You probably enjoy the houseplants that add so much beauty to your home. But what happens when kitty attacks and eats that houseplant you were so proud of? You're so proud of your beautiful plant, and the next thing you know, it's been torn to shreds and there's nothing to do but throw it away. Bad cat! But don't get angry with your cat too quickly.

First, you must decide what caused your cat to attack the plant. There are two main reasons that cats eat plants. First, cats need greens for a balanced diet. Your cat may feel that he needs to eat your plants if he hasn't had sufficient vegetables lately. Cats can eat grass if you let them out on a regular basis, thus sparing your plants. Balls of fur can form in your cat's throat if he doesn't get sufficient grass or other greens. If you cannot let your cat outside, then grow some special cat grass in a pot and allow him free access to it. Most large pet stores sell cat grass seeds.

The second reason your cat may have eaten your plant is that, if its leaves rustled, your cat may have interpreted it as an enemy to be attacked. Cats do this naturally in the wild. If this is the case, then move the plant to a place where kitty cannot readily see it - somewhere away from drafts and breezes. Placing the plant on a shelf will help; how high the shelf should be depends on your cat's behavior.

If your cat enjoyed attacking your plant, he may make a habit of it. In this case, you may have to live without indoor plants, or keep kitty confined to a room where there are none while you are out of the house. On the other hand, it may have been sheer boredom that made him attack the plant - he could have just needed something or someone to play with. So don't let your cat go too long without knowing that it is loved and cared for. Your cat needs to have toys to play with. They need not be expensive store-bought toys; homemade ones are easy to make and easily renewable.

Dangle a small wisp of scrunched up paper a few inches off the floor by tying it from something with string. Doorknobs and chair rungs make good attachments for the string. Pouncing on and rolling around with such bits of paper provides cats with hours of fun. A light, small ball will have him skittering all over the floor as he chases it..