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.
Why is my cat consuming the palm of my parlor?
Despite being predominantly carnivores, cats will occasionally nibble on plants in the wild, either for the added nutrients or fiber they provide, or possibly just because they enjoy the flavor. We’re not entirely certain. But they seem to prefer fresh, delicate vegetation.
Cats will occasionally consume houseplants in the home either out of boredom or because they are drawn to the leaves fluttering in the air currents.
Which types of palms are poisonous to cats?
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.
Can cats be poisoned by indoor palms?
Underrated are palm trees. They are easily maintained, readily accessible at retailers like IKEA and Lowe’s, safe and non-toxic to cats, dogs, and birds, and they grow swiftly. While Fiddle Leaf Figs and Monsteras are oversaturated on Instagram, I personally would love to see more #palmlove.
My first Majesty palm and one of my first indoor plants is Harold (shown top). He has endured a mealybug infestation, sweltering summer heat, and my negligent mothering mistake of leaving him outside in subfreezing weather. He somehow recovered. Because they are resilient, palms will become your favorite large pet-safe plant if you pay attention to them and appreciate them. They are also among the best plants for cleaning the air in your house.
Are felines poisoned by palm branches?
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.
Is the Parlour palm pet secure?
The Parlour Palm is yet another low-maintenance indoor plant that is safe for use around pets. Even in the darkest spaces, the Parlour Palm adds beauty and is shade-tolerant.
How can I prevent my cat from destroying my indoor plants?
Making the plants taste unpleasant to your cat is another smart move. Cats frequently like the flavor of plants, which is why they keep coming back to nibble on them. Citrus is unpleasant to cats both in taste and smell, so spritz your plants with a solution made of water, lemon, lime, or orange juice. The scent of the citrus is frequently sufficient to deter your cat. If she does nibble, a citrus flavor should deter her from doing it again.
Try adding vinegar if the taste and scent of the citrus don’t deter her. Cotton balls should be soaked in a water and vinegar solution before being placed on top of the soil to prevent plants from being harmed by vinegar spray. Your cat won’t be drawn to the smell of the vinegar, breaking her habit of eating or playing with the plants.
Sometimes the issue is not the plants being eaten, but rather your cat being drawn to the planter itself. She might be digging in the ground, considering it to be another litter box. Make sure the soil your plant is planted in is different from her cat litter in texture. Additionally, consider placing ornamental rocks on top of the soil to prevent your cat from digging into the planter.
What plant doesn’t harm cats?
This plant is popular among veterinarians and is simple to cultivate indoors. It is also remarkably tough (yes, even to your black thumb!). Spider plants can help remove toxins from your home because they are excellent air purifiers.
Care guidelines:
Direct sunshine doesn’t agree with spider plants (it scorches their leaves). While they may survive in lower light levels, they thrive best in indirect strong light at temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees F.
Cats and snake plants: harmful or not?
Sansevieria trifasciata, sometimes known as the snake plant, is a very common indoor plant since it requires very little maintenance. The ASCPA cautions that cats are poisonous when using it. When swallowed or chewed, the chemical components in snake plants known as saponins cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats.
What to do: Snake plants are less hazardous to cats than aloe, so avoid them. If your cat is displaying symptoms and you feel they are related to chewing on or eating a snake plant, call your veterinarian or a helpline right once. Instructions will be given to you in accordance with how serious your symptoms are.
Change it: The caeroba is a non-toxic plant with a snake plant-like appearance. It’s even occasionally referred to as a “rattlesnake plant.” It still has that lovely winding aspect, but it’s less thick and more billowy than sturdy and straight.
Which houseplants are safe for cats to eat?
You probably won’t notice all of the symptoms listed below because they depend on the type of plant your cat ate, but any of them are cause for concern following a poisonous plant exposure. Your cat might display:
- diarrhea and gagging (which may be mild to severe, and may or may not contain blood).
- Drooling.
- Having trouble swallowing.
- Itching or irritation, particularly in the lips, eyes, and face area.
- difficulty breathing
- tremors or seizures.
- weakness, sadness, or sluggishness.
- abnormal heartbeats. Given that most pet parents don’t regularly monitor their cat’s pulse, this might be harder to spot. Weakness, faintness, discomfort, or collapse are possible symptoms of irregular heartbeats.
