We all love our pets, but sometimes they can cause a few problems, like eating our beloved houseplants. I recently faced this issue when my mischievous cat discovered that she could feast on my prayer plant. Unfortunately, the plant didn’t survive her playful antics.
Meet Rita, my plant-munching feline companion. Don’t worry, though; she hasn’t tasted any of the plants in the photo above. The ZZ plant and flamingo flower are toxic to cats and are always kept out of her reach.
Now, you might think that having pets and houseplants together is impossible, but that’s not entirely true. With a little adaptation on both sides, they can coexist peacefully.
Take Barley, for example, my dog who peacefully lounges with his orchids. To learn more about how to create a harmonious home for both pets and plants, I reached out to Deb Moore, a floriculturist from the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Production Department.
Choosing the Right Plants
Deb advised that if you want to have houseplants in a pet-friendly home, you should opt for non-toxic plants. While some non-toxic plants may cause tummy discomfort if ingested, they are still much safer than toxic plants. Here are some popular pet-safe houseplants to consider:
- Prayer plant
- African violet
- Succulents such as Echeveria, Haworthia, and Sempervivum
- Spider plant
- Moth orchids
- Ponytail palm
- Catnip
- Basil
- Christmas cactus
For a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants, you can visit aspca.org.
Keeping Plants Out of Reach
Read more : Discover Beautiful and Pet-Friendly Flowers for Your Garden
An easy way to ensure your plants remain pet-free is by placing them out of reach. Consider positioning your plants on high shelves or, if you have a jumper like my cat, hang them from baskets. According to Deb, “Avoid or place out of reach plants that your pets may find attractive to chew on, such as those with thick, fleshy, or crunchy leaves like Aloe and Hoya. Even if they aren’t poisonous, you might not appreciate the consequences, whether it’s loose stool or a destroyed plant.”
Deterring Pets from Plants
Cats and dogs dislike the scent of citrus and vinegar. Some pet owners spray their plants with a water-based mixture infused with these scents to keep their pets away. Another trick to prevent digging is to place decorative rocks on top of the soil. Additionally, make sure your pet gets enough love and playtime as their plant-attacking behavior may stem from boredom or a cry for attention.
If your pet’s plant-eating habit becomes uncontrollable, it’s advisable to consult with your veterinarian. Their behavior might signal an underlying issue that requires expert evaluation.
As for my cat, her obsession with the prayer plant has subsided. I removed the plants from my bedside table, and now she’s back to munching on her kitty-approved food and occasionally giving me a nibble too.
Remember, with careful selection of non-toxic plants, strategic placement, and a little extra attention to your pets, you can create a happy and harmonious environment where houseplants and pets can coexist peacefully.
Source: https://designsofapril.com
Category: Safe Plants
