Many of the UK’s gardens are looking better than ever, one
of the small perks that have come with the lockdown. People have had more time
on their hands than usual. That and the addition of some incredible spring
weather has resulted in many households giving their gardens attention and
time. If you’re beginning to join the gardening craze, made slightly easier thanks
to the reopening of garden centres, here are some tips on how to create a cat
friendly garden and keep them safe at the same time.
Know Your
Seeds
Many seeds are toxic to humans and pets such as cats and
dogs. Take the time to read the back of the seed packets or bulb packs to learn
more about what you have in your hands. Keep all seeds and bulbs out of reach
of your pets and be particularly careful when planting or soaking in water
overnight.
Toxic
Plants
There are so many plants that are toxic to cats. We have a
whole blog dedicated to this titled ‘plants
that are toxic to cats’, which you can read by clicking that link. Check through your current garden to make sure
it’s safe and remember to check the list before you buy new seeds or plants for
your garden. If your neighbours have any toxic plants, you can protect your cat
by installing cat fencing or a cat enclosure to ensure your cat doesn’t accidently
get poisoned. Further information is available on the International Cat
Care website.
Design
with Your Cat in Mind
When you design a new layout try to provide your cat with an
environment that they will adore and love to explore. Cats love to find shade,
to sunbathe, to get up high and discover sheltered hiding spots. Plant cat
friendly grasses alongside slabs, install cat shelves on walls and use trees
and other plants to provide cover and climbing opportunities. Cat fences can be
easily designed to fit around trees, sheds, and other obstacles, just give us a
call if you need advice on how to DIY your own cat fence to ensure your cat cannot
escape.
Weed Killers
and Slug Pellets
Weeds and slugs can cause gardeners huge problems. Killing
them with weed killer and slug pellets are common, but these chemicals are often
lethal to pets if consumed. We recommend looking for natural ways of eradicating
slugs and weeds.
When this isn’t possible, ensure you lock away your pets during and after
treatment and lock away all chemicals so they can’t be accessed.
Read our article for further tips on creating
a cat friendly garden by Dr Lauren Finka. We hope you find the inspiration
you’re looking for. Don’t forget to share your photos of cats enjoying their
outdoor spaces (or indoor greenery) with us over on the ProtectaPet Facebook page.
