Herbs for cats from the garden

Herbs can be a tasty and even healing addition to cat food – you can find out here which herbs are suitable for cats and what you need to be aware of.

People have been using the healing power of herbs for thousands of years. But not only we are happy about the aromatic and healing plants - cats can also benefit from herbs. As an addition to the food, many cat herbs are particularly tasty and are readily accepted by the four-legged friends. Even with minor ailments, medicinal herbs for cats can bring relief and are therefore a popular home remedy. Not to be forgotten, however, is the way the animals play: a garden full of herbs gives them a chance to play Incentive to explore and romp and also stimulates the noses of the curious with its multitude of smells Animals. But which herbs do cats like and what can they be used for? Below you will get the answer.

Herbs for cats: which ones do they tolerate and which ones they don't?

Cats can also benefit from herbs and their healing properties. However, recommendations for humans should not be applied lightly to cats - in fact, cats clearly have one other metabolism and digestive system, so many substances that are beneficial for us have no or even a toxic effect on them to have. For example, cats cannot tolerate salicylic acid, as is the case with meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) occurs. But also plants containing bitter substances such as vermouth (Artemisia absinthium) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) are unsuitable for cats.

Even essential oils, which we humans have positive associations with, can cause toxic reactions in cats if they are given in 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) – kept out of the reach of cats. If you want to help your pet with herbs, you should definitely discuss this with the vet to determine the right dosage.

Expert tip: Feeding dry herbs in the actual feed has proven to be effective – these have a lower content of essential oils. Herbal tinctures and drops, on the other hand, are not recommended, as cats cannot tolerate the alcohol used as a solvent.

Grow your own cat herbs or buy them?

Cat herbs are best when grown in your own garden. By growing in their own greenery, cats can not only discover and play with the herbs with all their senses, but also You can be sure that no chemical agents that may be harmful to health were used during cultivation became. Instead, one should rely on ecological alternatives: The Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil For example, 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 an organic long-term effect - like ours Plantura universal fertilizer - be used. This is also absolutely harmless for cats and is 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 definitely support it with cat herbs. In the event of minor complaints or as an accompanying measure, the plants can be opened - in consultation with the veterinarian definitely be a useful supplement in the cat's diet, which is also health positive 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 purely domestic cats, as they have no other way of eating grass. The cat herbs help the four-legged friends with the regulation of their digestion and are particularly important when regurgitating the hairballs.

2. lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is actually not suitable for every cat - while some cats find the smell appealing and even happily nibble on the plant, others flee from the aroma. Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal effect, the medicinal herb is still a good supplement for cats, which particularly supports the gastrointestinal system.

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

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 frequently used home remedy, especially for diarrhea. Chamomile can also have a soothing effect on inflamed areas in the mouth. For smaller wounds, chamomile tea can also be used for cleaning, as it has an antiseptic and soothing effect. But be careful: Chamomile should not be used on deep wounds or in the area around the eyes.

5. catnip (Nepeta cataria) is one of the most well-known herbs for cats. The plant has an intoxicating effect on many cats, causing the cats to change their behavior significantly. The smell of catnip is often stimulating and toys containing catnip are often played with lively. On the other hand, if you feed dried catnip, it can have an appetizing or slightly sedative effect, which is why it may be particularly helpful in stressful situations. However, since every cat reacts differently to cat weed, oral administration in particular should always be discussed with a veterinarian.

Now if you know more about the effects of catnip If you want to know more about it and how it is used, please have a look at our article on this.

Scented 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. We reveal here which herbs cats particularly like:

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

2. lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) divides the cat world: while some cats avoid the herb altogether, other cats are drawn to the strongly scented plant. When 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 even lightly nibbling on the plant usually poses no danger.

3. cat germander (Teucrium marum) is, like catnip, 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 gamander are particularly popular, but the plant also magically attracts cats and puts them in a euphoric state.

4. matatabi (Actinidia polygama), also known as 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 matatabi is even stronger than that of catnip, so cats are also attracted to the plant that are otherwise not animated by scented plants.

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