A garden for cats

Wendy Greenspan of Pretoria writes I recently became the proud owner of two beautiful Maine Coon kittens. My garden is medium-sized and I’d like them to be able to make the most of it – any suggestions for a cat-friendly garden?

Valdette Muller, owner of online store shingavet.co.za, replies Cats love greenery and will often sniff and chew on plants they enjoy. Choose a location in the backyard or near a patio and create flowerbeds planted with various types of herbs. Here are a few options: • Catnip is one of the more obvious choices – and it’s easy to grow! The stems, leaves and flowers produce oils that contain nepetalactone which stimulates a cat in a calming way. • Valerian has a sweet fragrance similar to vanilla and is also easy to grow. Cats become excited when they encounter the roots which contain actinidine, a chemical compound that is thought to work as a semi-psychotic stimulant for cats. • Cat grasses There is a wide variety of grasses that cats may nibble on. Oat grass and wheatgrass are the two most popular choices. • Honeysuckle About 30% of cats will respond and be attracted to the smell of honeysuckle in much the same way as other cats will react to catnip. However, honeysuckle seeds aren’t recommended for cat consumption.

• Cat thyme has small, oval leaves and a musty scent that’s very different to real thyme. Some cats prefer cat thyme to catnip. Other herbs to consider include: rosemary, parsley, lemongrass, coriander and thyme which are all safe for cats to chew on or sniff.

Remember Cats are curious and have a need to explore; they love climbing, hiding and pouncing. Consider adding structures such as posts or trees in your cat-friendly garden and create little hiding places. You can even make little tree houses for them.

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