Curious felines are likely to test the sturdiness and overall flexibility of both indoor and outdoor plants. Even kittens occasionally raise their paws to flick overhanging leaves, arching blades of grass, and fallen blooms. Though they are carnivorous in nature, they may nibble on delicate foliage, remove entire stems from shrubs, and adventurously roll around in freshly mown grass. Many domesticated cats truly adore plants and may be endlessly entertained by them.
In the wild, cats may consume plants – not as a means of obtaining necessary nutrients but to aid in moving ingested fur and to stimulate their senses. As domesticated cats may instinctively do the same, it would be crucial to expose them to the right set of plants. Note that many commonly grown houseplants, while seemingly harmless to us, can carry substances that are toxic to cats.
If you share a home with a beloved cat or would like to create an aesthetically pleasing “catio” that caters to all of its needs, it would be wise to invest in cat-safe plants. These can add texture and liveliness to indoor spaces while tickling a pet’s fancy. These can bring many benefits to gardens as well. Giving cats some plants of their own should prevent them from damaging other precious herbs!
1) Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Every experienced cat owner knows of the wondrous effects that catnip has on a fair percentage of domesticated cats. This member of the Lamiaceae or mint family can excite an energetic cat for up to 30 minutes. It induces a sense of enjoyment, causing cats to paw at the leaves, roll around in them, or chew and lick them. After a few minutes of exposure, some cats may begin to display relaxing behaviors. They may become sleepy, start to drool, or purr audibly.
If a cat ingests too many catnip leaves, it may experience anxiety or fatigue. Thus, though catnip is definitely safe to grow around cats, its leaves should not be deliberately fed to them. Over time, a mature cat should know when to instinctively move on from a catnip plant in search of other forms of entertainment. Note, also, that some cats are not at all drawn to or affected by catnip.
Apart from keeping cats entertained, catnip can actually benefit them by repelling ticks and fleas. Rolling around in the strongly-scented leaves should help protect their fur from a wide variety of common pests. Additionally, simply keeping a few stands of this plant can help dissuade problematic insects and herbivores from damaging your home and garden.
2) Cat thyme (Teucrium marum)
Despite its common name, T. marum is not actually a variety of common or garden thyme (T. vulgaris), nor is it closely related to this famous culinary herb. It is one of the more well-known germanders, which are set apart by their hairy, square stems and their multi-lobed, cream-to-white flowers. Cat thyme, also aptly called “kitty crack”, has effects that are similar to those induced by catnip on some cats. If it is situated outdoors, you may find wandering felines energetically frolicking around its bushes.
Cat thyme is a perennial member of the Lamiaceae family. Its odor may be perceived as overpowering by some people and animals. When rubbed, the oil-rich leaves emit a pungent fragrance that may cause one to sneeze! These are bitter in taste and may cause hot sensations in the mouth. Its essential oil, which contains compounds like alpha-caryophyllene and isocaryophyllene, has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
This aromatic herb can easily be grown in well-draining, high-quality soils with full sun exposure. It is particularly attractive in rock gardens, where the rough surfaces of boulders can complement its spikes of tough, evergreen leaves. Cats can be expected to prance around its stems. Don’t be surprised if they tear its more accessible leaves and blooms to pieces!
3) Silver vine (Actinidia polygama)
Silver vine is often proposed as an alternative to catnip for cats that do not naturally respond to the latter’s scent. Unlike catnip, it is a climbing, deciduous plant that favors environmental conditions in cool, mountainous regions. Its vines can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters) when they are provided with sturdy structural support. As they are known for growing quickly, they can be used to densely cover a trellis, arbor, or fence.
Named for the silvery-white tinge on its distinctly-veined foliage, this vine has lovely ornamental qualities. From June to July, its mature stems produce small, white blooms that last for up to 3 days. Once these are pollinated, they develop into tiny, kiwi-like fruits. Acorn-shaped, these are edible and can safely be consumed in their raw form. Throughout the plant’s native range, the fruits are harvested and used to flavor beverages.
A cat’s behavioral response to silver vine may be just as or more intense than its response to catnip. Even the powdered form of silver vine fruits can induce a state of euphoria – one which is manifested by drooling, excessive cheek rubbing, licking, and energetic rolling. Growing this species in your garden or porch may effectively distract your cat from other vulnerable plants during its outdoor adventures.
4) Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The humble spider plant is one of the safest houseplants to grow around cats. A hanging basket of this species, placed inside a cat enclosure, should brighten up the space and pique your cat’s curiosities in a harmless manner. Both kittens and adult cats can safely paw at the grass-like leaves, which can take a good measure of physical damage.
Over time, mature spider plants produce cascading plantlets. When these come into contact with the appropriate substrates, they develop their own sets of tuberous roots. A single, mature plant can grow to a full height of about 24 inches (61 cm). Its narrow leaves can measure as much as 8 – 18 inches (20 – 46 cm) long, giving it a highly textural spread that rivals its height. Depending on the cultivar, these may possess marginal green, yellow, or cream-colored stripes.
