Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats? | Petkiri
Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats?

Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats?

Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats?

Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats? Having pets is always a matter of discussion as some do enjoy their company but some don’t. 

Is having a pet troublesome? Yes, it is for sure and I can say it given my experiences of being around them since my childhood.

In the current situation of staying home, having pets around does really help uplift the mood and definitely bring some smiles to faces. 

I know that my fellow pet owners will also agree with me on this. Nowadays, having pets is not limited to a certain category of animals and birds only.

People have started to explore and have proved that with proper care and being mindful about the animals, a good bond can be formed with them to be kept as pets. 

When it comes to pets, our innocent, friendly and ridiculously funny feline friends; dogs and cats are the ones most loved.

Some of us like dogs while some like cats cuddling on their laps. When it comes to me, I adore them both but have a slight bit of biases towards cats. 

I won’t necessarily say being a parent is on par with having pets. But having pets does really give a sense of being a parent as the responsibility of those innocent lives lies in the hands of the pet owner themselves. 

As a fellow pet owner, I can agree there are many things to consider when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of our pets.

cat wellbeing

The things that are normal to our health can on the other hand be really dangerous for our pets. 

Certain plants, medication for humans, household cleaners, pesticides, chocolates, onion, garlic, chives, glow sticks and even pet medication can be poisonous for our beloved cats. 

Plants Coexisting With Cats   

Some of the common and beautiful household plants safe for your furry feline friend are: 

Gloxinia 

Spider plant (Chlorophytum)

Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis)

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Peperomia 

Haworthia 

Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)

Cast-iron plant 

Cats have the instinct to chew on things and all plants are not safe for the cats. Thus, having plants in the house is always a matter of concern for those who are plant and cat lovers. 

Plants and Cats Not Made For Each Other

Some of the common poisonous household plants for cats with their effects are listed below : 

Peace lilies (Spathyphyllum):

spathyphyllum-peace-lily-plant-not-safe-for-cats

It can cause vomiting, irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, excessive drooling and in severe cases difficulty in swallowing and breathing upon ingestion

Aloe vera:

aloe-vera-plant-not-safe-for-cats

It can cause lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Monstera Deliciosa:

monstera-deliciosa-plant-not-safe-for-cats

It can cause burning of the lips and mouth, excessive drooling, oral swelling and vomiting upon ingestion.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):

epipremnum-aurium-plant-not-safe-for-catsIt can cause burning of the mouth and lips, vomiting and oral swelling upon ingestion. 

Jade Plants (Crassula):

jade-plant-crassula-plant-not-safe-for-cats

It can cause vomiting, lethargy, depression and incoordination upon ingestion. 

Snake Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata):

snake-plant-plant-not-safe-for-cats

It can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea upon ingestion. 

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta):

sago-palm-plant-not-safe-for-cats

It can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even liver failure and death upon ingestion. 

English Ivy (Hedera helix):

english-ivy-plant-not-safe-for-cats

It can cause weakness, vomiting, throat swelling, excessive drooling, dermatitis, rash and ataxia upon ingestion. 

DumbCane (Dieffennbachia):

dumbcane-dieffenbachia-plant-not-safe-for-cats

It can cause vomiting, burning of the mouth, oral irritation, swelling, and in severe cases difficulty in swallowing or breathing upon ingestion. 

All these above-mentioned names are only some of the plants which are toxic and non-toxic to cats.

If you are a pet owner planning to plant some plants other than those mentioned above, you might want to check the list of all the toxic and non-toxic plants to cats provided by ASPCA.

Is it true that Orchids are toxic to cats?

There are over 20,000 species of orchids and on top of that 100,000 hybrids. Some varieties are considered to be non-toxic and some toxic for cats. ASPCA has assured that orchids are non-toxic to cats. 

Even though researches have shown that most orchids are considered safe for cats, it cannot be considered fully safe.

Upon the ingestion of orchids by curious fuzzballs, they can have a tummy ache and vomit up to a certain extent. 

This is similar to the effects upon ingestion of grass and thus it can be said that ingestion of orchids is not that much of a serious problem. 

How To Prevent Cats From Chewing On Things

Given their nature, cats are naturally curious beings and they explore with their mouths.

Teething in kittens might also be one of the reasons responsible for their chewing. Yet, boredom is considered the top cause of chewing in pet cats. 

In order to save our curious little canine from chewing on wrong things and risking their life, various methods can be taken into consideration. 

Playing with the cats more and providing some additional stimulation like dangling toys, laser pointers and some chew toys might distract them from chewing your other valuable belongings which includes your plants.

cat with a chew toy

Placing plants out of reach of cats is one of the first steps you can take to prevent their consumption. 

Using the food puzzles that provide enrichment and stimulation for a cat that chews out of boredom or stress can decrease their chewing.

Also, providing cats with catnip sprinkled scratching posts or cardboard scratch pads can divert cat’s attention from chewing things. 

Spraying some bitter apple on the area of leather items and fabric where your cat usually chews can prevent it from chewing.

Also spraying the mixture of vinegar and water, the dusting of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to your plants and flowers is a good option to keep your cats from eating them. 

Frequently Asked Questions On Cats and Plants

Which Are The Common Herbs Safe For Cats?

Common herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil and dill are safe for cats. 

Is Oregano Safe For Cats?

Oregano contains an essential oil that is toxic to cats, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and permanent liver damage.

What Does Catnip Do To Cats?

 catnip

Not all cats are sensitive to catnip but for those who are, a certain part of their brain is stimulated to increase play and is not harmful. The aroma of catnip is thought to be pleasurable to cats. 

Additional Considerations

Despite the fact that studies have proven that most orchids are safe for cats, they cannot be regarded as completely safe.

Because your cat's natural urge to nibble on leaves and flowers may affect grass intake, it may be inferred that orchid swallowing is not a big concern. However, it can do considerable harm to your plant collection.

If you truly care about your cats, you may provide plenty of cat toys to keep them occupied and happy without chewing or eating orchids or harming ornamental plants.