Keeping our feline friends safe around houseplants is crucial and yet it is something that cat owners often don’t consider until the cat becomes ill for an unexplained reason.
Some plants can be harmful if ingested by cats.
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Defining Non -Toxic Houseplants
Non toxic houseplants are those that won’t cause harm to cats if they decide to nibble on the leaves.
Sometimes cats, don’t nibble on the leaves but rather lick the leaves, particularly if there’s water on the leaves.
A few examples of such plants include Echeveria Lola, a small succulent with a light purple rosette, and cat grass which can divert a cat’s attention from other plants.
Spider plants, Boston ferns, and Areca palms are popular choices.
These plants are not only safe but also add beauty to our living spaces.
For example, the Echeveria Lola grows up to six inches tall and is easy to care for with proper sunlight and water.
Recognizing Plants Toxic to Cats
Now to identify plants that are toxic to pets.
Certain houseplants, such as sago palms and lilies, can cause serious harm.
Sago palms are especially dangerous, as every part of the plant is toxic to cats, leading to severe liver damage if ingested.
Philodendrons, azaleas, and poinsettias are other examples of plants that should be kept away from cats.
Even a small bite can result in symptoms like vomiting or worse.
Choosing Pet Friendly Plants
We still have a great selection of beautiful and safe houseplants that will not harm our cats.
Spider plants are an excellent choice, as they are attractive and completely non-toxic to cats. Plus, how easy are spider plants to grow. They are pretty well indestructible.
Orchids are another cat safe option that can add a touch of elegance to any room.
The prayer plant is also safe for cats and has eye catching foliage that can thrive in indoor conditions.
Another great option is the areca palm, which is safe for our cats and adds a tropical feel to the home.
All these plants provide beauty without risking our cats’ health.
Plants to Avoid in Homes with Cats
It’s equally important to know which plants are harmful to cats.
Many common houseplants can be toxic. For instance, lilies are highly toxic and can cause severe kidney damage if ingested. Lilies often feature in bouquets or bunches of flowers.
Aloe vera, while beneficial for humans, can be harmful to cats and lead to stomach upset and vomiting.
Now this is referring to the aloe vera gel which is extracted from the plant (something we do in our home, frequently).
Will a cat actually nibble on a plant? That is another question and probably not. Our cats never have but, well there’s always that but, and all cats are different.
Just knowing this fact is good if there are any problems.
Pothos and philodendron are popular indoor plants that are not safe for cats.
Ingesting these plants can lead to irritation of the mouth and digestive tract.
Below, we have highlighted some popular indoor plants that are safe for cats, including succulents, ferns, and those ideal for hanging baskets.
Top Cat Safe Indoor Plants
African Violet
African violets are beautiful with purple blooms and striking yellow centers.
These plants are not only safe for cats but also add a pop of color to our living spaces.
They do well in indirect sunlight and require moderate watering. I love these plants but alas seem to kill them off. I’ve been told that overwatering is the problem.
Orchids
Orchids are elegant and safe for cats.
These plants thrive in moderate light and require watering when the top inch of soil dries out. Their beautiful flowers can last for weeks, making them a great choice for indoor decoration.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants come in various shapes and sizes, featuring thick, textured leaves.
They are non toxic to our furry friends and easy to care for, needing only indirect light and minimal watering.
Safe For Cats – Succulents and Ferns
Echeveria
Echeveria is a popular choice for succulent lovers and is safe for cats.
With their rosette shape and light purple appearance, they make an attractive addition to any indoor garden. They thrive in bright light and must be kept out of standing water.
Haworthia
Known as the zebra cactus, Haworthia succulents are small, hardy, and safe for felines.
These plants prefer bright, indirect light and need to be watered sparingly, making them ideal for busy schedules.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are lush, leafy plants that are non-toxic to cats.
They do well in humid environments with indirect light. Regular misting helps keep their fronds green and healthy.
Best Houseplants for Hanging Baskets
Air Plants
Air plants are unique as they don’t require soil and can be displayed in a variety of creative ways, including hanging baskets.
They are safe for cats and need only occasional soaking in water and indirect light.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn ferns feature fronds that resemble antlers, making them an interesting hanging plant.
Staghorns can grow to a massive size over many years. These are the ones you may have see on mounted onto a board or tree trunk.
They are non-toxic to cats and grow well in shaded areas with regular misting.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads bring a tropical feel to any space with their vibrant colors and rosette forms.
Safe for cats, they thrive in bright, indirect light and require keeping their central cup filled with water while maintaining well drained soil.
Spider Plants
Spider plants also grow exceptionally well in hanging baskets.
Ensuring Plant and Cat Harmony
Creating a harmonious environment for both plants and cats involves selecting pet friendly houseplants, being mindful of where we place the plants and training our cats to avoid nibbling on them.
Creating a Safe Home Environment
When setting up our homes, we need to be mindful of the houseplants we choose.
Choose the plants that are safe for cats including spider plants or Boston ferns both of which make gorgeous houseplants.
To minimize any risk of digestive upset, we can use creative display solutions. C’mon kitty we are one step ahead of you.
For instance, hanging planters or using elevated shelves can keep plants out of a curious cat’s reach.
Cat safe planters can also be an excellent choice.
Make sure that the soil is not easily accessible, as some cats might dig into it. yep, cats will do this or knock a pot over.
Using heavier pots or placing decorative stones on top of the soil can help deter this behavior.
Training Cats to Avoid Plants
Training our cats to stay away from plants requires patience and consistency.
There are many ideas in the article below to keep your kitty cats away from your houseplants.
How To Keep Cats Away From Plants
We can make the plants less appealing.
Placing citrus peels or using pet safe deterrent sprays around the plants can discourage our cats from approaching them.
Providing alternative distractions like cat grass and interactive toys can keep them engaged.
Setting up a designated area with cat friendly plants like catnip can also divert their attention.
Proceed with Caution
When choosing houseplants, we need to be mindful of those that might still pose a risk to our cats, even if they are generally considered non-toxic. We should also know what to do if our pets accidentally ingest toxic plants.
Understanding Partially Toxic Plants
Some plants are partially toxic. This means that while one part of the plant might be safe, another part could be harmful.
For example, the peace lily can cause digestive upset if ingested.
Even plants labelled as safe for cats may have parts, like bulbs or flowers that are not.
The spider plant is generally non-toxic but can still cause mild digestive issues if eaten in large quantities.
Emergency Steps for Accidental Ingestion
If a houseplant toxic to pets is ingested, immediate action is essential.
First, try to determine how much and which part of the plant was consumed. Move the cat away from the plant to prevent further ingestion.
Next, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline.
They can provide specific instructions based on the plant’s toxicity and your pet’s symptoms. Do not try to treat the cat yourself unless advised by a professional.
Having a list of emergency contacts, including your vet and the ASPCA poison control, is important.
Acting quickly can make a significant difference in your pet’s recovery.
Resource
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
The ASPCA provides an extensive database of plants that are toxic and non-toxic to cats. This is a valuable resource for any cat owner wanting to keep their furry friends safe.
