Unpopular Flora: Plants Cats Don't Like

The Importance of Choosing Cat-Friendly Plants

As a cat lover, one of the most important things you can do for your feline friend is to make sure that your home is a safe and comfortable environment. While many people focus on keeping toxic substances out of reach, it's also important to be mindful of the types of plants that you bring into your home. Some plants can cause digestive issues or even be toxic to cats if ingested, while others may simply be unappealing to felines. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the plants that cats tend to avoid.

15 Plants That Cats Tend to Avoid

Citrus Plants

Cats are generally not fans of citrus plants, which include lemons, limes, and oranges. These plants contain essential oils that are known to be unpleasant to cats, so they tend to avoid them. If you're looking for a cat-friendly way to repel insects, planting citrus trees around your property may be a good option.

Lavender

Lavender is a lovely plant that is popular for its soothing scent and beautiful purple flowers. Luckily, lavender is also a plant that cats don't seem to like. This makes it a great choice for adding some color and fragrance to your home without worrying about your cat getting into trouble.

Rosemary

Another herb that cats tend to avoid is rosemary. This fragrant plant is often used in cooking and can be a great addition to your herb garden. If you're looking for a cat-friendly way to keep pests away from your outdoor area, planting some rosemary bushes may do the trick.

Spider Plants

Spider plants are a popular houseplant that many people enjoy because of their unique appearance and easy care requirements. Fortunately, these plants are also safe for cats and are even said to have some air-purifying benefits. Just keep in mind that if your cat does decide to nibble on your spider plant, they may experience some digestive upset.

Bamboo

Bamboo is another plant that is known to be safe for cats. This plant is often used for decoration or even as a living privacy screen. While it's not toxic to cats, it's worth noting that bamboo leaves may cause some gastrointestinal issues if ingested in large quantities.

Catnip

While this plant is certainly not something that cats dislike, it's worth mentioning because of its popularity with feline friends. Catnip is a type of mint that contains an essential oil called nepetalactone, which can have a euphoric effect on cats when they smell or ingest it. If you're looking for a way to keep your cat entertained, consider growing some catnip in a pot.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a bright and cheerful flower that many people enjoy planting in their gardens or using as cut flowers. Luckily, these flowers are also known to be unappealing to cats. If you're looking for a low-maintenance way to add some color to your outdoor area, marigolds may be a good choice.

Petunias

Petunias are another type of flower that cats tend to avoid. These pretty blooms come in a wide range of colors and are often used in hanging baskets or as border plants. They're also relatively easy to care for, making them a great option for gardeners who want to add some beauty to their outdoor space.

Geraniums

Geraniums are a popular flowering plant that is often used in window boxes or as a houseplant. These plants have bright, cheerful blooms and are generally easy to care for. Luckily, they're also safe for cats and don't seem to be particularly attractive to felines.

Rubber Plants

Rubber plants are a popular houseplant that many people enjoy because of their large, shiny leaves. These plants are also known to be safe for cats, which makes them a good choice for cat owners who want to add some greenery to their homes without worrying about their pets getting into trouble.

Ferns

Ferns are a diverse group of plants that are known for their delicate fronds and lush foliage. While there are many different types of ferns, most are safe for cats and don't seem to be particularly appealing to felines. If you're looking for a way to add some greenery to your home, consider adding a fern to your collection.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another herb that cats tend to avoid. This fragrant plant can be a great addition to your herb garden and can be used in cooking or even as a natural insect repellent. If you're looking for a cat-friendly way to keep pests away from your home, consider planting some peppermint around your property.

Thyme

Thyme is another herb that cats don't seem to like. This fragrant plant is often used in cooking and can be a great addition to your herb garden. If you're looking for a cat-friendly way to keep pests away from your outdoor area, planting some thyme may do the trick.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are a type of flower that is known for its bright colors and unique shape. These flowers are often used as cut flowers or planted in gardens. Luckily, snapdragons are also safe for cats and don't seem to be particularly appealing to felines.

African Violets

African violets are a popular houseplant that many people enjoy because of their pretty purple flowers and easy care requirements. These plants are also known to be safe for cats, which makes them a good choice for cat owners who want to add some color to their homes without worrying about their pets getting into trouble.

Cat-Friendly Plant Alternatives to Consider

List of Plants That Are Toxic to Cats

While it's important to focus on cat-friendly plants, it's also crucial to be aware of plants that can be toxic to cats if ingested. Here are some examples:

• Lilies
• Tulips
• Aloe vera
• Pothos
• Ivy
• Philodendron
• Daffodils
• Chrysanthemums

If you have any of these plants in your home, make sure they are kept well out of reach of your feline friend.

Choosing cat-friendly plants is an easy way to create a safe and comfortable environment for your feline friend. By avoiding toxic plants and opting for those that cats tend to avoid, you can ensure that your home is a happy and healthy place for both you and your pet.

FAQs

1. Are there any plants that repel cats?

Yes, some plants contain essential oils or other compounds that are known to be unappealing to cats. These include citrus plants, lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and thyme.

2. Can cats eat spider plants?

While spider plants are generally safe for cats, they can cause digestive issues if ingested in large quantities. If you notice that your cat has been nibbling on your spider plant, it's best to keep an eye on them and contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness.

3. Is catnip safe for cats?

Yes, catnip is generally considered to be safe for cats. However, some cats may experience digestive upset or other mild side effects if they ingest too much of it.

4. How do I know if a plant is toxic to cats?

There are many plants that can be toxic to cats, so it's important to do your research before bringing any new plants into your home. The ASPCA website has a comprehensive list of plants that are toxic to cats, as well as information on the symptoms of plant poisoning.

5. What should I do if my cat eats a toxic plant?

If you suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic plant, it's important to contact your veterinarian right away. Depending on the plant and the severity of the poisoning, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting or providing other treatment.