Edible Green Plants for Cats

Cats are natural-born plant nibblers. Make sure any houseplants in your home are not toxic to cats, and discourage cats from knocking over plant containers by using heavy pots for plants. If you have a cat determined to dig, try putting rocks or pebbles on top of the dirt in plant containers. Spraying diluted lemon juice on the leaves of plants keeps some cats from chewing them. Planting a cat-friendly garden can help ensure your cat has a comfortable environment---and may keep it from destroying decorative houseplants as well.

  1. Catnip

    • A cat's reaction to catnip is believed to be hereditary. The perennial herb affects roughly half of all cats, stimulating activity in cats that sniff it and acting as a relaxant in cats that consume this mint family member. Cats don't react to catnip until they become sexually mature at around 3 to 4 months old. If you grow your own catnip, keep it in a place inaccessible to cats to prevent them from demolishing it before it has a chance to mature or from becoming so catnip-saturated the herb loses its effect on them. Once the catnip has matured, cut off an allotment and offer it to your cat. To encourage cats to use a scratching post, rub catnip on the post.

    Grass Seedlings

    • Most cats enjoy having an assortment of alfalfa, rye and wheat seedlings on which to chew. Grass seedlings grow best in sunny spots---to prevent cats from knocking over the pot or digging in its dirt, grow seedlings in an area cats can't access or find a gentle way to deter them. As with any plant you grow for cats, use sterilized potting soil and seeds that have not been treated. Some seeds are treated with hormones or chemicals to encourage germination. Also avoid lawn grass---its sharp spines can cut a cat's mouth and damage its digestive tract.

    Other Herbs

    • Cats can munch on parsley, sage, thyme and valerian without suffering serious side effects. Like grass, these herbs may cause them to vomit a bit. That's one reason some cats chew on green plants---to stimulate a hairball-removing reflex. Along with chewing the herbs, cats may amuse themselves by smelling them. Some cats respond to valerian in the same manner as they respond to catnip, running, playing and frolicking after exposure.