Plant Chewing
Cats chewing on house plants can be a dangerous and deadly habit. Cats are naturally attracted to chewing on plants as part of their normal investigative and play routine. They also chew plants to aid in the removal of hairballs or they are craving vegetable matter as a part of their diet. Providing cats with a source of safe grass in a flat tray provides a healthy safe alternative to chewing potentially toxic house plants. While most plants are harmless, several can be deadly. These include: Caladium, English Ivy, Lilies Mistletoe Oleander Philodendron, Dumb Cane. For a more complete list consult a poison control center.

Giving your cats alternative vegetable matter such as oats, grass, catnip or catmint are all safe and enjoyable for your cat to eat. You may also try a higher fiber diet, may help satisfy its craving for vegetable matter. However, denying access to your house plants is the only guaranteed way to protect your cat from chewing on potentially harmful plants.

House plants can be made less attractive to your cat by spraying the leaves with water than sprinkling them with cayenne pepper. Spraying with a commercial pet repellent serves the same purpose. The odor of mothballs in the soil may keep your cat away as well. The booby trap method of stacking plastic cups up near the plants may also deter the cat from chewing on the house plants.

Remember these are natural habits of cats. As cat owners we need to find a balance between protecting both our property and our cats health. Remember, your veterinarian is always willing to help you devise a management strategy to protect your property and your cat.