Some of your indoor plants are just not safe if you have pets or young children, which is a sad but inevitable realization in the road of becoming a plant parent. While many common genera of houseplants are stunning to look at, many of them are moderately or seriously hazardous. Still others, when handled excessively, can irritate the skin.
The good news is that with enough preparation, you can determine which dangerous houseplants to stay away from, evaluate the risk to your family and pets, and still enjoy a lively and stunningly green collection of indoor plants.
Here are 10 toxic houseplants that, while we love them, should be used with caution if your children or pets will have access to them. A word of clarity, though, is in need before we proceed: “toxic is a relative term, and the severity of a reaction will depend largely on the level of exposure (amount consumed), which plant species, and the specifics of your pet. Some poisonous houseplants cause short-lived, acute symptoms (such as vomiting). Some can have more serious, life-threatening effects if swallowed in excess, while others only irritate the skin. This list is by no means intended to be comprehensive, so we strongly advise conducting additional research (ASPCA has a great database for pet owners).
Poisonous Houseplants for Pet Owners and Parents to Avoid
- Starting with one of the biggest players, Philodendron (and Monstera) is a vast genus of tropical plants that is particularly well-liked for usage inside because of its great variety of growing habits, leaf shapes, and colors. Plants in this genus are poisonous to dogs and cats as well as somewhat toxic to humans. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing are all signs of exposure.
What would happen if my cat digests Monstera Deliciosa?
The cat will experience severe agony and vomit if it consumes Monstera Deliciosa. The cat would have trouble eating and digesting since its mouth and esophagus would be swollen.
What to do if my cat has eaten Monstera Deliciosa?
The cat must be taken as quickly as possible to the veterinarian. There is no cause for concern if neither the symptoms nor the signs exist. Place the Monstera Deliciosa as far away from the cat as possible.
Why are cats attracted to Monstera Deliciosa?
Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures who enjoy messing around with plants. The Deliciosa plant’s tall, glossy leaves frequently lure the cat.
Is the Monstera Deliciosa plant animal-friendly?
Calcium oxalate crystals, which the Monstera Deliciosa plant possesses, are extremely harmful to animals, including cats. So kindly keep your animals away from it.
Is the Monstera Deliciosa plant edible?
Please do not eat the majority of Monstera Deliciosa houseplant and ornamental plant varieties. Before buying, kindly confirm with your neighborhood vendor that it is available in edible form.
What are the symptoms of Monstera Deliciosa plant poisoning cats?
Your cat may exhibit severe oral cavity irritation and burning, profuse drooling, and vomiting in the event of Monstera Deliciosa plant poisoning.
Are cats poisoned by Monstera Swiss cheese?
Cats are poisoned by the Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that penetrate the oral mucosa and cause excruciating pain and burning are the poisonous principle. Crystals of calcium oxalate are organized in bundles called raphides and are formed by specialized cells called idioblasts. They serve as a defense mechanism against animals that consume plants.
Is cat water from monstera toxic?
The calcium oxalate crystals found inside the monstera plant’s leaves and stems are poisonous to cats. When a plant is damaged, a chemical that is embedded in the plant spills out. The calcium oxalate crystals may leak out and enter the cat’s oral cavity if the cat chews on a monstera plant and breaks the outer core. If this occurs, the following symptoms may appear:
- Pharynx enlargement
- Vomiting
- a rise in salivation
Fortunately, calcium oxalate crystals only sometimes cause irritation, which can be soothed with milk or water. It’s crucial to seek emergency veterinary care right away if giving your cat milk or water doesn’t help with the symptoms.
How can I prevent my cat from consuming Monstera?
There are various ways to make your plants less interesting to your cat if you’re not ready to dedicate one to your feline friend or are simply sick of attempting to save the dead plants.
Top Tips to Keep Your Cat Away from Plants
Make your plant unattractive in #1. Anything citrus-flavored is strongly disliked by cats. To deter any cat invasion, you can spray the leaves of your plant with lemon, lime, or orange juice diluted with water.
Bodhi Dog produces a Bitter Lemon Spray if you don’t feel like making your own concoction. You don’t have to bother about using and cleaning out a regular plastic spray bottle, which is something I’ve found to work extremely well. If your cat determines the fragrance is insufficient to deter them, the taste usually works. They don’t want to go back because of that terrible taste.
2. Make Your Plant Impossible to Reach. You can strategically place your houseplants in a number of locations to prevent any maltreatment. It’s crucial to comprehend your cat and their capabilities whether you hang them or place them on a shelf high enough that even the best leaper can’t reach them.
Think beyond the box and use a huge dome birdcage, a terrarium, or an old fish tank as a planter. Although they are a bit pricy, they are a terrific way to protect your plants and give the space some elegance.
Safety Reminder: Lilies are poisonous to cats, therefore keeping one on a shelf far from your cat does not guarantee their safety. Even small exposures, like when flying pollen gets on their fur and they groom it off, might have lethal consequences.
3. Give your cat a plant of their own. Providing your cat with its own cat grass or indoor cat garden is another technique to divert their focus away from your plants. Usually, the seeds for these kinds of grass are made of wheat, barley, or rye.
Even if this is a safe alternative, you should still keep an eye on how much they are consuming. We urge you to discuss any dietary questions you may have with your vet to see if they endorse cat grass as a secure substitute for your cat.
4. Teach your cats to stay away from your plant. As with dogs, cats can be trained. You can educate your cat to do almost anything you desire, but it does require time, patience, and consistency. Others may leash train their cat so they can spend more time outside, while other people train their cats to perform tricks. With the correct reward, you may teach your cat to stay away from your plants and reroute them to behave differently.
When teaching your cat something new, Feline Behavior Solutions’ Dr. Marci Koski advises looking for their motivation. “Treats are very simple because they don’t require much time to administer if they are little and easily consumed. This allows you to continue the training process and repeat steps repeatedly. It’s love and admiration for some kitties.”
Pet Greens Cat Craves is one choice that I’ve discovered my cats adore. Additionally, these snacks contain Omega 3 Fatty Acids, have meat as the first ingredient, and have recognized ingredients.
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Pro tip: You might want to think about using adhesive putty for the bottom of your planter if your cat’s mischievous behavior only results in your plants ending up on the floor. It’s under the majority of our ceramics, I’m sure (kids included)! The fact that sticky putty may be used again, is non-toxic, and doesn’t dry out is its best feature.
What can I do to stop my cat from destroying my plants?
Spring has here, and for many homeowners, this is the season when they decorate their houses with blooming flowers and lush green plants.
Sadly, if you have a cat, they may be especially tempted to eat these plants when you’re not home. While some may be safe for your pet, others could put him or her at risk of poisoning or a variety of other feline health issues. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can employ to stop your cat from eating your houseplants and incorporate these design suggestions for a cat-friendly home.
Utilize chili powder.
Sprinkle some chili powder on the leaves of a non-toxic plant in your home if your cat won’t leave it alone and you want to deter this behavior. You’ll soon discover that your cat will completely shun the plant if you just lightly coat it with the spice. In the weeks after applying the chili powder, be sure to water your plants from the bottom to avoid the spice from washing off. Last but not least, you may also wrap aluminum foil around your potted plants to discourage cats from stepping on them in the future.
Can cats eat small Monstera plants?
One bite is all it takes for your cat to become toxic enough to develop Monstera poisoning symptoms. Even though a single bite usually won’t be lethal, the symptoms will get worse the more Monstera the cat consumes.
Most cats won’t eat that much Monstera because even a tiny nibble can inflict excruciating mouth pain and burning, and Monstera poisoning is often not fatal unless ingested in massive quantities.
Even though it is frequently not harmful for your cat to chew on a Monstera, it is best to consult your veterinarian or poison control as soon as you can for advice. They can direct you toward the actions that are best for your cat.
Are Mini Monsteras poisonous to cats?
Cats should avoid Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma), which also has insoluble calcium oxalate crystals like the Swiss cheese plant. Cats should not be allowed to interact with either micro Monstera or Monstera plants because they both have the potential to harm your pets in the same ways due to their toxicity.
Although it belongs to the same Araceae family as Monstera, the Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) isn’t a true Monstera plant. They have the same distinctive holes in the leaves as Monstera, thus they do resemble it. Even when consumed, they have the same side effects.
The Mini Monstera, on the other hand, is smaller and doesn’t yield Monstera fruit like the real plant does. Importantly, though, their leaves are just as poisonous as the Monstera plant, and your cat may suffer unpleasant side effects if they eat the plant’s leaves.
Why do cats consume indoor plants?
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.
What plants are the most hazardous to cats?
We looked into some of the most hazardous plants that your cat might come into contact with from the ASPCA’s list.
- Lilies.
- palm sago.
- Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
- Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
- Cannabis.
- Scorpion Plant.
- black violet
- Plant Air (Tillandsia)
Do animals consume Monstera?
- According to the ACPA, monstera plants are poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats if consumed.
- They contain calcium oxalate crystals in their sap, which can irritate the mouth and produce swelling, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms of intestinal distress.
- Where possible, keep these plants away from children and pets.
Can cats develop kidney failure from Monstera?
Due to the presence of hole patterns on the leaves that resemble the holes found on cheese, monstera, often known as the “Swiss cheese plant,” is an eye-catching addition to any landscape. In the tropics of North and South America, it grows into a woody vine that can reach heights of up to 21 meters. It’s also a well-liked indoor plant because it has a lovely appearance and is disease- and pest-resistant. Its gorgeous, cheese-like leaves, which may get up to one meter wide, give the appearance of being wider.
Monstera Adansonii vs Monstera Deliciosa
Compared to Monstera deliciosa, Monstera Adansonii has smaller leaves. Adansonii’s leaves have more holes and are a little thinner. On the other side, Deliciosa only has 5 or 6 holes overall.
Why Monstera toxic to cats?
