages. The garden-invading dog did. I have had cats that would climb and ultimately knock down the Christmas tree, which this cat did last year as well. Looking forward to ChristmasÂ. : )

Jeannie, I might try soap on the pothos. She has tons of toys, which got old quickly. (sheÂs like my kids that way) I canÂt afford new catnip balls everyday. She was a stray for a year and still seems to get bored easily. She has a scratching post she played with once, back when we first brought her home.

Thanks for the tips, I'll keep on it!

Even if I weren't allergic to cats, my husband won't share his home with an animal that, as he puts it, poops in a box inside the house!

I don't ask much of my dogs, but that they have good house manners. I insist on obedience training. It makes for a very pleasant relationship, and training builds the bond of trust and respect between owner and dog. Repetition and consistency win the day.

Cats, on the other hand, are sneaky little things... just because they know better doesn't mean they'll abide by your rules when your back is turned. I don't like that in a pet, even though cats are beautiful animals. It's probably a good thing that I have allergies!

You could always turn your Pothos into a hanging basket, taking it out of kitty's reach...

Hi Jodik,

So you like dogs better than cats. How does that help farmers wife with her problem?

Larry

Just a suggestion. I've often read, and can personally attest to, a cat's dislike of lavender. I had a Burt's Bee's lavender spray laying around a while ago and tried putting it on my dracaena, which my kitties were chomping daily. They immediately stopped. Now I just put a few drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle and mist my plants occasionally. I don't believe it can harm them when it's diluted.

Good luck!

I would try getting the cat some toys. Catnip mice or balls with bells. I have a cat which uses my plant as a box, all gravel does is makes it harder to clean the soil. Bitter apple or bitter lime works with cats. It's also safe. Just smear it on the trunk of the plant. You can also get it in spray and spray it on the plant in question.

Hi zusya,

I had never heard of lavender and cats. Sounds like something to try in moderation.

Hi Mentha,

When I said stones, I meant rocks 1-2 inches across. Gravel just looks like litter.

Larry

I'm sure my sister in law would adopt your cat. They have 7 dogs, 2 cats, 4 turtles, 2 birds, ferrets and god knows what else. One more cat won't hurt!

mentha, where would I find bitter apple or bitter lime, like an herbal store? Jodi, hanging the pothos is a wonderful idea, and would work for both that plant and the extra philo that's still on the porch, but as my husband just spent 6 months replacing all the sheetrock in the main area of the house, I'd have to do some major begging to be allowed to puncture his sheetrock. And then there's the ficus... But I'll try lavendar, bitter apple, bitter lime, and maybe more cat toys. I bought oranges a little while ago, so I'll try that first (orange peel).

John, I appreciate the offer for your sister to adopt the cat, but if it were that easy, she'd be gone already. She belongs to the kids, who just adore her. That's part of the reason why all the other houseplants live in their rooms now. Sort of an exchange - cat stays, they guard some of the plants. But eventually I want to move the plants to the living room, which is why the cat issue is something I really want to resolve. And if it turns out to be impossible.... ??

thanks for the suggestions!
jenny

Jenny, you can get bitter apple/lime at a pet store or feed store, or even online. I don't know about a health food store, but you could probably get them to order it for you.

Larry,
Ever try to clean off a 4000 year old shell of cat stuff. It's near imposible. I have tried stones, rocks, tin foil, etc. The only thing that works is a good sound swat with a rolled up newspaper, or fly swatter, something which makes a lot of noise, but most people won't even consider that. The squirt bottle works also, but I tend to lose my bottles to the wastes of two teenage boys' clutter.

Mentha,

4000 year old cat stuff, no. ;o) But rocks did do the trick for my cat.

Larry

I have never really had a problem with cats and plants. What I would suggest is that you buy your cat a plant for munching purposes (just make sure its not toxic). Maybe some alfalfa grass, catnip, or a pot of ordinary grass. My cats seem to go after my "lucky bamboo". They leave every other plant alone and live in peace with a canary so I could care less for the less than lucky "bamboo" (dracaena).

I also have a relentless cat, LOL! To keep her from digging in my larger plants I use large lava rocks such as those used in gas grills or landscaping. She doesn't like the rough, uneven surface and those rocks tumble when she trys to stand on them. Problem solved.

She does try to eat my dracaenas though so I'm going to try the lavender. I've also heard that a spray of perfume tastes awful but I forgot about that remedy until just now so I'm going to give that a try also. Just had a garden window installed in the kitchen and she has completely claimed it as hers.

