Designing a garden that’s both beautiful and safe for your feline companion is rewarding and easier than you might think. By choosing the right plants, providing stimulating features, and avoiding common hazards, you can create a vibrant outdoor space that both you and your cat will love.

1. Choose Cat-Safe Flowers and Plants
Select non-toxic flowers and plants that add color and interest without posing a risk to your cat. Excellent choices include:
Roses
Marigolds (Calendula)
Sunflowers
Zinnias
Gerbera daisies
Snapdragons
Orchids
Alyssum
Camellias
Michaelmas daisies (Aster)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Herbs such as lavender, rosemary, basil, and mint.
Ferns, spider plants, succulents, and cacti are also generally safe options.

2. Add Cat-Friendly Features
Catnip and Cat Grass: Plant catnip (Nepeta cataria) or cat grass for your cat to nibble on and enjoy. Catnip is not only a feline favorite but also acts as an insect repellent and companion plant.
Tall Grasses and Shrubs: Include ornamental grasses and dense shrubs to create hiding and stalking spots, mimicking a natural hunting environment.
Sunny and Shady Spots: Design your garden with sunny corners for lounging and shady areas for cooling off.

3. Avoid Toxic Plants
Steer clear of lilies, azaleas, oleander, alliums, amaryllis, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, cyclamen, poinsettias, and rhododendrons, as these flowers are toxic to cats.

4. Ensure a Safe Environment
No Harmful Chemicals: Avoid using toxic fertilizers, weedkillers, and slug pellets.
Secure Boundaries: If your cat is an indoor-only pet or you live near busy roads, consider fencing or creating a catio (enclosed patio) for safe outdoor access.
Cat Shelves and Perches: Add shelves, logs, or rocks for climbing and perching, giving your cat vantage points to observe their domain.

5. Encourage Exploration and Play
Paths and Tunnels: Create winding paths and tunnels through plants for your cat to explore.
Interactive Elements: Add water features, moving grasses, or wind chimes to stimulate your cat’s senses.
By thoughtfully selecting plants and designing stimulating features, you can enjoy a colorful, fragrant garden while giving your cat a safe and enriching outdoor haven.