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Do you have a cat that likes to accompany you outside in the summer? Providing cats with a (supervised) enriching outdoor environment can be very beneficial to them. Not only will a cat garden satisfy your cat's natural instincts and curiosity by providing mental stimulation, it has many great health benefits as well.
All you need to get started is a planter and some cat friendly plants.
Cat Friendly Plants
Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a short-lived perennial, herbaceous plant which blooms from late spring through fall. It is a member of the mint family of plants, containing a strong-scented minty oil that’s easily released into the air. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at saturations as low as one part per billion. Cats will love to eat this plant right from the garden.
Catmint
Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is very similar to catnip and is also a member of the mint family of plants. It blooms from late spring through to the fall. Your cat may not be as attracted to catmint when compared to the nip. It is noted that cats tend to prefer to roll around on catmint leaves, more so than eating it.
Spider plant
The Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a very common house plant that cats seem to be quite attracted to. This is because it is a mild hallucinogenic. It produces chemicals that cause fascination and obsession of this plant in your cat. When this plant is ingested by cats it has a similar response as catnip. While considered a non-toxic plant, excessive ingestion of the plan can cause a slight upset stomach and vomiting, so be aware of the amount your cat is nibbling on.
Cat grass
Cat grass isn’t one type of grass, but could be one of a few grass species that are safe for cats to chew and eat.-Dactylis glomerata (Orchard grass) -Hordeum vulgare (Barley grass)-Triticum aestivum (Common wheat)-Avena sativa (Oat grass)Most cats like eating grass. Cat grass is easy to grow and can be bough as a seed kit at may pet supply stores or as a plant at your local greenhouse. Cats will be attracted to the cat grass to chew on, but unlike catnip, the grass does not produce an euphoric response when ingested. Eating grass will provide your cat with fibre, which can aid in digestion and help control hairballs.
Planting Your Garden
Find an appropriate planter and add some curious kitties. Enjoy your summer outside with your cats!
Once the summer months have ended, bring the garden inside to continue providing your cat with great enrichment opportunities.