Houseplants can be a beautiful addition to any home, but if you have cats, it is important to take extra care when selecting and caring for houseplants. All plants have the potential to be hazardous to cats, so it is important to know which plants to avoid and what you can do to protect your cats from coming into contact with these plants. In this article, we will take a look at some of the common houseplants that are harmful to cats and provide some tips for keeping cats away from your houseplants.
Why are houseplants potentially dangerous for cats?
Houseplants can be hazardous to cats because the leaves, stems and flowers can contain toxins that can make your cat sick if ingested. Most houseplants can be harmful to cats and there is no such thing as a completely safe houseplant for cats.
Aloe, ivy, caladium, and azalea are just some of the houseplants that can be especially dangerous for cats. To keep cats away from houseplants, it’s best to move the plants up to somewhere high that cats can’t reach.
If that isn’t possible, you can put plants in a closed off area, and use barriers like screens or fences. Another option is to use artificial plants, which won’t be hazardous to cats. Whatever you choose, make sure your cat stays away from any houseplants and can’t get to them.
Types of Houseplants That Are Harmful to Cats
Cats and houseplants do not always play nicely. There are some houseplants that can be poisonous to cats if ingested.
Aloe, ivy, caladium, and azalea are all houseplants that cats should stay away from. Even if the plant is not poisonous, cats may try to nibble on it, and ingest enough dirt to cause a blockage in their digestive tract.
It’s important to take extra precaution when you have cats living in your home and houseplants. Moving houseplants up high can help prevent cats from accessing them. Placing plants in a closed off area or using barriers such as screens or fences can be effective. You can opt for artificial houseplants for a cat-friendly solution.
Lilies
Lilies are a very popular houseplant, but it is important to be aware that all types of lilies are toxic to cats. If a cat consumes even a small amount of lily pollen, it can lead to serious health problems, and even death. The best way to keep cats away from lilies is to not keep them in the home at all.
If you do have them, make sure to keep them in an area that is inaccessible to cats, such as on a high shelf, or behind a closed door.
Another way to keep cats away from lilies is to use barriers. Screens or fences can be used to keep cats away from the plants, or you can try using an artificial lily. Artificial plants are often just as attractive as real plants, and they are usually much safer for cats.
Aloe
Aloe is a popular houseplant, but it is toxic to cats. The leaves contain a substance that causes oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
Keep cats away from aloe plants by keeping them up high, in a closed-off area, or behind a barrier. If you’re worried your cat may try to eat your aloe plants, consider getting artificial versions instead. It’s important to remember that all houseplants can be potentially dangerous for cats, not just aloe.
Keep a watchful eye on your cats, and be extra careful when bringing a new houseplant into your home. Be sure to research the plant you’re planning to buy to make sure it’s not toxic to cats.
Ivy
Ivy can be a danger to cats as it contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause intense burning and irritation in the mouth and esophagus. If ingested, vomiting and difficulty in swallowing can occur.
If you have cats in your home, it’s best to keep ivy out of the house. If this isn’t possible, consider moving it up high where cats can’t reach it, or placing it in an enclosed area. Adding a screen or fence around the plant can also help prevent cats from getting to it. If you’re not willing to take the risk, consider getting an artificial version of the plant instead.
Caladium
It’s important to be mindful of plants that are potentially dangerous for cats, such as Caladium. All parts of the Caladium plant are considered to be toxic to cats, and ingesting even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures. In severe cases, it can even cause death.
If you have a cat and have or are thinking of getting Caladium, take extra precautions to keep it away from your cat.
Make sure the plant is placed in an area that your cat can’t access, like up high on a shelf, and use barriers such as screens or fences to keep them out. If you can’t guarantee that your cat won’t come into contact with the plant, consider getting an artificial version instead. It’s also important to educate yourself on other plants that may be harmful to cats, such as lilies and aloe.
If a houseplant is labeled as toxic to cats, take extra care to keep it away from them. A few simple steps to keep your cat safe from houseplants include moving them up high, putting them in a closed off area, and using barriers such as screens or fences.
