Question
Hi Will,

My 6 month old kitten recently developed a taste for peace lilies. The plant looks terrible with half its leaves chewed off! What can I do to discourage my cat from this destructive behavior and how can I restore the peace lily to its former beauty?

Thanks,
Celia

Answer
Hi Celia,

Your question is really a pet question, not a plant question. I don't claim to any expertise with pets, but it is my understanding that in nature, cats incorporate plants into their diet. Indoor pets frequently chew on houseplants because of restricted access to outdoor greens. Growing a pan of kitty greens may be helpful in discouraging cats from chewing indoor plants.

If some leaves are more than half shredded, then it is best to cut off the entire leaf and leaf stem. For less damaged leaves, you can trim around the outer contour of the individual leaves to remove the damaged portions while maintaining the original leaf shape. Trimming leaves will not effect the health of the plant in any way, only its appearance.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.
           
Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC