Written by Rita Reimers, Multi Cat Behavior Expert
As you read in the previous article, “Is Your Cat Eating Your Plants?“, there are many plants that could prove toxic to your cats (and dogs), so many that it’s a little overwhelming to keep track of them all.
So here is a list of some plants your cats may LOVE to chew, and it’s ok for them to enjoy!
**If you are in doubt about a plant, it’s best to avoid it altogether**
Cat Safe Plants
We briefly touched on a few plants in the last article that are wonderful for cats. A few of these that you should plant indoors just for your cats include:
- Catnip: Catnip is one of the best-known plants that cats all over the world PURR for. Most cats become extremely playful, rolling around on the floor or zooming around the room. But be careful; too much Catnip can cause tummy upset and vomiting, and some cats may actually become aggressive when given Catnip.
- Silvervine: Much like Catnip, Silvervine causes a euphoric feeling in cats, perhaps even more so than Catnip! You may hear some meowing, witness so drooling, and lots of rubbing against you and your things. For a double-whammy, try this Catnip and Silvervine-filled stuffed pillow toy from Two Crazy Cat Ladies: KITTY CRACK PILLOW
Cat Grass: Cat Grass is easy to grow, and is both enjoyable and beneficial to cats. Rich in folic acid, the cat grass plant can is good for your cat’s bloodstream, and can also aid in your cat’s digestion.- Valerian: This is yet another plant that acts like a stimulant for cats, giving them an anxiety-reducing feeling to combat stress. Valerian has also been used to treat insomnia in humans because of it’s calming effect.
- Cats Claw: The pretty yellow flowers of the cats claw are great for both you and your cat. Containing natural cortisone, Cat Claw can help your cat with itchiness and allergies.
- Licorice Root: Both yummy to eat and beneficial to cats, Licorice Root is a great plant to have around your cats. It promotes liver health, soothes the tummy, and helps with arthritis as well.
- Cat Thyme: With its pretty pink flowers, Cat Thyme can stimulate even those cats who are unaffected by Cat Nip. If Cat Nip leaves your cat yawning, try Cat Thyme to see if he rolls around with happiness!
Research Each Plant Before Buying
There are quite a number of articles available that talk about cat safe plants. However, in researching this article, I discovered quite a bit if contrary information about plants such a Mint, Parlor Palms, Spider Plants, Lemongrass, and Chamomile, to name a few. Some sites say they are safe, some say they are not.
Before purchasing a plant for your indoor garden, please research each plant you’re considering individually, and consult your veterinarian.
It is far better to err on the side of safety and avoid those plants you cannot definitively determined to be safe for your cats. Consult these references to help you decide which plants to bring into your cat’s indoor (and/or outdoor) space:
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i live in an apt. with a cat who is skittish. what plant is good for him??
Hi Michele,
Is he a hider? I got that impression when you said he is skittish. Catnip plants may lure him out of hiding. Also, when cats eat catnip instead of just sniffing it, it tends to make them feel calm and blissful. Cat grass is also great for indoor cats. I like this catnip grower, it uses NO DIRT so it’s not messy, and it’s easy to grow. Even for a brown-thumb person like me!
https://www.amazon.com/Catit-Senses-2-0-Grass-Planter/dp/B00D3NI72Y/
Purrs,
Rita
My cat is obsessed with lemon grass and I live in an apartment with indoor lemon grass plant(which my cat has no access to ) . I posted a video online and got criticized for feeding my cat lemon grass. People kept saying I should contact the vet as it’s poisonous.
Also My cat loves shrimps and I give him boiled shrimps 2 in the morning and 2 in the night time. But he sometimes pukes the shrimp out . I am worried for his health
Hi Kashphia,
I’m so glad you love your kitty enough to check, yes Lemongrass is known to be toxic to cats.
Try growing a catnip plant for your cat, or cat grass is also safe and most cats love it.
As for the shrimp, yes it’s ok to give it but in moderation. Try alternating shrimp and perhaps some chicken or turkey to see if he stops throwing it back up. If he does, it’s wise to contact your vet to make sure he doesn’t have a digestive issue or even an allergy to the shrimp.
Meows and Purrs,
Rita
My cat is obsessed with lemon grass and I live in an apartment with indoor lemon grass plant(which my cat has no access to ) . I posted a video online and got criticized for feeding my cat lemon grass. People kept saying I should contact the vet as it’s poisonous.Also My cat loves shrimps and I give him boiled shrimps 2 in the morning and 2 in the night time. But he sometimes pukes the shrimp out . I am worried for his health