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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

45. Impatiens