1. Bitter Spray: Spray the leaves and stems of the plants with a bitter apple spray or another commercial bitter deterrent. The bitter taste will discourage the cat from chewing the plant.
2. Citrus Spray:Cats are sensitive to the smell of citrus, so you can make your own deterrent spray by mixing lemon or orange juice with water and spraying it on the plants.
3. Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on or around the soil of the plant. The peppery smell and taste will keep cats away.
4. Tin Foli: Wrap the base of the plant or the pot in tin foil. Crinkly noises and the feel of the foil can deter cats.
5. Coffee grounds: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of the plants. Cats don't like the strong odor and tend to avoid it.
6. Vinegar: Mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water and spraying the plants with the mixture can be an effective deterrent.
7. Double-sided tape: Apply double-sided tape to the surface where the cat tends to jump or climb to reach the plants. They don't like the sticky feeling.
8. Barriers: Create physical barriers, like fences or chicken wire, around the plants. Ensure the barrier is high enough so that the cat cannot jump over or climb it.
9. Use plant-safe essential oils: Some essential oils, like lemongrass, orange, and peppermint, are safe for use around plants and unappealing to cats. Dilute the essential oil in water and spray the mixture around the plants.
10. Distraction: Provide alternative cat-friendly plants for them to chew on, such as cat grass or oat grass pots, to satisfy their chewing instincts.
11. Repel with other plants: Some plants, such as lemon thyme, geraniums, or lavender, which have strong scents that cats find unpleasant, can act as natural repellents.
Remember to try different methods and observe your cat's behavior. Some cats might respond better to one method than another. Additionally, if you're still having trouble, consult with a veterinarian or a feline behaviorist for additional guidance.