The majority of commercially available houseplant palms are non-toxic to animals. The Sago Palm, a cycad rather than a palm, is the exception. This plant is poisonous in every component to the point where your cat could die from it. When dealing with a Sago Palm, everyone—including humans—should wear gloves. Other palm-like plants, such Dracaenas and Yuccas, also have poisonous components that are bad for cats.
Which palms should cats avoid?
The Autumn Crocus can result in severe mouth burning, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, damage to the liver and kidneys, cardiac rhythms, and even death. Although the entire plant is said to be harmful to cats, the bulbs, seeds, and blooms are the most dangerous parts.
Azalea and Rhododendron
Even a small amount of azalea leaf consumption might irritate the mouth and result in vomiting and diarrhea in cats. In extreme circumstances, ingesting anything might result in a reduction in blood pressure, heart rhythms, a coma, and even death.
Daffodil
Although the entire plant is thought to be harmful to cats, the bulb is the most dangerous part. Oral discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, arrhythmias, convulsions, and a severe drop in blood pressure can all result from ingesting any part of a daffodil.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, sometimes known as dumb cane, is a common houseplant that can make cats have trouble swallowing, experience vomiting, and experience a burning sensation on their lips, tongue, and mouth. Dieffenbachia poisoning rarely results in death but is extremely unpleasant for cats.
Tulip
The tulip plant is said to be poisonous as a whole, but cats are particularly poisoned by the bulb. Significant oral discomfort, profuse drooling, and nausea may be brought on by ingestion. Tulip ingestion shouldn’t be fatal unless significant amounts of the bulb are consumed, which is unlikely in cats.
Kalanchoe
The kalanchoe, often called the mother-in-law plant, is a typical houseplant with tiny, dense blossoms. This plant is poisonous to cats in all of its components. Its consumption may result in nausea and diarrhea. Heart arrhythmias can happen on occasion.
Lily
Commonly referred to as lilies are numerous different species of flowering plants. Cats who consume even a tiny amount of the plants in the genus Lilium, such as Easter lilies, Asiatic lilies, and tiger lilies, suffer from acute kidney failure.
Day lilies belong to a different genus (Hemerocallis), yet their effects are comparable. Cats are poisoned by the plant in all of its parts, but the blossoms are particularly harmful. In fact, cats have been known to die from the deadly pollen of one of these lilies.
Sago Palm
The sago palm, also referred to as the coontie palm or the cardboard palm, is incredibly deadly to cats. Its consumption can result in mortality, bleeding disorders, bloody vomiting and diarrhea, and liver failure.
Oleander
Oleander is a well-liked ornamental blooming shrub that is typically found in California and the Southern United States. Its cardiac glycosides are extremely poisonous to cats and can result in deadly heart irregularities, muscular tremors, incoordination, convulsions, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. They are chemically related to digoxin.
Cyclamen
The cyclamen, also referred to as sowbread, is a common flowering houseplant that produces terpenoid saponins, which are toxic to cats. In large doses, they can result in cardiac irregularities, seizures, and death in addition to oral discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What occurs when a cat consumes palm leaves?
Cat owners can safely transport most palm trees home. Retailers frequently offer the Majesty Palm, Parlor Palm, and Banana Palm species of palms. These palms are all safe for cats to consume.
You needn’t worry if your cat eats any of these palms. Simply keep an eye on their behavior and watch for any signs of an upset stomach, such vomiting and diarrhea.
Additionally, be careful to keep the plant out of your cat’s reach. Even while the palm might not be harmful, the soil or any pests that might be hiding in the plant could still make your cat sick.
Are palm trees toxic?
Few trees in a tropical or subtropical garden can match a palm tree’s majesty and romance (Arecaceae). Fortunately for individuals who have both palm trees and pets, domestic animals are not thought to be poisoned by the leaves of a real palm. Although it may survive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10, the common sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is exceedingly poisonous. Sago palms are cycads, which have been present on Earth for more than 150 million years but are not really palms.
Pet Friendly Houseplants
At Earth’s Ally, we care about our plants just as much as we do about our canine companions. However, pets and plants don’t appear to get along all that often. Many of our favorite plant species, as well as many popular herbal remedies, are toxic to cats and dogs. Learn more about our top 10 pet-friendly houseplants in the next paragraphs, as well as about the solutions we develop to keep our homes and gardens healthy without using harsh chemicals.
#1 Haworthia Succulent (Haworthia species)
Want to protect your pets while still enjoying the low-maintenance beauty of plants of the aloe genus? The best plant for you is a haworthia. This chic small succulent simply needs a little water once a week and would look wonderful in a sunny location.
#2 Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exalta bostoniensis)
The Boston Fern is a reliable houseplant with thick fronds that expand quickly with minimal attention. They thrive in a slightly humid climate, making bathrooms with some filtered sunlight an ideal location for them. Despite having what appear to be delicate leaves, Boston ferns are remarkably hardy.
#3 Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Several well-known and eye-catching plants, such as the trendy Chinese money plant, the variegated aluminum plant, and the simple-to-procreate friendship plant, belong to the Pilea genus. These plants prefer a lot of indirect light and are said to be safe for cats and dogs.
