Managing the health of your plants when a pet cat is around can be challenging, to say the least. If your cat is like most, they occasionally enjoy nibbling on your plants. Friskier cats might bat at the plants or attack them to play. Some cats might even try to use a potted plant as their litter box. So, what is a person to do if they want to protect their plants from their cats? Luckily, there are plenty of options to consider. Here are our top 15 tips for cat-proofing your plants.
This article assumes that the plants you keep in your home are safe for cats. Please ensure you never keep any plants that are toxic for cats, as the risk of your cat coming into contact with them exists, despite the repellents and other techniques you may use. Contact your vet immediately if your cat has nibbled or come in contact with a toxic plant, as these can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening health issues, such as in the case of lilies. Consult the ASPCA list of non-toxic and toxic plants for cats.
Having an indoor cat can be a rewarding experience. However cats have a natural instinct to play climb, scratch, and sometimes chew on plants. This can quickly turn your lush indoor garden into a wilted mess. Using netting is an effective way to protect your plants while still allowing your furry friend to roam freely. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using netting to save your plants from kitty destruction.
Why Use Netting to Protect Plants from Cats
Netting offers a physical barrier that prevents cats from accessing and damaging plants while still letting air, light, and water through. It’s an affordable, easy to install option that can be adapted for a variety of situations. Here are some of the benefits of using netting
- Allows sunlight and airflow to reach plants for healthy growth
- Can be secured over individual pots or an entire shelving unit
- Protects both foliage and soil from digging, scratching paws
- More aesthetically pleasing than barriers like tin foil or plastic
- Available in a range of mesh sizes to suit different needs
- Can be removed easily for plant maintenance and watering
For pet owners who want to preserve their plants without restricting their cat’s access, netting offers an effective middle ground. Continue reading for useful tips on selecting and installing the right netting for your needs.
Choosing the Best Netting Material
When shopping for netting, you’ll find various materials and mesh sizes to choose from. Consider the following factors:
- Mesh size – Smaller holes prevent access for clawing paws. Aim for 1⁄4 inch or smaller.
- Durability – Look for sturdy material that will hold up to cat paws without sagging.
- Visibility – Finer mesh blocks view of plants less than wider sizes.
- Composition – Nylon or polyester lasts longer than cotton or jute.
- Weight – Heavier netting drapes better over pots. Around 0.5 oz/yd2 is ideal.
For covering shelves or individual pots, lightweight nylon or polyester netting with 1⁄4 inch mesh is a good all-purpose choice. Use the chart below to select the right netting for your needs:
| Use | Recommended Netting |
|---|---|
| Protecting seedlings or delicate plants | Extra-fine insect netting |
| Covering a whole plant shelf | Medium weight 1⁄4″ mesh netting |
| Wrapping large pots | Heavy weight 1⁄4″ mesh netting |
| Keeping cats out of planter boxes | Plastic garden netting |
This covers the basics on selecting the right netting. Next we’ll go over some tips for installation.
Installing Netting Over Plants and Shelves
Once you’ve chosen suitable netting, it’s time to put it to use protecting your plants. Here are some recommendations:
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For shelves, measure the total length and width so you can cut a piece big enough to cover the whole unit. Leave some extra for ease of fastening.
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Use push pins, thumbtacks or clips to securely fasten the edges of the netting to the shelf. Try to keep it taut.
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On individual pots, cut netting 2-3 inches wider than the pot dimensions. Gather and fasten the excess fabric under the pot.
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For planter boxes, use U-shaped metal stakes or hooks around the edges to hold up the netting.
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Maintain shape by gently re-stretching the netting back into place periodically.
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When watering plants, simply lift or fold back the netting temporarily to access them.
Pro tip: For a quick temporary solution, you can shape wire clothes hangers into loops to suspend lightweight netting over pots.
Creative Uses for Protective Netting
Beyond just draping over plants, netting can also be incorporated into cat-friendly decorative features:
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Use twine to create netted hammocks for cats in windows or cat trees.
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Net over the underside of a cat perch to prevent soil flinging when they jump on/off.
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Sew net pouches to hold cat grass or catnip plants for safe chewing.
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Make tunnels between furniture by netting over grounded PVC pipe.
With some creativity, netting can enhance the cat play experience while also protecting your garden. It’s a versatile material for any cat owner!
