10 Ways to Keep Cats Out of Houseplants (and Which Plants to Avoid)

If you’re a cat parent and a houseplant lover, chances are you’ve caught your feline friend munching on your greenery at least once. While it might seem harmless (or even funny), many houseplants are toxic to cats — and chewing on them can lead to upset stomachs, poisoning, or worse.

In this post, we’ll break down how to protect your plants *and* your cats — starting with which plants to avoid, and ending with the top 10 ways to keep curious paws away from your plant babies.

Common Houseplants That Are Poisonous to Cats

- Lilies (extremely toxic — even a small amount can be deadly)
- Aloe Vera
- Pothos (also known as Devil’s Ivy)
- Philodendron
- Dieffenbachia (also called Dumb Cane)
- Snake Plant
- Sago Palm
- English Ivy
- Peace Lily
- ZZ Plant

For a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants, the ASPCA maintains a reliable online database.

Why Do Cats Love Plants So Much?

Cats may chew on plants out of boredom, curiosity, or because they like the texture. Some even mistake leaves for grass, which they naturally use to aid digestion. Indoor cats in particular might seek stimulation in the form of something leafy, dangling, or fragrant.

10 Proven Ways to Keep Cats Out of Your Houseplants

- Use citrus deterrents – Cats dislike citrus smells. Try placing orange or lemon peels in your pots, or use a safe citrus spray.
- Cover soil with stones or pinecones – This makes digging less fun (and less accessible).
- Try motion-activated deterrents – Some devices make noise or puff air when movement is detected near your plants.
- Provide cat grass as an alternative – Give your cat a safe plant to chew on instead, like wheatgrass or oat grass.
- Relocate plants to hard-to-reach places – Hanging baskets or high shelves can help.
- Use double-sided tape – Cats dislike sticky textures. Place tape around pots or on nearby surfaces.
- Choose cat-safe plants only – Consider plants like spider plants, bamboo, or Calathea that are safe for cats.
- Place plants in closed rooms or greenhouses – Sometimes, keeping them entirely separate is best.
- Train with a gentle “no” and redirection – Reward your cat for leaving the plant alone and redirect their energy.
- Use natural cat deterrent sprays – Look for pet-safe formulas made with essential oils cats dislike (like rosemary or lavender).

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