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How to Stop
Your Cat From Eating Plants
By
Steve Duno (www.1888petmeds.com)
Most cat owners,
in addition to enjoying their felines, love keeping plants in and
around the home. Unfortunately, many cats develop a habit of munching
on these plants, much to the dismay of the owners. Even those in
the garden outside can often fall prey to the veggie-loving feline.
Young plants, with their tender stalks, are especially at risk.
Unfortunately, this annoying behavior can also be potentially dangerous
for your cat, as many house and garden plants are quite toxic to
felines. The list of toxic plants includes:
• Azalea
• Bean
plants
• Cactus
• Crocus
• Daffodil
• Dieffenbachia
• Hemlock
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Lily
• Marijuana
• Mistletoe
• Mushroom
• Narcissus
• Nightshade
• Oleander
• Philodendron
• Poinsettia
• Potato
leaves
• Rhododendron
• Tobacco
• Tomato
leaves
• Walnuts
• Yew
Though cats are true carnivores, they do sometimes consume vegetable
matter, especially in the wild, when the cat consumes its prey's
stomach and its contents. Stomach contents of prey animals usually
contains partially-digested vegetable matter, which, when eaten
by a cat, can provide it with vitamins and minerals not necessarily
found elsewhere.
Domestic cats
seem to love chewing on and eating plants; why is not completely
clear. Several reasons could explain the behavior, however. First,
they may be instinctively searching for nutrients not provided to
them in their regular diets. Or, some cats may feel the need to
regurgitate something disagreeable. Eating enough plant material
can have this effect on many cats, who may be trying to dislodge
a big hairball, or some other undesirable object. Another possible
reason for the plant munching is simply that they like the taste
and texture of what they are eating. Just look at the feline obsession
for catnip, a perennial in the mint family.
Clearly, this
behavior should be minimized, if not only for the loss of the pretty
plants, but for the safety of the cat as well. The first step to
take is to avoid purchasing plants known to be toxic to cats. Houseplants
such as the philodendron, dieffenbachia, and ivy, common in many
households, should be either avoided, or hung from the ceiling in
such a way as to completely prohibit access by the cat. If she has
access to the outdoors, be sure to avoid planting any of the toxic
shrubbery or garden plants listed above. Unfortunately, you won't
be able to stop her from going over to the neighbor's yard, if she
is an outdoor cat. You will have to decide if allowing her this
privilege is important enough to put her health at risk.
Locate whatever
non-toxic houseplants you have off of the floor, either in tall
stands, or from hanging mounts. Plant pedestals should be high,
and as narrow as the plant's drainage dish, so as to give the cat
no footing whatsoever. Never keep any plants on the floor, or on
shelves with easy cat access.
Cover the soil
of the plant with marbles or rocks, to discourage digging. Wipe
down the plant leaves with a dilute soap and water mixture; it won't
hurt the plant, and it will taste terrible to the cat. You can also
purchase a veterinarian-approved cat repellant, and apply it to
the plant.
Also, try placing
double-sided adhesive tape around the area where you keep your plants,
in an effort to dissuade her from going near. Try aluminum foil
strips as well. If you can catch the cat in the act of chewing on
a plant, spray her with water from a plant sprayer bottle.
While discouraging
her from going near your prized houseplants, you should simultaneously
provide her with some young grass seedlings to chew on as much as
she likes. Grow them yourself from grass seed, or purchase them
at your local pet store. Place them far from your houseplants, perhaps
in the kitchen, near where she eats. When given an alternative like
this, most cats will forget about the houseplants entirely.
Lastly, try
to keep your cat's environment as stimulating as possible, to prevent
boredom, one of the main causes of improper behavior. Lots of toys
and objects to investigate, as well as plenty of play time with
you, should keep her nose out of your houseplants.
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