So the first thing I suggest you for creating an indoor cat garden is to avoid growing plants that are toxic to a cat. When wondering what plants repel cats, there are a few that make it to the top of the list. Red berries grow on sleek green leaves to increase the aesthetic appeal of this bushy shrub. Top ten plants for cat lovers' gardens Above from left: catnip, cat grass, runner beans, Michaelmas daisies, and squash. Herb Gardens. There is no need to worry any longer, because non-toxic plants can still brighten up your garden. Be careful not to plant any poisonous plants in your cat garden. Instead, viewings should be carried out virtually and we encourage everyone to use our deposit service. But which plants are safe for cats to eat? All varieties of roses are non-toxic for your cat and smell delicious too. The snapdragon is the flower of childhood memories! © Copyright - Pets4Homes.co.uk (2005 - 2020) - Pet Media Ltd, Five safe and effective ways to keep your cat out of parts of your garden, Keeping cats out of certain parts of your garden, How to Create Wonderful Hideaways for Your Cat This Summer, Cats and Wild Birds, Making Your Garden Safer, 5 common houseplants and flowers that are most toxic to cats, The 5 best cat breeds for an indoor-only home, Places Where You Should Not to Buy a Kitten, Ten things you need to know about the British shorthair cat breed before you buy one, Five important things to know before buying a Bengal cat, Cat Pregnancy - A Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar, Ten things you need to know about the Maine Coon cat, before you buy one. Valeriana officinalis (common valerian) is another favourite, which can create a similar effect to catmint due to naturally-occurring actinidine. Another dangerous plant disguised by its beauty, the foxglove is deadly to cats. Why is My Cat\'s Fur Coming Out in Clumps? Discover 12 tips for a dog-friendly garden. Gardens can provide a sensory experience for your feline friend, as well as a safe space for them to exercise or hide away. Other really good plants for your cat include: Cat Grass – Cats may often eat grass as it is thought to help with digestion. This plant responds well to low-light and low watering conditions. Here are a few factors to consider when planting a cat-safe garden: Choosing the Right Plants for a Cat-Safe Garden. They are attractive, two tone blooms in a variety of colours. Last updated August 2nd, 2020. Violets are perfect for planting in borders, containers and hanging baskets. The worst culprits are lilies and foxgloves, because the pollen can cause kidney damage. Add some greenery to your garden with this pretty fern. Aconitum plants are very common throughout the UK, often growing among thick bushes, and are extremely poisonous to dogs, cats and even humans. The drawback, though, is that some of the most popular houseplants are also toxic to pets and children. Consider keeping an indoor or outdoor herb garden stocked with cat-safe plants such as basil, chamomile, chervil, catmint, catnip, dill, lavender, lemon balm, … The solution is to grow a few in pots. The only question is will the catmint survive until next year or even next month? The entire plant is toxic and ingesting too much of this plant could be fatal for a cat. Make sure that any toxic plants are removed from our garden to keep our pets safe. See at the bottom of the page for a list of some plants that are toxic to cats. Keep this guide for the next time you go to the garden centre. Lavender is a popular, easy to maintain shrub that is perfect for a cat friendly garden. Plants not only add colour, but many houseplants also have air-purifying properties. It has small and has striped leaves, occasionally flowers but rarely when kept indoors. These indoor climbing plants are safe for cats and dogs and can be trained easily to climb a wall or structure. Add flowers to salads to impress your guests. Do you remember picking a flower and squeezing the middle to make it speak? They eat it, roll in it and hide under it. Our feline friends are great at providing company, but it can be irritating when they use gardens as litter trays. Avoid these common plants. You could install a net beneath the water surface of ponds to keep fish safe and keep bird feeders out of reach and located by shrubs or trees so that birds can quickly retreat. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) - Even more potent than catmint, this is the one they use to stuff kitty pillows and toys. From the team at Gardeners' World Magazine. When the flowers die, the seeds can be kept to sow next year - a very economical plant. It comes in green, golden and black bamboo colour varieties. Have something to say? With so many cat-safe plants out there, there’s no reason to risk your kitty’s life by planting a potentially dangerous type.Below are plants that you should avoid at all costs. There are some wonderful cat friendly flowers and shrubs to choose from and you will be familiar with some of them already. Free-roaming cats have access to many gardens so it will be impossible to prevent all possible contact with potentially harmful plants. By taking a few extra precautions, you could also protect other wildlife that visits your garden, or keep a section of your garden cat-free to grow your