Taking care of plants and Cats at the same time can be tricky. But no need to fret! Here are Cat-safe plants that even a busy person can take care of.
CATS LIKE PLANTS!
Kaira Facistol, Cat mother and plant lover, says that her Cats live harmoniously with her plants. They play with and eat the plants, sometimes even sleeping on them! They also play with the plants until they grow tired of them.
INDOOR PLANTS
SPIDER PLANT Chlorophytum comosum
While the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website classifies this plant as non-toxic to Cats, according to an article by Nikki Tilley in the website Gardening Know-How, Spider plants do have a hallucinogenic effect on Cats, albeit it does no harm.
This plant is most suitable in the shade and hates too much water. They make a lovely hanging plant inside the home.
CALATHEA Calathea spp
This plant also does not need direct sunlight so it will do fine in the shadier parts of your house.
In a 2021 article by Shoshi Parks in Insider, it is suggested that the plant can be grown in a terrarium. Occasionally misting the plant is also recommended.
Calathea’s leaves follow the movement of the sun.
PARLOR PALM Chamaedorea elegant
This plant can reach up to six feet and it’s easy to take care of. All you need to do is water it weekly and avoid sunlight.
This palm is highly recommended because the plant helps purify the air.
According to a 2021 article by Jon Vanzile from TheSpruce.com, Parlor Palms are commonly used during Palm Sundays because they can survive for up to 40 days after being cut.
ECHEVERIA Echeveria spp.
Echeverias can thrive either indoors or outdoors. These succulents are known for their flower-like appearance and are commonly found in hot climate places or the desert.
Cat-mom Kaira learned the hard way that succulents don’t need to be watered every day and that they require different soil to thrive.
CAT GRASS
Cat Grass is so easy to grow that the materials needed to grow one can be found in local supermarkets. Different types of grass are called Cat Grass, including Oat and Wheat Grass.
In a 2021 article on PetMD, it is recommended that the seeds not be soaked. It usually takes three to seven days for the grass to grow. It’s ready for the Cats 14 days after sprouting and will last up to three weeks.
Keep in mind that they need moderate sunlight.
Cat Grass is beneficial not only for Cats, but also for humans. The grass aids in a Cat’s digestion due to its fiber. For humans, that means less hairballs to clean up.
OUTDOOR PLANTS
JACOB’S LADDER Polemonium spp.
This purple flower grows best in partial sun, as long as there is moist soil. Mulch can help keep the plant’s soil as moist as possible.
The colorful flowers and the fern-like leaves make for an attractive addition to your garden.
According to Marie Iannotti’s 2022 article on TheSpruce.com, this plant is also called the Greek Valerian.
SUNFLOWER Helianthus annuus
Sunflowers are surprisingly easy to grow. All you need is well-drained soil and a well-lit area in your garden.
They can tolerate drought and will make your garden look brighter. Sunflowers are low-maintenance — they require little energy while exuding a lot of it!
BASIL Ocimum basilicum
If you want a plant that can be used in your kitchen, spruces up your outdoor garden, and is safe for your Cats, this plant is for you!
All that a Basil plant needs is full sun and moist soil. For visual variety, you can also plant some African Blues.
NASTURTIUM Tropaeolum spp.
Nasturtiums are one of the most low-maintenance outdoor plants out there. They can grow in any climate with little to no light.
Once the flowers bloom, they practically take care of themselves. The flowers of the Nasturtium can be used as ingredients for salads.
CATNIP Nepeta cataria
Yes, Catnips are easy to take care of and are also low maintenance. Just like the sunflowers, they just need well-drained soil and sunlight.
You can water the Catnip occasionally if you think they’re not getting enough water. Once they’re grown, your Cats will enjoy playing with them.
Not all cats react to Catnip the same way! Some roll around and salivate in seeming bliss, while others don’t seem at all affected by it.
