It may seem impossible, but pets and plants can coexist, but your furry friends may not be aware of that fact. So, it’s your job to keep them safe from potentially toxic plants and ensure your houseplants grow happily without curious paws playing with them.
You can achieve this coexistence by making certain adjustments to your home to allow both plants and pets to live together in peace. Changes include getting a kitchen countertop replacement that can withstand heavy loads and the occasional dirt from plant pots or pet food dishes.
Besides that, here are five more ways to help your houseplants and pets coexist in peace, making it a happier, healthier, and fun household for everyone and everything involved.
Avoid Having Toxic Plants In Your Home
Although houseplants provide vibrancy and aesthetic appeal to your home, sadly, some of these beautiful accents can pose a threat to your beloved pets.
Here are some toxic plants that you should keep away from your pets:
- Peace Lilies — This is a common flowering indoor plant that grows around Easter time, and it’s one of the most dangerous houseplants you can buy. When consumed, they can poison cats, dogs, and humans.
- Devil’s Ivy — This plant is another classic favorite among homeowners, and it’s relatively safe to touch. However, when ingested by a human or any pet, it can induce vomiting and inflammation.
- Sago Palm — These are smaller versions of an ancient plant that can improve indoor air quality significantly. However, they’re highly toxic, and when consumed by any humans or pets, it can cause severe diarrhea and liver failure.
Add Blood Meal To Your Plants
A blood meal is dried animal blood that usually comes from cows, and is commonly used by farmers and gardeners to enrich a plant’s soil. It helps plants grow lusher and greener, making them even better looking and providing more health benefits. The product also doubles as a deterrent for some animals, including cats and dogs. You can mix this substance with your houseplant’s soil and keep your pets away, keeping both pets and plants safe.
Add Citrus Peels and Ground Coffee Around Your Plants
If you’re not too keen on adding dried blood on your plant’s soil, a more natural alternative is using citrus peels from grapefruit, lemon, orange, and lime since its potent scent tends to be strong for most pets. You can also use coffee grounds as animals usually hate its more pungent odor, keeping them away from your precious greens, making everyone in the household happy.
Keep Plants Out of Reach
An easy solution that can keep your plants and pets safe is by placing your indoor plants in high areas, including high shelving units or countertops out of their reach. However, if you have a cat that loves to jump on high places, it’s best to place your plants outside.
Give Your Pets Safe Toys
A reason why pets like to play with plants is that they’re bored or treat your houseplants as a toy. If this is the case for your pets, it’s time for you to buy them toys that they can gnaw or toss around, distracting them from your plants.
If you’ve tried growing indoor plants in a household with pets, you’ve probably encountered some issues, such as curious cats gnawing on your priced aloe vera plant or rambunctious dogs knocking over pots. Fortunately, incorporating the tips mentioned can help your plants and pets safe from one another, allowing them to live happily in your home.