Grow a Cat-Safe Indoor Herb Garden: 6 Pet-Friendly Herbs to Cultivate

Growing fresh herbs at home is a rewarding way to add flavor to recipes and decorate your living space. But what if you have a curious cat at home? Not all herbs are created equal when it comes to pet safety. The good news is many popular, easy-to-grow herbs pose little risk for cats that accidentally nibble on a leaf or two. Read on to learn how to cultivate a cat-safe indoor herb garden with these 6 pet-friendly options.

Why Grow Cat-Safe Indoor Herbs?

An indoor herb garden offers numerous benefits

• Convenience of fresh herbs anytime for cooking
• Lovely greenery that purifies indoor air
• Interactive sensory stimulation for pets
• Satisfaction of growing your own plants

But safety should be the number one priority when choosing herbs especially with free-roaming feline friends. While most cats won’t intentionally eat plants it’s best to avoid tempting fate. Focus on herbs considered non-toxic for peace of mind.

6 Ideal Cat-Safe Indoor Herbs

Here are some great cat-friendly herb options to grow indoors:

1. Basil

A favorite for homemade pesto basil is aromatic flavorful, and safe for cats. The bright green leaves also look attractive in indoor herb gardens. Give basil a sunny window and evenly moist soil.

2. Mint

From peppermint to spearmint, most varieties of mint are non-toxic for cats. Mint grows vigorously and makes an excellent houseplant. It can be invasive in the garden, so it’s ideal for containers indoors. Keep soil moist.

3. Catnip

What better herb to grow for a cat than catnip? Most cats go crazy for this intoxicating plant. Catnip is very easy to grow indoors in pots. Pinch off tops frequently to encourage bushy growth.

4. Parsley

A nutrient-dense culinary herb, parsley is another safe option for indoor herb gardens with cats. Curly leaf parsley boasts attractive foliage and a bold flavor. It thrives in bright light.

5. Cilantro

The fresh flavor of cilantro makes it a kitchen staple. Luckily, cats can nibble on cilantro without issues. It will re-sprout after cutting, but has a relatively short life cycle. Sow new seeds every few weeks.

6. Rosemary

An aromatic herb perfect for seasoning meats, rosemary has needle-like leaves and a piney scent. It can grow quite large in containers indoors. Provide at least 6 hours of sun daily.

Growing Tips for Indoor Cat-Safe Herbs

Here are some useful tips for successfully growing herbs indoors:

• Choose containers at least 6 inches deep and with drainage holes. Clay or ceramic pots work well.

• Use quality potting soil designed for containers and herbs.

• Give most herbs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. South or west windows are ideal.

• Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Use room temperature water.

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer to nourish plants.

• Trim herbs frequently to encourage new growth. Snip off top third of stems.

• Monitor for pests like aphids or fungus gnats and address issues promptly.

Keeping Indoor Herbs Safe from Cats

Even with cat-safe herbs, it’s smart to take some basic precautions:

• Keep toxic plants like lilies out of reach of cats to prevent deadly poisoning.

• Hang herbs or place on high shelves if your cat tends to nibble frequently.

• Use scent repellants like citrus peels, lavender sprigs, or pennyroyal to deter kitty interest.

• Avoid using chemical pesticides or fertilizers; stick to organic options.

• Check for signs of stomach upset like vomiting or diarrhea if kitty eats herbs.

The satisfaction of seasoning your cooking with fresh homegrown herbs is hard to beat. By selecting cat-safe varieties and taking sensible precautions, both you and your feline companions can enjoy the benefits and beauty of an indoor herb garden.