Kitty Gardens
Here at HPH we are definitely cat lovers — and we know many of our members are too! We see a lot of questions about how to keep cats and plants co-existing in harmony, and we’ve even had some of them answered by a vet. One answer is to provide plants specifically for your cat — cat grass and catnip are two that leap to mind, but what other plants can you grow in a cat-friendly garden?
Bear in mind that you should never let your cat get carried away and eat a lot of plant matter, or you’re almost guaranteeing an upset stomach, but there are some plants that are safe for your cat to nibble, gnaw, or otherwise mess with. If you’re unsure about any of your plants, consult a list of toxic plants or ask your veterinarian. If you’re ever worried that a pet has ingested something they shouldn’t, contact your vet, your closest emergency vet, or a pet poison control hotline.
Cat Grass
Let’s start with the obvious. Cat grass can refer to wheat, oat, or barley grass, and is almost always a hit with the kitties. It’s easy to grow, and cats love to munch on it. Some love it so much that you may want to keep an eye on them, otherwise they may overindulge… and we all know how that ends. If you grow a larger pot of it, you may find your cat lounging happily inside. Grasses like these are quick to grow, and need to be re-seeded about once every fortnight.
Catnip
Catnip, also called cat mint, is an herb that drives certain cats absolutely wild. It’s not the same as the peppermint or spearmint that humans enjoy. Fresh catnip can be hit or miss — kitty may prefer it harvested and dried as a treat rather than fresh. It’s often wise to keep it out of reach for those who like it a little too much, as there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. This is another quick and easy grower so long as you have a sunny window (or a grow light) to help it along. Unlike grasses that need to be re-seeded, catnip can be cut back and left to re-grow.
Cat Thyme
Teucrium marum isn’t actually thyme at all, although it looks quite similar. It’s related to a woody shrub called germander and it’s not unusual to find kitties rubbing on it or rolling in it — which is just fine if you weren’t hoping to use it a decorative element in your garden! Some people find the scent of this plant to be unpleasant, making it a good candidate for a balcony or catio garden rather than your indoor collection.
Basil
Basil, or Ocimum basilicum, is one of those herbs that safe for people and kitties to enjoy. If you’re growing indoor herbs and catch kitty gnawing on your sweet basil, you don’t need to worry too much — unless you were planning on making pesto.
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum, also known as spider or airplane plant, is a popular indoor plant with hobbyists and their feline friends. These easy care plants have a grassy appearance and often prove to be irresistible cat toys. They’re also a mildly hallucinogenic substance for kitty, so if you catch your cat becoming obsessed with munching on those leaves, now you know why! It won’t hurt kitty to nibble but as with anything, keep an eye on those cats who tend to overdo it.
Boston Fern
While we’re not recommending it as a cat toy or something to chew on, we all know that Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) can be a big mess during the winter indoors — all those little leaves dropping! If kitty decides to play with or eat them, you don’t need to worry because the Boston fern is non-toxic.
Swedish Ivy
Plectranthus australis, also known as Swedish Ivy and sometimes Creeping Charlie, is easy to grow, easy to propagate, and safe for kitty. It’s a great trailing plant for hanging baskets (which usually become impromptu cat toys, let’s be honest), and it’s an excellent beginner plant tat tolerates a wide range of household conditions. If you want a little more variety, seek out the variegated form.
Hoyas
Get excited! The world of Hoyas is still open to you if you’ve got curious pets. These classics are pet safe and people safe, and all of them make excellent additions to an indoor jungle that everyone can enjoy. Hoya care is relatively simple, and the wide variety of them that are available means you’re sure to find one — or several — that you love.
Prayer Plant
Also known as Maranta, Zebra Plant, Peacock Plant, Rattle Snake Plant, and Red Veined Prayer Plant, the popular Calathea insignis is safe to have around your pets. These aren’t ideal beginner plants, because they can be a bit fussy and require higher humidity than you find in a normal household — but if you have a humid plant area, these beauties are a great cat safe addition to your indoor jungle!
Marigolds and Other Blooms
Yes, these brightly colored garden favorites are also a cat-safe snack if your cat is so inclined — and some cats just love to eat flowers. Roses, zinnias, impatiens, nasturtium, petunias, sunflowers, and African violets are a few other kitty-safe blooms you can have inside or out without worry. Remember, though NEVER lilies! You may also want to avoid bringing daffodils, tulips, and paperwhites into your home.
Looking for more plant inspiration? Want to show off your own feline-friendly garden? Check out HPH on Facebook to join our global community of plant lovers!