Can you believe it, the key to happiness is through plant life. Add your feline companion in the mix and you may just achieve the holy grail of happiness.
Research suggests that having plants around you is beneficial to your health and productivity relative to a barren environment. This goes for us humans and our cats. Let's take a look first at some of the benefits before we dive into creating your new cat garden.
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Human Benefits
Lower blood pressure
Lower levels of anxiety
Improved well-being
Increased attentiveness
Improved perceptions of a space
Raise productivity
Cat Benefits
Cat benefits vary by plant (outlined below) but the over all atmosphere of having them around increases your cats happiness by over 100%. Don't forget plants clean the air that we breathe so having just a few around is better than none.
So I have officially sold you on getting some plants for the house and maybe in creating a nice outdoor space as well. But what plants are safe?
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Safe Plants with Cat Benefits
Grass: Wheat, Oak and Barley grass. These grasses aid in digestion but also provide nutrients that are less common in pet foods. It can also help aid in resolving hairballs. Cats typically eat small amounts on occasion.
Spider Plant: This plant grows fast and also produces its own babies. Which is great because this plant is like a all you can eat salad bar for your cat.
Mint: Mint is extremely easy to grow. Cats are more likely to roll around and sniff mint than to consume it. Consuming mint is rare but can cause a upset tummy if eaten in large amounts. But is not toxic.
Licorice Root: A healthy lollipop for cats. With such benefits as a anti inflammatory, promotes liver health and can resolve digestive issues.
Lemongrass: Can be grown indoors and out very easily and is also a mild stimulate for your cat. It also offers the same benefits as the other grasses.
Valerian: Is a stimulant for cats just like catnip. But what makes this plant extra special is it will attract pollinators to its white flowers. The root can actually be used as a sleep aid for humans.
Catnip: The joyful frenzy plant for your cat. I have found that catnip grows best outdoors and will create beautiful long vines. Some cats love catnip and are affected by it while others receive no stimulation from it. As a alternative you can also try Cat Thyme.
Cat Thyme: This plant is typically a summer grower and has beautiful pink flowers. It does like to grow slow but is a wonderful alternative to catnip.
The list above is for plants that are beneficial to your cat upon consumption.
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There are many other plants that are safe around cats that you may plant as long as they are not toxic.
For a complete list of safe and non toxic plants the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has combined a easy list for owners to use free of charge. Please click the link below to be directed to this list.
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New Cat Garden
Now that the learning part is behind us, its time for the creating part. Weather you have a small patio or balcony or even a sun room you can turn anything into a tiny oasis. Here are two fun ideas for you to try out.
Create A Fun Grass Patch
Using a litter box you can create a great contained grass patch. Just pour in some soil and you may plant using any wheat, oak or barley grass or even use bird seed to hatch grass. Your cat will have a nice cool place to hang out.
Planter Hideaway
Using multiple planters, you can use long planters or you can use a bunch of single pots. Create a square or rectangle using the pots. But leave a entry point for your cat to walk in and out the area inside should not be to large. You want your cat to feel cozy and feel like they are hiding. Inside this area you can put your cats favorite type of bedding.
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Creating a cat garden should be fun and relaxing and best of all it is a special time for bonding with your cat. In my experience I have noticed significant behavioral changes in problem cats by adding plants. Creating a tiny oasis can even help cats who get lonely or depressed.
I know time is a huge factor for everyone. Create a cat garden with your time in mind. A tiny oasis is better then no oasis. With just ten minutes to spare each day you can create both of our ideas listed above. That's less time then most people spend on social media.
Be happy and healthy together and don't forget to share your experience with us on Facebook (if your not busy expanding your garden). We would love to see what you've created and you may even inspire someone else.
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Pictured: Pharaoh the community cat enjoying his cat garden that his dad made him. Featuring strawberries, cat grass, catnip and other safe plants that are within reaching distance. He also added a sweet touch by adding a cooling mat and raised feeder.
What is a community cat?
Please click on the link below for more information about community cats and to research your community to see if they provide these services for stray cats.
