Anyone can tell you that most cats lose their minds for catnip, but what other cat plants are good (or fun) for your cat baby? Since spring is on it’s way, you might find yourself wanting to liven up your abode with some fresh florals for the season – so why not take into consideration some plants that your cat will like too! Here are a list of some kitty-friendly herbs:
Valerian
Is your precious pumpkin a little plump from lazing around during the winter months? Though we often use it as a sleeping aid, valerian is a great cat plant that actually works as a stimulant for our furry feline friends. Keep a little pot of this sweet-smelling herb around your house and your cat will likely find it irresistible. Not only will it give your baby bubs energy to get those fuzzy thunder thighs a-burnin’, but it’ll make your dwellings smell like that of someone who takes the trash out more than once a month. BONUS!
Licorice Root
I guess I’m a little biased since I’m a licorice fiend who salivates at the sheer mention of it, but licorice root is not only good for you, but it’s good for your little Pussanushka too! It is commonly used as a diuretic (meaning it makes ya go pee a whole bunch and rids your body of unneeded salt – a particularly good thing if you’re fighting a virus) and it can help Miss Jellybelly Button Boots with everything from digestion to arthritis.
Dandelion Root
Does your kitty have allergies? Some dandelion for your dandy mini-lion can help! A natural cortisone, dandelion root helps to alleviate the itchiness that keeps your kitty in a state of discomfort during allergy season – just mix a few leaves in with her dinner.
Goldenseal
With a fancy schmancy name like freaking “goldenseal”, this herb is actually as useful as it is pretentious-sounding. If you have a particularly active kitty who is prone to a small injury here or there, you might find cause to keep this herb handy. Goldenseal, if applied topically, can be used as a disinfectant to keep any spread of infection at bay, especially in the case of a nasty abscess.
Cat Thyme
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As previously stated, most cats love catnip. But for the ones who don’t, try to see if some cat thyme gets their motor purring. Cat thyme can be used to soothe anxious kitties who could benefit from some chill-out time, or should I say, “thyme”, HA. DO YOU GET IT? Oh man. Nailed it. Anyway, the only drawback is that, unlike the sweet aroma of valerian, cat thyme smells pretty pungent, so you may want to invest in some air fresheners to mask the odor.
So there you have it! These are just a few of the cat plants that Mister Pickles could benefit from keeping around the house. Please note that these herbs should never be used in lieu of medicine or a trip to the vet. If you think something is bugging your bean, always make sure you get a medical opinion, and always keep an eye on your cat to make sure they don’t suffer any adverse reactions. DO NOT treat any plants that your cat could get into with any pesticide or other harmful chemicals, and always make sure that any plants you keep around the house aren’t poisonous to cats, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and chrysanthemums, to name a few. For a more complete list of flowers and plants that can be harmful to your feline, please visit *PetMD.*
Additionally, always remember: everything in moderation. Don’t put too much of any herb in your cat’s food. Cats are natural carnivores, and as such, they don’t need to eat a whole heck of a lot of vegetation. DO NOT substitute cat plants for food! A little sprinkle here and there should be enough. And with that, I bid you happy planting!
is vertigo grass poison to cats?
Hi Debby, You can consult this list of plants (http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list) toxic to cats from the ASPCA. I don’t see vertigo grass listed but I would consult your vet to be safe if you notice your kitty eating it or if they show any symptoms of poisoning like throwing up, diarrhea, lethargy or tremors.
Is it okay to give your cat Cat’s Claw?
Hi David, I personally don’t have experiance with Cat’s Claw but when I checked the list of non-toxic plants for cats on the ASPCA website, I didn’t see Cat’s Claw listed. I would avoid it just to be safe. Below is the link to the site if you want to check it out.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/c?&field_non_toxicity_value%5B02%5D=02&page=2
Hello dear, are boston and spider plants ok to have indoor when there are cats at home?
Great question, Ro! Here’s a list from the ASPCA of toxic plants:
(http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list)
Please also double check with a vet before bringing a new plant into the household.
Thank you for the comment! 🙂
Thanks for this list. It was an entertaining and informative read 😀
You’re welcome, Shubha! 🙂
I think you confused valerian and cat thyme with regard to smells? I have cat thyme and it doesn’t smell bad at all, but I know from experimenting with valerian tea in the past that it is EXTREMELY pungent. Like double-bag and put in a tupperware in the back of the cabinet pungent. Cat thyme doesn’t seem to bother anyone though.