You can make your own deterrent spray at home, as well. Make a mixture of one part vinegar to three parts water, and spritz it onto the leaves of your plant. Cats hate the smell, and it doesn’t hurt your plant!
Booby trap the plant by using putting a can of compressed air that’s activated by a motion sensor near it. These pet-training aids can be purchased in pet stores or online. When your cat approaches plant, he’ll get a blast of compressed air. This doesn’t hurt him, but it’ll make him think twice about approaching the plant again.
Your cat may be curious about a plant’s scent, which leads them to taste it. [6] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 15 July 2021. A plant may look like an enticing game of prey play while moving in the breeze of an air conditioner. [7] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
Use toys that are on the end of a long string, so you can make your cat run from one end of the room to the other without exhausting yourself. Food puzzles and mazes are other great forms of mental stimulation for your cat. [9] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
Rotate the toys out so he doesn’t get bored with the same ones day after day. Your cat will ignore a toy he’s become too familiar with. However, if it reappears after a long absence, he’ll be excited about it again. Provide extra entertainment by hanging up bird feeders in front of viewing windows. [10] X Expert Source Molly DeVossCertified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist & Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
For example, your cat might love wispy, dangling leaves that flutter in the breeze. In that case, buy plants with large, heavy leaves that don’t look as much fun to play with.
If you already have an irresistible plant in your home, keep on a high shelf where the cat can’t reach it. Make sure it’s an unreachable shelf, or your nimble cat might just leap up there.
You might also buy plants that have very high leaves that cats can’t reach, such as small trees.