Plants that Cats Hate

Are you a cat owner who loves to decorate your house with indoor plants? While indoor plants can add beauty and purify the air in your home, they can also pose a risk to your furry friends if they are toxic to cats. Some plants can cause gastrointestinal problems, skin irritation, and even death if ingested by cats.

However, did you know that there are also plants that cats absolutely hate? These plants have strong scents, prickly leaves, or bitter tastes that repel cats from coming near them. In this blog post, we will discuss 15 plants that cats hate, why cats dislike them, and how you can use them to keep your feline friends away from certain areas of your home.

15 Plants that Cats Hate

Citrus Plants

Cats have a strong sense of smell, and citrus plants give off a scent that cats find unpleasant. Lemon, orange, and grapefruit trees are all examples of citrus plants that are known to deter cats. You can place pots of these plants near areas where you don't want your cats to go, such as near your furniture or on top of counters.

Lavender

Lavender has a sweet fragrance that humans love, but cats despise it. The strong scent of lavender essential oils can irritate a cat's nose and make them sneeze. You can grow lavender in your garden or place sachets of dried lavender in your closet to keep your cats away from your clothes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another fragrant herb that cats hate. The pungent smell of rosemary can make cats feel nauseous and uncomfortable. You can grow rosemary in your garden or use it as a natural repellent by placing sprigs of it around areas where you don't want your cats to go.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is an herb that has a strong scent and bitter taste that cats find repuve. The essential oil of pennyroyal can also cause liver damage and other serious health problems in cats if ingested. You can grow pennyroyal in your garden or place sachets of dried pennyroyal near areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Rue

Rue is a plant with a bitter taste and a strong, unpleasant smell that cats hate. The essential oil of rue can also cause skin irritation and other health problems in cats if ingested. You can grow rue in your garden or use it as a natural repellent by placing fresh or dried leaves around areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Scaredy Cat Plant

The Scaredy Cat Plant (Coleus Canina) is a plant that has been specifically bred to repel cats. It emits an odor that cats find offensive and will avoid at all costs. You can grow Scaredy Cat Plants in your garden or place them in pots on your porch or balcony to keep cats away.

Geraniums

Geraniums are bright and colorful flowers that add beauty to any garden, but they also have a strong scent that cats dislike. You can plant geraniums in your garden or place pots of them near areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a fragrant herb that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a strong smell that cats find unpleasant, and it can also be used as a natural insect repellent. You can grow lemongrass in your garden or place pots of it near areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Marigolds

Marigolds are bright and colorful flowers that are known for their natural insect-repelling properties. They also have a strong scent that cats dislike. You can plant marigolds in your garden or place pots of them near areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree with a strong scent that cats find repuve. The essential oil of eucalyptus can also cause health problems in cats if ingested. You can grow eucalyptus in your garden or use it as a natural repellent by placing fresh or dried leaves around areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Catnip

While catnip may seem like an obvious choice for a plant that cats hate, the truth is that not all cats react to catnip in the same way. Some cats love catnip and will roll around in it and rub against it, while others are completely indifferent to it. If your cat is one of the cats that loves catnip, then this may not be an effective solution.

Rattlesnake Master

Rattlesnake Master is a native North American plant that has a spiky, thorny appearance that makes it unappealing to cats. It also has a bitter taste that cats dislike. You can grow Rattlesnake Master in your garden or place pots of it near areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are a popular fall flower that have a strong scent that cats find repuve. They are also toxic to cats if ingested, so you should use caution when planting them in your garden or placing pots of them near areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are both plants that cats hate. They have a strong smell and a bitter taste that can make cats feel nauseous and uncomfortable. However, both onions and garlic are toxic to cats if ingested in large amounts, so you should avoid using them as a natural repellent.

Cacti

Cacti are plants that have prickly spines that make them unappealing to cats. They also have a bitter taste that cats dislike. You can grow cacti in your garden or place pots of them near areas where your cats are not allowed to go.

Spider Plant

While spider plants are not necessarily plants that cats hate, they are known to be non-toxic to cats and can even have some health benefits for them. Spider plants are effective at removing toxins from the air and can help to purify your home's indoor air quality.


In there are many plants that cats hate that you can use to keep your feline friends away from certain areas of your home. These plants have strong scents, prickly leaves, or bitter tastes that repel cats from coming near them. However, it's important to remember that while these plants may be effective at keeping cats away, they should not be used as a substitute for proper training and supervision of your pets.

FAQs

1. Are all of these plants safe to use around cats?

Most of these plants are safe to use around cats, but some can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. It's important to do your research and consult with a veterinarian before using any of these plants as a natural repellent.

2. Can I use essential oils of these plants as a natural repellent?

While some essential oils may be effective at repelling cats, they can also be toxic to cats if ingested or applied to their skin. It's best to use fresh or dried herbs and plants instead of essential oils.

3. Can I plant these plants in my garden?

Yes, most of these plants can be planted in your garden. Just make sure to research the specific growing conditions for each plant and avoid planting toxic plants near areas where your cats are likely to go.

4. Will these plants harm other pets like dogs?

Most of these plants are safe for dogs, but you should still monitor your pets closely and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness or discomfort.

5. What should I do if my cat ingests one of these plants?

If you suspect that your cat has ingested a toxic plant, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Signs of plant toxicity in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures.