Every nursery needs a cat. Ours just figured that out before we did. Snuggles arrived from the farm next door one day and never really left - and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way. She chose us, which feels very on-brand for a cat. These days she can usually be found supervising deliveries, inspecting the herbaceous perennials, or simply sitting in a patch of sunlight looking thoroughly pleased with herself.
She's also, quietly, taught us a great deal about cats in the garden. Which is exactly why we're kicking off our Pets in the Garden series right here, with the most independently-minded pet of them all.
Cats and Gardens: A Natural Combination
If you have a cat, you already know they treat the garden as their personal kingdom. A garden offers everything a cat could want - things to chase, things to climb, things to sniff, and endless warm corners for an afternoon nap. The rustle of a bird in the shrubs, the texture of soft soil underfoot, the complex layering of scent from dozens of different plants - it's genuinely stimulating in a way that no amount of indoor entertainment quite matches.
A well-thought-out garden can be wonderfully enriching for a cat. The key word is well-thought-out. Because some of what makes a garden irresistible to a cat is also, if we're being honest, a little inconvenient for the gardener.
Plants That Are Toxic to Cats: What to Know
Some very common garden plants are toxic to cats, and it's worth knowing which ones before you plant up your borders. Most cats have reasonable instincts about what not to eat - but "most" and "reasonable" are doing a lot of work in that sentence, and kittens in particular are notoriously curious.
Plants to be cautious about include:
- Lilies - all parts are highly toxic to cats, and even small amounts can cause serious kidney damage. If you have cats, lilies are best avoided entirely.
- Foxglove (Digitalis) - beautiful in a cottage border but toxic if ingested.
- Daffodil bulbs (Narcissus) - the bulbs are the most dangerous part, which matters if your cat is a digger.
- Autumn crocus (Colchicum) - often mistaken for a safer plant, but genuinely dangerous.
- Yew (Taxus) - widely used in topiary and hedging, and toxic to cats as well as dogs.
- Wisteria - a stunning climber, but the seeds and pods can cause problems.
- Rhododendron - toxic to cats and best planted where access is limited.
- Lily of the valley (Convallaria) - delicate and lovely, but worth knowing it's on the list.
The Blue Cross and Dogs Trust both maintain excellent full plant lists, and we'd recommend bookmarking one. If you ever suspect your cat has eaten something it shouldn't have, contact your vet straight away. When you visit us at Cedar Nursery, our team is always happy to talk through cat-safe alternatives.
Plants Cats Actually Love
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the obvious starting point. Rolling, rubbing, general euphoria - watching a cat encounter catnip for the first time is one of life's simple joys. The active compound, nepetalactone, triggers a response in roughly two thirds of cats. The other third are simply too dignified to show it.
Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is the slightly more refined cousin - less intense than catnip, but still very appealing to cats, and a genuinely lovely border plant with soft lavender-blue flowers. We stock several varieties at Cedar. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is another firm favourite, with pretty white or pale pink flowers that suit an informal planting scheme. Cat thyme (Teucrium marum) is less well known but worth seeking out, and silver vine is a useful alternative for cats who don't respond to catnip.
Plant a small patch of these in a sunny corner and watch your cat claim it immediately. It may also distract them from the areas you'd rather they left alone.
Protecting Your Garden From Your Cat
Cats are wonderful, but they can be hard on a garden. Digging in freshly turned borders, using raised beds as a convenience, flattening a carefully staked perennial by sitting directly on top of it - Snuggles has form on all of the above. The aim isn't to fight your cat, but to work with their nature and redirect behaviour gently.
- Lay prickly prunings or rose cuttings over bare soil - cats dislike the texture and will usually choose a more comfortable spot.
- Chicken wire laid flat across bare borders is effective and largely invisible once plants fill in.
- Citrus peel placed in borders works well and breaks down naturally over time.
- Motion-activated sprinklers are genuinely effective - and, it has to be said, quite funny.
- Create a dedicated digging area with loose soil or sand to redirect the behaviour.
- Raised beds help protect vegetables and seedlings and are a worthwhile investment regardless.
Cats and Garden Wildlife
Cats are hunters - it's not a character flaw, it's simply what they are. But there are straightforward steps that make a real difference. A quick-release safety collar with a bell is one of the most effective things you can do. Positioning bird feeders and baths in open spots at height, away from fences and overhanging branches, also helps significantly. Dense planting, log piles, and rockeries give frogs, slow worms, and small mammals places to shelter that cats find harder to access. None of this requires guilt - just a little thought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which garden plants are most dangerous to cats?
Lilies are considered among the most toxic plants for cats, with all parts of the plant posing a serious risk - including the pollen. Other plants to be cautious about include foxglove, daffodil bulbs, autumn crocus, yew, and rhododendron. If you suspect your cat has eaten any toxic plant, contact your vet immediately.
What plants can I grow that cats will enjoy?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) and catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) are firm favourites with most cats. Valerian is another plant many cats find irresistible. Planting a small dedicated patch in a sunny corner gives your cat their own space - and can help protect the rest of your planting.
How do I stop my cat digging up my garden borders?
Laying prickly prunings, chicken wire, or pine cones over bare soil can deter digging effectively. Cats also dislike citrus scents, so placing orange or lemon peel in borders can help. Creating a dedicated digging spot with loose soil or sand is a good way to redirect the behaviour without conflict.
Is Cedar Nursery pet friendly?
Very much so. Snuggles, our resident cat, adopted us from the neighbouring farm and has been here ever since. Our team loves animals, and the nursery is a genuinely welcoming place for pet owners. Do come and say hello - to us and to her.
This is Part 1 of our Pets in the Garden series. Next time, we're turning our attention to dogs - and yes, there will be plenty of input from the Cedar team's four-legged regulars. Watch this space.
Come and Visit Us at Cedar Nursery
Cedar Nursery is a genuinely pet-friendly place, and Snuggles continues to do exactly as she pleases - which is very much in keeping with her character. If you're a cat owner thinking about replanting a border or starting a garden from scratch, come and have a chat with our team. We're in Cobham, less than 5 miles from RHS Wisley, and easy to reach from the M25. You can also browse our full plant collection at landscaping.co.uk before you visit. Our team knows which plants to avoid and which ones your cat will absolutely claim as their own.