Herbs for cats from the garden

Herbs can be a tasty and even beneficial addition to their food for cats - you can find out here which herbs are suitable for cats and what to watch out for.

For thousands of years people have used the healing power of herbs. But not only we are happy about the aromatic and healing plants - cats can also benefit from herbs. Many cat herbs are particularly tasty as an addition to the food and are gladly accepted by the four-legged friends. Medicinal herbs for cats can also provide relief for minor ailments and are therefore a popular home remedy. Not to be forgotten is the play behavior of the animals: a garden full of herbs offers them one An incentive to explore and romp and, with its multitude of smells, also stimulates the noses of the curious Animals. But which herbs do cats like and what can they be used for? Below is the answer.

Herbs for cats: which ones do they tolerate & which not?

Cats can also benefit from herbs and their healing properties. However, recommendations for humans cannot be lightly transferred to cats - in fact, cats clearly have one different metabolism and digestive system, so that many substances that are beneficial for us have no or even toxic effects on them to have. For example, cats do not tolerate salicylic acid, as it does with Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) occurs. But also plants containing bitter substances like Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) are unsuitable for cats.

Even essential oils, which we humans have a positive connotation, can cause toxic reactions in cats if they are given too high a dose or over a longer period of time. For this reason, not only pure essential oils, but also plants with a high content of these - for example anise (Pimpinella anisum) or fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - be kept out of the reach of cats. If you want to help your pet with herbs, you should definitely discuss this with the veterinarian to determine the correct dosage.

Expert tip: Feeding dry herbs in the actual feed has proven itself - these have a lower content of essential oils. However, it is not advisable to use herbal tinctures and drops, as cats cannot tolerate the alcohol used as a solvent.

Grow or buy cat herbs yourself?

Cat herbs are best when grown in your own garden. By growing them in their own green, cats can not only discover the herbs with all their senses and play with them, but also You can be sure that no chemical agents that may be harmful to health are used in the cultivation became. Instead, one should rely on ecological alternatives: The Plantura organic herb & seed compost consists exclusively of natural raw materials and is therefore absolutely harmless for cats and other animals.

Chemical pest control and mineral fertilizers should also be avoided if the herbs are intended for the cat. Alternatively, a fertilizer with organic long-term effects - like ours Plantura universal fertilizer - be used. This is also absolutely harmless for cats and therefore ideally suited for a herb garden for cats.

Plant medicinal herbs for cats in the garden

If you want to do something good for your cat, you can support it with cat herbs. In the event of minor complaints or as an accompanying measure, the plants can - in consultation with the veterinarian - on in any case be a useful addition to the cat's diet, which also has a positive effect on health influenced. The following herbs are particularly popular:

1. Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) is often offered in many shops as a special cat grass for house tigers and is very popular with cats. The medicinal plant is particularly popular with domestic cats as they have no other way of ingesting grass. The cat herbs help the four-legged friends to regulate their digestion and are especially important when choking out the hairballs.

2. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is actually not suitable for every cat - while some cats find the smell appealing and even nibble on the plant voluntarily, others flee the aroma. Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal effects, the medicinal herb for cats is still a good supplement that supports the gastrointestinal system in particular.

3. rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is extremely popular with many cats because of its smell. Cat owners are particularly fond of the plant - a rosemary brew should help against the annoying cat fleas when sprayed on the outside. But even if the cat nibbles on rosemary, it doesn't matter: the plant is for cats Not only harmless, it will even have an anti-inflammatory effect on your four-legged friends attributed to.

4. chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) belongs to the medicinal plants not only in humans, but also in cats. Offered as a tea or mixed in dried, chamomile can help with gastrointestinal problems and is a common home remedy, especially for diarrhea. Chamomile can also have a soothing effect on inflamed areas in the mouth. Chamomile tea can also be used to cleanse smaller wounds, as it has an antiseptic and soothing effect. But be careful: Chamomile should not be used on deep wounds or around the eyes.

5. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is one of the most famous herbs for cats. The plant has an intoxicating effect on many cats, so that the cats change their behavior significantly. The scent of catnip is often stimulating and toys with catnip are often played with vividly. If, on the other hand, you feed dried catnip, it can stimulate the appetite or have a slightly sedating effect, which is why it can be particularly helpful in stressful situations. However, since every cat reacts differently to the cat weed, oral administration in particular should always be discussed with a veterinarian.

Now when you learn more about the Effects of catnip want to know and how it is used, have a look at our article on this.

Fragrant plants for cats

Herbs are often particularly interesting for cats because of their intense smell and can even have a calming or stimulating effect on them. Here we reveal which herbs cats particularly like:

1. valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is particularly known for its calming effect in humans. With cats, however, it is exactly the opposite - tired animals are perked up by the smell of the herb and almost seem intoxicated by it. Toys with valerian filling or scented valerian are particularly popular to get animals used to unpleasant places such as the transport basket. Feeding valerian, on the other hand, is not recommended: although the plant is considered non-toxic in small quantities, larger quantities can lead to vomiting. Some cats also react aggressively to the scent of valerian.

2. lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) divides the cat world: While some cats avoid the herb entirely, other cats are taken with the strongly scented plant. If cats like the smell of lavender, the plant often has a calming and relaxing effect on them. In addition, lavender is considered non-toxic, so that even light nibbling on the plant usually does not pose a risk.

3. Cat gamander (Teucrium marum), like catnip, is one of the herbs for cats that have an intoxicating effect. In fact, the plant is almost more popular than catnip, even with cats. Toys with cat gambles are particularly popular, but the plant also magically attracts cats and puts them in a euphoric state.

4. Matatabi (Actinidia polygama), also called the Japanese ray pen, is largely unknown in Germany. In Asia, on the other hand, the plant is a must for every cat lover - the herb has an intoxicating effect on cats that is reminiscent of catnip. In fact, the effect of the matatabi is even considered to be stronger than that of the catnip, so that cats are also attracted to the plant, which otherwise cannot be animated by fragrant plants.

Would you like to try your hand at growing herbs yourself? In our Plantura herb growing kit you will find everything you need for growing herbs - growing pots, substrate, seeds, plant labels and a mini greenhouse.