By the way, the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants page states that African violets are non-toxic to curious cats, dogs, and horses. This knowledge ought to bring some solace to the worried parents of intrepid cats who enjoy the taste of this attractive houseplant.
How may African violets be protected from cats?
Keeping your cat away from your houseplants is one of the easiest methods to safeguard him. You ask, what is that? Do cats dislike obeying orders? Try a handful of these age-old techniques, then.
Elevate and Separate
Keep your African violet on a high shelf or cabinet to avoid unwelcome nibbles. Make careful to look around for any furniture that your cat could use to access it, and choose a bright area to keep your plant happy.
Distract! Distract! Distract!
Your cat might occasionally just be eating your houseplant out of boredom or curiosity. Use a cat toy (metal springs with feathers attached work excellent) or a scratch pad with catnip to divert his attention.
No-Worry Nibbles
Give your cat something more nutritious to eat if it is craving plants. You can also give your pet catnip, silver vine, or cat thyme as alternatives because they are all secure and beneficial.
Divide and Conquer
We understand that cats are tenacious. The best you can do in such situations is to keep your cat out of areas with plants. Create a houseplant retreat in a sunroom or well-lit bedroom, and keep the cat on the other side.
Call On “Foul Play
Because cats have extremely sensitive noses, a few scents will cause your cat to give up on his endeavor to eat plants. Try cayenne pepper, diluted citrus oil, or citrus peels. Citrus extracts should not be given to your cat.
Are African violets a favorite food of cats?
For all kinds of gardeners, African violets are quite alluring. Despite having the name “violet,” they have a range of colors, including blue, white, and pink, as well as different petal arrangements. These lovely blooms are simple to grow, so inexperienced gardeners who are careful to offer enough sunlight and appropriate watering can have excellent success with them. House cats frequently pay violets more care than other plants. Although cats are less attracted to African violets than they are to catnip, many felines nevertheless love gnawing on the leaves, blossoms, or stems—much to the chagrin of gardeners.
Can cats eat any violets?
Haworthia is a small, low-growing plant that belongs to the succulent family and has recognizable white bands with studs on its leaves. These plants thrive in direct sunlight, humidity, and good soil drainage. Aloe-like in size and shape, Haworthias are safe for cats and dogs in contrast to aloe.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Depending on the type, African violets bloom in a range of lavenders, blues, pinks, reds, and whites with their fluffy green leaves and magnificent year-round flowers. For those looking for a low-maintenance, blooming plant, the plant and flowers are ideal because neither the plant nor the blooms are poisonous to cats or dogs.
What flower causes allergies in cats?
What kinds of plants should cat parents avoid, then? Start by looking through this list of plants that are poisonous to cats, which compiles the most common species you and your cat will come across.
Autumn Crocus
The fall-blooming attractive flowering plant known as the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), sometimes referred to as meadow saffron or naked lady, blooms during this time. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center states that autumn crocus is toxic to animals like dogs, cats, and horses. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, it is particularly harmful to cats because to the presence of the alkaloid colchicine. The plant is extremely toxic in all of its sections.
The Pet Poison Helpline reports that autumn crocus poisoning in cats can result in gastrointestinal symptoms (such as drooling, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea), respiratory issues, convulsions, kidney and liver damage, as well as death. The onset of symptoms could be immediate or could take several days.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Rhododendron spp., a similar species of blooming shrubs and small trees, and azaleas are both poisonous to cats. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, there are over 1,000 species of this plant family, and their levels of toxicity range from mild to severe. The toxic substance is known as grayanotoxins. A cat can be poisoned by consuming a tiny quantity of the plant because it is deadly in all forms.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists gastrointestinal indicators (drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite) as well as heart rhythms, weakness, tremors, transitory blindness, convulsions, coma, and death as symptoms of azalea or rhododendron poisoning. If you have this species in your yard, keep your cat away from it and stay away from bringing flowers or plant trimmings inside.
Cyclamen
More than 20 species of perennial flowering plants in the genus Cyclamen (Cyclamen spp. ), commonly known as Persian violet and sowbread, are frequently grown inside. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the plant’s deadly substance, saponins, is present in all parts of the plant, although the tubers and roots are the most dangerous.
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea are symptoms of cyclamen toxicity when modest amounts of the plant are consumed, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Large doses of cyclamen can cause irregular heart rate and rhythm, convulsions, and even death in cats. This indoor plant should not be kept by cat parents.
