Despite being carnivores, felines’ interest in plants is instinctive and common in the wild, especially to relieve stomach symptoms. When the plant is suitable, such as common grass and sesame, it aids in digestion and the elimination of hairballs.
Furthermore, making the home environment greener, more interactive and healthier, especially for those animals that have little or no access to the outdoors (a highly recommended precaution!), is a way of bringing them closer to nature, including activities that are part of their origin in their routine. As soon as the cat is eating dry food, plants can be made available, but it is important to note that they may not last very long and, therefore, the owner should not take the decorative aspect into account.
MORE WELL-BEING FOR YOUR KITTY
There is no fixed frequency for offering plants. However, for cats with longer fur, where hairballs tend to accumulate more, it is recommended that they have more contact with the plants. You can always leave a small pot available – your cat won’t eat everything. If it is a plant with no contraindications, such as oats or cat grass, there is no problem. It is healthy and will not cause any harm to your pet.
Their preference is for those with narrower leaves. Cats are selective. If you have a garden, you may notice that not just any plant will eat them. When the leaf has more water, like aloe vera, they don’t usually like it.
ATTENTION TO SAFETY
The offer may be varied, but it is necessary to be careful with the vegetation already existing at home. Many people do not know, but it is estimated that around 90% of the plants in the garden are toxic to them. On the list of prohibited plants are popular names such as:
- Spathiphyllum (known as peace lily)
- Snake plant
- Kalanchoe (known as lucky leaf)
- Cheflera
- Chrysanthemum
- Castor oil plant
- Azalea
- Narcissus
- Tulip
- Cycas Revoluta (known as garden sago)
- Nerium oleander (known as oleander)
Cat owners tend to be more cautious than dog owners, but on the other hand, cats can reach higher places and are generally more attracted to foliage, so you can never be too careful.
To avoid possible accidental ingestion, I suggest that you remove any plants that are unsuitable for your furry friend, even if your cat has never tried to interact with them. If you notice that you have any toxic plants, donate them to someone who doesn’t have cats and include others in the environment that can help your pet’s life.
ALLOWED ONE
The list of plants that are beneficial or non-toxic to cats is, fortunately, also quite extensive. With knowledge and dedication, it is possible to bring greenery and natural harmony into your home with important and cool options that are also great for humans. Lettuce, mint, parsley, chamomile and fennel are some that do not harm your furry friend’s health. In addition, your garden can have oats, birdseed, rye, wheat, thyme, lemongrass and cat grass.
A simple and fun tip is to plant the corn used to make popcorn. In a few days, the plant grows huge and cats love it too. In the case of catnip, known as “cat grass”, although its potted or seed version is not as popular as the dried version, it is something to consider in your endeavor if you want to please your feline and also make your home beautiful. The plant has many flowers, with shades of blue or lilac.
If you already have a vegetable garden, the tip is to create a smaller version for your furry friend to fully enjoy. If you live in an apartment, you can place the vegetable garden in a space that is easily accessible to your cat. Place whatever you are going to eat in higher areas that your cat cannot reach. But be careful. Some cats tend to jump, and these pots that are placed high up must be securely attached so that they do not knock them over or hurt themselves. When choosing oats, canary seed, rye, and wheat, it is a good idea to place them in separate pots so that they do not suffocate each other and can grow in abundance.
THE IDEAL CORNER
Choosing the right spot is important. You can place them in several places, but always away from the litter box. Avoid leaving them in high places where the cat could jump and get hurt. Also pay attention to the supplier’s instructions, whether of the seeds or seedlings, regarding the necessary light and water. A good option is to have several pots with the cat’s favorite plant. Instead of waiting for the pot to run out, you can offer a new one. Leave two, for example, at your cat’s disposal. When he eats a little, you can remove those and put others in their place. That way, there won’t be only the stems left.
The concern with eliminating pests from plants that your cat owns should be the same as with plants for human consumption. This is because the chemicals used on vegetation to control pests have a deadline for their complete elimination.
The plants you buy in large stores are inspected by an agricultural engineer or biologist. Pesticide applications follow a grace period, just like the vegetables we eat. The important thing is to respect the grace period. For example, if you have a caterpillar on the leaves of your grass and you apply the product today, you can only offer it to your pet in a few days. Follow the grace period, which is stated on the label, and then offer it normally. Let me know later if your cat liked it!