If you have a cat and a green thumb, creating a safe urban garden is a top priority. The good news is that there are several types of planter boxes that are both safe and uninteresting to our feline friends. The key is to focus on design, material, and plant selection.
First, consider elevated or tall, vertical planter boxes. Cats are less likely to jump into narrow, high-walled containers, especially if the planting surface is not easily accessible for lounging. Smooth, metal or fiberglass planters offer few textures appealing for scratching and are typically non-toxic. Avoid soft, diggable materials like loose coir liners.
Next, prioritize boring aesthetics. Choose planters in neutral, solid colors like gray, black, or terracotta, avoiding patterns that might look like prey. Secure, fixed saucers prevent tipping and eliminate pools of standing water that attract cats to drink from potentially contaminated runoff.
Most importantly, make the contents unappealing. Cat-safe plants like spider plants, Boston ferns, or catnip (in its own pot) are essential. However, the real trick is to avoid using soil as a litter box alternative. Cover the soil surface with a layer of unappealing mulch, such as large, smooth river rocks or chunky pine cones. This texture is unpleasant for digging and eliminates the loose soil attraction.
By combining a sleek, elevated design with non-toxic materials and a well-protected soil surface, you can create an urban garden space that is safe for your cat and, frankly, too boring for them to bother with. Your plants get to grow in peace, and your curious cat stays out of trouble.