Keep your feline friends safe and your indoor garden flourishing with our explanation of what kind of house plants cats can eat. In this post, we discuss the indoor plants that pose no harm to your curious cats while providing a beautiful green oasis in your home.
For those interested in creating a vertical herb garden, our guide on how to plant a vertical herb garden offers step-by-step instructions. Additionally, if you’re seeking expert advice on keeping pests out of your herb garden, don’t miss our pro tips on how to keep pests out of herb garden.
| Key Takeaways |
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| Some common houseplants that are safe for cats to eat include spider plants, wheatgrass, and catnip. |
| However, there are also many common houseplants that are toxic to cats, including lilies, ivy, and aloe vera. |
| If you’re unsure whether a particular plant is safe for your cat to eat, be sure to do your research or consult with your veterinarian. |
| It’s important to keep your cat away from any toxic plants, as they can cause serious health problems or even be fatal to your furry friend. |
| Providing your cat with safe, cat-friendly plants to nibble on can also provide health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and reducing stress. |
Dive in and learn how to create a pet-friendly indoor garden that both you and your feline companions can enjoy.
cat grass
Finally, we have cat grass. This is a popular choice for many cat owners because it’s safe for cats to eat and also provides them with fiber.
Fiber can help keep your cat’s digestion regular, which is especially important if you’re feeding them wet food.
As previously mentioned, a lack of exercise can lead to weight gain in felines—and if your feline friend is overweight, this could lead to digestive problems down the road.
Cat grass is also beneficial because it helps clean their teeth while providing them with another source of dietary fiber (the kind found in fruits and veggies).
If you’ve ever seen how much time cats spend grooming themselves when they’re not eating or sleeping, then you’ll know that keeping their teeth clean must be important!
Spider plant
The spider plant is one of the most popular houseplants, and for good reason. They’re easy to care for and grow well in low light, as well as in dry air and low humidity.
You can even prune them to keep them small if you want! Spider plants look great on their own or grouped together in a cluster.
“If you’re a cat owner and a plant lover, it’s important to be aware of the houseplants that can be toxic to your furry friend. Check out our article on 15 Indoor Plants That Are Also Poisonous Houseplants to learn more about the common houseplants that can be harmful to cats.”
Basil
Does your cat like basil? If not, you’re in luck. Basil makes a great snack for kitties because it’s rich in Vitamin K and healthy antioxidants.
However, if your cat does love the taste of basil (and many do), you may need to hide it from them since the scent is not something they enjoy.
While basil isn’t toxic to cats per se, keep an eye on how much they eat and what other foods they have eaten recently to make sure that there are no negative side effects that could come up later on.
Oregano
Oregano is a perennial herb that grows in the Mediterranean region. It has a spicy, pungent flavor and is used in Italian and Mexican dishes.
The leaves are used in cooking, and the oil is used as a flavoring and medicine.
Oregano contains several different chemicals with known health benefits, including thymol (antioxidant), carvacrol (anti-inflammatory), rosmarinic acid (anti-tumor), alpha-pinene (anti-inflammatory) and limonene (antibacterial).
“Are you interested in attracting bees to your potted plants? Bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants and flowers, and there are certain plants that are particularly attractive to these busy insects. Check out our guide on What Potted Plants Attract Bees Explained to learn about the best plants to attract bees to your garden.”
Parsley
Parsley, the herb that’s used in many dishes and as a garnish, is also edible for cats. It’s safe to give your cat parsley if you pick it from the garden or buy it at the store (make sure it hasn’t been treated with pesticides).
Parsley contains vitamins A and C as well as iron, calcium, magnesium and other nutrients. Parsley can be used to treat urinary tract infections caused by bacteria like E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus but only when eaten raw; cooking destroys its antibiotic properties.
Parsley may also help lower your cat’s chances of developing kidney stones by preventing crystals from forming in urine.
Parsley can also lower blood pressure in humans when consumed regularly (in moderation).
Cilantro
Cilantro is a member of the carrot family, so it has a similar flavor to carrots. It also contains other compounds that make it toxic for cats, especially in large quantities.
The leaves, stems, roots and flowers are all safe for cats to eat. However if your cat eats too much cilantro or another plant from the carrot family you may notice that their urine smells like parsley or carrots; this is because some of these plants contain phenols which produce an odor similar to what you would expect from those foods!
Rosemary
Rosemary: A perennial herb, rosemary is a great option for your cat to snack on. Since the leaves of this plant are toxic when ingested, make sure to keep them away from your pets at all times. Instead, opt for using it as an ornamental garden plant or for cooking meals!
Here are some tips and tricks on how to care for rosemary:
Rosemary needs lots of light and warmth in order to grow properly. If you want your plants to flourish quickly, place them near a sunny window or near another source of heat (such as a radiator).
