Many plants have similar effects for cats as catnip. In fact, some cats who do not respond to catnip, do respond to the strong smelling valerian root[1]. When gardening, clear away clippings as these may intrigue curious cats. Cat grass is actually any form of grass that's safe for felines to rub noses with, including barley, oat, and wheat grasses. By Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont While many people want to keep cats out of the garden, if you'd rather invite them in, here's what you do. Orchids also happen to be safe indoor plants for cats, so you don't have to worry about you furry friend if you want to have an orchid at home. Cats like freshly dug soil a lot to use the bathroom in. The Easter weekend is traditionally a time when keen gardeners roll up their sleeves and get set to make their garden look glorious. Feel free to leave a comment about it below or email me directly at Craig@StuffCatsWant.com. This member of the mint family has earned its reputation as a favorite for cats. In addition to the above, there are other plants that are safe for cats that you can use to decorate your home or garden without fear of poisoning your best friend. (2017). While you can of course limit your own garden the cat safe outdoor plants I’ve outlined, if you are letting your cat outside she might have access to other gardens as well. So, while you plant your flowers or veggies, and your soil is freshly dug, add some 6″ to 8″ tall sticks to your garden: just sick them in the ground around your plants. Eating too much of the raw chamomile plant can be harmful for your cat, so make sure they do not chew on it too often. I am not a veterinarian and nor do I claim to be. Being a type of plant that needs plenty of light, the areca palm should be placed in a bright and warm part of the house, but without receiving too much direct sunlight. They can also be used to make herbal infusions beneficial for humans, which may be why you want to grow them at home in the first place. A number of common garden plants are actually toxic to cats. Basil, dill, mint, sage, tarragon, and parsley are all cat friendly, non … Grow cat safe plants, make a list of plants that are toxic to cats– When doing this, leave the plants that contain calcium oxalate as they don’t possess a real threat and are mildly toxic. Here is a list of some more cat friendly plants: For a list of indoor and outdoor plants that are toxic to cats, and which you will want to avoid keeping at home, check out the video below: If you want to read similar articles to 10+ Plants Safe for Cats, we recommend you visit our Extra care category. It can also be used to clean rheum from a cat's eyes, relieve feline conjunctivitis (always as a complement to veterinary treatment) or soothe irritated skin. This substance has the ability to stimulate the cat's sensory neurons. You can use it to bring life to your home without worrying about it affecting your cat. You have heard about some of them before, and you will know how plants that are toxic to cats can cause them skin reactions, digestive problems or worse, if ingested. Cats are curious animals by nature, so it is not surprising that they approach, sniff and often nibble on newly introduced objects in our homes, such as new plants. All four herbs provide your cat with vitamins and minerals. It's easy to grow and strangely enough is mostly quite safe from cats until you pick a few leaves and bruise them to release the smell cats love. If your cat tends to bite or eat the leaves of this succulent too frequently, we recommend keeping it out of reach, and only allowing the cat near in occasionally. 3. Both lemongrass* and cat grass are some of the best plants for cats. Planting corn, squash, cucumber, beans, basil, and dill will also supply you with food at the end of each growing season. Please note that StuffCatsWant is providing this information as a service to the public. Cats and dogs are both capable of doing not-so-nice things like pulling up your plants, digging up soil, making your green turf turn yellow, and a whole lot of other things. While the lush fronds are pretty to look at, they are also appealing to dogs and cats who like to chew. For this reason, it is hardly surprising that your cat will often lay next to the plant enjoying the same warmth and comfort. | Powered by WordPress, 22 Cat Safe Outdoor Plants For Your Garden, most common toxic plants in this article here, Contact the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at one of these numbers: 1-888-426-4435 (a $65 dollar charge might apply), Call the Pet Poison Help Line at 855-764-7661 (note there is a $59 dollar charge for their help). While you can always check the ASPCA’s much more comprehensive database for the safety of a specific plant, this article is intended to call out some of the plants that will not only look nice, but also seem to really encourage your cat to enjoy the garden area. Click to attach a photo related to your comment, German Chamomile & Valerian - medicinal plants for cats, Rosemary, thyme, parsley & mint - herbs for cats, Areca