Our adorable furry housemates can’t seem to keep their paws out of our things, no matter what they are. This includes our plants; whether up high or low, they will find a way to spend some one-on-one time with our indoor greenery. We all know the saying, “Curiosity killed the cat.” Read on for tips on how to avoid any issues between your cat and plants.
Snake Plant, Money Tree, Zanzibar Plant: Toxic to Your Cat?
It is impossible to gauge a plant’s toxicity by simply looking at it. Unlike venomous animals, plants are not necessarily brightly colored to warn off predators from their toxicity. Some of the most common houseplants are extremely poisonous or toxic to cats and dogs in other ways. Viewing pets as helpless as you would a one-year-old baby regarding their health and safety is crucial. They don’t make the best choices. Plants are just one of the many hazards in our homes that can make our cats very sick or even become fatal in some situations. If there is a question about whether or not a plant is poisonous or toxic to your cat, check out the ASPCA’s Poisonous Plants Database.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant might sound terrifying to some, but it is a ubiquitous office and house plant due to its ease of care. Cats cannot resist the long, snake-like, sturdy leaves that are such a delight to crunch in their teeth. Cats are also drawn to chewing on pointy objects, and the tips of the snake plant leaves are sharp. They are also sturdy enough to be excellent batting toys, too. However fun-filled and exciting they may look to your cat, they are toxic if eaten. This goes for dogs, too. Your cat will not be harmed if it rubs against the plant.
If your cat eats some snake plant, the side effects can be scary. It’s best to rush your poisoned cat to the nearest vet to avoid serious complications. Once your cat has nibbled on a bit of your plant, its mouth will go numb and likely drool or paw at its mouth. But numbness isn’t all it can do. The plant will also cause the mouth and throat of your cat to swell, which could complicate breathing. Once at the vet, they can be put on oxygen and given meds to help the swelling go down. The plant contains saponins, which act as an insecticide and fungicide for the plant. The saponins are what make the plant dangerous to pets. Though the ingestion of the plant is not fatal, it can cause severe stomach upset. If you have outdoor cats, do not grow these outside of your house.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Money trees are another highly popular indoor plant. They are frequently given as gifts, and there’s good news: they aren’t toxic or harmful to your cat. These neat-looking, often braided trunks look even more unique than they already do. Money trees are native to Central and South American swamps, where the trees can grow to be 60 feet tall.
The trees aren’t toxic to cats, but if enough of anything is eaten, an upset stomach will result. Some side effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chances are that you don’t want your furry friend to devour your money tree since it won’t bring money into the picture if your cat is digesting it. If you wish to keep your money tree looking healthy, try keeping it in a room where cats do not go or place it up high enough that they would have to exert considerable effort to snag a quick bite.
Zanzibar Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The Zanzibar plant, often known by its nickname ZZ plant, is another popular houseplant that even the least experienced can grow without much effort. Unfortunately, this isn’t a tasty plant your cat will want to nibble once it realizes the unpleasant side effects. Their pretty, almost neon-green leaves can look awfully tempting, especially to goofy kittens who are eager to snack on everything they shouldn’t. These up to three-foot-tall plants are part of the Araceae family, which means they are absolutely toxic. Some of the other plants in the Araceae family are lilies, pothos, elephant ears, and philodendrons.
What the plants all have in common is their insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause soft tissue damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach of cats. It can also cause drooling and throat and mouth swelling, further complicating things.
What are Some Cat-Safe Houseplant Alternatives?
If you have been in a pet store recently, you may have noticed them selling cat grass at the front of the store. You can also purchase catnip plants. These reasonably inexpensive grass plots can save your plants from the brutality your cat unleashes. Cats love to eat grass; it helps them digest their food, settles an upset stomach, and helps with hairballs. However, it induces vomiting in most cats, so be prepared to clean up a mess. If purchasing pet grass doesn’t seem like a great idea, try using a catio outside with access to grass. Your cat will love watching the birds and rolling in the grass in the fresh air.
Cats are hilarious, finicky creatures that we love and cherish. We want to keep them healthy and safe as if they were our children. It’s essential to research what to avoid in a house with cats. People sometimes give gifts of lilies or poinsettias throughout the year, and without knowing, these plants are brought indoors where our too-curious cats can resist. It’s up to you to know what not to bring around your cat.
