Here is a list of the Best Cat Garden Plants. Approved by the ASCPA, these specimens are non-toxic and safe for your felines!
Being a pet and a plant lover is a tricky state to be in. As a pet parent, you need to ensure their well-being. If you are looking for the Best Cat Garden Plants, grow these Cat-Friendly Plants approved by the ASPCA.
Find out the Best Dog Friendly Plants here
Plants Cats Can Eat
1. Catnip
Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
Cats love to nibble or rub against the gray-green foliage as it releases nepetalactone, a compound that creates a euphoric reaction in them.
2. Cat thyme
Botanical Name: Teucrium polium
Not just is the plant non-toxic to cats, but your feline friend would love to nibble on its foliage. It creates a similar sensation of contentment as that of catnip.
Learn the Best Thyme Growing Tips here
3. Rosemary
Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus
Cats love the flavorful leaves of this herb, and the non-toxic nature keeps the feline-parents tension free. Also, the herb provides dietary benefits of Vitamins A and C.
Learn the Secrets to Grow Bushier Rosemaries here
4. Valerian
Botanical Name: Valeriana officinalis
Studies say the scent of valerian roots attracts cats and exhibits a calming effect on them. However, watch your feline’s reaction, as some might show hyperactive symptoms.
5. Cat Grass
Botanical Name: Dactylis glomerata
Just like any other grassy plant, cats love to nibble on cat grass. If you are looking to create a cat-friendly garden, this can be a fantastic inclusion.
6. African Violets
Botanical Name: Saintpaulia
These violets grow well indoors and are loved by felines. The plants need to be watered every time the topsoil is dry. Be careful not to overwater it.
Find out the Best African Indoor Plants here
7. Alyssum
Botanical Name: Alyssum
This low-maintenance plant has flowers that come in various variants like white, violet, and pink. Alyssum grows best under full sunlight and in moist soil.
8. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Cats love to nibble on this perennial houseplant as it creates a hallucinogenic reaction in them. Take care not to water it with fluoride-rich water.
Check out the Best Spider Plant Varieties here
9. Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
Globally used as an edible, Basil also acts as a decent houseplant, loved by cats. It grows best in hot, dry conditions. It will give a fresh look to windowsills too!
Learn the Best Remedies for Black Basil Leaves here
10. Prayer Plant
Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura
The leaves of this plant turn like hands when they pray, hence the name. It grows best in bright indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
Find out the Best Prayer Plant Varieties here
11. Watermelon Peperomia
Botanical Name: Peperomia argyreia
This evergreen herbaceous shrub can be used as a desktop plant where your kitten might hop on anytime. It grows best in temperate climates, medium light, and humidity.
Learn about Growing Watermelon Peperomia from Leaves here
12. Zinnia
Botanical Name: Zinnia
The notorious pet loves to nibble on its vibrant flowers. Zinnias top the list of plants cats can eat with their various colors and shapes.
Are Zinnias Safe for Deer? Learn here
13. Catmint
Botanical Name: Nepeta
Cats get their happy hormones triggered around this plant and love to nibble on them. However, occasionally you may find your felines rolling, flipping, or growling at them.
14. Wheatgrass
Botanical Name: Triticum aestivum
Wheatgrass must be your first choice if you are looking to grow a cat-friendly garden. Fresh strands will add dietary fiber to your felines, helping a healthy gut.
Learn a Fantastic Trick to Grow Wheatgrass here
15. Marigold
Botanical Name: Tagetes
The vivid top might allure your kitten to taste the blooms, which will in turn, aid its digestion and fight the bacteria and viruses in its system.
Learn a Fantastic Tip to Grow Marigold here
Best Cat Garden Plants
16. Sand Verbena
Botanical Name: Abronia fragrans
This fragrant, herbaceous plant has white funnel-shaped flowers. The flowers open during the night and close themselves during the day.
17. Scarlet Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia coccinea
This plant with beautiful red flowers is easy to grow. It requires full sunlight and fertile and rich well-moist soil to grow. It can tolerate droughts, but the flowers don’t sprout.
18. Zebra Plant
Botanical Name: Aphelandra squarrosa
This indoor plant with broad leaves grows best in indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining, acidic potting soil. You can mist the plant for improved growth.
Are your Zebra Plant Leaves Turning Brown? Learn the Remedies here
19. Canna 
Botanical Name: Canna
Having large leaves, similar to a banana plant, Achira can be grown on your balcony or your porch in mild summers. It needs an organic-rich growing medium for the best growth.
Look at the Best Canna Lily Varieties here
20. African Daisy
Botanical Name: Gerbera jamesonii
This plant requires light sunlight and moist soil but not an extremely humid environment. Water it only after the topsoil is dry before watering it.
Look at the Best Daisy-Like Flowers here
21. Aluminum Plant
Botanical Name: Pilea cadieri
The name of this evergreen plant comes from raised silver patches on its leaves. It grows best in a sandy soil mixture and indirect sunlight. Water the plant as per the weather.
22. American Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia
Also called the Baby Rubber plant, this indoor evergreen perennial plant is quite undemanding. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which might discolor the leaves.