You can also try placing these herbs outdoors during warmer months if possible; they will thrive under natural sunlight much better than any artificial lighting you might have indoors!
When watering rosemary plants make sure not too over-water them since too much moisture can cause root rot which will kill off those pretty flowers before they even have time.
“Gnats can be a pesky problem for houseplant owners, but there are several effective ways to keep them at bay. Check out our expert tips on How Do You Keep Gnats Off Houseplants to learn about the best ways to prevent and treat gnat infestations in your home.”
Thyme
Thyme is a perennial herb that has many health benefits. This is one of the plants that cats can eat. Thyme is typically grown as an ornamental plant, but it can also be used in cooking.
Thyme contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to keep your cat’s immune system strong and healthy. The leaves of this plant are edible for cats and can even be used as a treat or snack during playtime!
Lavender
Lavender is a common herb that you can find in many households. Lavender is more than just a pretty flower; it also has many medicinal properties. Some people use lavender to help relieve stress, headaches and insomnia.
If your cat gets stressed out or has anxiety, you can give them a small amount of lavender tea every day to help them relax.
Lavender plants are safe for cats to eat but make sure to always check with your vet first before giving any medications to your cat.
Mint
Mint is a perennial herb with square stems, dark green leaves and purple flowers. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it is now cultivated worldwide for its aromatic oil and for its medicinal qualities.
Mint has a long history of use in cooking, beverages and medicine as well as an array of other applications from mosquito repellent to aromatherapy oils.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb that is part of the mint family. Lemon balm is used in herbal medicine to treat anxiety, insomnia and depression. It’s also a natural insect repellent!
In addition to being safe for cats to eat, lemon balm has many other health benefits for humans as well. These include:
- Fights colds and flu by boosting your immune system
- Alleviates stress
- Helps you sleep better
“Betta fish are a popular choice for pet owners, but it’s important to choose the right plants to keep them healthy and happy. Check out our article on What House Plants Are Safe for Betta Fish Find Out to learn about the best houseplants to use in your Betta fish tank.”
Catnip
Catnip is a perennial herb that’s toxic to cats. It’s also part of the mint family, so it smells similar to spearmint or peppermint.
Catnip is safe for humans, but if your cat eats a lot of it, they could get sick or have an allergic reaction. The good news is that there are no known side effects from handling catnip occasionally and safely.
Catnip has been used as a natural insect repellent for years and there are many different plants in this category including lemon balm, bee balm and lavender mint.
If you want to use these herbs as bug repellents, make sure not to rub them on your skin directly because they could cause irritation or allergic reactions!
Conclusion
Cats are natural predators and love to hunt and kill small animals. While your cat might not be able to catch a mouse, there are many plants that are safe for them to eat.
The list above contains a variety of different options so you can choose which one fits best in your home or garden.
“Saving an indoor plant from the brink of death can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to know the right techniques to use. Check out our pro tips on How Do I Save My Indoor Plant to learn about the best ways to revive your struggling houseplants and help them thrive.”
Further reading
Which Houseplants Are Safe for Cats? – This article provides a comprehensive list of cat-safe houseplants, along with helpful tips for keeping your furry friends safe around your plants.
7 Plants to Grow for Cats – Looking for the perfect houseplants to keep your cat happy and healthy? Check out this article for a list of plants that are not only safe for cats but also provide health benefits.
Pet-Friendly Houseplants – If you’re a pet owner looking to add some greenery to your home, this article offers a variety of pet-friendly houseplants to choose from, including both low-maintenance and high-maintenance options.
Here are some example questions and answers for the FAQs section based on the semantic of the title:
FAQs
Are there any houseplants that are safe for cats?
Yes, there are several houseplants that are safe for cats, including spider plants, Boston ferns, and African violets. Be sure to do your research before bringing any new plants into your home to ensure they are safe for your furry friend.
What are some benefits of having houseplants for cats?
Houseplants can provide numerous benefits for cats, including improving air quality, providing mental stimulation, and aiding in digestion. Some plants also have natural insecticidal properties that can help keep pests at bay.
How can I keep my cats from eating my houseplants?
There are several strategies you can use to keep your cats from eating your houseplants, including providing them with their own cat grass to munch on, using deterrent sprays, and placing your plants out of reach.
What should I do if I suspect my cat has ingested a toxic plant?
If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of plant toxicity in cats can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
How can I ensure my houseplants are safe for my cats?
To ensure your houseplants are safe for your cats, be sure to do your research before bringing any new plants into your home. There are several resources available online that provide lists of cat-safe houseplants, along with helpful tips for keeping your furry friends safe around your plants.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.