How do you keep cats out of house plants?

I recently got a plant from my grandma's funeral and my cats keep picking at the leaves. I really don't want this plant to get ruined because it means so much to me. Is there anything that I can put in it to keep them out? I've tried pepper and that doesn't even phase them. I just don't want to harm the plant in the process! Thanks!

How do you keep cats out of house plants?
Try putting aluminum foil around the base of the plant, covering the dirt and edges of the pot also. Cats don't like tinfoil, so it usually works. The only pain is having to move the tinfoil every time you water, but if it saves the plant it's worth it!
Reply:You can also try putting rock around the plant on top of the soil. I like this much better than the foil and it makes the plant look more natural. Don't forget that some plants are harmful to pets and if this is the case you can put it on a tall stand where the cat can't get to it. Report Abuse

Reply:try mixing viniger with water and spray the plants, the cats wont eat em and it also kills aphids Report Abuse

Reply:try spraying bitter apple on the leaves. Safe for the plant and only gross to the kitty. you can find it in the pet store.
Reply:I think the easiest solution is to put the plant up high where the cat can't get at it.





Or so you'd think.....but they're pretty darned jump-y and they get to places you don't think they possibly could.





So then you put 2-sided tape down on the surface the plant is on, put tinfoil down, or get a "Sofa Scram" - this is a mat that emits a high-pitched shriek when pressure is put on it.





I keep all plants on my buffet and use a Sofa Scram on the outer edge to keep them off it.





You could also try getting some cat grass and/or catnip plants from the pet store. That may divert them.
Reply:Well as a last resort you could try lemon shavings and citrus oil...cats hate citrus fruit... But to be honest my cat Vinnie eats anything leafy and green. I have had to buy special plants that arent toxic to him. Basically a cat is its own boss, and it will do what it wants to do.


As for your sentimental attachment to the plant, its understandable, but hopefully the cat will mean more, and plus you dont want to see the plant ruined... Maybe put it in a place the cat is not allowed in? Can you take the plant to your office etc?
Reply:You can move it to somewhere they cant reach (although cats can get pretty much anywhere), you can spray them with water when they touch it, or you can find them something else to play with (maybe another plant).
Reply:yes, there is a spray that you can put on the plants that oyu can buy from petco or any other pet store, it is not harmful to the plants or your cat, i have used it before. you can also try to catch him in the act and as soon as you do spray a little water on his face just to scare him, he will learn that it is bad.
Reply:Cats hate Citrus. You can buy a citrus spray and spray around the plant or get orange peels and place them in the plant. You can spray the carpet with a citrus spray and a can't won't go in that room. Give it a shot.
Reply:The pet stores have cat begone spray , don't know if that is what it is called......