Cat Saft Outdoor Plants Guide – Cat-Friendly Garden Plant List
If you feel as though you have a green thumb and you are also a cat lover who loves to allow their cats wander around outside, you may occasionally worry that they may accidentally eat something that is toxic to them, but growing within your garden or yard. While there are some plants which are going to be extremely toxic to your cat and should be avoided by them at all times, there are also some plants that are great for growing, especially as they are not a potential threat of any kind to your cat.
While you always have the option to double check whether a plant is considered to be toxic to your cat or not by checking the ASPCA’s comprehensive database for specific plants and their safety, you are about to discover the plants that will not only look nice in your yard or garden, but will also encourage your cat to also enjoy the garden as well. With that being said, here are some of the best plants that are not only safe for your cat to play around but will also help make your garden look beautiful at the same time.
Safe Outdoor Plants for Cats
While the plants listed below do contain the word ‘cat’ within their name, they are also some of the best plants that you can have for your pet cat. They will not only love playing in these plants but will also enjoy nibbling on them as well.
- Catnip: Being one of the more obvious choices and probably one of the most likely that will pop into your mind when you are thinking about plants that will make your cat go nuts, this is definitely something that you are going to want to put into your garden. Not only is catnip extremely easy at places such as the Home Depot, but it also looks very respectable in just about any garden or yard. On top of that, it will either help your cat to become really hyper or very happy. While this all comes down to the individual cat, catnip in the garden is going to make your cat one happy feline.
- Cat Grass: This is quite possibly one of the most common plants that you will come across in your search for plants that are best suited for cats, as they simply love to eat it. This particular plant is also extremely easy to grow and maintain, and it will grow very quickly as well, meaning that your cat will not have to wait long for a fresh batch of it. Plus, since it does grow rather quickly, it also makes great filler in the garden or in a pot as well.
Spices and Herbs
Here are some of the best spices and herbs that you can grow, which your cat is simply going to love. Just keep in mind that every cat is different and is not going to be anything alike another cat, these are the spices and herbs that have been tested time and time again, with the exact same results. That result being that your cat will simply love them.
- Dill: One of the more aromatic spices available, dill is something that you are always going to want to have laying around the kitchen. If you are not using dill already, you should definitely start. Using fresh dill is going to be the best as it will quickly lose all of its flavor when it is dried. However, if you are to use freeze-dried dill leaves, they will retain more of their flavor for up to a couple of months.
- Basil: When it comes to your cat, basil is going to be completely safe for them, and even better, it helps make one of the best Caprese salads that you will ever have. There are actually several different types of basil that you can explore with but rest assured that they are all going to be safe when it comes to your feline pal.
- Cilantro or Coriander: Do you enjoy eating Mexican food? If you are, then you more than likely know all about cilantro and what a great addition it seems to make to just about every salsa that you could ever want to make. On top of that, it is also very cat-friendly and will make a great garnish for just about any type of meal you will ever make.
- Thyme: More commonly used as a seasoning for different types of meat, thyme is definitely a great herb that you want to have readily available in your garden, but that your cat will enjoy having there as well. It not only grows better in hot weather with lots of sun but is very attractive when in the garden as well.
- Rosemary: One of the most useful herbs that you can have in your herb garden, rosemary is one of the absolute best herbs to use whenever you are cooking at home. On top of that, it also grows extremely well in climates that may not get as much water as others and is very cat-friendly.
- Sage: Considered to be one of the few herbs that you should always have readily available within your kitchen, it was also referenced in the famous song Scarborough Fair, which also mentioned the herbs rosemary, parsley, and thyme. With its savory and slightly peppery flavoring, there is a reason why it is used so heavily within European cuisines.
Vegetables
When it comes to vegetables, there is a good reason you already want to have them in your garden. That reason being that they are simply delicious when they are fresh. But if you have a cat, some vegetables may not be good for them to be around. Here are the best vegetables that you will love having in your garden and that are cat-friendly.
Pumpkins: If you have ever seen a pumpkin before, you already know that it is going to grow, and large. But besides growing large, they are also going to create many shady spots that your cat will be able to lounge around in when they are trying to get out of the sun, or even if they are simply wandering around looking for prey to stalk.
Cucumbers: Being one of the best additions to just about any garden, cucumbers not only taste delicious and provide a refreshing factor that many other vegetables simply cannot deliver, but they are also 100% feline approved when it comes to your cat eating it and their safety. Plus, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to put some of your freshly grown cucumbers into a glass of water, delicious!
Squash: Most squash plants are going to grow leaves that are extremely large and have a huge surface area. These giant leaves are going to make some of the best places for your cat to lounge around in and get out of the sun, as well as just to simply hide in. As if having a happy cate under a squash leaf wasn’t enough, squash is simply amazing to have on hand when it comes to cooking as well. It’s like a total win-win.
Beets: If you have ever eaten a beet, you already know how delicious that they really are. What you may not know, however, is the fact that they are just about completely hands off after they have started sprouting.
Kale: The journey of kale over the past few years has been an extremely interesting one. Kale has essentially gone from an unknown plant to becoming one of the greatest ‘superfoods’ in the history of eating. While there are several different types of kale available, they are all going to be very durable and extremely hardy. This means that you will be able to plant them earlier into the season in order to give your garden a little bit of color sooner than later. Oh, and your cat is going to love having kale around as well.
Carrots: Carrots are great to have in your garden as they are always being mixed into just about every cat food that you will come across. On top of that, you may even be surprised to discover that most cats are also going to enjoy eating plain carrots that have been cooked as a special treat as well. This means that you can easily grow them yourself and then cook them as a treat for your feline friend. Raw carrots, however, are normally going to be a little bit harder for your cat to be able to chew and even digest but rest assured that they are not in any way, shape or form dangerous for your cat to eat.
When it comes to the different plants that you may have in your garden or yard, it can be scary when you think about whether or not they are safe for your cat to be around. When you stick to the plants that have been listed above, you will be making sure that your garden is not just cat-friendly, but is also very beautiful as well.
