Deterring Cats and Possums from Carnivorous Plant Water Trays

Peppermint Oil Repels Cats and Possums

Cats drinking from plant trays? Add a few drops of peppermint oil to the water or place peppermint oil on cotton balls near pots. Reapply as scent fades. Cats dislike mint (except catnip).

Follow-Up: Possum Problem

Peppermint oil also deters possums. Alternative: create a sticky barrier with flypaper ribbons around pots—squirrels and possums hate sticky surfaces.

— Jeff Dallas, Sarracenia Northwest