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With summer in full swing, it's a great time to plant a backyard herb garden that serves a dual purpose. Not only is it fun and rewarding to grow your own fresh herbs, but the plants we're talking about here are also safe (and sometimes beneficial) for your cats.
A cat-friendly herb garden is a wonderful way to provide your feline friends with a natural, safe environment while enjoying the aromatic herbs in your cooking. Imagine a beautiful herb garden where your cats can explore and enjoy, and you can harvest herbs for delicious meals, teas, or mini foliage arrangements.
Note: Don’t have outside space, or want to start any time of the year? Try creating an indoor garden!
Why Cats Love Cat Grass and Catnip
Creating a cat-friendly herb garden is not only fun but also beneficial for your feline companions. Cats enjoy exploring and interacting with the plants, which can provide mental stimulation and physical activity. Planting catnip, cat grass, and other cat-safe herbs ensures your garden is a safe haven for your pets.
Cats are naturally drawn to certain plants like cat grass and catnip, making these excellent additions to your cat-friendly backyard herb garden. Cat grasses, such as wheatgrass, oat grass, and barley grass, provide essential nutrients and aid in digestion, helping to prevent hairballs and improve overall health.
Catnip, a member of the mint family, contains a compound called nepetalactone that triggers a playful and euphoric reaction in many cats. This reaction can reduce stress and provide mental stimulation, promoting a happier and more active lifestyle. Planting these herbs in your garden beds or raised beds with good drainage ensures they thrive and continue to benefit your feline friends.
Incorporating these cat-friendly plants is a great way to enrich your cats' environment, offering them safe, natural options to explore and enjoy. Plus, having your own herb garden filled with these plants allows you to provide fresh, healthy treats for your cats right from your backyard.
Herbs and Grasses for Cats and Humans
Catnip: Cats love catnip due to the compound nepetalactone, which induces playful and euphoric behaviors. While not commonly used in cooking, catnip can be brewed into a mild tea for humans.
Cat Grass (Wheatgrass, Oat Grass, Barley Grass): These grasses are safe for cats and help with digestion and hairball prevention. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your cat’s diet. For humans, wheatgrass is popular in smoothies and juices.
Basil: Cats may be attracted to the mild scent of basil, though it doesn't have the same strong appeal as catnip or cat grass. This herb is safe for cats and widely used in cooking, adding flavor to dishes like pesto, salads, and sauces.
Rosemary: Rosemary is safe for cats and is a versatile culinary herb perfect for seasoning meats and vegetables. Cats are generally indifferent to rosemary, but nonetheless it's nontoxic and safe for them to explore. While it has a strong scent that can be appealing to humans, it doesn't particularly attract cats. Including rosemary in your cat-friendly herb garden adds aromatic interest and practical culinary uses, but don't expect it to captivate your cats like catnip does.
Lemon Balm: Cats may enjoy the calming scent of lemon balm. This herb contains compounds that can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, making it a good addition to a cat-friendly herb garden. Lemon balm is also safe for cats and useful for humans, as it can be used to make soothing teas and add a citrusy flavor to dishes.
Thyme: Cats may find the aromatic qualities of thyme attractive. Thyme is safe for cats and can be a pleasing addition to your herb garden. It's commonly used in cooking for its earthy flavor, ideal for seasoning soups, stews, and meats. Both regular thyme and lemon thyme can provide sensory enrichment for your cats while serving as versatile culinary herbs.
Sage: Cats are generally indifferent to the smell of sage, but it's also nontoxic for them. Sage can be a good addition to your garden for its culinary uses and aromatic properties, but don't expect it to draw your cats' attention in the same way that catnip or cat grass might.
Cilantro is a cat-safe herb that offers a fresh, citrusy flavor to dishes like salsa and guacamole, making it a versatile addition to your culinary herb garden and a safe, enjoyable plant for your cats to explore.
These cat-friendly herbs and grasses not only attract and benefit your feline friends but also enhance your culinary creations, making your herb garden a multi-purpose space.
Adding Cat-Safe Flowers and Ground Cover
To add more visual interest to your cat-friendly herb garden, you may want to consider incorporating cat-safe flowers and ground covers. These additions not only beautify your garden but also provide a safe environment for your cats to explore.
Marigolds: These vibrant flowers are safe for cats and can help repel pests, making them a great choice for your garden beds. Planting marigolds is a great way to add color to your garden while keeping it cat-friendly. They thrive in well-drained soil and require much sun, making them perfect for an outdoor herb garden. Marigolds can also be planted in pots with good drainage holes, allowing you to bring them indoors if needed.
Petunias: Petunias add a splash of color and are non-toxic to cats, perfect for borders or hanging herb gardens. They grow well in small spaces and can be planted in window boxes or larger containers. Petunias flourish in sunny spots and well-drained soil, providing a beautiful and safe addition to your herb garden.
Zinnias: Bright and cheerful, zinnias are safe for cats and attract pollinators, enhancing the overall health of your garden. These flowers can be planted in garden beds or larger containers, providing beautiful blooms throughout the growing season. Zinnias are easy to grow and are a great choice for new gardeners looking to add some vibrant colors to their cat-friendly garden.
Creeping Thyme: This low-growing herb is safe for cats and can be used as a ground cover. It adds a pleasant fragrance and can be used in cooking, making it a versatile choice for your herb planter or herb bed. Creeping thyme thrives in dry conditions and well-drained soil, making it ideal for raised beds or garden beds in sunny spots.
