Indoor Gardening and Cats: The Unknown Dangers and Solutions

Guest Post by Josh Nicholas of Millrace Garden Centre, England.

A Safe Indoor Garden for Your Pets

Scared to garden indoors for fear of harming your pet? Don’t be! While some plants can pose dangers if ingested, there are many safe options that let you create a beautiful indoor garden.

Plants can be a fantastic source of stimulation for cats too. With a bit of planning, you can ensure that both you and your cats can enjoy the greenery.

Avoid Toxic Plants

Some plants are toxic to cats and dogs, and in severe cases, they can even be fatal. Animals tend to avoid non-food items, but it’s still wise to keep toxic plants out of reach.

Plants to Avoid: Lilies and poinsettias are highly toxic to cats. Always research before introducing a new plant to your home. Cats Protection and Dogs Trust offer lists of plants toxic to cats and dogs. When in doubt, consult your vet.

Fortunately, many plants are perfectly safe. Safe Herbs include basil, mint, coriander, dill, and parsley, which are great for your kitchen. Safe Flowers include cornflowers, petunias, impatiens, and zinnias, offering safe, vibrant color options.

Create an Indoor Cat Garden

Cats love to chew, sniff, and play with plants, so why not create a dedicated space just for them?

1. Herbs: Cats enjoy parsley and thyme. Use a heavy-bottomed, low planter with a mix of safe herbs to keep them engaged.
2. Cat Grass: Known as wheat grass, cat grass provides roughage and can be easily grown in a pot. Be sure to buy it from a reputable supplier.
3. Catnip: This classic favorite will provide hours of entertainment. You can even use cuttings to stuff into toys for extra fun.

Placement Tips: Choose a spot with an easy-to-clean floor and keep pots low to avoid spills. Heavy-bottomed, wide pots are also harder for cats to tip over.

Keep Your Other Plants Safe from Curious Cats

While a designated cat garden may help keep them away from your other plants, some additional steps can help cat-proof your indoor garden:

• Cayenne Pepper Spray: Sprinkle cayenne on soil or spray leaves with a 50% Tabasco and water solution to deter your cat.
• Citrus Peels: Place orange and lemon peels in pots—cats typically dislike citrus scents.
• Cover Soil with Pebbles: This hides the soil and prevents digging.
• Use a Terrarium: A glass dome creates a protective barrier.
• Hang or Elevate Plants: Hanging baskets and high ledges keep plants out of reach.

For more tips on keeping your indoor plants looking healthy, check out the “8 Tips for Gardening Indoors in Winter” post on the Mill Race blog.

With some planning, you can create a pet-safe indoor garden. A bit of creativity will help you design a cat-friendly space, providing enrichment and a nutritional boost while enhancing your home with beautiful greenery.