Bank Holiday Update: Please note orders placed after Tuesday 15th April may not be delivered until after the Easter Bank Holiday.
Beginner's Guide To Setting Up The Perfect Cat-Friendly Garden
Creating a cat-friendly garden is a great way to keep your feline friends safe while allowing them to enjoy the outdoors. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to set up the perfect garden for your cat. We’ll discuss why it’s important to make your garden cat-friendly, from reducing the risk of accidents to giving your cat a safe space to explore. You’ll also find practical tips on setting up secure fencing, creating designated areas for your cat to relax and play and choosing non-toxic plants to keep your garden safe and enjoyable, as well as other tips you can use.
Key Takeaways
Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about creating a cat-friendly garden:
Installing cat-proof fences helps to keep your cat safe by preventing them from escaping while still allowing them to enjoy the outdoors.
Setting up specific areas for activities like playing, resting and scratching encourages your cat to stay within the garden’s boundaries.
Some plants, like lilies, are toxic to cats and should be avoided. Plant hardy, cat-safe shrubs and place delicate plants in raised pots or hanging baskets to keep them out of reach.
Cats can easily overheat, so it’s important to create plenty of shade using plants, umbrellas, gazebos, or sheets. Provide fresh water and lay down damp towels to help your cat stay cool and comfortable.
Even in a cat-friendly garden, constant supervision is important to ensure your cat’s safety, especially if they are young or not used to being outside.
Why is making your garden cat-friendly important for keeping your cat safe?
Making your garden cat-friendly is important for keeping your cat safe because it helps reduce the risk of accidents and exposure to potential hazards. Cats are naturally curious and love to explore, but this can sometimes put them in danger, especially if your garden isn’t secure or contains harmful plants. A well-planned, cat-friendly garden ensures your cat has a safe, enclosed space to explore without the risk of wandering onto roads or encountering toxic substances. It also provides them with mental stimulation and opportunities to exercise, helping to keep them happy and healthy.
UK Pets Ideal Cat-Friendly Garden Set Up
Below are a number of different tips that you can follow if you want to set your garden up in a cat-friendly manner:
Add cat-proof fences
One effective way to keep your cat safe is by installing cat-proof fencing. These specially designed fences help prevent your cat from escaping while still allowing them to enjoy the outdoors. Planting hedges along the perimeter can also add an extra layer of security, though it’s worth remembering that some particularly determined cats may still find a way out. To be on the safe side, make sure your cat’s microchip details are always up to date in case they manage to get out.
Create Designated Areas For Your Cat
Creating designated areas in your garden is a great way to make it more cat-friendly. By setting up specific areas for activities like playing, resting and scratching, you’ll encourage your cat to stay within the safety of your garden. Consider adding a shelter or outdoor cat house where they can retreat for some quiet time. Other options include climbing posts, scratching pads, or even a small tree that will give your cat a place to exercise and sharpen their claws without damaging your plants.
Choose non-toxic cat-friendly plants
When setting up a cat-friendly garden, it’s important to choose non-toxic plants that are safe for cats. Although they are usually selective about what they eat, it’s best to avoid planting anything that could harm them. For example, lilies are highly toxic to cats and should never be included in your garden.
Opt for hardy, cat-safe shrubs, and if you want to include more delicate plants, consider planting them in raised pots or hanging baskets to keep them out of reach.
It’s also a good idea to provide a small patch of grass, as cats often nibble on grass to help bring up hairballs. Cat-safe grass (such as wheatgrass or oat grass) is a popular choice that’s safe and beneficial.
Create a cat balcony using mesh
If you have a balcony, you can make it safe for your cat by using mesh barriers. A specially designed enclosure is usually made from a sturdy mesh material that gives your cat safe access to fresh air without the risk of escape or falling. Make sure the mesh is tightly secured and made from durable, weather-resistant material to withstand your cat’s curiosity and the elements.
Create shady spots with somewhere to drink water for your cat to cool off and avoid overheating
Cats are prone to overheating, so it’s important to have plenty of shady spots in your garden where they can cool off. Dense plants and bushes make excellent natural shade. You may also spot your cat rolling in mud. Whilst this may seem like bad behaviour, this actually helps them cool down by bringing the cooler layer of soil to the surface.
If your garden lacks natural shade, you can create it using garden umbrellas, gazebos, or by hanging a sheet over outdoor furniture. To make these spots even more inviting, lay down damp towels for your cat to lie on and place a water bowl nearby to keep them hydrated. You could also add a few treats to encourage your cat to settle in the shade.
Constant supervision of your cat or kitten
While creating a cat-friendly garden is essential for keeping your cat safe, it’s equally important to supervise them whenever they are outdoors, especially if they are a kitten or not used to being outside. Keeping a close eye on your cat means you can quickly step in if they try to escape. Supervision also allows you to spot any signs of distress or overheating, particularly on warmer days.
Video: Creating A Pet-Friendly Garden
In the videos below B&Q and Many Pets explain how to set up the perfect pet-friendly garden including tips such as setting up boundaries and choosing pet-friendly plants.
Concluding thoughts from Vicki Emmerton (BVetMed MRCVS)
Our feline friends might start to want to explore outside as the weather improves. Some cats will stray further than others. For those who enjoy some time in their own gardens, giving them plenty of shady spots and access to fresh water (although some find those dirty puddles just a little too tempting) should keep them cool and hydrated.
For those that like to roam, making sure that they have a cat-safe collar on with your details and an up-to-date microchip should mean that should they wander too far (or try and convince another human that they are very sad and need feeding immediately) they should find their way back to you.
Medically reviewed by:
Further Reading
How to create a pet-friendly garden - RHS
How to create a cat-friendly garden - Plants
Creating a cat-friendly garden or outdoor space | Battersea Dogs & Cats Home