Maintaining Netted Plants Long-Term
To get the most life from your protective netting, follow these care tips:
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Check for holes and promptly patch with needle and thread or fabric glue.
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Keep netting taut – re-stretching helps maintain its protective function.
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Remove debris like shed fur, dirt, leaves that accumulate in the mesh.
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Take down netting occasionally and launder it if it gets excessively dusty or dirty.
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Replace netting that becomes too loose, saggy, or develops larger holes.
With periodic maintenance and replacement as needed, quality netting can protect your plants for years. It’s a small time investment to preserve your indoor garden.
Achieving Harmony in a Cat-Friendly Home
With some strategic use of netting, it’s possible to maintain a lush indoor plant collection while keeping your curious cat happy and safe. Here are some additional tips for a harmonious home:
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Provide alternative scratching posts, toys, and perches to divert your cat’s instincts.
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Use catnip, wheatgrass, and cat-safe houseplants to give kitty approved greens.
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Place open pots in unattractive areas and shelter plants you want to preserve.
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Train your cat not to mess with plants using positive reinforcement.
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Give your cat plenty of playtime and active enrichment to prevent boredom.
With patience and creativity, you can absolutely have both houseplants and house cats thriving under one roof. Don’t give up on your garden – use netting thoughtfully, and you can nurture your plants while delighting your feline friend.
In Summary
Netting is a simple yet effective way to protect plants from cats who think foliage is fun to play with. The key is choosing durable netting with small mesh sized to create a protective barrier. Properly installed netting can shield shelves or individual pots while still letting light and air reach plants. With strategic use and proper maintenance, netting can safeguard plants long-term without restricting pets. Pair it with cat-friendly additions to your home, and you can achieve a peaceful plant and pet paradise.
Train Your Cat
You can practice training your cat to keep them from damaging your plants. You can start by calling your cat’s name and directing them away from a plant before they start playing with it. Doing this every time will redirect their attention to something else. Reward their behavior when they are around the plants without showing interest in them.
Do not encourage play, as they may decide to use the plants as toys, and praise and reward their calmness around the plants with attention or treats. Always focus on positive reinforcement whenever training your cat, and never use punishment or a raised voice. You can hire a cat trainer to work with at first if necessary.Pros
- Can work for anything that you don’t want your cat playing with
Cons
- Takes a while to become effective
- Requires knowledge about cat behavior and training
Spray Vinegar Around
Cats do not like the smell of vinegar, neither white nor apple cider vinegar. The smell turns them off and makes them want to get away from the source of the smell. Therefore, you can pour vinegar into a spray bottle, after diluting it with three parts water, and spray the area where the plants are.
Depending on the concentration of vinegar, if sprayed directly on the plants, it may also cause leaf damage and discoloration, so be mindful of that. Again, never spray any on your cat’s fur or face, and always dilute it appropriately with water. Otherwise, it may cause respiratory or eye irritation, or they will lick it off while grooming. Luckily, however, vinegar is not toxic to cats.Pros
- Easy to make
- Easy to store
Cons
- May irritate the cat’s eyes or airways if undiluted solution is used or accidentally sprayed on them
- May damage the plants if sprayed on them
Keeping Cats Off Your Vegetable Garden
FAQ
Does garden netting keep cats out?
The best option to keep cats and other animals out of your garden bed is to use physical means like fencing or netting (black bird netting suspended above the soil surface is very effective in vegetable garden beds-cats don’t like to walk on it).
How do I cat proof my plants?
Introduce Citrus Scents
“However, the oils and compounds in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes can cause digestive irritation, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. Therefore, it is best to use the juice of a lemon, lime, or orange diluted with some water and then sprayed on the leaves of the plant.”
How do I stop my cat from destroying my plants?
- Keep your plants out of reach. …
- Use tall planters. …
- Stay away from toxic plants. …
- Spray your plants with diluted lemon juice. …
- Cover the soil with tin foil or stones. …
- Get your pet their own plant. …
- Get to know your pet’s plant preferences.
What can I put in my plant to keep my cat away?
– Homemade Solutions: Use citrus peels (like orange or lemon) around the plants, as cats generally dislike citrus scents. Vinegar or diluted essential oils (like lavender) can also deter them. Plant Choices: – Cat-Repelling Plants: Consider planting flowers that cats tend to avoid, such as lavender, rosemary, or rue.