Subscribe to our blog to get articles delivered directly to your inbox

3 Ways to Keep Your Orchids Feline-Free and Growing

July 17, 2014

jai-cats-and-orchids-coexistYou love your pets, and you love your plants, but they don’t always seem to love each other. Cats, especially, can wreak havoc on orchids, whether they’re batting at the blooms or gnawing on the leaves. Today, we discuss three ways to help your plant and pet coexist.

1. Cinnamon or Cayenne Pepper

You hear a chewing noise. You look over at your cat’s food dish, but he’s nowhere in sight. You race to your orchid just in time to see him scarf down a bloom. First, don’t panic: Your pet is not in any danger. Just Add Ice® Orchids are not poisonous to pets; however, that doesn’t mean you want your feline friend making a snack of your beautiful orchids. To deter him from ever considering your orchid as a pre-dinner appetizer, sprinkle a little cinnamon or cayenne pepper on the leaves. Your pet will associate the pungent odor and biting taste of spice with your plant in the future.

2. Aluminum Foil

You may love cooking with aluminum foil, but your cat detests it. Cats don’t like foil—from the crinkling sound it makes to the feel of it under their paws. Your cat will go to great lengths to keep away. Line the area around your plant with foil, and your feline’s orchid eating days are over.

3. Double-Sided Tape

Laying down double-sided sticky tape is a great trick to keep your cats off of tables and away from plants. Most cats hate sticky tape: Not only does it feel unpleasant, but it also puts a serious cramp in their grooming schedule. Lay down double-sided tape in the area around your plant. Once your cat plants a paw firmly anywhere within the area, he likely won’t let curiosity get the best of him again!

Your orchid and pets can live peacefully in the same space. These tactics will help keep your cat away without affecting his health or the health of the plant.

Did your cat knock your orchid over? See if you can save it by downloading “Orchid 911” today!

Orchid 911 Download