Many of us are spending more time inside, which makes this a great time to freshen up your living space. A project to consider is creating an indoor cat garden. Your cat will enjoy it and it can be a relaxing place in hang out with your cat.
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When beginning to plan what plants to include in the indoor cat garden, it’s important to keep your cat’s safety, in mind since some plants are poisonous to cats. Here are cat-safe options to consider:
10 Plants and Herbs To Consider
- Catnip. Many cats love it, but it’s best not to expose cats to it that have a history of seizures
- Catmint. Close relative to catnip.
- Cat Thyme. This might not smell too great to us, but cats love the scent.
- Wheat Grass. Full of nutrients for cats, and many enjoy grazing on it
- Oat Grass. Comes from the sprouts of oats and much like wheat grass it’s full of nutrients for cats
- Valerian. This herb has an effect much like catnip for cats
- Rye Grass. Similar to the other grasses mentioned above and many cats enjoy it’s taste
- Lavender. Wonderful scent that’s appreciated by some, but not every cat. Limit the amount your cat ingests since large amounts may cause digestive upset
- Creeping Rosemary. A hardy plant that can withstand a cat
- Lemon Balm. This is a feline favorite. It emits a lemon-like scent and is known to make a nice tea
Stock a few different grasses, then observe which ones your cat seems to enjoy most and those he avoids. This will help you make selections going forward that your cat will most enjoy. To get started, there are kits available that have several varieties of grass, soil and a cute cat themed planter. I like this Cat Grass Growing Kit. All seeds and soil are organic, and it’s made in the USA.
Decorative Elements For Your Indoor Cat Garden
If you’re thinking about planting some of these in your cat garden, buy planters and fill them with organic dirt (to avoid pesticides). Start with two or three plants and gauge your cat’s reaction to them. It might be necessary to experiment a bit to find your cat’s favorite plant combination.
To make the garden more attractive to your cat, set up a scratching post near the indoor garden to mimic a tree and have a water source nearby. The more things there are to keep your cat busy, the more he’ll be inclined to “hang out” in the garden.
Consider adding a cat water fountain if you have a power outlet nearby. Add a mat or bed so your cat can grab a catnap in his “zen garden.” If you have a window nearby, set up a bird feeder so your cat can birdwatch while relaxing in his garden.
Statues and Planters
Want to boost the cattitude of your cat garden? Here are a few items that will add some fun:
Sleeping Cat Planter
Give your cat garden some pizazz with this cat planter from Ten Thousand Villages (available through Amazon)
Gardening Cat Statue
This cat would be right at home in your cat garden. The cement Gardening Cat Statue is available from windandweather.com
Why Limit Choices to Indoors?
Don’t stop with indoors only, a cat-themed indoor/outdoor doormat is a great choice.
Conclusion
An enclosed sun room makes a great spot for a cat garden, but if you live in a smaller space, it’s still possible to create a mini-oasis your cat can call his own.
Written by Karen
Love these ideas! The planter and garden cat statue are adorable. If I could keep a plant alive for more than a week, I would definitely start a garden for my cats!
I understand. I’m not the best friend to plants either. The garden cat would be fun decor for outside, thinking about getting one.
I love these planters, just adorable! I’ve always wanted to have an indoor garden for my cats, you’ve inspired me 💜