When situated on the ground or in between rocks, cats can safely pounce above clumps of spider plants. Non-toxic to both humans and pets, its benefits go far beyond simply being a form of entertainment to cats. Its resilient leaves can aid in purifying air while adding structural appeal and natural color to indoor spaces. Outdoors, it can be used to fill in the partly to fully shaded plots of a tropical garden.
5) Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Named for the ponytail-like appearance of its terminal tufts of leaves, the ponytail palm is a fantastic ornamental tree for gardens in USDA hardiness zones 8 – 12. It can also grow exceptionally well in indoor locations receiving direct or bright, filtered light. Evergreen in optimal conditions, it can be used as a focal or decorative accent in well-draining areas.
This recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit is sure to attract your more daring kittens and your curious adult cats. They are likely to pounce on its bulbous trunk – which resembles an elephant’s foot – or jump towards its arching leaves in an effort to paw at or grab them. Over time, of course, they’ll appreciate the shade of the grass-like leaves and leave them be. Don’t be surprised, however, if they repeatedly become mesmerized by the way the leaves shake and rattle in the wind.
Though the ponytail palm can measure as much as 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, it can be trained to maintain a more manageable height. Those with roots restricted to pots seldom grow to more than a few feet tall. These shorter specimens can be more fun for cats to be around as the leaves would be easier for them to reach. If you intend to situate this non-toxic species in a pot, make sure the soil is porous and is allowed to dry out in between watering sessions.
6) Kangaroo fern (Zealandia pustulata)
This highly adaptable, low-maintenance fern is a fantastic houseplant for rooms frequented by cats. It is not necessarily sought by curious felines, but it does make for a lovely accent plant in catios and pet gardens. Cats can safely walk and pounce above this fern’s fronds, which can be maintained as ground cover.
In the wild, the kangaroo fern grows as an epiphyte on trees, as a rooted fern on the ground, or as a scrambling plant above rocky habitats. Its mature specimens are fairly drought-tolerant and may prefer exposed conditions. As it can spread via rhizomes, its propagation is straightforward. Simply separate rooted portions of rhizomes from the mother plant and place them in hanging baskets or in the bare crevices of rock gardens.
The kangaroo fern is named for the multi-lobed shape of its mature leaves. Glossy green and up to 20 inches (51 cm) long, these resemble the shape of a kangaroo’s foot. A close inspection of the fronds reveals their leathery appearance, wavy margins, and (in the case of mature, fertile leaves) circular sori. Cats are unlikely to nibble at the leaves, but they may paw at them from time to time. When situated in a heavy pot or a hanging basket, this fern can serve as a cat’s peaceful companion for years.
7) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian, which was once popular throughout its native range as a type of traditional medicine, has phytochemical-rich roots and leaves. It contains compounds like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), potent alkaloids, iridoids, and volatile sesquiterpenes. Some of these can be used as natural and strongly-scented sedatives for pain relief. Interestingly, their collective effect on cats is similar to those of catnip or silver vine oils.
Valerian root, specifically, is a cat attractant that can be used as a euphoria-inducing alternative for felines that fail to respond to other plants. When used in proper quantities, it can help provide relief for cats and kittens that have undergone stressful conditions. In fact, some cat treats that are specifically formulated for inducing a state of relaxation contain valerian powder. Soon after cats consume these, they may begin purring, showing signs of euphoria, or falling asleep.
The plant itself makes for a fine addition to homes and gardens that are occupied or visited by cats. Live valerian plants are generally safe from the frenzied behavior of pets as long as their roots are hidden in soil. The scent of either the roots or the leaves should have effects that dissipate in as little as 10 – 30 minutes.
8) Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is known all around the world for its strong flavor and its distinctly sweet aroma. Most of the phytochemicals responsible for its herbal and culinary value are concentrated in its yellowish roots. These include glycyrrhizine (several times sweeter than sugar), anethole, glabridin, and a long list of flavonoids, polyphenols, and triterpenoids. Though these may have adverse effects when they are ingested in large doses, a small concentration can benefit felines.
Intact licorice plants are a great addition to dedicated cat gardens, catios, and homes with many indoor cats because they can positively stimulate them. Nibbling on the leaves may help soothe the stomachs of some curious felines, particularly after they’ve attempted to eat the foliage of other plants. Treats containing licorice root should also aid in providing relief from ailments like arthritis, stomach pains, and liver disease.
9) Cat grass (mixed species)
Often confused with catnip and cat thyme, cat grass doesn’t actually refer to a specific species. Instead, it is a combination of several common grasses, such as barley, wheat, oat, and rye. A mixture of seeds that should germinate in a protected environment, it grows into an edible, vitamin-rich turf. Cats may feed on its fronds for some digestive relief. Oftentimes, kittens will pounce on and happily roll around in cat grass just for fun!
Cat grass is great for felines that spend most of their day in catios or in indoor locations. Having a clean patch of indoor grass should allow them to enjoy some of the benefits that outdoor cats experience when they walk over a lawn or through an outdoor garden. They are likely to be attracted to the bright tuft of leaves, which can give them the mental stimulation they require to get through an otherwise inactive morning.