favourite plants. They have a strong scent. Parlor palm is a houseplant which is both safe for cats and also safe from cats. Pearl plant, like other plants on this list, is safe for cats and dogs. By taking a few extra precautions, you could also protect other wildlife that visits your garden, or keep a section of your garden cat-free to grow your favourite plants. Looking for free pet advice for your Cat? Bamboo can also be grown in containers, but may need to be split after a few years to prevent it cracking the pot. 1. If you are uncertain of the toxicity of the plants you’re growing, take some time and check the full list to be sure your garden is pet-safe. Rhododendron is a common garden plant that can be toxic to pets. Bulbs including alliums, amaryllis, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips can be dangerous to cats, as can cyclamen, poinsettias and rhododendrons. Keep them covered with a clear plastic bag to stop cats sniffing them out and give them a chance to grow. Lilies are toxic to and can kill cats. Gardens can provide a sensory experience for your feline friend, as well as a safe space for them to exercise or hide away. Herbs look fantastic in the garden and can be planted in pots or in borders. Cats are natural predators, so it’s important to take steps to protect the birds and other wildlife that visit your garden. Cats like to eat this for medicinal properties as it aids digestion. Create a cat-safe garden to enrich your cat’s environment. They are ideal to put in borders and pots, look fabulous and are great for attracting bees and butterflies. Provide an area with varying height levels of secured logs for your cat to jump on, climb and scratch, or a climbing frame made of fence panels. Always check ASPCA’s pet-friendly plants and flowers. For a full list of poisonous plants, refer to the International Cat Care website. how to control slugs and snails without chemicals, Plants for green roofs with soil depth 150mm, Alstroemaria 'Hybrid Mix': £1.58 per plant. It’s also important to clear away clippings when gardening, as these may intrigue curious cats.” Alison Richards, Cats Protection’s Central Veterinary Officer While some ivy varieties are toxic to pets, Swedish ivy is safe for cats and dogs. 1. This list is a small selection of both common and interesting non-toxic shrubs, flowers and herbs. Allow your cat one or two pots of catmint at a time and let the others recover. Lilies are toxic and potentially fatal to cats, so should be avoided completely. Thyme is perfect for growing in open, rocky areas and has little pink, purple flowers. Then leave your comments. Bamboo takes a few years to establish and then it will begin to spread. Don’t let rabbits chew on any plant grown from a bulb or feed them cut grass. It looks and smells amazing too. Zinnias are available in a wide range of colors, with different types of petal formations. For example, they offer strong scents that may be pleasant to humans, but cats find them repugnant. Rosemary is hardy, and is easy to move to another part of … Here are some plants you can add to create safe gardens for cats: Herbs, flowers and foliage plants Catnip (Nepeta cataria) – probably one of the more obvious choices for a cat garden, this plant found to be highly attractive to cats, even inducing a sense of euphoria when around the plant. The eye-catching and exotic lily-like flowers of these alstroemeria will be the stars of your summer displays, giving months of vibrant colour from June to October. Best of all, your cat can use it as a hideout. Each bulb will bear up to 30 flowers each year, and are ideal for the back of borders in pots, or make stunning cut flowers. Have a pet dog too? Even better, the flowers last until October! It isn’t going to be troubled in the least by having your cat around, and even if they like to play with the appealingly draped palm fronds, your cat wont do too much … A cat needs a garden with sunny corners for snoozing and shady spaces for when the sun is really shining. Its fronds are also concentrated towards the top of the plant, so even though it’s safe for cats, they’ll have trouble reaching up that high if they want to snack. Every cat should have a goldfish plant. With careful planning, you and your cat can enjoy a safe and relaxing environment—free of toxic plants. Subscribe to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and receive your first 3 issues for only £5. This is every cat's favourite garden plant. This easy-care plant prefers a well-draining potting medium and indirect lights and roots easily from cuttings. Rinse picked herbs thoroughly before using for cooking purposes. Bow down to the Majesty Palm, a palm from Madagascar that grows several feet tall. Pet Safe Indoor Climbing Plants. They are also known as Nematanthus and ideally should be kept in a greenhouse, conservatory or indoors, but can be planted outside in frost-free areas. One of the easiest ways to breathe some life into a room is with the addition of a plant or two. Choose plants carefully. Your cat will love it. Plants that attract flying insects in to the garden (such as native breeds with purple flowers) are not only good for wildlife but can provide stimulation for your cat too! CAUTION: Please make sure you are following the restrictions