Dracaeneas are poison to cats. Do not let your cat chew on them.

Larry, sorry for the gramatical error, but you get the idea.

Oooo, maybe if I put the ficus in a bigger pot and surround it with lava rocks, that will keep her far enough away from the plant to fix the "climbing" problem! What a great idea! Would a pothos (currently in a 6" pot) be ok in a 10" pot? I think that's what the ficus is in. If I put the ficus in something bigger, moved the pothos into the ficus' pot, and use lava rocks, maybe that would do the trick. The weight of the larger pot would also help if all she's doing is knocking the 6" pot over.

I have a dracaenea, but it's on the kitchen counter between the sink and window, so she's never gone near it. It's the only plant small enough to fit there.

I haven't gotten around to orange peel or lavender, but then I saw the "spray of perfume", which was super easy, so I brought the pothos back in and sprayed the plant and pot - we'll see if it survives my absences during the day. - Wow! She just now circled the plant, sniffed it, and left. But then again, I'm sitting not far off, only partially blocked from view, so....

I'd be perfectly willing to get her a plant of her own if I really thought that would keep her away from mine. I guess I'm not willing to risk it (yet). And I was thinking about it and have the same issue with more cat toys - I need a solution that will last maybe a decade or so! She's a young cat and I can't just give up on owning house plants or forever worry about keeping her otherwise entertained.

So if the perfume/citrus/lavender/bitter apple/lime don't work, (or maybe sooner) I'll try repotting and lava rocks.

So continued thanks! It's good to know there are still remedies I haven't tried; I'm optomistic I can find a solution.
Jenny

Our cat came from the farm, and the kids love him so much that I knew I had to make him compatible with my plants-because he wasn't.

He loved to sleep in the dirt in the bottom of my 10" pots with ficus and yucca, then shake off the soil into the carpet. Every plant received an introductory chomp from him.

I used orange peels on the larger plants - that worked in keeping him out but I'd have to change the peels every week (dh eats lots of oranges in the winter), they'd either dry up and be ineffective, or get moldy.

But what really worked in the big pots is 1/2" chicken wire (that my dad had, don't know where it can be bought, but it is smaller than the chicken wire I use for me peas in the garden), I cut it to shape and layed on top of the soil, he did not want to walk on that.

As for making the leaves of plants undesireable, I've used mustard (painted on with a paintbrush,looks unslightly) and then happened upon a product called Neem Oil, used mainly to control plant pests on plants and smells like icky onion. It is sold here as a leaf shine product (and it does make the leaves shiny) because it is not authorized as a pesticide. I used it on a new triangle palm I brought home - and this cat loves to bother plants that resemble grass blades) and he went up to it and sniffed, and recoiled and moved on to something else.

3rd thing is to play with this cat lots, it's good stimulation, and then maybe he won't be so inclined to goof around with your plants. Make sure he has a tall carpeted cat stand to claw and stretch on and climb up on. I bought a purple feather boa from the dollar store - he loves to chase that around. I change games from the boa, to a hiking boot lace with a knot on the end, to a paper shopping bag, and maybe it's just that he's finally grown up and has decided not to bother my plants anymore, but he's a good boy now.

Good Luck,

kioni

Oh, come now, Larry... there's no need to get snippy just because I prefer dogs over cats... I DID make a suggestion to the original poster... perhaps you didn't see it in your haste to scold me for my preference in companion?

That's the trouble with these forums... people don't finish reading before their minds begin to formulate responses... and not all of them nice.

Any type of pet can be the bane of a plant lover's existence... why can't a dog lover offer suggestions for a cat lover?

My strategy has always been firm discipline when they're young, and if that doesn't work, removing the item of temptation from their reach, and replacing it with something they CAN have. Hanging baskets are great for people with cats... or dogs! (I mentioned that above in my other post.)

Jodi,

If that's what you call snippy, then yes I was snippy. And yes I read all of your thread entry. You spend 5 1/2 lines telling us basically how dogs are better than cats and that you would not have a cat nor would your husband. Basically, they are sneaky and have hygiene problems as you've said. You gave a 2/3 line on a small suggestion. I'm interested how does a cat "poops in a box in the house" have anything to do with Jenny's problem. I think you made your point in the first thread entry that you are allergic to cats and prefer cats over dogs. I don't see why you had to make that distinction the second time and basically tell us how cats are not clean animals and again that you prefer dogs to cats and thank goodness you're allergic to cats so that you don't have to have one.