Narcissus (including Daffodils)
Daffodils, also known as jonquils, paper whites, or Narcissus, are among the majority of Narcissus species that are spring-flowering perennials. The pet poison helpline states that although the plant’s toxic substance, lycorine, is present in all parts of the plant, the bulbs are the most dangerous.
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are side effects of lycorine. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, cats may occasionally have cardiac arrhythmias, dangerously low blood pressure, breathing issues, and convulsions after ingesting daffodils and other Narcissus-related plants. Daffodils and similar plants shouldn’t be kept indoors by cat owners, and if the cat has access to the yard, they shouldn’t be planted there either. Daffodil bulbs must be kept away from cats by gardeners.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the Araceae family. It is also referred to as charming dieffenbachia, dumb cane, exotica perfection, giant dumb cane, gold dieffenbachia, spotted dumb cane, tropic snow, and varied dieffenbachia.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, this common houseplant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation (burning sensation in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing). These plants shouldn’t be kept in houses with cats because, despite the fact that they are usually not fatal to cats, exposure to them causes them great suffering and discomfort.
Kalanchoe
The flowering houseplant kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.) is also referred to as the chandelier plant, mother-in-law plant, devil’s backbone, and mother-of-millions.
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, this plant contains bufadienolides, poisons that typically produce gastrointestinal symptoms (drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea). According to the Pet Poison Helpline, cats may sporadically have more serious symptoms after consuming significant amounts of kalanchoe, such as heart rhythms, collapse, and convulsions. This plant should not be kept indoors by cat owners.
Lilies
even though numerous plants include the phrase “According to Dr. Wismer, some types of lilies, such as Asiatic lilies, Easter lilies, Japanese show lilies, rubrum lilies, stargazer lilies, red lilies, tiger lilies, Western lilies, wood lilies, and daylilies, are particularly harmful to cats.
“Easter lilies are extremely harmful to cats; according to Dr. Wismer, ingesting any part of the plant, including the pollen, can result in kidney failure.
One or two petals or leaves from the aforementioned lilies are all that is required for cats to consume enough poison to kill them. Dr. Wismer claims that licking the flower pollen or drinking water from the lily vase could be fatal for a cat.
Contact poison control or your veterinarian right away if you think your cat may have gotten in contact with a lily. Avoid delaying treatment because it could be the difference between life and death. Dr. Wismer advises against keeping lilies indoors since the risk is too great for cat owners.
Oleander
Oleander (Nerium oleander), sometimes referred to as white oleander, rose-bay, and nerium oleander, is a well-liked outdoor flowering shrub that grows in warm areas. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, oleander includes cardiac glycoside toxins that negatively impact the heart muscle.
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, tremors, seizures, and deadly cardiac abnormalities are among the symptoms. The Pet Poison Helpline states that the oleander plant is poisonous in all components, including the water in the vase containing these flowers. Oleander shouldn’t be kept in the yard or brought inside the house by cat parents.
Sago Palm
Outdoors in tropical and subtropical regions, the sago palm (Cycas revoluta), also known as coontie palm, cardboard palm, cycads, and zamias, is a typical plant. Some sago palm species are also kept as indoor plants. The Pet Poison Helpline claims that while the sago palm plant is poisonous in all sections, the seeds are the most lethal. According to the ASPCA, cycasin is the principal poisonous substance and it severely damages the liver.
The Pet Poison Helpline lists the following signs of sago palm poisoning in cats: vomiting, diarrhea, black, tarry-looking stool, bruises, increased thirst, lethargy, liver failure, and death. Seek emergency medical attention if you believe your cat has eaten on any sago palm components. The Pet Poison Helpline website states that the chance of survival is only 50%, even with prompt and aggressive veterinarian care.
Tulip and Hyacinth
Tulips (Tulipa spp.) and hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis), which are frequently used in bouquets and gardens, are both members of the Liliaceae family, which also includes dangerous lily species. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, tulips include tulipalin A and tulipalin B, while hyacinths may contain alkaloids that resemble those in narcissus.
The Pet Poison Helpline notes that while the poisonous substances are present in all parts of the plants and blooms, they are concentrated primarily in the bulbs and that symptoms of tulip of hyacinth poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors.
Are cats hazardous to rubber plants?
If your cat consumed a rubber plant, you should get in touch with your veterinarian because it is poisonous to cats. Despite the fact that the reaction is usually not lethal, these plants are still not as toxic as some other species. However, they still have the potential to seriously irritate the skin, mouth, and even digestive system. The good news is that protecting your cat from hazardous plants is easy to do.
