Many cat owners are aware that their feline companions are fond of nibbling on every plant within reach. Given the inherent curiosity of our feline pets, it’s essential to include safe plants for cats in our garden design (and gardens when your cat has a habit of wandering outside) because your cat’s love of chewing on leaves implies that eating the plant is not as much of a when rather than a what if.
However, choosing the best plants to green up your yard is a daunting task and it’s made more difficult for those who would like to garden If you’re trying to find plants suitable for both fauna and flora.
If your pet’s green thumb and your own do not get along Don’t worry: experts from the Pet Poison Helpline say there are a variety of species of plants that are not toxic for cats.
Plants That Are Safe and Non-Toxic for Cats
Cats, just like humans, like us, seem to love the smells and sights of the flora. Sometimes that love of nature can also extend to eating plants (and sometimes using plants as an occasional alternative to the toilet). However, Ahna Brutlag, DVM and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist with the Pet Poison Helpline are of the opinion that there are a variety of common houseplants, greenery, and succulents that cats can live with peacefully.
1. Spider Plants
The plants thrive inside, they adapt easily to the pots that you place them in and be cultivated with just a bit of sunshine. There is a variety of them, all of which are safe for cats and require minimal care to stay alive. The spider-leg-like leaves that sprout from the central root in the ground, can attract cats to play chew, and even eat them. So hang them away from the range of the cat if you suspect an issue.
2. True Palms
Many of these huge plants with fronds are ideal for the outside in warm environments, such as Ponytail, Parlor, and Areca varieties. Cat owners who are considering keeping their palms indoors with cats must first make certain the plant can thrive in a warm, dry environment. Secondly, make sure they omit Sago as well as Cycad in their names. They aren’t genuine palms! Sago palms can be described as a form of a cycad. They are extremely harmful to pets and cats.
3. African Violets
They are pickier with regard to sunlight and water than more robust options such as spider plants, yet they come in a wide range of vibrant shades. Although they’re not toxic to dogs or cats, African violets are often planted in tiny pots that are easily knocked across by curious cats. To avoid a messy mess, select larger pots, with more weight, and place a few pounds on the bottom to stop cats from scattering soil onto your carpet.
4. A Succulent or Two
Be sure to look over your selection of succulents before bringing it home with your cat. Some succulents, like kalanchoe jade, and aloe are poisonous to pets. Haworthia as well as burro’s tail, are two safe varieties.
5. Swedish Ivy
Like succulents, make sure you be sure to check the Ivy varieties. English Ivy, which is extremely widespread in the US–is harmful to pets. If consumed, can cause abdominal pain, and vomiting as well as diarrhea, drooling, and stomach pain. Devil’s Ivy (pothos) is also harmful to dogs and cats alike. When the leaves are eaten, they release tiny calcium Oxalate crystals “shaped as needles,” Brutlag says. They can irritate the mouth and throat and may cause breathing issues. Swedish Ivy however is non-toxic and is easy to maintain with just a bit of light and the correct soil.
6. Bamboo
Pandas are fond of eating bamboo leaves, branches, and shoots. Cats aren’t at risk from this plant, which is non-toxic too. Although just because it’s not harmful doesn’t mean your cat can’t make an everyday snack of bamboo. If you notice that the water-loving bamboo plant draws excessive attention from cats take it away from reach.
7. Boston Fern
True ferns, such as the Boston fern are safe for cats. There’s a so-called “Fern palm” that is not a genuine fern instead, it’s the Cycad (like the sago palm, which is a nagging nuisance) that is extremely toxic to dogs and cats.
8. Cast-Iron Plant
Perfect for Ideal for the gardener who is a bit forgetful The flowering plant’s name is due to its ability to endure neglect by the owner. It thrives in the sun and indoors, enjoys shade, and is drought-resistant, making it an ideal choice for cat lovers who are looking for something that is easy to maintain.
9. Bromeliads
The tropical plants provide beautiful shade to your patio and are considered to be relatively simple to cultivate. They can be planted inside pots, or even as air plants and are not toxic to cats.
10. Christmas Cactus
While poinsettias are the top choice for holiday decorations in a lot of homes but they’re not very safe for animals. A Christmas cactus that is festive Christmas Cactus could be a fantastic alternative to add that splash of color to your home at Christmas time, but not be hazardous to your feline.
11. Money Tree
The common indoor houseplant is non-toxic for cats as well as dogs. It has a distinctive braided trunk. It will make your home a tropical paradise regardless of where you reside.
12. Certain fruits, vegetables, and herbs
In the event that you’ve got a vegetable garden in your backyard or an indoor container in your living room These vegetables and fruits plants are suitable for cats to roam in the area as long as they’re not infested with pesticides (and they can be eaten occasionally as treats often! ):
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Acorn squash
- Butternut squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Cilantro
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Flowers that are safe and Non-Toxic for Cats
Brutlag says that she can observe an increase in inquiries from pet owners who want to know which flowers are safe to eat on holidays when flowers are in high demand, such as Mother’s Day and graduations. If your cat does happen to eat a piece of the bouquet of flowers below, it is safe.
If you decide to plant these vibrant plants in your yard or place them in a vase for indoor use These vibrant accessories are considered suitable for cat owners to play with:
- Daisies
- Orchids
- Peruvian Lilies (But be wary of the other varieties of Lilies!)
- The roses (But take out the thorns)
- Snapdragons
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Hibiscus
- Jasmine
- Petunias
Be aware that enriching your home with these specific plants does not mean that a cat who takes pleasure in eating flowers or leaves from these plants isn’t likely to be vomiting, it does mean that your vet “doesn’t expect any other indicators that indicate poisoning” Brutlag says. If you suspect that your cat may have been poisoned, whether through ingesting the plant or a different substance contact toll-free the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435. You can also reach your veterinarian.
The Plants and Flowers that are poisonous to Cats
There are many species of plants that can be harmful to cats if they are consumed. While not complete, this list of plants that aren’t safe for cats will guide your choices in the greenhouse toward more secure options. Here are some of the most commonly found to look out for:
Lilies are particularly risky for cats. Brutlag states that cats are attracted by Easter lilies when people bring them into their living space, “maybe because they’re new in the house. However, they’re extremely poisonous in cats.” Although lilies can be well-loved in floral arrangements as well as a staple in landscaping design, these flowers can be fatal–possibly causing organ failure in cats across multiple systems when they are consumed.
Keep in mind that there are nearly 400 000 species of plants discovered by humans thus far, there’s no way to ensure that the list of plants that are safe for cats is complete. To ensure your cat’s safety the best option is to search your local Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Animal Poison Control databases to find plants that may cause harm to your pet and to avoid growing them in your home and around it. As you introduce new houseplants or succulents to your home, make sure to keep any you aren’t certain safe from your cat’s claws.
