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Millennials and Gen Z-ers can agree on one thing: we love our houseplants almost as much as our pets. But when our favorite feline can’t resist taking a nibble here and there, it’s important to have cat-friendly plants in our homes. If you have a soft spot for tropical palms and cats, you might be wondering if cat palms are safe for our furry friends.
You're reading: The Best Cat-Friendly Houseplants: Are Cat Palms Safe for Cats?
Cat Palm Safety and Care
According to Tina Wismer, a veterinarian and senior director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, cat palms (Chamaedorea cataractarum) are not toxic to cats. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that eating too much of any plant could cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea in cats. In rare cases, excessive consumption of plant material could lead to an obstruction in their digestive system. If your cat shows symptoms such as continued vomiting, lack of appetite, or lethargy, it is advisable to seek veterinary care.
Read more : Ten Household Plants Dangerous to Dogs and Cats
While cat palms themselves are safe for cats, it’s crucial to be cautious of any chemicals present in fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides that you might use on your plants. Opt for pet-friendly products to keep both your plant baby and fur baby healthy and happy.
Palms That Are Safe for Cats
Technically, all true palms are safe for cats, Wismer explains. However, it’s worth noting that there is a group of palm lookalikes called cycad palms (Cycas and Zamia species) that can be harmful to cats. These plants are actually evergreens and have no relation to cat-friendly palms. If cats consume these plants, it could lead to liver failure and even death.
Cycad Palms: A Serious Danger
Cycad palms have stiff, palm-like fronds that grow outward from a single, slow-growing trunk. In contrast to the fluffy fronds of cat palms, cycad palms have greeneries that feel thick like cardboard. These palms are known by various names, including cycad, sago, cardboard, and fern palms.
Read more : How to Grow a Ponytail Palm Outdoors: Tips and Tricks
Ingesting any part of cycad palms can be fatal for cats as they contain cycasin, B-methylamino-l-alanine, and an unidentified neurotoxin. Symptoms of poisoning from these plants include vomiting (sometimes bloody), dark stool, jaundice (yellowing of the lips, eyes, and gums), excessive thirst, bloody diarrhea, bruising, liver damage, and ultimately, liver failure. If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic amount of cycad palms, immediate medical care is essential.
If you need assistance, consult experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). These professionals can help determine if your cat was exposed to a harmful amount of the plant and advise whether a veterinary examination is necessary. When needed, board-certified veterinarians will also collaborate with your vet to recommend appropriate treatments for your cat.
Other Cat-Safe Houseplants
If you want to expand your collection of cat-friendly houseplants, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some other safe choices include spider plants, African violets, Areca palms, Calathea species, Haworthia species, Echeveria species, Gloxinia, Boston ferns, and orchids. Remember that even non-toxic plants can cause digestive upset if consumed excessively. If your cat can’t resist munching on your indoor oasis, consider placing your plants out of reach or provide your feline friend with cat grass and engaging toys.
With cat palms and other cat-safe houseplants, you can create a lush and healthy environment for both you and your beloved cat.
Source: https://designsofapril.com
Category: Safe Plants
