18 APRIL/MAY 2020 TASTEOFHOME.COM
Pet LoveMIXING BOWL
IT’S A LITTLE HAIRY KNOWING WHICH HOUSEPLANTS WON’T
HARM YOUR NIBBLE-HAPPY KITTY. WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING
FLUFFY SAFE AT HOME, THESE GREENS ARE GOOD TO GO.FELINE FAVES
Your tabby likely enjoys pawing
at all the objects on your counters
for sport. Eliminate plant-induced
anxiety by bringing home nontoxic
greens that also breathe new life
into your space. Jennifer Kasten,
a veterinarian with the Tomlyn
Veterinary Science company,
recommends catnip, cat grass and
wheatgrass. Low-maintenance
bamboo plants are also a safe bet.SUPERB HERBS
Fresh herbs take mealtime from
boring to brilliant. Luckily, you
can grow fragrant stems at home
to brighten recipes as you please.
Dr. Kasten suggests basil, sage,cilantro, rosemary and dill for a
cat-friendly windowsill garden.
Felines are totally fine to ingest
these tasty greens. Err on the side
of caution, though, and avoid
growing aromatic peppermint and
spearmint. “If consumed in large
enough amounts, they can cause
gastrointestinal upset from their
essential oils,” Dr. Kasten says.HARMFUL BLOOMS
Treating yourself to a mood-
boosting bouquet is a self-care
win. Just note which varieties to
keep away from your bright-eyed
best friend. Lilies are at the top of
the “don’t” list. “Even the smallest
exposure can be toxic to thekidneys,” Dr. Kasten says. You
should also avoid amaryllises,
daffodils and tulips in your floral
arrangements. And if you’re
looking to add a little green-leaf
goodness to your living quarters,
skip sago palms, which are highly
toxic to pets.Ultimately, occasionally noshing
on something green and leafy can
boost your pet’s digestive tract.
“Cats are used to getting small
amounts of plant material from the
ingestion of the intestinal contents
of prey species such as mice or
rodents,” Dr. Kasten says. “Getting
some access to plant material is
normal and natural for cats.” IT’S A JUNGLE IN THERE
CAT:^DASHA^ PETRENKO/SHUTTERSTOCK