Wanting to build a jungle gym out of actual tree branches for my catio, I've searched the Web and learned that carob (Ceratonia siliqua) and olive trees (Olea europaea) are safe for kittens who like to chew. I'm pretty sure that Jacaranda mimosifolia are OK too (because their close relatives Jacaranda procera certainly are OK), but I've been unable to find a comprehensive list for trees, and ASPCA’s list of toxic plants includes only a few.
If anyone has any leads in that direction I would be most grateful for any info you could share.
Hello! We've been reviewing older forum questions to provide some answers, so I'll offer some thoughts here.
My initial thought is that the branches themselves are unlikely to be an issue, especially if they're thick enough that your kitten/cat can't fit them in their mouth. When it comes to toxic plants, the biggest risk is the leaves, stems, and flowers that your cat can actually chew on and swallow. If you're careful to remove all the leaves and smaller twigs, it's less likely your cat will have any interest in chewing.
Scratching, on the other hand, is something to consider. If your cat scratches the branches and strips the bark, it may then become more appealing to chew on. If that's a concern, I'd say look for branches that have smooth bark that doesn't flake off or peel. Wash the branches thoroughly in antibacterial soap and let them dry completely before you construct your jungle gym.