How do I stop my cats from gnawing on and digging in my indoor pot plants?
2007-12-21 16:26:30 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
The bitter apple sounds like a great idea, does anyone know if it or a similar product is available in New Zealand?
2007-12-21 16:51:58 · update #1
Mr. Answer, I never said I blamed the cats, I love my cats, I just don't want them chewing the plants (sort of like when you don't want them jumping on the bench) and am looking for practical ideas.
2007-12-22 08:17:44 · update #2
There's a product that is used for dog training called grannick's bitter apple. You can find it at petco in the dog section. It tastes really bad, but doesn't hurt them at all. (They do make a version for cats, but it's the same thing).
My cat was chewing on my Christmas tree until I coated it with bitter apple. She hasn't gone near it since!
Here's a link to more info: http://www.grannicks.com/
http://www.petco.com/product/2094/Grannick-s-Bitter-Apple.aspx
2007-12-21 16:45:34 · answer #1 · answered by chilena12 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well cats will naturally dig in house plant pots, because of the dirt! But try covering the dirt with small rocks, but not gravel type!!! and completely cover all the top of the dirt!
Many house plants can be dangerous to cats if eatten! Like the vine kinds and the poinsettia's and a few others!!! If there floor pot plants try putting something in front of the plant, like a kids saftey gate for a few weeks! and I know there are a few sprays you can spray on the outside of the pot that cats and dogs don't like, to keep them away! There sold at almost all petshops!
It isn't the cats or dogs fault about plants, it's a natural instinct way before man was ever around!!! But finding ways to keep them away can be a project in it's self! You may like many people, you may have to move the plants to a different room where the cats can't get to them or get rid of the cats or plants!
Like I said it isn't the cats or dogs fault and you shouldn't be harsh to them! they don't know there not to be messing with them! It's like telling a outside dog to not relieve himself in your yard!!!
2007-12-21 16:57:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I put newspaper over the dirt and then put decorative rocks on top so my cat (booboo) doesn't see/have access to the dirt. She still swipes at the leaves though!
2007-12-21 16:40:03 · answer #3 · answered by Dance 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chili powder or cayanne works well. I have also used pine cones or plastic forks stuck in the dirt with the tines upwards.
2007-12-22 00:50:20 · answer #4 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about growing some cat grass. Chia pets make one now.
2007-12-22 02:49:53 · answer #5 · answered by Sassafrass AKA: SASSY 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