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Gardening

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Total beginner, planting a cat friendly border

34 replies

MrsKingfisher · 17/03/2021 11:05

I practice Zoopharmacognosy which allows animals to use their innate self meditative abilities.

I have a bare garden, no plants yet just a vast expanse of garden. I'd like to plant a border with things like yarrow, arnica, comfrey, valerian, St. John's wort, calendula the list goes on!

I want to create a lovely border for them to enjoy but I am very new to gardening! Is there a plan I can download to start me off so I know what to plant where and what it will look like?

OP posts:
BigWolfLittleWolf · 17/03/2021 17:54

This thread is pretty unnerving.
I think OP, you need to do (a lot) more research.
By Wintergreen I assume you mean Winterberry/Gaulthera which is poisonous to cats, can cause heart rhythm problems/heart attacks.
Yarrow is mildly toxic to cats.
Calendula/Marigolds is risky in cats as they can be sensitive to salicylates.
St. John’s wort is poisonous for cats
Peppermint is mildly toxic and causes gastrointestinal irritation.

BigWolfLittleWolf · 17/03/2021 17:59

Comfrey aswell, I notice you mentioned upthread, is another poisonous plant for cats.
Linked to liver failure!

MrsKingfisher · 17/03/2021 18:29

@BigWolfLittleWolf

This thread is pretty unnerving. I think OP, you need to do (a lot) more research. By Wintergreen I assume you mean Winterberry/Gaulthera which is poisonous to cats, can cause heart rhythm problems/heart attacks. Yarrow is mildly toxic to cats. Calendula/Marigolds is risky in cats as they can be sensitive to salicylates. St. John’s wort is poisonous for cats Peppermint is mildly toxic and causes gastrointestinal irritation.

It's not unnerving, do some research on zoopharmacognosy. They don't eat the plants they aren't stupid!

OP posts:
FuzzyPuffling · 17/03/2021 18:50

Both my cats (and next door's) love a pretty grass called "frosted curls". They play in it and under it. It is a wonder to see!

BigWolfLittleWolf · 17/03/2021 18:52

It's not unnerving, do some research on zoopharmacognosy. They don't eat the plants they aren't stupid!
FYI, I’m very into alternative therapies.
I use homeopathic remedies, I have used Bach flower remedies, I have a Reiki qualification, I’m not suggesting that herbal remedies can’t be effective for animals, they absolutely can.

But a lot of the plants you have listed are poisonous for cats.
Cats (and dogs and horses and other animals) unfortunately, sometimes are stupid!
While they will sometimes self select the plants they need they also sometimes will eat plants that will make them ill.
One of the reasons why horse people are so on the ball with ragwort (as one example) is because horses absolutely will eat it.

You shouldn’t have plants that are toxic to cats in a garden for cats!

BigWolfLittleWolf · 17/03/2021 18:54

And cats absolutely do eat plants sometimes despite being carnivores so I wouldn’t be too sure yours will never chew a dangerous plant, even if they haven’t before.

MrsKingfisher · 17/03/2021 18:59

@FuzzyPuffling

Both my cats (and next door's) love a pretty grass called "frosted curls". They play in it and under it. It is a wonder to see!

Sounds lovely, thank you!

OP posts:
ViperAtTheGatesOfDawn · 17/03/2021 21:35

@BigWolfLittleWolf

And cats absolutely do eat plants sometimes despite being carnivores so I wouldn’t be too sure yours will never chew a dangerous plant, even if they haven’t before.
This is true.

And cats are contrary fuckers who will eat stuff to spite you.

Chemenger · 18/03/2021 10:05

I had a cat whose main aim in life was to eat Poinsettias, which I now now are toxic to cats. My last two kittens made it their lifes' ambition to kill the only pot plant I have ever kept alive for more than a year. They eventually scaled a high bookcase in order to push it off then tore it to shreds on the carpet.

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