A DIY Affordable Spray to Save Houseplants from Curious Cats
Cats are naturally curious...but they often turn your beloved houseplants into playthings or snacks.
Nothing is more disheartening than seeing a carefully nurtured plant knocked over or chewed up by a curious cat. The potential toxicity of certain houseplants adds another layer of concern.
Thankfully, there's a budget-friendly solution to deter your feline friends and protect both your plants and pets. The answer is a simple homemade spray that costs less than $1 to make.
What’s a Cat Owner to Do?
Albert, a cat trainer and founder of Outdoor Bengal, offers a straightforward remedy to keep cats at bay while preserving your indoor greenery.
"Cats have the annoying habit of chewing on houseplants. If you’ve invested in a Variegated Monstera, they’re likely to shred it to pieces rather than sparing that orchid that hasn't flowered in four years," he explains.
Simple Homemade Spray
You can make a simple DIY spray to protect your plants from your curious furry friend. You likely have everything you need in your house right now.
You need:
- An empty spray bottle
- Equal parts water and white vinegar
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil
Cats have a heightened sense of smell, making them particularly sensitive to certain scents. By spraying this homemade solution on your plants, you can effectively deter them from getting too close.
For an added layer of protection, you can incorporate a drop of lemongrass, lavender, or peppermint essential oil into the mix, as cats naturally dislike these scents.
However, be cautious—only add a few drops of essential oils, as cats have a limited ability to metabolize certain toxins found in these oils.
3 DIY Essential Oil Blends to Safeguard Houseplants from Curious Cats
If you want to enhance your homemade spray, here are three DIY blends using essential oils. These blends not only repel cats but also add a pleasant aroma to your living space.
1. Citrus Burst Blend
Ingredients:
- An empty spray bottle
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops orange essential oil
Citrus scents are known to be effective cat deterrents. The combination of lemon and orange essential oils adds a refreshing twist to your spray, making it both effective and aromatic.
2. Floral Harmony Blend
Ingredients:
- An empty spray bottle
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 6 drops chamomile essential oil
Create a soothing blend that not only deters cats but also promotes a calming atmosphere in your home. Lavender and chamomile essential oils offer a pleasant fragrance while serving as a natural deterrent for your curious feline friends.
3. Minty Fresh Blend
Ingredients:
- An empty spray bottle
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
Harness the power of minty freshness to keep cats away from your precious houseplants. Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils create an invigorating blend that cats find unpleasant, making it an effective solution for plant protection.
Usage Tips:
- Shake the spray bottle well before each use to ensure even distribution of essential oils.
- Test a small area of the plant before applying the spray to the entire plant to ensure it won't harm the plant.
- Apply the spray to the soil around the plant and lightly mist the leaves for comprehensive coverage.
These DIY essential oil blends offer a customizable and fragrant approach to protecting your houseplants from curious cats. Experiment with different scents to find the blend that works best for you, ensuring a harmonious, cat-friendly, and plant-safe environment.