23. Persian Violet
Botanical Name: Exacum affine
The fragrant, short-lived flowers of this houseplant have a yellow center. It grows best in partial sunlight, mild temperatures, moist, well-drained soil, and room-temperature water.
24. Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Dypsis lutescens
Often used as a decorative plant, Areca Palm grows best in temperate climates, well-drained moist potting soil, adequate sunlight, and high humidity.
25. Aregelia
Botanical Name: Neoregalia
This beautiful plant is used indoors because of its bright flowers and low maintenance needs. It needs bright light, adequate air, and moist soil.
26. Polka Dot Plant
Botanical Name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
As evident by the name, this evergreen houseplant has polka dots on its leaves that start with small dots and then merge into big patches. It grows best in partial sun.
Want to Grow Polka Dot Plants? Learn here
27. Bamboo Palm
Botanical Name: Chamaedorea elegans
This miniature bamboo is an excellent houseplant – it requires light potting soil, adequate humidity, and decent indirect light. However, it doesn’t grow well during winter.
28. Belmore Sentry Palm
Botanical Name: Howea belmoreana
Also known as Curly Palm because of its upwards-turning leaves, this commonly used evergreen houseplant is low maintenance. It grows best in indirect sunlight.
29. Ponytail Palm
Botanical Name: Beaucarnea recurvata
Commonly known as Ponytail Palm, this evergreen perennial indoor plant doesn’t require much water. It can’t tolerate harsh winters and requires full or partial sunlight.
Check out the Best Pony Tail Palms here
30. Calathea
Botanical Name: Calathea
This plant is often used as a decorative item because of its beautiful leaves. It grows best in partial light, adequate humidity, and well-drained soil.
31. Fishbone Cactus
Botanical Name: Epiphyllum anguliger
This ornamental low-maintenance succulent grows best in warm temperatures. It requires indirect bright light and high humidity. Water it when the topsoil turns dry.
Learn about Growing Fishbone Cactus here
32. Cast Iron Plant
Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
Naturally adapted to being abandoned, this plant doesn’t require extreme care, hence the name. It can endure low light, less humidity, and infrequent watering.
Look at some Stunning Cast Iron Plant Pictures here
33. Lady Palm
Botanical Name: Rhapis excelsa
This palmate evergreen fan palm plant is best suited for indoor climates. It doesn’t require a lot of light or humidity. It grows best in well-drained potting soil and regular watering.
Learn How to Grow Lady Palm Indoors here
34. Sunflower
Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus
The beautiful yellow sunflower is perfect for brightening your balcony. It requires full sunlight and loose, well-drained, alkaline soil. Water it according to the weather.
Want to Grow Sunflowers on the Balcony? Click here
35. Chinese Palm
Botanical Name: Trachycarpus fortunei
The Chinese Palm is an evergreen fan palm tree perfect for your garden. It can grow in moist summers as well as cold winters. It grows best in well-draining soil.
36. Money Tree
Botanical Name: Pachira aquatica
Used ornamentally, this plant grows best in moist conditions and bright indirect sunlight. It is easily adjustable by nature and makes for a good indoor plant.
37. Majesty Palm
Botanical Name: Ravenea rivularis
Giving justice to its name, this majestic houseplant will give a serene touch to your garden. It grows best in full direct sunlight, adequate water, well-drained soil, and high humidity.
Is Majesty Palm Toxic to Cats? Learn here
38. Staghorn Fern
Botanical Name: Platycerium bifurcatum
This perennial plant is used as a decorative houseplant because of its limited needs. It requires partial bright sunlight, moist air, and well-drained soil. It is one of the most attractive cat garden plants.
You Can Grow Staghorn Fern on Anything? Learn here
39. Sword Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
This commonly used perennial houseplant grows best in damp soil, is drought-tolerant, and has bright indirect light. Water it frequently in loamy soil for best results.
40. Zebra Haworthia
Botanical Name: Haworthiopsis attenuata
This recurrent evergreen succulent is a tough plant. It is drought-resistance and requires well-drained soil and adequate bright indirect sunlight. Water it according to the weather.
41. Ghost Echeveria
Botanical Name: Echeveria lilacina
This alluring succulent will give an interesting look to your cat garden. It requires plenty of water and sunlight and well-drained potting soil. Water it when the topsoil turns dry.
Look at Giant Echeveria Varieties here
42. Kimberly Queen Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis obliterata
This brilliant houseplant doesn’t require frequent watering, and is one of the best plants you can have for cats that’s also easy to maintain.
43. Bird’s Nest Fern
Botanical Name: Asplenium nidus
Visibly similar to a banana plant, this evergreen perennial requires indirect sunlight, moist soil with high organic matter, and good drainage.
44. Air Plants
Botanical Name: Tillandsia varieties
All varieties of air plants make for beautiful indoor plants. They grow best in warm temperatures and bright indirect sunlight. Water them according to the weather.
Is Air Plant Safe for your Pets? Learn here
45. Impatiens
Botanical Name: Impatiens
This walleriana species of flowering plants come in various colors like pink, red, and white. It grows well in partial light and moist, well-drained soil.
Learn about Growing Impatiens in Pots here
