The peace lily, with its elegant white blooms and air-purifying qualities, is a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. However, if you’re a cat owner, you might know that these beautiful plants can be toxic to your feline friend if ingested. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a lush green home and your cat’s safety. With a little knowledge and proactive measures, you can keep your cat away from your peace lily and ensure both thrive in your living space.
Understanding the Risks: Why Peace Lilies are Harmful to Cats
Peace lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a cat chews on or ingests part of the plant, these crystals are released, causing immediate irritation to the mouth, tongue, and esophagus. This irritation leads to a variety of unpleasant symptoms.
The most common symptoms of peace lily poisoning in cats include excessive drooling, pawing at the face, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. While peace lily ingestion is rarely fatal, the discomfort it causes can be significant and warrants a trip to the veterinarian. Knowing the potential dangers is the first step in preventing your cat from experiencing these symptoms.
Creating a Barrier: Physical Strategies to Protect Your Peace Lily
One of the most effective ways to keep your cat away from your peace lily is to create a physical barrier that prevents them from accessing the plant. There are several ways to accomplish this.
Elevate Your Peace Lily
Cats are agile creatures, but they aren’t always willing to go to great lengths to reach something. Placing your peace lily on a high shelf, plant stand, or hanging basket can make it less accessible. Make sure the surface is stable and that your cat can’t easily jump to it from nearby furniture. If you opt for a hanging basket, ensure it’s securely mounted and out of your cat’s reach when they jump.
Use Protective Cages or Cloches
Decorative plant cages or glass cloches can create a physical barrier while still allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your peace lily. These enclosures provide protection without completely obscuring the plant. Choose a cage or cloche that is tall enough to accommodate the peace lily’s growth and has small enough openings to prevent your cat from squeezing through.
Utilize Pot Covers and Pebbles
Cats often enjoy digging in soil, which can lead them to the peace lily’s leaves and stems. Covering the soil with large pebbles, rocks, or decorative glass stones can deter digging. You can also use a pot cover or plant collar to prevent access to the soil. Make sure the stones or pebbles are large enough that your cat can’t easily dislodge or swallow them.
Deterrents and Repellents: Making Your Peace Lily Unattractive to Cats
Even with physical barriers in place, some determined cats may still try to reach your peace lily. Using cat-safe deterrents and repellents can help reinforce the message that the plant is off-limits.
Citrus Scents
Cats generally dislike the smell of citrus. Placing citrus peels (orange, lemon, or grapefruit) around the base of the plant or spraying a diluted citrus-scented cleaner nearby can deter them. Be sure to use natural citrus peels and avoid essential oils, as some essential oils can be toxic to cats. You can also purchase commercial citrus-based cat repellent sprays.
Vinegar and Water Solution
A diluted vinegar and water solution can also act as a cat repellent. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the area around the peace lily. Avoid spraying the plant directly, as vinegar can damage its leaves. The scent of vinegar dissipates quickly, so you may need to reapply it regularly.
Double-Sided Tape
Cats dislike the sticky feeling of tape on their paws. Placing double-sided tape around the base of the pot or on surfaces near the plant can deter them from approaching. This is a temporary solution, but it can be effective in breaking the habit of going near the peace lily.
Commercial Cat Repellents
There are numerous commercial cat repellent sprays and granules available. Look for products that are specifically designed for use around plants and are safe for cats. Always read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Many of these repellents contain ingredients like bitter apple or herbal extracts that cats find unpleasant.
Redirection and Enrichment: Providing Alternatives to Your Peace Lily
Sometimes, cats are attracted to plants because they’re bored or lack other stimulating activities. Providing alternative outlets for their natural behaviors can help redirect their attention away from your peace lily.
Cat Grass
Growing cat grass (wheatgrass, oat grass, or barley grass) provides a safe and appealing alternative for your cat to chew on. Cat grass is readily available at pet stores or can be easily grown from seed. Place the cat grass near your peace lily to offer a more tempting option.
Interactive Toys
Engage your cat with interactive toys such as puzzle feeders, laser pointers, and feather wands. Regular play sessions can help reduce boredom and prevent them from seeking entertainment in your plants.
Scratching Posts and Trees
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, and providing them with scratching posts and trees can help satisfy this urge. Place these items in areas where your cat spends most of their time, including near your peace lily.
Designated Play Areas
Create a designated play area for your cat with toys, tunnels, and climbing structures. This will give them a specific space to focus their energy and reduce the likelihood of them exploring your plants.
Training and Reinforcement: Teaching Your Cat to Avoid the Peace Lily
Consistent training and positive reinforcement can teach your cat to avoid your peace lily. This requires patience and consistency, but it can be a very effective long-term solution.
Using a Firm “No”
Whenever you catch your cat approaching or interacting with the peace lily, use a firm “No” or other verbal cue to discourage them. Be consistent with your tone and body language.
Positive Reinforcement
When your cat ignores the peace lily or engages in a desired behavior (such as playing with their toys), reward them with praise, petting, or a treat. This reinforces the idea that staying away from the plant is a positive thing.
Clicker Training
Clicker training can be an effective way to teach your cat to avoid the peace lily. Use a clicker to mark the desired behavior (such as staying away from the plant) and immediately reward them with a treat.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is essential for successful training. Everyone in the household should use the same cues and techniques to reinforce the message that the peace lily is off-limits.