Irish Moss: Soft and lush, Irish moss is a great ground cover that is safe for cats and adds a lovely green carpet to your garden. It’s an easy way to fill in gaps and create a cohesive look in your small garden or herb planter. Irish moss grows well in well-drained soil and can be used to add a touch of rustic charm to your outdoor herb garden.
Herbs and Plants to Avoid in a Cat-Friendly Herb Garden
When your goal is to create a cat-friendly herb garden, it's important to know which plants to avoid to ensure your feline friends stay safe. Some common herbs and plants can be toxic to cats and should be kept out of your garden.
Toxic Herbs and Plants
Marijuana: With the legalization of marijuana in places like Ohio, it’s crucial to remember that marijuana is toxic to cats. Ingesting marijuana can cause a range of harmful effects, including vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Avoid planting marijuana in your own herb garden to keep your cats safe.
Onions and Garlic: Both onions and garlic are highly toxic to cats and can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and damage to red blood cells. These are not suitable for a culinary herb garden if you have cats.
Chives: Chives, like onions and garlic, belong to the Allium family and are toxic to cats, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset and damage to red blood cells. Avoid including chives in your herb bed.
Oregano: While commonly used in cooking, oregano can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats if ingested. Opt for other mediterranean herbs that are safe for cats.
Tarragon: This herb can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset in cats, including vomiting and diarrhea. Consider other culinary herbs that are safe and provide the best flavor without risking your cat's health.
Mint (Pennyroyal): While common mint varieties like peppermint and spearmint may be safe in very small amounts (some websites say mint is safe for cats, but the ASPCA - which is what we defer to, says IT IS NOT), pennyroyal mint is definitely toxic to cats and can cause liver damage and other severe health issues.
Please note that there are many plants and flowers that can be very toxic to cats (and dogs). All true lilies, as well as bulb flowers like daffodils and tulips, are included in this list. Always consult trusted resources - such as the ASPCA - if you are unsure.
Summer Gardens for Cats and their Humans
Creating a cat-friendly backyard herb garden is a wonderful way to enhance your outdoor space while providing enrichment for your feline friends. By choosing safe and beneficial herbs and grasses like catnip, cat grass, basil, rosemary, lemon balm, thyme, and parsley, you can create a garden that serves a dual purpose. Whether you opt for planting in the ground to create a dedicated cat area or use pots for flexibility and easy indoor access, both methods can be great opportunities for fresh herbs throughout the summer months.
Not only do these herbs and grasses provide mental stimulation and health benefits for your cats, but they also offer fresh, aromatic ingredients for your cooking. Enjoy the process of growing your own herb garden, knowing it’s a healthy, engaging environment for your cats and a source of delicious, homegrown flavors for you. Happy gardening!
FAQs: Creating a Cat-Safe Herb Garden
What are the best cat-safe herbs to plant in my garden?
Some of the best cat-safe herbs include:
Catnip
Cat Grass (Wheatgrass, Oat Grass, Barley Grass)
Basil
Rosemary
Lemon Balm
Thyme
Sage
Cilantro
Which herbs should I avoid in my cat-safe herb garden?
When creating a cat-friendly herb garden, it's crucial to avoid certain plants that are toxic to cats. Here are some common herbs and plants to keep out of your garden to ensure your feline friends stay safe:
Marijuana: Toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination.
Onions: Highly toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and damage to red blood cells.
Garlic: Similar to onions, garlic is toxic and can cause serious health problems.
Chives: Belonging to the Allium family, chives can cause gastrointestinal upset and red blood cell damage.
Oregano: Can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats if ingested.
Tarragon: Can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Mint (Pennyroyal): Pennyroyal mint is toxic to cats and can cause liver damage and other severe health issues.
By avoiding these toxic plants and opting for safe alternatives, you can create a thriving herb garden that is both beneficial for your cooking and safe for your cats.
How can I start my own herb garden that’s safe for cats?
Starting your own herb garden involves:
Choosing herb seeds or small herb plants from hardware stores.
Using a raised bed or herb planter with good drainage to combat poor soil.
Ensuring you have a sunny spot with well-drained soil for optimal growing conditions.
Planting annual herbs in late spring and perennial herbs for a continuous harvest.
Can I use pots for my cat-safe herb garden?
Sure! Using pots is a great idea, especially for small spaces or indoor gardens. Pots also allow you to bring your herbs inside or outside, if needed (or to share with your furry family member).
Pots allow for flexibility and can be moved indoors during bad weather or for indoor cats.
Consider hanging herb gardens or vertical gardens to maximize space.
Make sure the pots have good drainage holes and are the right size for the plants.
Can I grow herbs indoors?
Yes, indoor herb gardens are a great option, especially for year-round growth.
Use a grow light to provide sufficient light if you don't have a sunny windowsill.
Hydroponic herb gardens are also a good choice for indoor growing.
What are some creative ideas for a cat-safe herb garden?
Some ideas for a unique herb garden ideas include:
Creating a vertical herb garden to save space.
Using wooden pallets to create a rustic, country living look.
Planting a mix of tall herbs and small plants for visual interest.
Adding cat-safe flowers like marigolds and petunias for color and diversity.