Cats in the Garden

Keep Your Pet Safe Outdoors

Nov 5, 2008 Gina Hartoog

Some cats like to snuggle up indoors, but many short-haired breeds do enjoy the outdoors. Fresh air is good for your cat provided your pet is safe in the garden.

Give your cat a litter box outside. This will prevent him from using your garden beds or your child’s sandpit to relieve himself. An outdoor scratching post will save your trees and garden furniture from sharp claws.

Never store insecticides, rodent poison, snail baits, pesticides or pool chemicals where you cat can get to them. Storing them on a high shelf won’t keep your cat away. A locked cupboard in the shed or garage is the safest place for toxic products.

Plants and poisons are not the only dangers your pet can face in the garden. Never leave your garden implements lying in the open. Always pack them away after your complete your chores. Also be extra vigilant if you have electric fencing surrounding your property.

Plants Toxic to Cats

Cats are intelligent animals and most won’t eat plants that are harmful to them but it is best that you be cautious about what you grow in your garden. Azaleas, ferns, hydrangeas, lilies, oleander, rhubarb, sweet peas, tomato plants, green fruit particularly the seeds, stem and leaves are just some plants that are toxic to cats. Here’s a list of other plants that are harmful.

Teach your kitten from an early age not to chew on house plants or garden plants. Even some plants considered safe for cats can upset a sensitive stomach and cause your pet to vomit. Always contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your cat may have ingested a suspect plant.

Plants Safe for Cats

Cats love catnip(Nepeta cataria). It produces a tranquil, feel good effect. Only about half of all cats will be affected by catnip. It isn’t harmful for your pet and they can’t overdose on it. When kitty has had enough, he will simple move off.

Plant catnip in a semi-shade or sunny position and make sure the soil drains well. Catnip is fairly easy to grow but you’ll have to protect the seedlings while they take root. Rats and mice don’t like the smell of catnip and won’t venture into a garden where it’s planted.

Once your plants have established themselves, place some dried leaves in an old sock for your cat to play with. To dry catnip, hang it upside down in a dry room away from direct sunlight.

Most cats enjoy catmint (Nepeta mussinii), a versatile groundcover, that can be used for borders or to prevent soil erosion on banks. Plant catmint in a sunny position in the garden but before planting, dig the over the bed to a spade depth and add a good quality compost.

The copyright of the article Cats in the Garden in Cats is owned by Gina Hartoog. Permission to republish Cats in the Garden in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Many Cats Enjoy an Afternoon Siesta Outdoors