I like both dogs and cats. But don't think that dogs don't have their set of issues also, both in personality and hygiene. I don't believe that everything in the thread entry has to pertain only to the issue. That's the nice thing about garden web. It is a nice place to talk and if there is some off topic that is interesting I have no problem with that. I just basically feel like you bashed all of us cat owners for (not your words but what I feel they implied) having disgusting dirty animals that are sneaky and cannot be trained. I find it a little offensive. My cats are very clean animals and well behaved. I don't have any problems with plants because I've trained them not to mess around with them and yes there are certain plants that you can't keep a cat from in my opinion; draceanas, palms, spider plants or anything that looks like grass to them. The will gobble them up like grass. I either keep these plants out of reach or I don't have one at all.

We have over 80 plants of all different kinds in our house and they coexist just perfectly with my two cats, so it's not a matter that cats cannot be trained, it's a matter of how to train them. No they're not dogs and cannot necessarily be trained like dogs, but they are trainable and they're very loving animals that most of us cat owners can't imagine life without.

Again I'm not saying that you can't say anything off topic in these threads. Lord knows I do that myself and would take exception if somebody were to call me on it. Just note that if you're off topic comments are somewhat offensive, then somebody may be "snippy" with you.

Larry

One small success! She left the pothos alone last night! I'd sprayed it with perfume, but that doesn't mean the problem is solved forever, unfortunately. The perfume will fade, which I won't detect as quickly as she will. And maybe she just wasn't in the mood for plant-battles last night, who knows.

Anyway, thanks for all the great ideas! If she goes back after it, I'll try something else from the list.
Jenny

Oh, for God's sake, Larry... you just wasted several paragraphs, and a whole lot of time, putting YOUR words in MY mouth! Don't you have anything better to do?

QUIT READING BETWEEN THE LINES! I IMPLIED NOTHING!

And since I don't owe you any explanation for anything I write, or which animal I prefer, or why, _______! (fill in the blank with whatever you think I'm implying.)

And to the original poster, I responded to your post because I found it humorous that, regardless of pet type, we all experience the same problems at one time or another! I've had birds that picked the leaves off my plants... and when I was a kid, I recall my Mom's dog eating the dirt from a large ficus she had planted! Our barn cats use the gardens, and my patio pots, as their personal bathrooms! And so... I hope you find a good solution that you and your cats can live with. :-)

Jenny,

I apologize for hijacking your thread with Jodi's and my cat fight. ;o) I think it is best that Jodi and I take this offline.

Jodi,

You will be receiving mail. Don't worry, there's even an olive branch in there.

Tee hee, I was a bit put-off by the rather broad statement that cats are 'sneaky little things', too. :-) Our Paco (CEO of our family) can be trusted, alone in the house, with food on the kitchen counter. I don't know where the heck he got his manners (he was a stray), but he's stellar in that department.

Now, if only I could get him to leave my toes alone in the middle of the night.

Oh it doesn't matter if they are a cat or a dog, they all can be a PIA. My mister (cat, rest his little soul) would knock food off the counter and share with the dog (thier fave was potato chips) I swear they were in cahoots together. Now I have a cat that is unsociable and a dog that digs in my plants to get attention. I think I would rather dig kitty rocks out than add new soil all the time

Mary

Morning 2 with no pothos problems! *fingers crossed*

I keep reminding myself that I'm actually quite lucky that this is the worst of my animal-induced problems. My mom had a cat that used to pee in her house plants, which is worse than having 'em knocked over. And our dogs don't dig, and no longer trespass into the garden even when I leave the gate swinging open.

I grew up a cat person as I was terrified of dogs when I was small, but later I found a best friend in my first dog and have loved them ever since. I was surprised how quickly this cat, the first I've lived with in 15 years, wrapped herself around my heart, as well. Best of both worlds!

Larry and Jodi, I found your exchanges entertaining, not to offend. I appreciate all the tips, regardless of whatever else came along with them, and best of luck!

Jenny

I have cats that like to climb my palms and "mess" with my potted plants, also. I have had success by placing a moth ball in the top of the plant pot. Now they don't bother the plant at all, but if your cats are over curious you might want to put the moth ball in a tied-off sock or stocking. This would prevent any chance of ingestion. You could hang the stocking in the tree to discourage climbing. Not my favorite smell, but it works!

