Just a Bite! Why Is My Cat Eating My Plants?!

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Anyone who has ever had a cat knows they often exhibit strange behavior for any number of reasons. From zooming through the house in the middle of the night to kneading blankets, cats are a quirky, fun pet, and there will never be a dull moment.

However, there are some behaviors that can be frustrating or even downright concerning. One of these behaviors is nibbling on house plants.

Why Is My Cat Eating My Plants?

There are several possible reasons your cat may be chewing on your beautiful greenery.

Texture

The texture of the house plant may be pleasurable to your cat's palate. Chewing on a plant may just be fun and enjoyable to the cat.

Nutrients and Health

Although cats are primarily carnivores, sometimes they need a nutrient or vitamin that can be found in many plants. Also, eating plants often induces vomiting, so your cat may chew on leafy greens when it has an upset stomach.

Hunting

Air currents will cause the leaves of plants to move in a way that may be triggering your cat's hunting instinct. If you notice your cat pouncing before chewing, it may just be displaying its innate desire to hunt. 

Are Plants Bad for My Cat?

There are a variety of plants that is poisonous to cats. Even plants that are typically safe can be dangerous if they've been treated with chemicals, such as insecticides. Some plants may cause kidney failure, so it's important to keep them away from your cat.

How Do I Keep My Cat from Eating Plants?

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Ditch the Greenery

Often, the easiest way to prevent your cat from eating house plants is to not have them. Although house plants are certainly pretty to look at, you may not want to take the risk with your cat's safety.

However, this isn't the only solution. You can have your cat and your greenery, as long as you are careful not to have any of the poisonous varieties easy accessible.

Use a Cat Repellent

There are a number of products you can find in any pet store that will repel your cat from plants. Alternatively, you can create your own using a distilled vinegar solution. 

Certain scents are offensive to cats, preventing them from even going near the plant. Products created for cats or the vinegar solution are non-toxic for them. These products will only last a few days, but it should be enough to deter your cat. If after a few days your cat tries to nibble again, simply re-apply.

Negative Reinforcement

Cats shy away from loud noises. When you notice your cat nibbling or beginning to nibble on your house plant, you can clap your hands loudly to startle them away. You can also use a loud, firm voice to tell them no when they're behaving badly. 

Squirt Bottle

You can also use a squirt bottle to spray your cat with water. However, you will want to be stealthy with this trick. If the cat sees you squirting it, the cat may associate the negative consequence with you instead of the behavior.

Redirection

Try picking up your cat and relocating it to a scratching post or toy. If you stick to this method, your cat may eventually stop going to the plant and instead go to whatever you are using to redirect its attention.

Use An Alternative

You can grow your own cat grass or catnip in pots. These are plants, beautiful and green, that are safe for cats. By keeping cat-safe plants in the house, specifically designed for felines to eat, you ensure no harm will come to your beloved pet.

House plants and cats can co-exist in the same home. Just remember that cats are very intelligent creatures that can be taught what is acceptable and what is not. 

Visit Pop Your Pup! to create fun, gorgeous art featuring your cat. You never know, it may just distract it from eating your house plants!