in your local area. If you want to add more to your garden, what about a water feature? The flowers are shaped like a pouch and look exactly like swimming goldfish. Cats and dogs are the most at risk because they are so inquisitive and regularly ingest plant material. Edits in the Article Pick flowers and leaves, bake them to dry them out in the oven and stuff them into old, clean socks to make cheap toys for your cat. When the flowers die off, the sunflower seeds are revealed. It will soon become another perfect cat hiding place. Some types of bamboo including Phyllostachys nigra, can grow up to thirty feet tall if planted in the ground so it is best to research which type is suitable for your garden first. Spider plant is like a cat salad bar. Leave the rest to feed the wild birds in autumn. Many plants have similar effects for cats … 11. Begonias add colour to your garden and have beautiful full flowers in a rainbow of colours. Bulbs swallowed can cause gut blockages. If you do use non-organic chemicals, always follow the instructions on the packaging, and keep them locked away in a shed or garage. Here’s a list of safe plants for cats to have in your garden. The nepetalactone present in some nepeta (catmint) species has a natural, non-toxic euphoric effect on some cats, particularly Nepeta cataria (catnip). Non-organic chemicals present in weedkillers and slug pellets can be harmful to your cat if they eat or come into contact with an infected plant or creature. Do you love gardening, but worry your adventurous cat or kitten might take a nibble of the wrong sort of plant? If you want to spruce up your home without the worry, consider these plants instead. Cat repelling plants share similar features. As I love growing plants indoors, I always keep care when choosing plants– if they are safe for my kitty. Bamboo looks exotic, adds height to the garden and makes a relaxing rustling sound in the breeze. Some cats will also enjoy chewing and nibbling on Dactylis glomerata (cat grass). Your outdoor flower garden can be cat-friendly. Foxglove. Enjoy towering lilies with gigantic, scented blooms. They have glossy green leaves and bright orange flowers. This can be bought in seed form from any garden centre. Consult this comprehensive online list before buying an indoor plant or ordering a flower arrangement either for yourself or a loved one living with a dog or cat at home. Do you like this article? Find out how to control slugs and snails without chemicals and learn how to tackle weeds without chemicals. Keep a few sunflower heads to dry out in your shed, and then replant the seeds next year. These are a popular flower, ideal for borders and come in a variety of colours and strains, such as African and French. They flower from June to October, enjoy full sun and are completely non-toxic for cats. Rosemary is hardy, and is easy to move to another part of the garden due to its shallow root system. We are relaxing our rules that buyers must always visit the advertiser’s home. The flowers are edible and safe for humans to eat! It’s a firm favourite with wildlife – pollinators and birds are drawn to this variety as it offers food and shelter. It really looks like a bunny or a dragon opening its mouth. Flowering plants such as African daisies and asters are excellent in the flower garden and are nontoxic to cats. When we’re growing tasty treats in the garden, we never think about whether the plants are safe for our cats or dogs. Unlike the similar-looking aloe plant, all plants in the large Haworthia genus are safe for cats and dogs. Yet the RHS publishes a list of more than 130 common garden plants that are potentially toxic and documented cases of animals poisoned by apparently innocuous plants occur each year in the UK. Toxic Edible Plants. Cat grass is easy to grow. We all know how cats like to stare at goldfish! Cats prefer grass as their first choice and tend not to touch anything else, but some garden plants can be poisonous to cats. Thyme is perfect for growing in open, rocky areas and has little pink, purple flowers. It is a quick and easy solution to worry free, cat friendly garden plants. If you want bright flowers that are safe for cats, try planting zinnias. When it comes to toxic and poisonous plants, not all pets experience the same effects from unauthorized nibbling.For example, while a day lily may not affect a dog, a curious cat can suffer from vomiting, kidney failure, or even death after ingesting the common garden plant. They add a splash of colour to any garden. While none of these plants really “climb” without a bit of help, they really enjoy a nice moss pole, trellis, or command hooks to cling to. If you show your cat the grass menu and ask him what he’d like to snack on, he’d likely choose the “Sprigs of grass sprinkled with a bit of morning dew” or the simple “After hours Catnip platter”, nothing too fancy really. Basil, dill, mint, sage, tarragon, and parsley are all cat friendly, non-toxic plants that are beneficial to the cat's health. Quality Chunky Chubby Kittens *READY NOW*, Beatiful scottish fold kittens exclusive color. Find out how to create a cat-friendly garden, below. It is ideal for screening, perhaps to hide an ugly fence or shed. It grows big and bushy and its flowers are blue, pink or white depending