Catnip Plants: The Ultimate Feline Delight

Let’s start with the obvious, catnip plants. Every cat owner knows the magical effect this herb has on their furry friend, it’s like party time in the garden! Catnip contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that triggers a euphoric reaction in most cats. They’ll roll, rub, and maybe even do a happy dance! But don’t worry it’s totally safe. In fact, catnip is a cat safe plant that’s a healthy, natural way to stimulate your kitty’s senses.

Unfortunately, while catnip is a feline favourite, not all cats react to it. Some cats are immune to it (yes, they do exist), but for those who aren’t, it’s a great way to keep them entertained, active, and mentally engaged. If your cat is unresponsive to catnip try valerian instead.

Herbs for the Best Homemade Cat Food: Tasty Treats That Are Good for Them

If you’ve ever made homemade cat food, you know it is important to balance nutrition. Luckily for you, there are herbs for the best homemade cat food that are not only safe for your cat but also add a nice little nutritional boost

Parsley

Parsley is packed full of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and beta-carotene, which can be beneficial to your cat. A sprinkling here and there on food may help freshen the breath and ease aches and pains.

Basil

Basil is another cat safe plant that’s rich in antioxidants and can help support your cat’s immune system. It can also add some flavour to their meals without the need for artificial flavouring.

Thyme

Thyme is a healthy herb that can be safely included in your homemade cat food. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cat Safe Plants: More Green Goodness for Your Furry Friend

If you’re keen on adding a bit of greenery to your home, it’s essential to know which cat-safe plants you can keep around. Not all plants are suitable for curious kitties, but there are plenty that are perfectly safe.

Catmint

Generally milder and less smelly than catnip but can still have a feelgood effect on felines. It has a minty aroma and produces beautiful deep violet flowers which will attract bees and cats.

Lemon Balm 

The uplifting, feel good effects of lemon balm can be of benefit to cats and dogs. The leaves can ease anxiety and may have a calming effect on your pet’s digestive system, easing pain and diarrhoea.

Valerian

If your cat doesn’t react to catnip, then valerian should do the trick. Valerian can calm down stressed-out kitties and is a cat safe plant that doubles as an anxiety buster. It also acts as a stimulant and is used to get lazy, overweight moggies moving.

Plants Dangerous for your Cats: The Ones to Avoid Like the Plague

As much as you want to fill your outdoor space with plants and flowers, it’s crucial to know which plants dangerous for cats could be lurking in your garden. These toxic plants can cause anything from upset stomachs to more serious health issues so here are the main ones to avoid:

Lilies 

Beautiful but deadly. These can cause kidney failure in cats, so if you have a kitty who likes to nibble on leaves, keep these out of your garden. The pollen from the stamens is particularly dangerous so keep an eye out for lilies in cut flower arrangements

Oleander

This beautiful shrub is highly toxic to cats and can lead to heart problems or worse. A no-go in a cat-friendly home.

Aloe Vera

We love this plant for its soothing properties, but it can have the opposite effect for your cat. Aloe can cause vomiting, exhaustion, and diarrhoea. Not fun.

How to Grow Cat Friendly Plants, Without Your Cat Destroying Them

So, you’ve chosen some cat friendly plants, but how do you keep your cat from destroying them?

• Keep Plants Up High: As we all know cats love to climb, so if possible, try to place your plants on shelves or in hanging baskets where they can’t reach them.
• Use Cat Repellents: There are safe, non-toxic sprays you can use to deter your cat from munching on your plants. Just make sure they’re safe for both plants and pets. Cat repelling plants like rosemary can keep your kitty away from certain areas.
• Enclose plants: Make the most out of an old cabinet, preferably with glass doors, and turn it into your own little greenhouse! The plants will still be visible, but they are well protected from any inquisitive kitties.

Creating a green and pleasant land for your favourite feline

 If you're looking for a natural solution to improve your cat’s diet and life, then our Blissful Kitty collection is just the ticket! Containing six of the best, safest plants for cats - including catnip and valerian, it makes a brilliant gift for cats and their owners. The herbs can even be grown inside on a windowsill in their special pots, to provide valuable greenery for house bound cats to explore. Remember to steer clear of plants dangerous to cats and slowly introduce new herbs into their diet. You should always consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet.