As a cat owner, it is important to know which houseplants are safe for your furry friend. Many popular indoor plants can be toxic to cats, and ingestion of these plants can result in serious health problems. However, there are plenty of beautiful and non-toxic houseplants that you can safely keep around your cat.
Are Prayer Plants Toxic to Cats?
The prayer plant is a safe plant for cats to be around. This is important because the person who owns the prayer plant also has a cat that has recently started to show an interest in the plants. If the prayer plant were toxic to cats, the cat could get sick or even die if it ate any part of the plant. You can keep the plant in their home without worrying about their cat getting sick. It also means that the cat can safely explore the plant and enjoy its beauty.
List 10 Houseplants Are Safe To Your Cats
Prayer Plant
Since Prayer plants have tropical origins, they require misting to keep them hydrated, but they’re relatively easy to grow and maintain. During warmer months, they can thrive with indirect sunlight but need brighter light during their dormant period in the winter. Well-draining, moist soil is ideal for Prayers. They’re more vulnerable to drought conditions than other houseplants and cannot survive long when the soil is dry.
During the day, the Prayer plant’s leaves follow the rays of sunlight in the room, and after sunset, the leaves close. This unique trait led to the comparison to human hands folded in prayer.
Bamboo
Phyllostachys aurea, also known as Fishpole Bamboo or Golden Bamboo, is the most common bamboo species in North America. It is a fast-growing plant that can grow over 1 foot in 24 hours. Indoor plants only require water once during the week, and they thrive in bright indirect sunlight.
Nandina domestica, or Sacred Bamboo, is not commonly used as a houseplant. It is poisonous to cats and dogs, so if you have pets, you should choose another evergreen shrub that is safer for animals.
Venus Flytraps are no poisonous to cats
Venus flytraps are not toxic to cats. They do not contain any compounds that are harmful to cats if ingested. However, it is still not a good idea to let your cat eat a Venus flytrap, as the plant’s sharp teeth could cause injury to the cat’s mouth or throat. Additionally, the plant’s digestive juices could also irritate the cat’s stomach.
If your cat does eat a Venus flytrap, there is no need to panic. The plant is not poisonous and your cat will not die. However, you should monitor your cat for any signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Baby Tears Plant
Baby tears are Mediterranean plants that are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are perennials in warmer climates, but annuals in colder regions. Their name comes from the tiny, bean-shaped leaves on the plant’s long stems. They are easy to care for and propagate, making them a good choice for amateur gardeners.
Baby tears prefer humid conditions indoors and are vulnerable to dry conditions and temperatures below freezing. They can survive in low-light conditions if you mist them weekly and keep the soil well-watered. They grow quickly and are often kept in hanging baskets to highlight the long, fleshy stems.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant, also known as the Aspidistra Elatior, is a popular houseplant known for its hardiness and low-maintenance care. It is a good choice for people who have killed multiple houseplants in the past, as it is relatively difficult to kill.
Cast iron plants thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for apartments or homes with limited natural light. They only need to be watered when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Too much water can actually kill the plant, so it is important to be careful not to overwater it.
Cast iron plants can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, with leaves that can grow over 12 inches long and 5 inches wide. They are a good choice for adding some greenery to a dark corner or for filling in a space in your home.
African Violet
African Violets are popular houseplants that have been around since the 19th century. They can bloom all year long and live up to 50 years if cared for properly. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including purple, white, pink, red, and blue.
African Violets grow best in warm rooms with indirect sunlight. They should only be watered with warm water, as cold water can cause white spots on the leaves. Most people bottom water African Violets to avoid getting water on the leaves. Although African Violets are popular houseplants, they are declining rapidly in the wilds of Tanzania due to deforestation.
Burro’s Tail
Burro’s Tail is a succulent plant that is native to the dry, rocky mountains of Southern Mexico. It is a member of the Sedum family, which includes over 600 species of succulent plants.
Burro’s Tail is a visually appealing plant with thick, cylindrical leaves that are arranged in cascading rows. The leaves are gray-blue in color and are covered with a waxy coating that helps to protect them from the sun. The leaves and stems of Burro’s Tail are easily broken, which makes them a choking hazard for cats. However, the plant itself is non-toxic to cats.
Unlike most houseplants, Burro’s Tail requires direct sunlight to stay healthy. The plant should be placed in a south-facing window or in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Burro’s Tail is a drought-tolerant plant and should be watered sparingly. In the summer, water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. In the winter, you can water the plant once a month. They can bloom in the summer if it is moved outdoors during warmer months. The flowers are small and yellow-green in color.
Money Tree
The Money Tree is one of air purifier plants no toxic to cats, also known as the Pachira aquatica, is a tropical plant that is native to Central and South America. In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 60 feet tall. However, as a houseplant, it will only grow 3 to 6 feet high.
The braided trunk of the Money Tree is created when cultivators tie the young plants’ stems together before they harden. This is done to create a more attractive and visually appealing plant.
Money Trees are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in humid rooms like bathrooms. They prefer indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.
In addition to being a beautiful plant, the Money Tree is also considered to be a good luck token. It is believed to bring wealth and happiness to its owners. Therefore, having a Money Tree may be a wise investment for those who are looking for a little extra luck in their lives.
Banana Leaf
Banana Leaf plants are tropical plants that are not typically grown for their fruit indoors. However, they can be a beautiful addition to your home, adding a touch of the tropics with their massive dark green leaves.
To keep a Banana Leaf plant healthy indoors, you will need to provide it with plenty of direct sunlight. The plant can grow up to 6 to 8 feet tall, so you will need to position it in a spot where it will not outgrow its space. You should also keep the plant away from drafts, as these can damage the leaves.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Banana Leaf plants can be tempting targets for cats. If you have a cat, you may want to position the plant away from its cat tree. A bored feline on the top platform of a cat tree may be tempted to use the plant’s leaves as scratching posts or hiding place.
Old World Orchid
As some type of Lilacs no toxic to cats, Tulips and lilies are poisonous plants to cats. These flowers contain toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even death in cats.
The Old World Orchid is non-toxic plant to cats. It is native to Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, and is one of the oldest known flowering plants. It grows best indoors with indirect light and high humidity.
The Old World Orchid’s flowers emit an unpleasant odor. This odor is sometimes difficult to detect, but it may be enough to convince your cat to turn away from the plant. The orchid’s smell is responsible for its nickname, Stinking Bulbophyllum.
How to Protect Plants from Cats and Vice Versa?
As much as you love your furry friend, it can be challenging to keep them away from your plants. Here are some tips on how to protect your plants from cats and vice versa:
Select plants that are not harmful to health or the environment
To keep your pets safe while having indoor plants, choose non-toxic ones. Although some of these plants may cause minor digestive issues if eaten, they are safer compared to toxic ones. Here are some examples of the most popular pet-friendly houseplants.If you desire to keep houseplants in a home where pets are present, ensure that the plants are not poisonous. While certain non-toxic plants can cause mild digestive problems if eaten, they are still safer than toxic plants. Below are some of the most popular houseplants that are safe for pets.
- Prayer plant
- African violet
- Succulents such as Echeveria, Haworthia, and Sempervivum
- Spider plant
- Moth orchids
- Ponytail palm
- Catnip
- Basil
- Christmas cactus
Move the plants to a location that is not easily accessible
To keep plants pet-free, one easy way is to put them out of reach. This means placing plants on high shelves or, if your cat is a jumper, hanging them from baskets or stop cats from jumping fence. You should also avoid, or place out of reach, plants that your pets may find attractive to chew on. This includes plants with thick, fleshy, or crunchy leaves, such as aloe and Hoya. Even if these plants are not poisonous, your pet may still get sick if they eat them. For example, aloe can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and Hoya can cause skin irritation.
Prevent pets from accessing or damaging plants
Cats and dogs hate the smell of citrus and vinegar. This is because their sense of smell is much more sensitive than ours. The strong smell of citrus and vinegar stop cats from pooping on plant, make cats unpleasant to them and deter them from eating plants.
Some pet owners spray their plants with a water-based mixture of citrus or vinegar. This can be an effective way to keep pets away from plants, but it is important to use a mixture that is safe for the plants.
You can also prevent digging by putting decorative rocks on top of the soil. This will make the soil less appealing to pets and discourage them from digging.
It is also important to make sure that your pet is getting the love and playtime they need. Pets that are bored or seeking attention may be more likely to eat plants.
If your pet’s plant-eating habit gets out of control, you may want to talk to your veterinarian. Your pet’s behavior might be coming from a deeper issue, such as a nutritional deficiency or a medical condition. An expert evaluation will help you to be sure.
