My cat is in the "I want to chew on everything" phase. He's been eating my houseplants. They aren't toxic, but they aren't healthy for him either. Growing "distraction" plants that are safe for him like wheat grass, hasn't worked. Is there a home made or commercially available product that will deter him?
GreenOwl
Favorite Answer
This site has 10 ideas you can use to help with that problem
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/14722/10_ways_to_stop_your_cats_from_eating.html?cat=53
texaszet
My parents swear by boiling red pepper flakes in water and then spraying that on the plants. It's non-toxic, but a great deterrent. I just moved my plants to the top of the fridge or hung them from the ceiling where my cat couldn't reach them. And don't worry, he will probably grow out of it as my cat did.
1111
Cats have a natural instinct to eat grass and other plants they provide fiber that soothes cat stomachs, aids in digestion, promotes vomiting if it's needed, and simply gives cats something pleasant to nibble on.
The bad news is that it's nearly impossible, not to mention possibly unhealthy, to teach an animal to ignore her instincts. It's much, much easier to let your cat be a cat by growing her some plants it's okay to eat. You can buy seeds for cat-friendly plant mixes in many pet stores. Wheat grass, bird seed sprouts, and catnip are also good alternatives.
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sarah
Personally, I invested in some tall, narrow shelves for my plants.
However, Bitter Apple spray was actually designed and marketed for "plant chewers" - safe for everyone (dogs, cats, plants, people), including the plants. It does not have a smell, and is easy to use.
http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Apple-Taste-Deterrent-Spray/dp/B00028ZMEO