When it comes to herbs for cats, we spent years thinking catnip was it. We had no idea how many herbs are not only cat safe – but truly enriching and healing.
Our journey began when Julie-Anne Thorne of Naturally Cats introduced us to her original herb gardens. We’d never heard of cats using ‘self-selection’. We also didn’t realize how important it is to give cat a choice – about anything. Through her work and her book The Aromatic Cat, she completely opened our eyes to the ways cats can self-select herbs to support their own well-being.
Along our path, we also connected with the incredible clinical herbalist, Rita Hogan. Rita has more than 20 years of experience in holistic herbalism, is a practitioner, educator, speaker and author. Her book, The Herbal Dog, is not just illuminating for dog owners (though she specializes in canine herbalism). It is applicable for cats – and us humans. Her work takes the the power of herbs to the next level: Plants as medicine.
Most recently, we were able to help bring back the original herb gardens pioneered by Julie-Anne Heart, by partnering with Lora Lee Medley of Moon Mojo Feline. Lora Lee also embraces a holistic approach to cat care – and with a certification in Herbalism, she is the perfect fit for creating (and hand-packing) organic herbal ‘playgrounds’ for cats!
A Few of our Favorite Herbs for Cats
Valerian Root – Known for its calming properties, valerian can help ease stress and anxiety in cats, making it a wonderful support during changes or stressful events.
Calendula – This bright, sunny herb is soothing for skin irritations and supports overall immune health.
Catnip & Silver Vine – While we often think of these herbs as “playtime herbs,” they also provide enrichment, stress relief, and gentle stimulation for cats of all ages.
Chamomile – Gentle and nurturing, chamomile may help relax tense muscles and calm digestive upset in sensitive kitties.
Lemon Balm – A natural mood balancer, lemon balm helps anxious or over-stimulated cats settle into a state of comfort.
Why Herbs Matter
The more we learn about cats, the more we realize: Cats are natural healers who have always been connected to the plants around them. By offering safe, organic herbs, we give our feline companions the chance to reconnect with their instincts. Whether it’s stress relief, immune support, or simple enrichment, herbs offer a gentle yet powerful way to help our cats live happier, healthier lives.
Our journey with Julie-Anne, Rita, and now Lora Lee has shown us one beautiful truth: When we trust nature, our cats thrive. And we are still learning every day. We invite you to continue learning with us from these beautiful teachers too. The links included in this blog will take you to their books and websites – all full of powerful knowledge that helps us all provide a better life for our cats (and ourselves).
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