#4 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Pets may have concerns about palms, but the parlor palm is thought to be non-toxic. This tall, graceful plant is suitable for pets and does well in dimmer lighting conditions as well. They usually grow to a height of around four feet, but with care, they can grow as tall as eight feet.
#5 Banana Palm (Musa acuminata)
The banana palm is another substantial accent plant that is secure for your dogs. If you have lots of space, a banana plant is a fantastic option because of its enormous, glossy leaves and remarkable size.
#6 African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
Look no further than the African violet for a pop of color. The African violet, a native of Tanzania with alluring purple, pink, blue, or white blossoms, is regarded as safe for pets. This low-maintenance plant doesn’t worry if the light isn’t as strong.
#7 Gloxinia Flower (Sinningia Speciosa)
The Sinningia genus encompasses everything from the most extravagant flowers to the tiniest, most delicate ones. They are frequently called Gloxinia and are widely used as gift plants. If you get one of these gorgeous things as a gift from a friend, you don’t have to worry about your dogs.
#9 Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are referred to as “unkillable houseplants” and produce festoons of lovely striped leaves. The best part is that spider plants produce baby mini-plants that grow into their pots from the main plant. Spider plants are a great option for pet-friendly gardens because they’re so simple to grow and maintain.
#10 Air Plants (Tillandsia)
They only need water and sunlight to survive. They are safe for cats and dogs because there is no soil for your pets to spill. They can be grown in a variety of containers with weekly watering.
Pet Safe Plant Care
The first step in creating a safe habitat for pets is selecting a non-toxic plant. Due to sporadic overwatering, common pests including scale, aphids, spider mites, and fungus gnats virtually always affect indoor plants. Think about safe alternatives to common treatments when those annoying bugs appear.
For an immediate kill on soft-bodied insects, use an essential oil insecticide like Earth’s Ally Insect Control. When used as instructed, Earth’s Ally is extremely successful in treating pest issues and safe for People, Pets, & the Planet. It is made from rosemary, clove, and peppermint oils.
With the help of these suggestions, you may make a secure haven for your animal pals out of a lush oasis. We’d be interested to know how Earth’s Ally is assisting you in raising wholesome indoor plants that are safe for dogs and cats. Connect with the #EarthsAlly community on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share your pet photographs, have access to our most recent blog posts, giveaways, and special offers.
Are cats hazardous to majestic palm plants?
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Cats are naturally curious creatures, and one way they satiate their curiosity is by chewing everything they come across. Cats are obligate carnivores, which implies that meat makes up a sizable portion of their diet. Cats may, however, consume modest amounts of plant and leaf in the wild, either to supplement their diets with vital vitamins and minerals or just because they enjoy the flavor.
In the home, it could appear as though they’re just trying to complicate your life, but it could just be that they’re bored and seeking for anything to do. Alternatively, they might assume that plants can fill a nutritional gap in their diet, or they might simply love the flavor of your tenderly cared-for potted plant.
It is your duty as a responsible pet owner to make sure that your cat isn’t being harmed by the ferns and other plants it eats. Fortunately, the common majesty palm, also known as the majestic palm, is non-toxic and regarded as harmless, however it may not always be advantageous to your cat’s health. Additionally, you should watch out for symptoms of gastrointestinal trouble because eating the fronds may result in them getting lodged or causing discomfort. Otherwise, if your cat eats this plant, they should be okay.
Are cats poisonous to aloe vera?
A common house plant poses a risk to your cat if it is consumed. In fact, some of the plants you keep inside pose a risk of death if consumed.
Unfortunately, cats are more stubborn than you’d like, and if they get into your houseplants, the combination of their innate curiosity and propensity for mischief can have disastrous effects.
Here is a list of common houseplants that are poisonous to cats, instructions on how to keep your cats away from them, and information on how to recognize the signs of accidental poisoning in cats. Call your veterinarian right away for assistance if you ever have any suspicions about poisoning in your cat.
Because of its health advantages rather than its aesthetics, aloe vera is a common houseplant. Although aloe juice and pulp can be used to cure a number of ailments in humans, cats are extremely toxic to it. Keep aloe plants out of the reach of cats, such as on your refrigerator or in your bedroom, and sprinkle them with vinegar to make them taste less appetizing to intrepid felines.
Aloe can make cats feel sick, lethargic, or have diarrhea. If you suspect your cat has consumed any aloe plant material, contact your veterinarian right once.
If you enjoy growing tomato plants indoors and you also have cats, you might want to reconsider. Toxic to your cat’s delicate system include tomato stems, leaves, and even unripe tomatoes.
With your veterinarian’s approval, ripe tomatoes can occasionally make a tasty treat for your cat, but the rest of the plant can make them sick. Keep tomatoes away from your cat in the garden or in a dedicated greenhouse.
This aromatic plant is a regular fixture in many houses since it has a lovely appearance and an opulent scent. Eucalyptus, whether dried or fresh, is harmful to your cat. After swallowing this strong houseplant, your cat may exhibit symptoms including salivation, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion, among other unsettling signs. Use eucalyptus essential oil in a sealed container in place of fresh or dried plants to keep your cats safe.