Alternative Plants: Choosing Cat-Friendly Options
If you’re concerned about the potential risks of keeping a peace lily in your home, consider replacing it with cat-friendly alternatives. There are many beautiful and easy-to-care-for plants that are safe for cats.
Some great choices include spider plants, prayer plants, African violets, and bromeliads. These plants are non-toxic to cats and can add just as much beauty and greenery to your home as a peace lily. You can easily find these plants at most garden centers or nurseries.
Always research the toxicity of any plant before bringing it into a home with pets.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats Your Peace Lily
Despite your best efforts, your cat may still manage to ingest part of your peace lily. If you suspect that your cat has eaten a peace lily, it’s important to take action quickly.
First, remove any remaining plant material from your cat’s mouth. Then, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Be prepared to provide information about the amount of plant material ingested, your cat’s breed and weight, and any symptoms they are exhibiting. Your veterinarian may recommend monitoring your cat for symptoms, administering medication to soothe the irritation, or providing supportive care.
Early intervention can help minimize the discomfort and potential complications associated with peace lily poisoning. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is a reliable resource for information about plant toxicity and emergency care advice.
Long-Term Strategies: Creating a Safe and Harmonious Environment
Keeping your cat away from your peace lily requires a multi-faceted approach that combines physical barriers, deterrents, redirection, training, and vigilance. By implementing these strategies consistently, you can create a safe and harmonious environment where both your cat and your peace lily can thrive. Remember that every cat is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, observe your cat’s behavior, and adjust your approach as needed. With a little effort and dedication, you can enjoy the beauty of your peace lily without compromising the safety of your beloved feline companion.
Why is my cat attracted to my Peace Lily?
Cats are often drawn to houseplants, including Peace Lilies, for a variety of reasons. The movement of the leaves, especially when swaying in a breeze, can mimic the movement of prey, triggering their hunting instincts. The lush green appearance may also simply be appealing to them as a novel addition to their environment.
Furthermore, some cats might chew on plants out of boredom, curiosity, or even because they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet. The texture of the Peace Lily’s leaves can also be tempting for cats to nibble on, leading to potential ingestion and associated health problems. It’s vital to understand the reasons behind the attraction to address the problem effectively.
Is Peace Lily toxic to cats?
Yes, Peace Lilies are indeed toxic to cats. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which, when chewed or ingested, can cause significant irritation to the mouth, tongue, and throat. This irritation can lead to excessive drooling, pawing at the face, and difficulty swallowing.
While rarely fatal, consuming Peace Lily can cause considerable discomfort for your cat. In more severe cases, it may even lead to vomiting and temporary loss of appetite. Prompt veterinary attention is recommended if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a Peace Lily.
What are some safe plants to keep around cats?
Fortunately, there are many cat-friendly plants that you can incorporate into your home without worrying about toxicity. Some popular and safe choices include spider plants, which are also air-purifying, and cat grass, which is specifically grown for cats to chew on and aid digestion.
Other safe options include African violets, peperomia, and prayer plants. Researching the toxicity of any plant before bringing it into your home is always a good idea. You can find comprehensive lists of safe and toxic plants for pets on websites like the ASPCA.
How can I physically protect my Peace Lily from my cat?
One effective method is to place the Peace Lily in an area that is inaccessible to your cat. This could involve hanging the plant in a macrame hanger from the ceiling, positioning it on a high shelf that your cat cannot reach, or placing it inside a terrarium or plant case. These options create a physical barrier, preventing your cat from interacting with the plant.
Another approach is to use physical deterrents around the plant itself. Consider placing pebbles or pine cones around the base of the Peace Lily to make it less appealing for your cat to dig or stand near. You could also use prickly plants like small cacti (placed strategically) to discourage your cat from approaching.
What scents do cats dislike that I can use to deter them?
Cats have a strong sense of smell, and certain scents can be highly repellent to them. Citrus smells, such as lemon, orange, or grapefruit, are generally disliked by cats. You can try placing citrus peels around the base of the plant or using a diluted citrus spray on the surrounding area.
Other scents that cats often avoid include lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. You can try placing cotton balls soaked in essential oils (make sure they are diluted and in a well-ventilated area) near the Peace Lily, or grow these herbs nearby as a natural deterrent. Always ensure the essential oils are safe for cats and avoid direct contact with their skin or fur.
Will training help to keep my cat away from my Peace Lily?
Yes, consistent training can be effective in teaching your cat to stay away from your Peace Lily. Using positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding your cat with treats and praise when they avoid the plant, can help them associate the Peace Lily with positive consequences for staying away.
Conversely, you can also use negative reinforcement, such as a loud noise or a squirt of water (from a distance and not directly at the cat), when they approach the plant. Consistency is key to success with training. Be patient and persistent, and eventually your cat will likely learn to leave the Peace Lily alone.
What if my cat has already ingested some of my Peace Lily?
If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of your Peace Lily, it’s crucial to act quickly. Observe your cat closely for signs of poisoning, such as excessive drooling, pawing at the face, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.
Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional. Providing information about the amount ingested and the time elapsed since ingestion will help the vet determine the best course of action.