How To Avoid Plant Toxicity In Cats

You love being a cat parent. Perhaps you also have a desire to become a plant parent and fill your home with the calming presence and scent of various flowers and greenery. But did you know that certain plants are toxic to cats? If eaten or chewed on, certain plants can critically injure or even kill your beloved furry friend.

No plant is worth this tragedy. At All Aboard Animal Hospital, we love your cat just as much as you do and want him or her to be safe. Read on for more information about which plants are okay to have around felines, and which you should avoid at all costs. Plant toxicity is entirely preventable!

Permissible Plants Around Cats

Being a cat parent doesn’t mean having to forgo all plants. The following houseplants are safe to bring into your cat-friendly home:

• Peperomia Obtusifolia
• Birds Nest Fern
• Elegant Orchid
• Cat Grass
• Red Prayer Plant
• Parlor Palm
• Bromeliad
• Pilea Peperomioides
• Kimberly Queen Fern
• Calathea Freddie
• Ionantha Guatemala Air Plants

Keep in mind that while these plants are considered safe for cats, it’s still not a good idea to allow your cat to chew on them (with the exception of cat grass). Ingesting anything that isn’t food can still result in vomit on your carpet.

Plants You Should Absolutely Avoid

The following houseplants should never come into your home if you share your space with a cat:

• Spring bulbs
• Amaryllis
• Autumn Crocus
• Azaleas and Rhododendrons
• Castor Bean
• Chrysanthemum
• Daffodils
• Dieffenbachia
• English Ivy
• Hyacinths
• Kalanchoe
• Lily
• Lily of the Valley
• Oleander
• Peace Lily
• Sago Palm
• Spanish Thyme
• Tulip
• Yew

Even the dander from some of these plants can be fatal to your kitty. These houseplants may be beautiful or smell nice, but none of them are worth the potential harm to your best friend.

Creative Ways For Plants And Cats To Coexist

You don’t have to forsake all plants if you have a cat. Here are some ideas to keep both living things safe:

• Keep A Designated Plant Room

  If you have the space to do so, consider turning a spare room into a “plant room” that is off-limits to your cat.

• Keep Plants Out Of Reach

  If your cat has never discovered the top of your refrigerator or cabinet, that may be an ideal plant spot. You can also make use of creative hanging options from the ceiling.

• Use A Spray Bottle

  Cats aren’t known for being especially trainable, but you can keep your cat away from your plants by using a spray bottle filled with water if they get too close or start nibbling on the leaves.

• Give Kitty Their Own Plant

  If you have cat grass or catnip growing, your cat may be so preoccupied with it that they leave your other plants alone.

• Prune Your Plants Regularly

  Avoid letting plants get too long or overgrown; your cat will be less likely to bat at a well-trimmed plant.

• Play With Your Cat

  A cat whose energy is spent by chasing a laser pointer or batting a toy mouse is more likely to leave your plants alone.

• Opt For Fake Plants Instead

  There are some very realistic-looking fakes out there that look just as attractive as the real thing, minus the maintenance. But it’s still advisable to keep your cats away from these – you don’t want permanent chew marks in the leaves.

Avoid Plant Toxicity In South Florida

Every year, cats end up in the animal ER for accidental plant ingestion. Many cat parents are ignorant about which houseplants are safe to have around their fur kids. We at All Aboard Animal Hospital can answer any of the questions you may have about which plants are safe to have in your home. Plant toxicity is preventable! For questions or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 954-785-7780.