Planting a Flower Garden That is Safe for Cats

Planting a garden can be great fun and is a wonderful way to spend some time outside by yourself or with your family and friends. However, your pets may also spend time outdoors in the spring and summer and they can be affected by the plants you grow. Whether you're planting a large garden in your backyard or simply filling a window box in your kitchen, you should be well aware of what might harm your cats and other animal companions before you put a single seed into the ground.

Plants for a Sunny Garden

If you have a garden that gets a lot of sun, you'll want to select plants that thrive in the sun. Typically, the plants listed here thrive on more than four hours of sun. I've divided the list into annuals and perennials. Annuals are those plants that must be replanted every spring. Perennials return year after year, but they are more expensive.

Annuals that thrive in a sunny garden and are safe for your cats and other pets include:

• Calendula
• Cosmos
• Petunia
• Snapdragons
• Zinnia

Perennials that you might consider include:

• Bee Balm
• Catmint (this one will attract cats and have them nibbling at it all summer)
• Coneflowers
• Pholx
• Roses

Plants for a Partial Sun Garden

Plants that thrive in one to four hours of direct sunlight a day are considered partial sun plants. Annuals that thrive in partial sun and are safe for cats include:

• Butterfly Flower
• Nasturtium
• Primrose
• Spider Flower

Perennials that might work well for a garden frequented by cats include:

• Columbine
• Coral Bells
• Goat's Beard
• Turf Lily

Plants for a Shady Garden

Planting a garden in an area that received little to no direct sunlight can sometimes pose a problem. However, there are plants that thrive in the shade and are still safe for your feline companions. Annuals that meet this criteria include:

• Coleus
• Impatiens
• Violet

Perennials you might like include:

• Astible
• Bugbane
• Queen of the Meadow
• Yellow Corydalis

There are many other options for a cat-safe garden. When in doubt, do your research and ask both your garden center and your veterinarian. Don't assume that any plant is safe, because many plants can be fatal to any cat that ingests it. Remember, cats like to chew on plants, and they don't always know which plant is safe.

The Poisoning of Cats in the Spring and Summer

As spring and summer approach, most families with pets will be spending more and more time outside. Many cats are permitted outdoors in warmer weather and so will also spend much of the spring and summer outdoors enjoying the sunshine. But even indoor cats or those who never step off the front porch can be poisoned with common household items that make an appearance in the spring. Be aware of which items pose a risk and limit your feline's access when at all possible.

Lawn care products are one of the greatest culprits of cat poisoning in the warmer months. Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides are incredibly toxic to cats. When applied according to the manufacturer's directions, most of the chemicals are safe. However, cats are curious creatures and poisoning generally occurs when they come into contact with the concentrated product. To avoid this, store products securely and never use more of the product that recommended. Cats have died from walking across a lawn where too much fertilizer has been applied.

Animals of all kinds like to chew on plants, including cats. Fortunately, most outdoor grasses are non-toxic. However, as gardens are planted in the spring, many potentially toxic plants sneak in. Educate yourself before planting either indoor or outdoor plants. Pointsettias, Easter lily, tulips, lily of the valley, azaleas are among the most deadly, but research each plant before adding to your garden to avoid inadvertently poisoning your cat.

As you plan your garden and fill your planters this spring, take the time to consider the health and well being of your cat. Reserach each product and plant you use carefully and choose less toxic options whenever possible. This will help ensure a safe and happy season for everyone, including your feline companions.

Caring for Your Cat — Trimming a Cat's Claws

Learning how to trim cat claws is fairly straightforward but actually doing it can present a challenge. However, despite the difficulties, it is important to trim your cat’s claws regularly. It helps prevent damage to your furniture, keeps the cat in good health, and saves you money since you won’t have to run your cat to the groomer as often.

Preparing to Trim Your Cat's Claws

Cats can be finicky things. If you want to be able to trim your cat’s claws quickly and easily, you should first help him (or her, as the case may be) adjust to having his feet handled. Start by gently massaging your cat’s feet every day. If your older cat has never had the opportunity to get used being handled in this manner, it may take a couple of weeks before he is calm enough for you to attempt to cut a claw or two.

You’ll want to purchase a set of clippers specifically designed for cats; there are many cat nail trimmers on the market. Those made for dogs are usually too large for your feline. If you have to, use a set for very small dogs. You can also use human nail clippers if you have to, but these are not as effective as cat clippers. Whatever you use, make sure the clippers are sharp. A dull pair of clippers will only crush the claw and possibly cause pain to your cat.

