Top 10 Tips for Creating a Cat-Friendly Garden
While avoiding the plants listed below is a great start to making your outdoor space safe for cats, there are other plants that can pose a risk. For plants you're unsure about, it's wise to consult your veterinarian or a local plant expert for specific information.
Plants toxic to pets include:
Ricinus
Foxglove
Western Red cedar
Wintercress
Lily of the valley
Morning glory
Solanaceae plants
Oleander
Green beans
Trumpet creeper
When dealing with pests and unwanted species that might chomp on your garden or lawn, you might be tempted to grab a bottle of chemical pesticides or fungicides. And for a lawn that's hard to manage, fertilizer can seem like a quick fix. But for the health of your feline friends, considering safer alternatives is crucial. Before you apply any outdoor gardening products, we first recommend checking the ingredient list on the product label.
1. Pesticide Alternatives
If insects are feasting on your plants, you can simply spray them with water before resorting to chemical pesticides. A soft spray from a hose can gently disperse the pests without harming the plants. If the issue is isolated to a few plants, your watering can might do the trick. This method might take a few days, but it's a catfriendly approach!
For more severe pest problems, you can add a few teaspoons of soap to your garden sprayer as a stimulant to break down the insects' exoskeletons. You can find safer insecticidal soaps than most chemical products, but always remember to read the product label.
2. Fertilizer Alternatives
Reap the benefits of your "lifestyle fertilizer"! Use your kitchen scraps as an effective and free fertilizer. Apply this compost twice a year to provide a new source of essential nutrients for your plants.
Here are some additional tips to transform your backyard into a catfriendly garden:
When mowing the lawn or doing any yard work, be sure to keep your pets indoors.
Paint your gardening tools with bright colors. This not only makes them easily identifiable for you but also for your cat.
Store your chemicals out of reach of pets and keep them in their packaging. In case your cat accidentally ingests or comes into contact with any toxins, you'll be able to inform your veterinarian exactly what it was that your pet consumed.
