How to Keep Cats Out of Houseplants

We have two adorable cats. O’hara came to live with us first and then our vet suggested we get a second cat to keep him company. Scarlett has made everybody happy – unlike her namesake.

O’hara and Scarlett

O’hara

Scarlett on adoption day

She has no idea what she would do without him.

How to Keep Cats out of Houseplants

But, in all their cuteness, my dilemma of how to keep them out of my house plants was a real challenge. Until I went shopping at Publix. As I walked through the floral department at my local Publix, I wanted to take all of the house plants home with me. I mentioned my dilemma to the Publix manager and the florist and the three of us had a fascinating conversation about terrariums. I left there with 3 new plants and a project on the brain.

I found this glass terrarium at Ashley Furniture and knew I’d found the perfect answer to my problem. The only issue was the glass was only around the bottom. The top is completely open.

Since chicken wire is so popular these days, I decided to add it to the top to protect the plants. I simply cut it to fit the openings and stapled it into place.

I added a plastic liner to help protect the wood frame around the bottom from water. Then add aquarium gravel, charcoal and potting soil.

I found this apothecary jar in the clearance section of TJMaxx. It didn’t have a lid, but that was perfect for my needs. I added the gravel first.

A layer of charcoal for filtering. And then potting soil and English Ivy.

The apothecary jar is in the middle and other plants are planted directly into the soil.

Putting plants in a terrarium also helps protect these precious faces from eating something toxic.

Now they are perfectly content to watch birds and leave the houseplants alone.

I think it turned out grand. So far, the kitties have only sniffed around the wire. I pulled a few leaves out so you could see them, but they will go safely behind the wire after pictures. Now we’ll have to see whether I kill the plants or not!

All is right with the world.

Thanks Publix for your help with this dilemma! Linking with these utterly fabulous parties:

Celebrate Your Story, Mommy Moments, Rustic and Refined, Coastal Charm,