A Beginner’s Guide for Creating an Indoor Cat Garden

Do you have an indoor cat who likes to stare out the windows and longs to be outside? Then an indoor cat garden is just what your home needs to bring the outdoors in for your curious critter!

Planter 
When looking for the right planter, search for one that is tall enough for your cat’s head to reach the plants, but also small enough so that there isn’t room for your cat to try and use it as a litter box or walk in it and make a mess. A window box planter is a good option.

Garden soil
Make sure that the soil you use is organic, which will ensure that pesticides don’t get into your cat’s system.

Two or three starter plants
Many plants are toxic to animals, so the first thing you should do is make sure that the plants you select are cat-safe. To help keep your kitty in the clear, here is a list of common plants and herbs that are considered to be cat-safe:

Catnip
This plant is a member of the mint family, and the scent gives cats a burst of energy. When it is ingested, cats can become mellow and calm. However, do not give catnip to a cat that has a history of seizures.

Wheat or oat grass
Cats get lots of nutrients from these grasses, but the grasses also grow grains when left alone, and the grains themselves are toxic to cats. So it is important for you to keep the grass cut short if your cat doesn’t eat it before the grains grow.

Parsley
There are lots of vitamins and minerals in parsley that are beneficial for your cat’s diet.

Cat thyme
This plant has a scent that may not smell wonderful to humans, but your cat will love it. It also has some of the same properties as catnip.

Valerian
Yet another herb that has similar effects as catnip. In fact, some cats even like this more than catnip!

Rye grass
Your cat will enjoy the taste of this plant, and they will get nutrients from it just like those in wheat or oat grasses.

Rosemary
This herb not only has a pine-like fragrance, but also the added benefit of repelling fleas from your cats.

Lemongrass
Cats love the scent, and the plant provides lots of health benefits for cats, such as antiparasitic, antibacterial, diuretic, and digestion-improving properties.