palm - an ideal houseplant safe for cats, Orchids - a popular indoor plant safe for cats, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5356310/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034528817305544, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5590057/, Third Eyelid Showing in Cats - Causes and Treatment, Curly Haired Dog Breeds - List and Description, When to Give a Puppy a Bath for the First Time, How to Control a Male Dog Around a Female in Heat, Is my Dog about to Give Birth? In fact it has positive benefits and helps relieve or prevent stress in cats, fosters play, exercise and mental stimulation. Beans in general (green beans are a great choice) can also be used in your garden and are mostly cat friendly (avoid castor beans). It may sometimes jump around or seem to hunt imaginary mice. Here our Cordova vet explains more about which plants are toxic for cats and what to do if you discover your cat eating your houseplants. The areca palm is perfectly safe for cats, whether they rub against its leaves or even chew on them. This succulent is not merely non-toxic for your furry friend. Despite its health properties, ingesting too much aloe vera gel can cause the cat digestive problems. While it's rare that a cat will consume a large enough amount to become ill, it's better to be safe and know which plants are potentially harmful and by what degree. They have never damaged the plant and it’s still thriving. cats love the woody stem and leaves. Read on to learn more! Other really good plants for your cat include: Cat Grass – Cats may often eat grass as it is thought to help with digestion. They are free to come in and out through the kitty door (just like many dogs have). They can also be used to make herbal infusions beneficial for humans, which may be why you want to grow them at home in the first place. Catnip easily tops the list of my cats favourite plants. There are … Ebani, V. V., et al. The areca or butterfly palm, is one of the most popular indoor plants used to decorate homes. Since cats are free to roam throughout the neighbourhood, visiting felines are a common sight in many gardens – but they are not always welcome. This one may be better grown out of paws reach and leaves harvested as an occasional treat. However, taking care of these plants is not easy and it is useful to have an idea of how to care for orchids indoors before you acquire one. It has similar effects to catnip, with cats becoming overstimulated and more active. Themes In addition, each of them provides particular benefits: Basil, dill and coriander are some of the other aromatic plants that you can grow indoors or in your garden as they are non-toxic and safe for cats. If you consider yourself a bit of a green thumb and you like to let your cats wander about outside then you might worry about them eating something toxic in your garden. If you are a cat guardian who keeps plants at home - whether indoors or outdoors in your garden - you may be worried about the risk of them being toxic to your cats. While I’ve already called out several of the most common toxic plants in this article here I also wanted to call out some great plants you can grow knowing full well they aren’t dangerous for your cat. Top ten plants for cat lovers' gardens Above from left: catnip, cat grass, runner beans, Michaelmas daisies, and squash. StuffCatsWant disclaims all warranties and liability related to the veterinary advice and information provided on this site. Drudi, D., et al. Not only do cats eat precious plants, they use your garden as a toilet, ruining the soil with their infertile faeces. The best ones are those that arch over to sweep the ground, such as Stipa tenuissima and some of the Carex. Start with two or three plants and gauge your cat’s reaction to them. Larkspurs as garden plants are preferred since they are pretty low-maintenance yet make a substantial impact with their beautiful colored cluster of blossoms and petals. A climbing plant that has waxy leaves giving rise to its name the wax plant and produces scented flowers making it a very popular house plant. Valerian, which produces a sedative effect in humans, has the opposite effect in cats. You can even use them as condiments in the cat's meals or as a home remedy against certain discomforts. You could create a scented garden, as some animals enjoy honeysuckle and lavender. To fill your garden with colour, go for sunflowers, cosmos, asters, orchids, bromeliads, African violets, alyssum, zinnias, and geraniums. Fortunately, no parts of the plant are harmful. Among the culinary herbs that are safe for cats the most suitable are rosemary, thyme, parsley and mint. Its clustered white flowers will attract pollinators to the yard and its root is sometimes emp… Not as attractive as catmint, but easily raised from seed and will produce self-sown seedlings once established. Catnip has also been shown to help timid or frightened cats regain confidence[1]. Within its walls of safety are plenty of structures for climbing and plants that are safe for them to nibble on. Many common garden