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indoor gardening success by selecting plants suited to your home’s
growing conditions and gardening style. Then be sure to remove any
toxic plants to ensure your pet’s safety. Consult with your
veterinarian and visit the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website for a list of pet-safe and toxic
plants.
Create a list of all the plants you are growing. Include both common
and botanical names for accurate identification. Do a bit of
research on the care they need and their toxicity to your pets. If
you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, you’ll have the
proper plant name when contacting your veterinarian.
Match the pet-friendly plants you select to their preferred light
conditions. An east- or west-facing window provides enough light for
most indoor plants. Keep those that need brighter light within two
feet of a window. Those that prefer lower light can be grown near a
north-facing window or up to six feet back or off to the side of an
east- or west-facing window.
Keep toxic plants out of the reach of curious cats.
This can be challenging if your cat is skilled at jumping and
climbing. There are so many beautiful houseplants it may be safer to
simply avoid those that are toxic.
Make your houseplants less appealing to your cat with the smell of
citrus. Spray a mixture of lemon, lime, or orange juice diluted with
some water on the leaves of your plant. Or purchase one of the
commercial mixes. If you don’t want to spray your plants, place
citrus peels in the pot.
Give your cat a pot of grass to nibble on and enjoy instead of your
houseplants. Most cat grass kits contain wheatgrass, oat grass,
ryegrass, or a mixture of these. A pot of cat grass can help
entertain your cat, provide fiber and some micronutrients, and aid
in digestion.
There are several theories as to cats’ attraction to greenery. One
theory suggests plants were used to help them regurgitate undigested
parts of their prey. Many cat owners find it also works for
hairballs. Another theory suggests that greens provide vitamins and
minerals, may promote health, and aid in digestion.
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Busy and new gardeners can successfully grow a pot of
cat grass. Look for an easy-care growing kit like True Leaf Market’s
Organic Self-Watering Cat Grass Kit (trueleafmarket.com). You’ll
only need to fill the water reservoir twice a week and the container
helps eliminate messes and spills that often happen with traditional
pots.
Prevent curious cats from knocking over any of your
plant containers with the help of mounting putty. A couple of pieces
on the bottom of the pot will help reduce the risk of toppling.
Prevent cats from using indoor plants as litter boxes. Cover the
soil surface with coarse mulch, like cork or large nugget mulch. If
this is not an option, spray the soil surface with the citrus and
water mix to help discourage digging.
Regular play can entertain your cat, help reduce stress, and even
reduce plant nibbling. This is also good for your well-being and the
beauty of your indoor plants.
Implement these strategies and you’ll be able to help
your cats and plants coexist in your home.
Melinda Myers is the author of more than 20 gardening books,
including Small Space Gardening and Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd
Edition. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant
video and DVD series and Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program.
Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms
magazine and was commissioned by True Leaf Market for her expertise
to write this article. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
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