If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, a balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill, then you can grow your own herb garden. Herbs grow easily and are delicious. Certain plants are not only adored by your kitty, but can also be very good for her health (not to mention yours) and can be useful for treating certain ailments she might have.
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, herbs tend to be easy to grow and are worth the minimal effort. And the bonus is you can grow some for your own cooking pot, too.
Catnip
Ah, the king of cat herbs. Catnip is beloved by felines the world over, and for good reason; it makes them very happy. It’s sort of like an after-work cocktail for cats, relieving them of stress and nervousness. Also, if your cat is always scratching and seems to have itchy skin, a catnip “tea bath” can be very soothing.
Cat Thyme
If your cat doesn’t react to catnip, then cat thyme may just be your cat’s best friend. That is if you can withstand its awful odor. Cat thyme has the same soothing effects as catnip and causes the same attendant feelings of contentment. And everyone loves a content cat. If you do go for cat thyme, however, you may want to pot a few plants of it, as it is very slow to grow.
Valerian
This pungent herb is best known for helping people relax and get a good night’s sleep. Not so for Mr. Whiskers. Valerian works as a stimulant on cats; it’s good for transforming lazy, fat cats into exercise machines. Pair this with the fact that cats actually like eating the plant, and you have the perfect formula for a healthy, furry feline.
Peppermint, Pennyroyal, and Rosemary
While not quite the right combination (or the right amount of herbs) for a Simon and Garfunkel song, the oils from these three herbs have soothing properties and act as natural insect repellents. If your cat has fleas or is intensely scratching itself, any one (or a combination of all three) can help boost your flea treatment. The most common application for these herbs is in the form of a bath. (Note: pennyroyal may be harmful or fatal if swallowed, so do not leave the herb lying around where the cat may get to it.)
Licorice Root
Not only does it taste good to your cat, licorice root is good for you, too. As a natural cortisone, licorice root can be used to soothe kitties with allergies, endocrine issues (the endocrine gland affects metabolism, growth, and mood), digestive problems, and respiratory problems, such as colds, since it soothes mucus membranes. Other positive traits of licorice root include its blood-cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can be very useful for cats with arthritis.
Cat’s Claw and Dandelion Root
Both of these herbs are good for you and your cat. A tincture made out of dandelion root and cat’s claw can help cats with itching, especially if they have allergies, as it contains natural cortisone. If kitty is trying to watch her figure, try making her a salad with dandelion leaves.
Goldenseal
No, this isn’t the title of a new James Bond film; it’s an herb that’s useful for your cat. Goldenseal can be used as a natural disinfectant on wounds, and in conjunction with saline, it may help shrink eyes that are swollen due to infections and allergies.
Of course, with any treatment, herbal or otherwise, make sure you consult your vet prior to treatment. You can also check in with your local holistic pet store for advice, and read our how-to guide for growing an indoor or outdoor herb garden. Like you, your cat should benefit from these natural wellness boosters, but only under professional supervision. Happy herb growing!
