5 garden plants that are safe for your cat

A cat-friendly garden keeps your feline safe while adding beauty to your space. Here are five plants that are both vibrant and pet safe.

May. 2, 2025

Est. read time: 3 min.

Catnip – Nepeta cataria

Catnip isn’t just safe for your cat to chew on—a single whiff of its aroma can send your feline friend rolling around in pure bliss! If you’re picking out plants for your garden, catnip is a must-have! Just be sure not to mix up catnip (Nepeta cataria) with catmint (Nepeta faassenii), as catmint doesn’t have the same euphoric effect. That said, both plants are completely safe for your feline friend.

Tabby and white cat licking a catnip plant in a garden

Cat thyme – Teucrium marum

If you live in a mild climate, Teucrium marum—also called cat thyme—could be a great addition to your cat-friendly garden! The plant looks a lot like regular thyme but has a strong scent that can make some people sneeze. Cats, on the other hand, absolutely love it and get a fun, catnip-like buzz from the smell.

Cat thyme plant with small, fuzzy grey-green leaves and vibrant pink flowers

Valerian – Valeriana officinalis

If you want to add a splash of color to your cat garden, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is the perfect choice. This perennial plant produces delicate white or pink flowers in summer and can reach up to 5 feet (1.5m) if left untrimmed. While humans value valerian for its calming effects, some cats have the opposite reaction—zooming excitedly around the garden after sniffing it! However, other felines react more like humans, feeling relaxed and mellow after a whiff or a chew.

Clusters of small, pale pink and white valerian flowers blooming against a blurred green background

Sword fern – Nephrolepis exaltata

Although it won’t have a hallucinogenic effect on your cat, the striking sword fern is a fantastic addition to any cat-safe garden. This evergreen plant can grow between 16 and 35 inches (40-90 cm) tall, allowing your cat to nap beneath its delicate leaflets. Thriving in mild, humid climates, the sword fern prefers shade but also makes a beautiful houseplant, especially when displayed in a hanging basket.

Lush green sword fern fronds against a dark wall

A wide range of herbs

If you love to cook, an herb garden is a must-have! Most culinary herbs are safe for cats, including rosemary, thyme, parsley, cilantro, dill, basil, and sage. However, be sure to avoid garlic, onions and chive as these are toxic to your feline friend and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.