Monstera deliciosa, often known as the Swiss-cheese plant, is the most typical plant that poisons pets. The cat’s mouth tissues are deeply irritated by the insoluble calcium oxalate particles from the Swiss cheese plant. Cats, on the other hand, seem to favor leaves with more string. Therefore, if you have cats, don’t expect them to eat it. The majority of cats will only take a mouthful before rejecting the plant due to its awful flavor. One bite can cause this disease, therefore it’s best to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
Is Monstera Adansonii poisonous to cats?
Crystals of calcium oxalate are seen in the Monstera Adansonii plant. This substance is deadly when freshly swallowed and enters the tissues of the cat’s mouth, causing excruciating pain.
Symptoms of Monstera toxic to cats
To recognize the signs of Monstera toxic to cats, use the changes you noticed while keeping an eye on the cat. excessive drooling, choking, throat swelling, inability to swallow, or difficulty swallowing. Up to two weeks after ingesting the toxin, symptoms may persist. When a considerable amount of poison is consumed, symptoms worsen significantly, including any or all of the problems mentioned above, as well as the possibility of kidney failure, coma, and potentially death. However, it is still possible to recover from poisoning. The appropriate drugs can be used to treat feline monstera toxicity.
Treatment and the first aid to Monstera toxic to Cats
Due to the monstera deliciosa poisoning, your cat will probably be in a lot of agony. As a result, the first step in treatment is to relieve the cat’s discomfort by cleaning the toxin from the monstera out of the cat’s mouth. After that, you’ll need to get your cat to a vet as soon as you can. Prior to bringing the cat to the veterinarian for medication, it is ideal if you can clean its mouth.
Since the toxin makes the cats exceedingly uncomfortable, even if it rarely results in death, monstera plant poisonous cats are simple to identify. Most cats receive treatment very away and are sent home, but some may need to stay longer in the hospital if they are dehydrated and need more fluids.
First Aid and what to do when your cat ate monstera leaf?
Clear any visible crystals from the Cheese plant monstera that are dangerous by gently washing your cat’s mouth. Cats should visit a vet as soon as possible if more medication is necessary.
Indoor plants which are toxic and not safe for Pets & Cats
- European Cheese Plant (Monstera)
- The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Aloe vera vegetation
- Dieffenbachia
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Jade Trees (Crassula)
- Viper Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Avocado Fern
- Palm Sago
- Ivy, sweetheart
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found in monstera leaves infiltrate the tissues of the cat’s mouth and cause significant discomfort.
Cat-toxic Monstera symptoms include:
- Mouth annoyance
- the tongue swelling
- the face and lips swelling
- having trouble swallowing
Cats are harmed by the insoluble calcium oxalates present in peace lilies. Lilies are one of the most dangerous flowers for cats since almost every part of the lily bloom is harmful to them.
Symptoms of cat toxicity from peace lily flowers:
- throat and mouth sensitivity
- Drooling
- breathing and swallowing challenges
Aloe vera is commonly thought to be safe for cats. Aloe vera is harmful to cats, though. Cats are poisoned by anthraquinones, a class of chemical compounds found in aloe vera, as well as saponins, glycosides that are toxic to cats.
cat-toxic aloe vera symptoms include:
- lethargy
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- Having trouble swallowing
Due to the calcium oxalates and a proteolytic enzyme found in the dieffenbachia leaves, it can be harmful to cats. Despite its appealing look and popularity as a houseplant, the dieffenbachia plant is toxic to cats.
Dieffenbachia harmful to cats symptoms include:
- Swelling
- discomfort in the mouth
- mouth a burning sensation
One of the most beautiful plants for home décor, pothos are dangerous to cats because the leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalates. Placing the pothos plant higher up where it can’t be reached will prevent your cat from eating the leaves.
Pothos poisoning symptoms in cats
- swelling
- lips and mouth are burning
Jade plants can harm cats as well as other animals like dogs and horses. It might be a little dangerous when it touches human flesh. As a symbol of fortune, many people keep jade plants in their homes. Make sure your pets can’t get to it.
Cat-toxic Jade plant symptoms include:
The long-shaped leaves of snake plants contain saponins, which are glycosides poisonous to cats. Due to their appearance, some plants are more prone to attract and be consumed by pets.
Cat-toxic snake plant symptoms include:
diarrhea
The presence of high alkaline content in asparagus leaves is the main worry for a cat who regularly consumes asparagus, despite the widespread belief that asparagus fern is safe for cats. Your cats and other pets are at risk.
Cats are poisonous to asparagus fern when:
- Urine’s chemical composition varies.
- blocked urinary tracts
The sago palm contains the deadly toxin cyclasin. Cats who consume the leaves of the sago palm, one of the most hazardous plants for domestic pets, may suffer terrible consequences, just like they might with the cat-unfriendly monstera.
Sago palm poisoning symptoms for cats:
- Diarrhoea
- a liver problem
Sweetheart Ivy leaves contain triterpenoid saponins, which are dangerous to cats and are more toxic than the fruit. One of the most popular types of plants that attract pets is sweetheart ivy, which is recommended to flow down from a container hanging above them to keep them secure.