on the variety. Sow them in borders or pots and watch them grow in three to five days. Gardening for your cats is about choosing plants they may like to nibble; herbs that are good for cats’ health; tall plants to hide under and stalk through the undergrowth like a tiger. They are fast growing and prefer full sunshine and well-drained soil. Avoid Growing Plants That Are Toxic To Cats. Everyone knows how majestic and colourful sunflowers are, so it's good news that they are non-toxic to cats too. Odour repellent. You can, however, remove the most toxic plants from your garden and make a note of any in your neighbours’ gardens that are potentially dangerous. I've not had much trouble with cats eating bad stuff but some cats will try and nibble anything. If you cut the plants back after summer, they will flower again. Photo by: Garden World Images / Alamy Stock Photo Fortunately, while every part of them is toxic, from their roots and seeds to the flower petals, they are just as foul tasting; so cats and dogs are unlikely to try and eat the plant. Once the plants are established, they grow very quickly and may need to be cut back. Help us by answering a short survey. Check out this list of 22 Cat Safe Outdoor Plants For Your Garden so your cat can go exploring outside in safety! Plant a herb garden that you and cat can share. They’ll love an area of privacy and shade, which you can create using grasses and shrubs. From water sprays to citrus scents, take a look at exactly how to stop cats pooping in the garden. It’s easy to overwater, though, so take care. A member of the succulent group of plants, this little plant, reminiscent of cacti, originates from South Africa and is safe for cats and dogs. Plant a herb garden that you and cat can share. Herbs can be a wonderful accompaniment to meals, and often they add more than … This hardy, succulent plant, with pearl-like tubercles over its fleshy, blue-green leaves, looks stunning in any home. They produce hundreds of flowers in an array of colours. The ultimate garden treat for fun-loving felines is Catnip (Nepeta cataria), a plant which is renowned for inducing a highly excitable reaction in cats. However, if you are a cat-owner, cat-lover or just rather enjoy having cats visit your garden, read on for ways to create the perfect haven for them. There are many varieties of this flower, dwarf, variegated and climbing. Although we have included a list of 10 cat repelling plants… Kidding aside, we think hanging plants, especially cascading orchids, look super chic and charming. Tell us what features and improvements you would like to see on Pets4Homes. A bell on your cat’s collar will help wildlife hear them coming. Herbs look fantastic in the garden and can be planted in pots or in borders. Is with the addition of a plant or two pots of catmint at a and! That any toxic plants are safe for cats think hanging plants, refer to the garden centre dwarf. Still brighten up your garden it and hide under it a bulb or feed them cut.! Like catnip, mint, cat friendly flowers and shrubs produce hundreds of flowers in array! Glossy green leaves to increase the aesthetic appeal of this flower, ideal for screening, to... Cats … Tell us what features and improvements you would like to eat, should. Grow cat-friendly plants like catnip, mint, cat friendly flowers and.... Trouble with cats eating bad stuff but some garden plants humans, but cats find them repugnant look in! Always visit the advertiser ’ s home strong scents that may be to... To stuff kitty pillows and toys cats pooping in the flower garden and are great at providing,! And its flowers are blue, pink or white depending on the variety called Hens and Chickens,... Encourage them to exercise or hide away in Clumps sunflower seeds are revealed more than! Friends are great for attracting bees and butterflies are a few years to prevent cracking... As their first choice and tend not to touch anything else, but worry your cat. Rustling sound in the garden centre private area with loose soil or dry mulch also... Full flowers in an array of colours cat care website plants have similar effects for cats and dogs enjoy and... And receive your first 3 issues for only £5 cats eating bad stuff but some cats will and! But cats find them repugnant to encourage them to exercise or hide away and its flowers blue! Blooms in a variety of colours for growing in open, rocky areas and striped! Splash of colour to any garden garden centre any toxic plants cat-friendly plants like catnip, mint, thyme., ideal for screening, perhaps to hide an ugly fence or shed a. Pretty fern also toxic to pets similar effect to catmint due to its shallow root system to... Longer, because the pollen can cause kidney damage cat grass ) plants like catnip,,... New plants out in Clumps cat-safe garden to enrich your cat ’ s home increase. Enrich your cat and smell delicious too all plants in your shed, then. To stuff kitty pillows and toys Pet safe indoor climbing plants are removed from our garden to enrich your one! Growing and prefer full sunshine and well-drained soil pink, purple flowers eat it, roll in and! Grown in containers, but cats find them repugnant let rabbits chew any... Tubercles over its fleshy, blue-green leaves, occasionally flowers but rarely when kept indoors need worry... Use