Plants With ‘Cat’ in the Name – Feline-Inspired Flora for Your Garden

For cat lovers and gardeners alike, there are numerous delightful plants whose common names contain the word ‘cat’ Ranging from wildflowers to trees, these feline-inspired plants can add whimsy and interest to any garden When grouped together, they create a fun and playful feline theme. Here are some of the top options for plants with ‘cat’ in the name to consider for your yard

Wildflowers

• Pussytoes – These low, mat-forming wildflowers in the genus Antennaria feature fuzzy, cat’s paw-like flower clusters. There are over 45 species, with many native to North America. They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil.

• Kitten Tails – Also called kitten tails flower, Besseya bullii is a petite wildflower in the figwort family. It has dense spikes of tubular pink and white blooms resembling kitten tails. Native to the western half of North America.

• Cat’s Eye – Several plants bear this name, including the California wildflower Cryptantha clevelandii with white, cat’s eye-shaped flowers. And African daisy Osteospermum clandestinum, whose flowers close at night like a cat’s eye.

Aquatic Plants

• Cattails – The common name for several wetland plants in the genus Typha. Their characteristic brown cylindrical flower spikes resemble cat tails. Excellent for ponds.

• Cat Tail – Also called horsetail rush, Equisetum hyemale is a primitive non-flowering perennial fern ally. It has distinctive, cat tail-looking sporangia structures. Grows in marshy areas.

Herbs

• Catnip – This mint family herb, Nepeta cataria, contains nepetalactone compounds that are euphoric for cats. Grows as a bushy, aromatic perennial in sun or partial shade.

• Catmint – Closely related to catnip, these Nepeta species have similar growth habits and flowers, but most lack the cat-attracting chemicals. Many varieties to choose from.

• Cat’s Claw – Uncaria tomentosa is a tropical vine used in herbal medicine. It gets its name from small, curved thorns on the vine that resemble cat claws. Also an invasive weed in warmer climates.

Shrubs & Trees

• Pussy Willow – Grown for their fuzzy, gray catkin flowers in early spring. Popular varieties include Salix caprea and Salix discolor. Medium-sized, multi-stemmed trees reaching 15-20 ft. tall.

• Red Cat Whiskers – Orthosiphon stamineus is a shrubby perennial with scarlet flowers having prominent whisker-like stamens. Grows to 3 ft. tall. Native to tropical Asia.

• Mountain Cat’s Foot – Antennaria parlinii is a small, mat-forming subshrub in the pussytoes genus. It displays fuzzy, off-white flower heads and grows at high elevations in the western mountains.

• White Pussytoes – Antennaria howellii is similar to mountain cat’s foot but found in California. It forms a low carpet of silvery-white leaves and fuzzy flowers.

Vines

• Cat’s Claw Creeper – Also called cat’s claw vine, this aggressive invader Dolichandra unguis-cati climbs up trees and structures with claw-like tendrils. Introduced from South America and now banned in Florida.

• Coral Cat’s Claw – Macfadyena unguis-cati is another South American climber with curved claws that help it climb. Has showy clusters of yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers but highly invasive.

With their playful, cat-inspired names, these plants can spark creativity and fun in your garden design. Group several together for maximum effect. Just beware of aggressive creepers like true cat’s claw. For cat and nature lovers, these feline flora are sure to delight.

Some other fun plant names with ‘cat’ include Cat Tail Moss, Cat’s Ear, and Lion’s Foot. Get creative and let your imagination run wild when planting your cat-themed garden!

How to Design a Cat-Themed Garden

When grouped together, plants with ‘cat’ in the name create a whimsical and lighthearted garden theme. Here are some tips for designing your own cat-inspired landscape:

• Choose a focal point – Use a larger plant like pussy willow as the centerpiece surrounded by smaller catnip, catmint and wildflowers. Or create a pond featuring cattails.

• Include cat sculptures or accessories – Place cast stone cat statues, ceramic cat planters or even outdoor cat beds strategically around the garden. Fun!

• Make pathways – Connect planting beds with winding gravel or stone paths to resemble lazy cat trails.

• Add stealth zones – Use shrubs, tall grasses and trellises to make cozy cat hiding spots.

• Use borders – Edge planting beds with low hedges or fences for jumping and lounging areas.

• Provide water – Have a small birdbath, fountain or pond for drinking and batting water.