How can I prevent my cat from eating my plants?
Houseplants can also be made cat-proof by giving off an unpleasant odor. Houseplant leaves with cayenne pepper sprinkled on them will cause your cat to swiftly retreat. Citrus smells are also repulsive to cats. To help keep pests away, mix orange and lemon peels with your plants in the pots. Another choice is to directly mist the foliage with orange or lemon oil that has been diluted. IMPORTANT: Citrus oil extracts, such as those used in insecticide sprays, dips, shampoos, insect repellents, food additives, and scents, are poisonous to cats and should be avoided.
Many cat owners who have issues with their cats using plants as litter boxes may buy plants with unpleasant textures so that cats will reconsider their potty habits.
To avoid digging, you can also cover the soil near the bases of the plants with some large pebbles or stones. Cat deterrents could be used around the planter, such as pinecones or aluminum foil. Another choice is to use mesh, chicken wire, or any other permeable material to cover the plant’s base.
Don’t give up if you’re still having trouble keeping your cats away from your plants. There are still some other choices.
- To keep cats out, create a plant room and seal the door. For this, sunrooms are ideal, but sunny bedrooms or baths will do.
- Use wire shelving units to enclose the plants. Although this will help safeguard the plants, very daring cats might still find a way to get their paws inside.
- Why not offer the cat some safe plants as a sort of sacrifice in addition to concentrating on indoor plants cats avoid? Cats adore lemon balm and catnip. Place a few in sturdy plastic pots and scatter the sacrifice plants around the home, keeping them away from your other plants. This will keep your annoying cat busy and could prevent damage to some of your other plants.
Are African violets eaten by animals?
The seeds of the common blue violet are frequently consumed by mice and other small mammals. The seeds provide food for a variety of birds, including as mourning doves, bobwhites, and game birds like wild turkeys, which also consume the roots and leaves. The common blue violet isn’t the most popular meal, but when more attractive plants aren’t available, hungry creatures including cottontail rabbits, white-tailed deer, and domestic cattle frequently consume the foliage and blooms.
Are cats safe to handle purple flowers?
With proper maintenance, your African violets will continue to bloom for several months at a time, producing fluffy purple flowers all year long.
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Why wouldn’t you love this plant? In addition to being risk-free for cats, it is also virtually impossible to kill! Air plants are among the more beginner-friendly plants, and they come in a variety of pink, purple, green, blue, and even white hues!
The maintenance of air plants is quite simple. Maintain them in dim light or strong indirect sunlight and soak them once a week in a jar of water.
Aluminum Plant (Pilea Cardierei)
Because aluminum plants are members of the Pilea family, they share the same non-toxic characteristics as their famous cousins, the Pilea Peperomioides and the Friendship Plant (Pilea Involucrata). This low-maintenance houseplant has ripples on its leaves that are glossy and resemble aluminum.
Watering should be done twice a week for this plant because it loves moist soil and needs strong light. This beauty glows without much bother as one of the less demanding houseplants.
Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens) ‘Butterfly Palm’
The Areca Palm is another member of the palm family that is safe for cats. This plant, which has tasteful long green leaves and can be grown indoors as well as outdoors, can reach heights of up to 12 feet.
Similar to their palm cousins, areca palm houseplants require well-drained soil and infrequent watering to thrive. A high humidity environment is also preferred for tropical plants.
Asparagus Fern
The Asparagus fern’s delicate, tassel-like fronds are non-toxic to cats and give the house a serene touch. There is just one small catch: This plant is neither a fern nor an asparagus!
Despite the fact that this plant appears to crumble at the slightest touch, it is hard to destroy! The asparagus fern needs regular watering in order to maintain the growth of its fluffy leaves.
This plant enjoys climbing just as much as your cats do: Keep it close to a tree or trellis so that it can develop into a tall, strong structure.
Baby Rubber Plant (American Rubber Plant)
Although this lovely species doesn’t actually make rubber, its name comes from the way it resembles actual rubber plants in tiny. It’s also known as the American Rubber plant because it’s well-known there!
This non-toxic plant, appropriately called the Peperomia Obtusifolia because of its spherical leaves, is ideal for your family’s cats and dogs. It is similar to a succulent or cactus, thus it doesn’t require much water.
As long as this plant receives at least 3 hours of sunlight each day, once every other week will do.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm, a plant that was once used to heal bee stings, is now known as a plant that cats seem to like. Bee balm’s pink blossoms entice cats, and its citric aroma deters mosquitoes as well. (Related Article: Mosquito-Repelling Plants)
This plant thrives in direct sunshine and grows best in an outdoor environment. This pet-safe plant requires frequent watering in order to maintain its full bloom and healthy growth.
