The best part about warmer days is spending as much time as possible outside! If you have an outdoor space, luckily you don't have to venture far to soak up the sunshine.
Whether you have a large backyard or a small patio, here are 10 cat-friendly plants for a garden area that you and your feline friends can enjoy together.
Please note: Plants that are deemed safe for cats may still cause health issues if consumed in large quantities. If you kitties enjoy being outside, we recommend leash and harness training or building a catio enclosure to protect them from outdoor hazards.
Petunias
Add some pops of colour to your garden with petunias, which come in a variety of beautiful hues and can bloom all summer long with proper care.
Sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius)
This cheerful flower only requires plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive, and is safe for curious kitties.
Tickseed (Coreopsis californica)
Tickseed adds beauty to your garden while also attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Figleaf palm (Fatsia japonica)
Figleaf palm has a lush, tropical appearance and grows well in shady areas.
Roses (Rosa species)
A rose bush will bring romance and a lovely fragrance to your garden. Roses are also cat-friendly, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Nothing is better than a home cooked meal with freshly-picked herbs from your own backyard! Basil, as well as many other herbs like dill, thyme, cilantro, fennel and sage, are non-toxic to cats.
Pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis)
These vibrant flowers grow quickly and abundantly, and are most often seen in hues of orange, yellow and red. Note that unlike pot marigolds (Calendula officinalis), French marigolds (Tagetes patula) are mildly toxic to cats.
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica)
With its bright pink, red and purple flowers and high heat tolerance, a crape myrtle bush or tree is the perfect summer plant.
Jasmine (Jasminum species)
Known for their fragrant white or yellow flowers, jasmine can be planted indoors and outdoors and enjoyed all season long.
Parlour palm ( Chamaedorea elegans)
While these elegant palm plants thrive in sub-tropical regions, those who live in more temperate climates can try growing them in containers outdoors in the summertime and bringing them inside when the temperatures drop.
For a more thorough guide on which plants are safe for cats, refer to this list compiled by the ASPCA.
Happy gardening! 🪴