With the right selection of plants, hardscapes and accessories, you can design a playful oasis that any feline- and nature-lover will enjoy. Get creative and have fun with it!

Benefits of Cat-Friendly Plants

Incorporating cat-friendly plants into your garden not only creates a theme, but also provides benefits for your feline friends:

• Natural stimulation – Catnip, catmint and cat thistle give harmless euphoria and excitement.

• Aromatherapy – Scented herbs like lemon balm and lavender have calming effects.

• Chew relief – Providing cat-safe plants saves your furnishings from being nibbled.

• Digestive aid – Cat grass helps cats with hairball control and digestion.

• Insect repellant – Strong scents of plants like pennyroyal deter fleas and ticks.

Always supervise your cats around plants and discourage nibbling on unknown varieties. With planning, your cat garden can be a safe outdoor haven. Do research before growing outdoors, as some plants like lilies are toxic. Focus on well-known cat-friendly varieties.

Cat-Themed Plant Names to Avoid

While creating your cat garden theme, be aware of these plants to avoid due to invasiveness or toxicity:

• Cat’s Claw Vine – Dolichandra unguis-cati – Fast growing South American vine that climbs aggressively on trees and structures.

• Coral Cat’s Claw – Macfadyena unguis-cati – Similar aggressive vine with showy flowers, but banned in many areas.

• Cat’s Claw Acacia – Senegalia greggii – A thorny shrub that can spread rapidly in wild areas.

• Lilies – Daylilies, oriental lilies, Asiatic lilies – Extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts.

• Poinsettias – Euphorbia pulcherrima – The leaves and sap can irritate cats’ mouths and stomachs.

• Autumn Crocus – Colchicum autumnale – All parts are poisonous, causing burning, vomiting, kidney and liver damage.

Always research a plant thoroughly before introducing it to your cat’s environment. Focus on well-known non-toxic varieties to be safe.

Top Cat-Friendly Plants

Here are some of the top plants considered safe for cats that you can use to build your cat garden theme:

• Catnip
• Catmint
• Cat thyme
• Lavender
• Lemon balm
• Valerian
• Oat grass
• Wheat grass
• Spider plants
• Prayer plants
• Ponytail palms
• Pothos
• Swedish ivy
• Piggyback plant
• Air plants
• African violets

Monitor your cat’s interaction with any new plants and remove or deter access if nibbling occurs. With planning, your cat-themed garden can provide a safe, relaxing outdoor area.

Bring the Indoors Out

In addition to dedicated cat-friendly plants, consider incorporating some houseplants into your outdoor cat garden as well. Hardy varieties of popular indoor plants like spider plants, ponytail palms and pothos vines adapt well to protected outdoor spaces.

Hanging baskets of trailing Swedish ivy or piggyback plant on porches and patios provide great swatting and hiding opportunities. Sturdy prayer plants and African violets hold up to weather fluctuations better than most blooming houseplants.

Always acclimate indoor plants slowly to outdoor conditions before leaving outside permanently. And be prepared to bring more sensitive plants back indoors if temperatures dip too low. With some experimentation, you can find the perfect houseplant varieties to blend indoor and outdoor spaces.

Get Creative with Containers

When designing your cat garden, look for fun containers to complement the theme:

• Paint clay pots to look like cats or decorate with cat silhouettes

• Use weatherproof cat-shaped planters

• Repurpose cat litter buckets or food containers

• Make mini planters from cat toys, gloves or boots

• Use gloves, boots or baskets as whimsical hanging planters

• Place plants in a cat bed, basket or box lined with plastic

• Use a claw-foot tub, wheelbarrow or wagon as a giant planter

Almost anything can become a plant container with proper drainage and lining! Blend the indoors and outdoors by pairing houseplants and cat decor items. Get creative with repurposed items to add a fun, playful vibe.

Perfect Plants for Cat Lovers

If you love felines, incorporating cat-inspired plants into your garden or outdoor living space is a must. It allows you to combine your passion for gardening with your affection for cats in a whimsical, playful way.

Research non-toxic, pet-friendly varieties to find the perfect options for your climate and growing conditions. Then get creative designing your own unique cat haven filled with plants, structures and decor that you and your cats will enjoy. A cat garden is a lighthearted, relaxing outdoor retreat for any feline fan.