26 Jul DIY Cat Garden: An Easy Way To Save Your Other Houseplants
If you own a cat, you know how much they love houseplants. So, instead of fighting it, just give in a create an indoor cat garden! Before getting started, there are a few things to consider; the planter you choose can be just as important as the types of plants you choose, many herbs can serve a dual purpose, and some plants are absolutely not okay for your cat.
Cat friendly planters.
Cats like to sit in plants and in boxes, making window boxes the perfect planter for your cat garden. Fill your window boxes with a safe ground cover like sedum, for example, will give your cat a soft, cozy place to sunbathe. Also, sedum is remarkably easy to grow. If window boxes don’t suit your aesthetic, or your cat is a little too fluffy to safely fit, look for large planters. So long as your cat can fit comfortably and enjoy a little vegetation and sunshine.
Plants for the perfect cat garden.
Sedum:
As I said above, sedum is a beautiful, full ground cover that will create a nice bed for your cat to lie in. The best part about sedum is how easy it is to grow. If doesn’t even have to be planted. Literally throw some where you’d like it and it roots itself. Super, super easy.
Asparagus Fern:
This happens to be my favorite indoor plant. As with sedum, it’s easy. This particular fern is a lot of fun; big bushy shoots, perfect for your cat to hide in, and, when left to its own devices, it will sprout what looks exactly like asparagus, hence the name. It’s a hearty plant and will survive almost anywhere and anything.
Herbs:
In an apartment, utilizing space is key. Using herbs that are safe for your cat in your cat garden can serve a dual purpose. A little for them, a little for you. Just be sure you thoroughly wash them, obviously.
Cilantro is one of those things you either love or hate; cats seem to love it. So, throw a little of this herb in your cat garden. Cinnamon is another fresh herb that, when grown out, is quite pretty and it smells good when crushed. Your cat eats it and you get the aroma of fresh cinnamon throughout your place. It’s a win/win. The third herb to add to your cat garden is thyme. Thyme is easily digestible and totally safe for your furbaby, so don’t hesitate to use a lot of it.
The obvious.
Catnip and cat grass are the obvious choices for a cat garden. If you’re looking to keep it simple, stick with these. They’re both one hundred percent safe and cats love them.
Plants to avoid.
Many, many common plants are toxic to animals. Before you buy houseplants, please ensure they are safe. Even herbs, such as mint and lemongrass, are toxic to cats. A full list of toxic and non-toxic plants compiled by the ASPCA is available here.
Sharing a space with a cat can be a challenge at times. They’re solitary creatures that enjoy their privacy. Creating a space just for them where they can chew on grace, lay in sun, and survey their surroundings will make for a much better relationship. For more tips on keeping your cat happy, check out our blog.