You’ll also want something to stop the bleeding, just in case you cut the nail too short. A styptic pencil works well, as do nitrate sticks or potassium of permanganate. You can usually find at least one of these products at your local pet supply shop. If you don’t have any of these items, a tiny bowl of household flour will work just as well.

Before you start clipping your cat’s claws, wrap him in a towel or blanket, leaving only his head free. This will keep him from scratching you if he objects to having his nails trimmed. If your cat is calmed by the use of peppermint, consider adding a single drop to the cat’s head. Seat yourself and take a firm grip of your cat. Free one paw from the towel and prepare to trim a few claws.

Trimming Your Cat’s Claws

Hold the cat’s paw firmly in your hand. To make things easier on you and more comfortable for your cat, you should put your fingers on the underside of the paw and keep your thumb on top. Your cat will probably squirm, so hold on tight.

Using your thumb, gently apply a forward pressure to one toe only. This will cause the claw to move out of its sheath, making it visible. Apply pressure until the claw is completely exposed. This will keep you from accidentally cutting the cat’s paw.

Look closely at the claw, and you will notice that there is a faint pink center. This is called the quick and is full of blood. If you cut into the quick, the cat will be hurt and even begin to bleed. It is important that you do not touch the quick with your clippers. If you do happen to cut the quick, use the styptic pencil or flour to help stop the bleeding. Just dip the bleeding claw into the flour, or use the styptic pencil according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Snip off the end of the claw between the tip and the quick. Do this quickly so your cat doesn’t get too upset. If necessary, cut only one or two claws at a time, allowing your cat to calm down between each session. You can also attempt to cut your cat’s claws when he’s asleep, but this can potentially make your cat very angry if he wakes up during the process. This is only recommended if your cat is a deep sleeper and unlikely to attack you if he catches you clipping his claws.

In general, it is best if you only trim your cat’s front claws. The back claws will usually wear down naturally and do not require trimming. If you do decide to trim the back claws, the same method applies. For optimum results, trim your cat’s claws every four to six weeks.

Natural Remedies for Felines — Do Cats Like Peppermint?

Many people use peppermint, both the plant and the oil, to calm or descent their cats. This makes a certain amount of sense because peppermint is in the same family as catnip. Do cats like peppermint? Yes, many cats, though certainly not all, are attracted to the scent of peppermint. However, peppermint and catnip are not interchangeable, and care should be taken when administering any peppermint product to a cat.

The Dangers of Peppermint in Cats

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), cats are much more sensitive to peppermint products than most other pets. Peppermint leaves, if ingested, could potentially cause your cat an upset stomach. Peppermint extract can create a burning sensation if it comes in direct contact with the skin.

Peppermint oil, however, is especially dangerous. If swallowed, peppermint oil can cause gastrointestinal upset, a suppression of the central nervous system, and even liver damage. Some peppermint oils contain a derivative of aspirin, which is highly toxic to cats. Peppermint oils should not be used around cats at any time.

The Safe Use of Peppermint with Cats

One of the problems with using any aromatherapy product, such as peppermint or cinnamon, with cats is that felines have a heightened sense of smell. This makes them more sensitive to scented products in the first place. If you do choose to use peppermint around your cats, make sure you use only a small amount. Your cats will smell it even if you can’t.

If your cat truly adores peppermint and you’d like to make use of it, there are safe ways to do so. You can take peppermint leaves and encase them in fabric, much like a catnip toy. You can then give it to your cats as long as you supervise them carefully. You don’t want your cat to eat any of the plant material. These toys will calm many cats, though some may have the opposite reaction.

Peppermint extract can also be used if properly diluted. Use approximately one-quarter cup of a carrier oil such as jojoba or olive and a few drops of peppermint extract. This mixture can be used to deodorize a cat, but be very careful to keep it away from any mucus membranes. You’ll only need the smallest amount of your mixture, and only apply it to the fur. If you can smell peppermint on the cat from three feet away, then you’ve used too much for the comfort of your cat.

You can also use this mixture when introducing a new cat into your household. Simply place a few drops on each cat and the introductions will usually be much smoother. This also works when bringing one cat home from an extended stay at the veterinarian’s office.

Because it is potentially toxic, many veterinarians will recommend against using peppermint products around cats. It is very important that no plant material, oil, or extract is ingested by your cats as they may become ill. If you do choose to use peppermint around your cats, do so with caution. It should also be noted that not all felines like peppermint. If your cat seems bothered by peppermint, you should immediately discontinue use.

So, do cats like peppermint? Some do, which pet owners can use to their benefit!