How to Protect Seedlings from House Cats

Cats often nibble on houseplants and seedlings, tear leaves, use pots as toilets, or play with them, leaving the plants in a miserable state. This creates difficulties for cat owners who want to successfully grow seedlings while also enjoying the company of their pets. Fortunately, there are methods that can help solve this problem without giving up either greenery or cats.

Choose Plants That Cats Dislike

Growing indoor plants that are unappealing to cats is a great way to distract their attention. Some plants have a strong scent that cats cannot tolerate:

Rosemary is a wonderful houseplant that cats dislike due to its aroma. Additionally, you can use fresh sprigs in cooking, and your home will be filled with a pleasant scent. It can be placed near the trays with seedlings.

Among houseplants, cats do not like coleus, so you can place a few bulbs for sprouting.

Cacti can also serve as excellent natural barriers, as few cats will want to play with the thorns.

Create Unpleasant Scents for Pots and Trays

Another way to protect seedlings from cats is to make them unpleasant in smell. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the leaves, and your cat will quickly retreat from the shelf. Tips for using citrus peels do not work, as cats do not react to them. However, if you have citrus essential oil, try spraying the pots and shelves with it twice a day.

You can place pieces of fabric (for example, cotton pads) on the windowsill and drop a few drops of coniferous essential oil on them. Cats dislike vinegar and eucalyptus essential oil. You can also find special sprays in pet stores that deter cats from houseplants based on red pepper extract and essential oils.

Grow Plants That Are Attractive to Cats

Some bold cats will always find a way to reach forbidden places. Why not offer them safe plants as an alternative? For example, catnip and lemon balm, which can be purchased at a pet store. Place a few specimens in unbreakable plastic pots and position them in different corners of the house to distract the cat from the more valuable plants.