Tips to protect cats when you have a garden in the house
- Create a cat-friendly environment. This means providing your cat with plenty of places to hide, climb, and play. You can also put out a litter box in a quiet corner of the garden.
- Install a fence. A fence is the best way to keep cats out of your garden. Make sure the fence is at least 6 feet tall and that there are no gaps or holes that your cat could squeeze through.
- Use scent cats hate. There are a number of plants and scents that cats dislike, such as citrus, lavender, and peppermint. You can plant these around your garden or sprinkle their leaves around the perimeter.
- Avoid harmful pesticides: Opt for organic and pet-friendly pest control methods to avoid exposing your cat to harmful chemicals. Natural alternatives such as neem oil or companion planting can help deter pests without posing a risk to your feline friend.
- Use motion-activated sprinklers. Motion-activated sprinklers can be a good way to deter cats from entering your garden. When the sprinklers sense movement, they will spray water, which will startle the cat and make it go away.
- Keep your garden clean. Cats are attracted to dirty areas, so it’s important to keep your garden clean and free of food scraps and other debris.
- Supervise your cat when it’s in the garden. The best way to protect your cat is to supervise it when it’s in the garden. This will help to ensure that it doesn’t get into any trouble.
- Providing more source of entertainment for your cat to distract their curious about plants.
Pros and Cons of Keeping Houseplants with Cats
Keeping houseplants with cats has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of keeping houseplants with cats
- Improve air quality. Houseplants can help to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. This can be especially beneficial for people with allergies or asthma.
- Provide entertainment for your cats. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they may enjoy playing with or batting at houseplants. Some plants, such as catnip, can even be calming or stimulating for cats.
- Non-toxic plants for cats. Many indoor plants are non-toxic to cats, so you can enjoy the benefits of houseplants without worrying about your pet’s health.
Cons of keeping houseplants with cats
- Toxic plants. Some houseplants are toxic to cats and can cause serious health problems if ingested. It is important to do your research before bringing any new plants into your home to make sure they are safe for your cat.
- Damage to plants. Cats can damage plants by digging in the soil, chewing on leaves, or knocking over pots. This can be frustrating and expensive, and it can also stress your cat out.
- Challenge to keep cats away. It can be challenging to keep cats away from plants, especially if they are curious or playful. This can lead to frustration and stress for both you and your pet.
If you are considering keeping houseplants with cats, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you do decide to bring plants into your home, it is important to take steps to keep them safe from your cat. This may include placing plants out of reach, using deterrents, or training your cat to stay away from plants.
Conclusion
Keeping houseplants with cats is possible as long as you do your research and take precautions to ensure their safety. By choosing non-toxic plants, elevating your plants, and providing alternatives like cat grass, you can create a happy and healthy environment for both your cat and your plants.
FAQs Are Prayer Plants Toxic To Cats? Protect Cats From Toxic House Plants
Are prayer plants pet safe?
Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) are generally considered safe for pets. They are non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. However, it is always best to monitor your pets to make sure they are not eating large amounts of any houseplant, as this can sometimes cause mild stomach upset.
Are prayer plants poisonous?
No, prayer plants are not considered poisonous. They are non-toxic to both humans and pets. However, consuming any plant in large quantities can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset.
What is the most toxic house plant for cats?
There are many house plants that can be toxic to cats, but one of the most toxic is the lily (Lilium spp. and Hemerocallis spp.). Even small ingestions of this plant can cause severe kidney damage in cats. Other highly toxic plants to cats include oleander, castor bean plant, and poinsettia.
Is a prayer plant air purifying?
Yes, like many houseplants, prayer plants can help purify the air indoors. They can help to remove toxins and improve air quality through the process of photosynthesis and by absorbing toxins through their roots and leaves. However, it should be noted that the air purifying effects of individual houseplants are generally quite limited, and they should not be relied upon as a primary method of air purification.
Is the prayer plant safe for cats and dogs?
Yes, the prayer plant is safe for both cats and dogs. It is not listed as a toxic plant by the ASPCA. Still, it’s best to prevent your pets from eating houseplants, as they can sometimes cause mild stomach upset or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Is snake plant toxic to cats?
Yes, the snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is considered to be toxic to cats (as well as dogs). According to the ASPCA, ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. It is best to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent ingestion.