plants have some toxic elements that could prove dangerous to your cat. Since beans tend to grow in a very vine like fashion you can do all sorts of cool stuff to create hiding places or hidden paths for your cat. If it is after hours and you need help immediately then you can try one of the following: Please share any experience you have in keeping your cat from eating plants, poisonous or not. Furthermore, if your cat is one of those who loves to nibble on your houseplants, then we do not recommend keeping the orchid where the cat can reach it. The Nepeta cataria plant, popularly known as catnip, catmint or catswart, has an effect on cats that could be described as narcotic. In this AnimalWised article we share a list 10+ plants safe for cats, both in the home and garden. ‘Cat grass’ is the perfect type of grass for cats to munch on. Many ornamental grasses fill the role quite nicely as well as being decorative plants for the human garden. In my article on poisonous plants I explain a bit more about it, but to be safe you should probably keep an eye on your cat if you have tomatoes and potatoes around to ensure they aren’t eating the green parts of the plant. If you’re thinking about planting some of these in your cat garden, buy planters and fill them with organic dirt (to avoid pesticides). However, there are also several plants that are safe for cats, and some which may even be good for your furry friend. Jul 8, 2020 - Explore Dharma Dog Karma Cat's board "plants for cats" on Pinterest. Aloe vera is another cat safe plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors, as long as it gets enough sunlight. Some of them are even considered medicinal plants, and can serve as natural remedies to treat different conditions in your cat. The top 10 indoor and outdoor safe plants for cats are: If you are looking for a non-toxic plant that is also good for cats, catnip is the best choice. There are many types of orchids and they are all equally in demand as decorative houseplants known for their extraordinary beauty. In fact, giving cats their own space may help keep them out of your flower beds and vegetable plot. German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and valerian are good outdoor plants for cats for many reasons. And if your cat nibbles on them, which in all likelihood they won’t, they are not considered toxic. It might be necessary to experiment a bit to find your cat’s favorite plant combination. Some may cause kitty just a little discomfort, and other plants can … It is known for its elegant appearance and and houseplant that is easy to care for. areca palm is also a popular choice among cat owners, as it is plant that is not toxic to cats. Some ferns have toxic properties, but others such as Boston fern ( Nephrolepsis exaltata) are perfectly safe for pets. When grass is available, most cats will not eat outside plants or flowers. Catnip is nontoxic, easy to grow and drives many cats to joyful frenzy. They also have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, purifying and digestive properties. In addition, they are beautiful flowering plants that make a great addition your garden. As far as we know these plants are non-toxic to cats which is cool because this plant is relatively easy to care for as it likes northern facing windows where the light is bright but indirect. (2017). Are hoya plants toxic to cats? Make it uncomfortable for cats to visit your garden. You could grow cat-friendly plants like catnip, mint, cat thyme and lavender to encourage them to nibble non-toxic plants in the garden. To learn more about catnip for cats, consult this article on the properties of catnip. Actinidia Kolomikta or Kiwi Vine White and pink variegation in the leaves of the Actinidia kolomikta. German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and valerian are good outdoor plants for cats for many reasons. If you go to your local pet shop, you'll likely see little trays of cat grass near the register. When this happens, the cat experiences overstimulation which it displays by rubbing against the plant, licking or chewing it. Cats aren't fond of prickly ground underfoot, so placing twigs or rough leaves on flower beds will help to keep them away. Other houseplants or outdoor plants of the succulent family are also safe for cats, although their health benefits have not been studied. Create a garden for your feline friends by planting catnip, catmint, and other plants they love. Among the benefits of aloe vera for cats, it is believed to relieve the symptoms of dermatitis and known to promote wound healing[2]. This reaction is a product of nepetalactone, an active substance found in the composition of the plant. When ingested, chamomile infusion can help treat mild gastrointestinal problems. Other safe plants which are fairly resilient and can recover from damage include African daisy, calendula and nasturtium. A GARDEN FOR CATS. It grows big and bushy and its flowers are blue, pink or white depending on the variety. Since catnip is non-toxic and is not addictive, it a safe plant for cats. Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria). These herbs and grasses will have different effects on your cat, so be sure to do your research. Spider plant is like a cat salad bar. Garden plants might be sweet-smelling and outwardly beautiful, but don't let that fool you: there are some that could be harmful for you and your pet. BOSTON FERN. Other options to consider also include placing down stone mulch, eggshells, holly cuttings or repurposed plastic carpet runners. Many cats like catnip or catmint. In fact, aloe vera has highly beneficial properties for animals such as cats and dogs, especially when it come to treating skin problems. It also has multiple uses and benefits for humans, so keeping an aloe vera plant around the house is a win-win for both you and your cat. Flowers . StuffCatsWant.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. While it might not make your garden look pretty, it's a simple solution to keep them at bay. I broke it down into four major sections for ease of navigation, use the quick links to get there fast: While it probably really isn’t necessary to call out these two plants because they have the word cat in their name, I’m gonna do it anyway: While most vegetables are deemed relatively safe a few other things you should keep an eye on are the green parts of potatoes and tomatoes. Cats and plants do not go well together. Not all are sensitive to the effects but the plant is sometimes chosen as a sleeping cushion. If you want to keep a particular section of your garden away from prowling paws, try incorporating plants with repellant smells such as Plectranthus caninus (also known as Coleus canina or ‘scaredy cat’ plant), or aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary or Helichrysum italicum (curry plant), which some cats dislike and may avoid. I’ll be happy to update the article to reflect any additional information! If you’re worried your cat has eaten a poisonous plant then get your cat to a veterinarian as quickly as possible and bring the plant along with you for ease of identification. I've not had much trouble with cats eating bad stuff but some cats will try and nibble anything. While this list was thoroughly vetted against multiple sources you can always check with your veterinarian if you have any doubts. Both chamomile and valerian are safe plants that cats can eat, and can be … You can even make a bean teepee for them! I have a page on Catnip and Why cats like it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Symptoms of Labor, Possums as Pets: General Guidelines and Tips, How to Calm Down a Cat - Stressed, Aggressive or Nervous Cat. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) - Even more potent than catmint, this is the one they use to stuff kitty pillows and toys. Bol, S., et al. Tall, trailing, and foliage plants will provide plenty of cover to satisfy a cat’s stalking instinct. This is not because the orchid can be harmful to the cat, rather the cat could hinder this delicate plant's development. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a well known cat favourite and stories abound about its effect on felines, not only house cats but some of the large cats. Catmint – and other members of the mint family – more plants that may be attractive and stimulating to your cat. Many of the smaller flowering shrubs also work as jungle plants in the garden; for example, Teuchrium fruticans and Fuchsia. Rosemary is hardy, and is easy to move to another part of the garden due to its shallow root system. So let’s get to it, let’s take a look at some cat safe outdoor plants for your garden! This cat-friendly garden is fenced in so they cats cannot get out, so there’s no worry of predators getting to them or the cats venturing into dangerous areas, like the road. The color of the flowers typically ranges from white to bluish purple that adds a vibrant splash of hue to your gardenscape. Others, on the other hand, are simply decorative plants that are non-toxic to cats, and therefore safe to have around the house. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils against Pathogens Responsible for Otitis Externa in Dogs and Cats. Also, some plants can be dangerous to your pets, even when they’re perfectly safe for you! Avoid Growing Plants That Are Toxic To Cats . Gardening With Cats: How to Create a Pet-Friendly Garden. Occasionally, out of boredom or curiosity, a cat may nibble on a leaf or stem. Both chamomile and valerian are safe plants that cats can eat, and can be prepared and used medicinally as well. If you’ve got a cat roaming around, however, you’ll need to be mindful of what you’re planting. Cover your garden with twigs . Starting with chamomile, an infusion of chamomile flowers is a good topical home remedy for removing ticks from cats and kittens. Aug 1, 2020 - Explore Prudence Kemp's board "Cat Safe Plants" on Pinterest. Knowing which plants in your home and garden are toxic to cats could help to safeguard your feline friend's health if they suffer from poisoning due to ingesting toxic plants. 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