Don’t wait for the symptoms to show before taking your cat to the vet if you have any suspicions that they may have eaten eucalyptus. When poisoning occurs in your cat, it may take hours for symptoms to appear as it passes through their kidneys and other important organs. Waiting until your cat shows symptoms of illness can be devastating.
Christmas trees, or their limbs, needles, and pine cones, are a common addition to winter and fall house décor. Despite not being the most dangerous indoor plant on the list, Christmas trees should still be kept away from cats (and dogs). The most hazardous materials are pine needles and sap.
Cats’ stomachs can experience a little upset from Christmas trees. Additionally, pine needles can become choking hazards, so keep an eye out for indications of concern in your cat while they’re around your decor, such as:
- Gagging
- Choking
- Salivation
- enlarged eyes
- Running in terror
Call your veterinarian right away if you think your cat is choking or showing other signs of poisoning after being around your Christmas tree or its needles. In order to prevent mishaps in the house, it is best to keep cats away from decorative items.
If you believe your cat has been poisoned, your vet can treat them immediately. Call our veterinary staff at Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach right away if you have indoor plants and are unsure about keeping them near your cat. On how to keep your cats secure in your home, we can offer suggestions.
Can cats eat bamboo palm?
The following reasons make the plants on this list deserving of your attention:
- It has proven to be capable of phytomedicating well-known air contaminants indoors.
- It is safe for both humans and animals to consume.
- In a domestic context, it can grow rather easily.
Please take note: edible does not equate to nontoxic. Consuming a harmless plant may have unfavorable effects like stomach upset. When bringing new plants into your home, keep an eye on your dogs and young children and contact poison control, your neighborhood veterinarian, or the ASPCA right away if any plant matter is consumed.
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The bamboo palm, commonly referred to as the reed palm, naturally grows in humid climates like those in Mexico and Central America.
It is a common indoor plant since it is a NASA Clean Air variety and is safe for humans, dogs, and cats to consume.
This graceful beauty may grow to a height of seven feet and makes a lovely botanical focal point with its fluffy green fronds and clusters of brown fibrous stalks. Yellow blooms are produced by it.
The bamboo palm is quite simple to maintain and is hardy and inexpensive. It grows well in low-light environments, just like all of NASA’s study plants. It does, however, thrive in brighter light as long as it is indirect.
Palms prefer moist, but not soggy, soil. I like to use an unadorned takeout chopstick to gauge the wetness.
This is how:
Simply bury one in the ground to a depth of approximately one-third the pot’s overall depth. It’s time to water if it’s dry when you take it out.
Your palm will let you know what it needs, like most plants do:
- If the fronds start to turn brown, you might need to provide additional water.
- If they are yellow, you might need to water the plant less or take it out of the sun.
- Discoloration and the emergence of what appear to be “dirt” on fronds but are actually small insects can both be signs of a mite infestation.
I prefer to use my electrostatic duster on the fronds each week as I clean because dust and dryness are appealing to these pests.
After using the duster, make sure to shake it outside before washing it.
Additionally, the misting that I advise is another approach to prevent small vermin from establishing a home. If you have access to a shower or the outdoors, give your palm a good rinse every so often.
If, despite your best efforts, you find signs of mites, prepare a solution by combining one tablespoon of baby shampoo or another mild soap with half a gallon of water.
Test your mixture on the top and bottom of one frond using a spray bottle. If everything is fine, wait a day to make sure it doesn’t harm your plant, and then spray each leaf in the same way.
To keep mites at bay, this treatment may be repeated periodically. If that doesn’t work, get some insecticidal soap from your neighborhood nursery and use it as directed.
Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Gerberas are harmless to humans, dogs, and cats, making them another one of NASA’s wonder plants.
This daisy-like flower, which comes in a rainbow of hues and grows in clusters in perennial beds, has green lobed, hairy leaves and is frequently displayed outside.
It’s interesting that while it’s not a member of the daisy family, it is related to the sunflower (just like sunchokes are), and is frequently the highlight of cut bouquets.
Gerberas will survive low light, much like all of NASA’s study kinds. However, they favor a few hours of morning sunlight each day.
The gerbera needs just enough moisture to prevent its roots from drying up because it is a plant from an arid environment.
I insert a clean, dry chopstick or finger two to three inches into the ground, and if it comes up dry, I know it’s time to water.
When water starts to drip from the drainage holes, I like to take my gerbera to the kitchen sink and gently run the tap over the dirt. I leave it there until the drip stops, at which point I move it back to a bright area.
Instead of a florist who normally sells cut flowers, get gerberas from a nursery, and steer clear of buying during the times when gifts are being given for the holidays.
Plants produced as gifts frequently die off soon after flowering because they weren’t raised for longevity.
When a gerbera blooms, be sure to remove any spent flowers by making a clean cut just above the leaves along the stem.
This process, known as “deadheading,” redistributes energy to sustain subsequent flowering.