It’s Spring again and the flowers are blooming!
It’s officially spring today! Hello warmer weather, longer days, gardening and sunshine! If your planning a garden, make sure to reference How to Make a Cat’s Garden before you get started.
Flowers are already beginning to bloom here on the west coast and if you’ve got spring fever, you’ll be flinging open those doors and windows and bringing those colorful blossoms in to brighten up your home after those long, cold winter months.
How to care for your cut flowers with cats in the house
1. Always make sure your flowers have enough fresh water. A cat can’t find enough places to drink from to avoid their actual water bowl.
2. Don’t use plant or flower food that could harm your pets. See: Caring for cut flowers without chemicals.
3. Use a sturdy vase with a heavy base to prevent it from getting knocked over easily. Museum or poster putty under the vase helps. Expect that your cat will move the vase if it’s in their way. Plan accordingly.
4. Some flowers are toxic to cats. Choose blooms that will not cause harm if chewed on by your fluffy companions. The ASPCA has a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats. Natural Cat Care Blog has put together a short list of good options of flowers that are safe for cats.
5. Make sure your cat has plenty of food and entertainment so those bright new cut flowers are less tempting to chew on. Cat Magazine has an article about why cats eat your cut flowers with some ideas for preventing it.
Remember, lillies may be beautiful, but they are deadly! They are very poisonous for cats. So find some alternative Easter decorations.
Great post! I love fresh cut flowers and I almost always have at least one vase in my house. But it's a real challenge to keep Snickers out of them. There are some varieties he likes more than others, but he's interested in all of them! Thanks for the great tips!
Forgot to add… Bonus – they last much longer!
The only way I can enjoy a vase of cut flowers is by putting them in the refrigerator. It's actually a nice treat to lift the spirits every time you open it.
We rarely have flowers in the house because some cat (Wally!) likes to try and eat them and then knocks the vase over (no matter how heavy the bottom is). ~Ernie
Great post! I keep all flowers in the diningroom ( off limits to cats). 🙂
My cats don't believe anywhere is off limits
Good advice for cat owners.
Woofs from Earl, Ethel and I at Earl's World!
I wish we could have flowers in our house. Lilly cat chews on everything. 🙁 So we just never get any.
It's very rare that we do. If it's not a cat, it's a child that knocks them over.