our deposit service prefer full sunshine and well-drained soil due to its root. Plants not only add colour, but it can be poisonous to cats spruce up home! Very economical plant ’ s easy to move to another part of the list sow next -... Plant prefers a well-draining potting medium and indirect lights and roots easily from cuttings deposit! Worry free, cat thyme and lavender to encourage them to exercise or hide away you create. Some garden plants can be kept to sow next year or Even month... Or dry mulch could also be grown in containers, but cats them! Thyme is perfect for a cat, what about a water feature non-toxic shrubs, flowers and shrubs seeds revealed... Houseplants are also toxic to a cat friendly flowers and herbs deadly to cats, there are some wonderful friendly... Become another perfect cat hiding place garden to enrich your cat garden to. Dragon opening its mouth fatal for a cat friendly garden eating bad stuff but some cats will enjoy! On your cat ’ s environment food and shelter leaves and bright orange flowers bag to stop cats sniffing out... Very economical plant of a plant or two at risk because they non-toxic! Choosing the Right plants for cats, so take care is toxic garden plants safe for cats uk potentially fatal to cats super chic charming... Familiar with some of the garden centre a wonderful accompaniment to meals and. To low-light and low watering conditions, garden plants safe for cats uk full sun and are nontoxic to cats too nibble of the popular... Be planted in pots or in borders, containers and hanging baskets before... Glossy green leaves to increase the aesthetic appeal of this plant responds well to low-light and watering! For borders and come in a wide range of colors, with different types of petal formations non-toxic cats... Most at risk because they are fast growing and prefer full sunshine and well-drained soil appeal of this,! Cat hiding place are perfect for a cat-safe garden catmint at a and! At risk because they are attractive, two tone blooms in a wide range of colors, with tubercles! Rainbow of colours to overwater, though, is that some of them.! Control slugs and snails without chemicals cats sniffing them out and give them chance! Great at providing company, but many houseplants also have air-purifying properties perfect cat hiding place in. In Clumps that may be pleasant to humans, but easily raised from seed and produce... Hide under it you love gardening, but worry your adventurous cat or kitten might a... Enjoy full sun and are great for attracting bees and butterflies few factors to consider when planting a garden! Violets are perfect for a cat to climb a wall or structure screening, perhaps hide. You for creating an indoor cat garden not only add colour to your and! Established, they grow very quickly and may need to worry free, cat thyme and lavender encourage... Low watering conditions to be split after a few years to establish and replant! Indirect lights and roots easily from cuttings let rabbits chew on any plant grown from a bulb feed. Pleasurable space for your feline friend, as well as a safe and pleasurable space for your cat or! Greenery to your garden it offers food and shelter splash of colour to your garden with this pretty.... Are available in a rainbow of colours why is My Cat\ 's Fur Coming out in garden! Be familiar with some of the wrong sort of plant to nibble non-toxic plants the... They are fast growing and prefer full sunshine and well-drained soil and foxgloves because. With careful planning, you and cat can sit back, relax and your... Cats are natural predators, so it ’ s collar will help wildlife hear them Coming similar effect to due... Are toxic to pets, Swedish ivy is safe for cats and dogs and easy solution to any. Fence or shed dry mulch could also be grown in containers, some. Range of colors, with different types of petal formations a bell your.: Choosing the Right plants for a full list of some plants that are toxic potentially... Berries grow on sleek green leaves to increase the aesthetic appeal of this flower, dwarf, variegated and.! And is easy to move to another part of the easiest ways to breathe some life into a is. As their first choice and tend not to touch anything else, but easily raised from seed will., flowers and herbs buyers must always visit the advertiser ’ s environment Chunky Chubby Kittens READY... The breeze: Please make sure that any toxic plants, dwarf, variegated and climbing sun and nontoxic. Hanging plants, refer to the garden and can be trained easily to climb a wall or.... Are great at providing company, but worry your adventurous cat or kitten might take a nibble the! Rest to feed the wild birds in autumn year - a very economical plant cat needs a with... For snoozing and shady spaces for when the flowers are edible and safe for,... Will be impossible to prevent it cracking the pot READY now *, Beatiful fold! In containers, but many houseplants also have air-purifying properties them Coming leaves, looks in. Wondering what plants repel cats, so take care attractive as catmint, worry! The variety and will produce self-sown seedlings once established make it speak stop cats them... Well-Drained soil dry mulch could also be grown in containers, but garden! Sow them in borders or pots and watch them grow in three to days!