I'd like to warn you about the moth balls, barefootgardener. They are made of some of the most toxic chemicals available for home use. The fumes can cause severe problems for humans and pets alike. Cancer is one of those problems.

They are never to be used out in the open where anyone can become exposed to those fumes. Mothballs are to be used in a sealed container with the clothing that required fumigating.

Cats are especially sensitive to chemicals. But the vapors from mothballs can affect anyone in a very serious manner. If you are smelling it, you are breathing in the chemicals.

Thanks for the warning, Rhizo. I only use them outside. I felt that one moth ball was less harmful that the potential problems that can come when cats dig and deposit! Even though my cat gets regular checkups and is healthy, you never know about parasites. And the one moth ball discouraged the climbing in my Palms. One moth ball, two problems solved.

Theresa

While you have LOTS of suggestions here, there is one that I haven't seen yet. Cats tend to find the smell of pine (evergreens in general) unpleasant. Not all cats are offended by it, which is why many climb christmas trees and others use pine based litters, but it is something to try.

I'm assuming that if the same plant gets knocked over again and again this pot must be on a preferred path to someplace. Have you tried making the destination windowsill, squishy place to sleep, interesting smells, snacks) unattractive? What about moving the pot?

As for climbing, cats prefer high places. They do not limit themselves to a horizontal plane like humans and dogs tend to do. The higher the better in most cats' opinions. You might try adding appropriate vantage points in your home so your cat doesn't see the ficus as the best view. Even a couple empty or sparsly decorated shelves might work, as long as kitty has clear access and space to make himself comfortable.

You might try planting a patch of catnip for your cat to enjoy as an alternative to playing in your other plants. In my experience, cats can obsess over a pot of catnip, so you might only put it within access at night or when you're out of the house (whenever plant terrorism is most prevalent). Else, be prepared for continual feline attention on the catnip and have more pots growing in reserve. (Your cat may not develop the addictive tendencies mine showed, but it's a risk!)

I assume since you said kitty does not dig in either pot, just knocks it over or climbs, that he is not using your plants as a litterbox? If he is pottying there, keep the appropriate litterbox absolutely spotless for a few weeks. Maybe even add another box or two as an enticement. Cats like to keep clean, and the litterbox is no exception. If it's too dirty for their taste they will go elsewhere. It may be that some cats prefer plant pots because we clean up after them as soon as we know it's there!

Try placing attractive smells elsewhere. I've had luck in the past with pineapple juice. Just make sure it's something your cat finds wonderful, and that it's placed on something you do not mind your cat rubbing against or clawing. I strongly suggest you do not use the scent of other cats (or any animal), as it may encourage your cat to mark territory by spraying, urinating or defecating.

Like someone mentioned earlier, wear your cat out! Lots of playtime, lots of human snuggle time... whatever your cat will agree to engage in.

Lexie

PS-I'm a fourth year animal behavior student; all of these ideas are adapted from a behavior course I had recently.

Here is a link that might be useful: Humane Society of the United States Feline Behavior Modification Suggestions

A good loud blast from a bike horn every time kitty is near plant will work eventually but you have to keep watching all the time. I`m very fortunate to have a kitty who doesn`t care about plants at all. If she did, I`d have a horn handy. Good luck whatever you do.

I think the perfume worked *knock on wood*!! I brought in the ficus and philo, spritzed them and their pots, and kitty has left them alone! She continues to ignore the pothos, as well - the "experimental" cat-avoidance plant.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I copied them into a word document in case the perfume-fix loses its effectiveness.
Jenny

This may not be the Best idea for you but it worked for me. I had my 3 cats getting into some of my plants. digging and clawing at them. I went out and bought a fake tree that has a real dead wood trunk. has like drill holes in it and fake leaves at the top. I suggest the real wood trunk only cuz its great for them to sharpen there claws on. Its kinda pretty for something cheep. I encouraged my cats to claw THAT tree and now they beat the crap outta my fake tree and leave my other plants alone.. sometimes they do try to get to the the other plants (i use spray bottle) but they don't get into my other plants nearly as much as they used to. its just natural for them to claw and dig.. there cats lol. maby this will help :)
Lynn

For digging--get some polished stones--looks nice and keeps my baby*monster* from digging---also try mixing some powdered ginger and water in a spray bottle and give the plant a spray--won't hurt the little monster like pepper can or the plant, and it works well-never found a cat that likes the smell of ginger.