Bird’s Nest Fern
The Bird’s Nest fern is an unusual-looking plant with wavy leaves and an intriguing growth pattern that is safe for cats to consume. This plant, which is native to Southeast Asia, unquestionably transports the tropics right into your house.
This attractive plant is a versatile species to add to your collection of indoor plants because it can thrive in pots and on trees. Additionally, it grows quickly, so give this plant plenty of room!
Low light conditions and regular watering are ideal for this particular fern. Given that the majority of fern family members are native to tropical rainforests, high humidity is also necessary.
Boston Fern
The famed Boston Fern is one of the plants on the list of those that are safe for cats (Nephrolepis Exaltata). Most gardeners steer clear of this plant due to its maintenance requirements, but if you like a challenge, this can be the plant for you.
From a lengthy line of ferns in the Nephrolepidaceae family, Boston ferns are descended. These plants have therefore existed for millions of years. This plant may become a favorite in your garden since it produces textured, non-toxic fronds that cats and dogs alike enjoy to nuzzle.
High humidity and moist soil are essential for Boston fern maintenance. This fern may require watering up to three times a week, and you should keep a check on its leaves because they respond swiftly to poor conditions.
Bromeliad
Bromeliads are a multifaceted houseplant that you and your cat will appreciate because they are both beginner- and pet-friendly.
This plant has a variety of tropical leaf hues, including orange and pink. It’s surprisingly easy to maintain despite how complicated it appears to be.
Bromeliads can tolerate both under- and over-watering; once a week is typically advised. This plant’s needs for sunshine are likewise straightforward: early light is ideal.
Cast Iron Plant
Because of its resemblance to a cast iron skillet and its near indestructibility, this plant has earned the moniker “Cast Iron Plant.” This houseplant is safe for cats and easy to care for if you’re a low-maintenance plant and pet parent.
Bright light and weekly watering will do wonders for your cast iron plant. These low-maintenance plants bloom throughout the spring and summer. This plant eventually reaches a height of up to 2-3 feet and has dark pink blooms.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is not only one of the important herbs for a pet lover’s garden, but it is also very mild and safe for cats, who like playing with this lovely herb.
This herb performs a terrific dual purpose by attracting cats’ curiosity and deterring pests with its light flavor and aroma. (Related Article: Plants That Repel Mosquitoes)
This versatile herb needs 5 to 6 hours of sun each day and regular watering to stay alive. The peppermint, spearmint, and traditional mint plants are other members of this family that you might like to explore.
Cat Palm
Contrary to common perception, this palm is not named for your preferred feline, hence the name Cat Palm. Its endemic to Mexico and given the name Chamaedorea cataractarum for its flowing foliage. However, it is undoubtedly non-toxic to cats and secure for both canines and cats.
This tropical plant needs bright indirect sunlight and well-drained soil, just like the majority of members of the Palm family.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus is a cat-friendly alternative that blooms in December, even though the most of the plants on this list thrive best in the spring and summer. Its pink flowering is a truly heartfelt sight.
The Christmas cactus doesn’t require much care and may grow in dry soil like the majority of Cactii types. Strong sunlight and twice-monthly irrigation are all that are required for it to bloom wonderfully.
Echeveria Succulent
Echeverias are easy indoor plants that do well without a lot of care. They have juicy leaves and drought-resistant stems. If you own cats and dogs, the echeveria family of succulents is generally a good choice.
You might only need to water it twice a month because these adorable succulents have excellent water storage in their bodies. Echeverias benefit from strong illumination and at least four hours of direct sunlight each day.
Friendship Plant (Pilea Involucrata)
Keep this non-toxic plant on your shopping list if you enjoy giving plants to your friends and family. Because of how quickly this plant develops roots when cut, it is known as the “friendship plant.”
This plant can withstand stronger light levels and has rough-textured dark green leaves. For a friendship plant, at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day are ideal. To maintain straight growth, rotate your pot twice a week because this plant grows toward the light.
This cat-safe plant just has to be watered twice a week to maintain wet soil.
Haworthia (Zebra Plant)
Haworthias are a type of succulent plant that are safe for cats, with leaf tips that resemble sharp claws. This plant normally requires little care and gives indoor places a tropical feel.
Haworthia plants thrive in conditions with little light. It is adequate to have bright, indirect light. This plant only need watering twice a month, though!