- excessive urine or water consumption.
What to Do if Your Cat Ingested a Toxic Plant
Start by reducing harmful exposure. If it’s safe to do so, remove plant matter from your pet’s mouth or fur and remove them from the plant. It is preferable to presume that all plant parts (as well as the water in the vase) are hazardous, even though some sections of the plant could be more toxic than others.
Even if your cat isn’t yet exhibiting symptoms, call your veterinarian (or an after-hours clinic) right away. Although symptoms might often be delayed, timely treatment can often save lives.
Bring the plant or a small enough piece of it to the veterinarian if you are unsure of its identity. To prevent further exposure to the toxin during shipment, keep it apart from your cat. It is crucial for your veterinarian to be aware of the fact that various plants necessitate various treatments.
If you can’t reach a veterinarian straight quickly, you should also think about calling the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Unless your veterinarian or a pet poison control specialist instructs you to do so, avoid attempting home remedies or making your cat puke.
Plants That Are Safe for Cats
Don’t worry if you love plants and are a cat parent. Cat-friendly indoor plants and outdoor plants that could be used to line a catio are among the many plants that are widely regarded as safe for cats.
Particularly well-liked by felines are two plants that are edible for cats:
First, cat grass
Although it’s less typical in cats than it is in dogs, many cats like to munch on grass.
A secure alternative for this is cat grass, which is often a blend of barley, wheat, oat, or rye grasses. This plant is available in little grow kits that you can set up like a miniature garden for your animal buddy to enjoy to their heart’s delight (in direct sunshine). Furthermore, this can discourage them from gnawing on your other plants.
Catnip 2.
This is the same strange-smelling material that is present in many cat toys, yes. The fresh version might appeal to your cat, and you’ll love seeing him or her munch or even roll about on top of the plant. Although excessive use of catnip may induce gastrointestinal discomfort, drowsiness, or hyperactivity, most cats can tolerate this plant in moderation. Catnip is generally regarded as safe for cats to ingest. Place it in an area of your house that receives plenty of bright light to ensure that it continues to thrive.
Remember that even if your cat eats plants that are healthy for cats, you can still notice some gastrointestinal distress. The only plants your small friend should consume on a regular basis are catnip and cat grass, which are both real.
Additional plants that are safe for your pet are listed below, even if your cat occasionally nibbles on them. However, keep in mind that your cat shouldn’t constantly consume them as they may upset their stomach.
African violets, third
Four. Bamboo Palm (also known as Parlor Palm)
Areca Palm 5.
Air Plants
Seven. Boston Fern
Phalaenopsis Orchids, 8.
Ponytail Palm 9. (also known as Beaucarnea Recurvata)
Spider Plants, No. 10
11. Plants used in prayer, like calathea
12. Numerous succulent plants, such as Hens and Chicks, Haworthia, Blue Echeveria, Peperomias, Bromeliads, and Christmas Cactuses
How Do You Know What Plants Are Safe for Cats?
It would be hard to discuss all the different plants that can grow in different types of climates and habitats in one article. So keep in mind that this list of plants is not all-inclusive and that your cat may be exposed to dangers from other plants that are not on this list. Before bringing a plant into your home, it’s crucial to find out if it is poisonous to cats.
In particular, popular names for plants sound similar to scientific names. Before introducing any new plant into your house or yard where your cat can be exposed, it’s imperative to conduct thorough study in order to be on the safe side. The ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant searchable database is a fantastic resource for this.
Setting Up Your Plants So They’re Safe for Cats
Even with safe plant selections, don’t assume your feline friend can’t get plants on the counter or on high shelves. Toxic plants should never be introduced into the house. If there is something that you don’t want your pet to access, make sure it is in a location that is genuinely cat proof.
This will shield not only your cat but also your new plant’s fronds from damage caused by teeth marks, your cat digging up the dirt and creating a mess, or your cat tipping over and smashing a vase or pot.
Artificial plants are another choice if you want to be secure (besides, they require very little upkeep!).
You may enjoy some greenery and flowers while keeping your cat safe if you take the necessary precautions—doing your research on plants beforehand and then locating a safe place to put them.