For extra safety, consider getting an artificial version of the plant instead. With a bit of extra effort and caution, you can keep your cat safe and enjoy the beauty of houseplants in your home.
Azalea
Azalea can be extremely dangerous for cats as it contains the toxin grayanotoxin, which can cause nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and even death. If you have a cat, it’s best to avoid having azalea in your home. If you already have one, make sure it’s kept in a closed-off area, away from cats.
You can also use a screen or fence to further protect your feline friend. You could opt for an artificial plant or one that’s been treated to make it non-toxic.
How to Keep Cats Away from Houseplants
To keep cats away from houseplants, move plants up high out of reach, such as on a shelf or high shelf. Keeping them in a closed off area like a balcony or porch can also help, as cats won’t be able to easily gain access. You can also use physical barriers such as screens or fences to keep cats away.
If you want to be extra cautious, consider using artificial houseplants as an option.
Not only are they usually made of non-toxic materials, but cats can’t do any damage to them either. When gardening, it’s a good idea to keep cats away from any fertilizer, compost, or soil, as these could be toxic if ingested.
Make sure you clear away any dead leaves or flowers from your houseplants, as cats may be tempted to lick or eat them. Keep an eye on any new houseplants to make sure they are not causing any kind of allergic reaction in your cats. By taking few simple steps, you can keep your cats safe while still enjoying the beauty of houseplants in your home. Just be sure to be proactive and aware of the potential hazards that houseplants can pose to cats.
Move houseplants up high
If you own cats and houseplants, it is important to take extra precautions. Moving houseplants out of reach of cats is one of the best ways to keep them safe.
Try placing the plants in an area that can be easily reached by yourself, but not by cats. Tall shelves, hanging planters and wall-mounted pots can help keep cats away from your plants. If you don’t have an appropriate spot for keeping your plants off the floor, you can use barriers like fences or screens to keep cats away from the plants.
If you have cats and want to keep your houseplants safe, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions. If you have any doubts or questions about a specific plant, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. Consider looking for artificial houseplants which are just as decorative but without the risk of harm to your beloved cats.
Put plants in a closed off area
If you have cats at home, it’s important to keep houseplants out of their reach. Placing plants in a closed off area like a separate room or on high shelves will keep cats away from dangerous houseplants.
If you can’t move your plants to a separated area, consider using barriers such as screens or fences to protect them. This way your cat won’t accidentally consume any dangerous plants. An alternative to having to worry about cats getting to your houseplants is to invest in artificial plants.
Artificial plants are perfect if you’re looking for an attractive addition to your home that won’t pose a risk to your cats. They only require a simple dusting every once in a while, so they make for a low-maintenance alternative.
When it comes to cats and houseplants, safety should always be the priority. If you can’t keep cats away from your plants, consider using artificial plants or be sure to research which plants might be harmful to cats before buying them. In the end, taking these extra precautions can mean the difference between a happy cat and an unhappy one.
Use barriers such as screens or fences
Install screens or fences around houseplants to keep cats away. Cats are naturally curious and love to explore, and can easily get into trouble if left unchecked! Screens or fences will not only help keep cats from eating or drinking from the plant, but also provide a physical barrier to prevent them from climbing into the pot or getting too close.
You should also consider using artificial plants in areas where cats are likely to roam, as they are less likely to cause any harm. In addition to physical barriers, you can also use pet-safe repellents to keep cats away.
These can be sprayed on or around the plants to deter cats from getting close.
The repellents can be adjusted depending on the strength needed, and the smell can be tailored to the preferences of the cat. Make sure to clean up any messes the cats have made and to keep the area free of any tempting treats that can attract them. Taking these precautions will ensure your cats stay safe and happy!
Consider artificial houseplants
If you have cats in your home, it’s best to consider artificial houseplants instead of real ones. Real plants can be toxic or poisonous to cats if consumed, so it’s important to be extra cautious when caring for houseplants in a home with cats.
Artificial plants are a great alternative, as they look just as realistic and won’t pose a risk to your cats. When it comes to purchasing artificial plants, look for ones made of non-toxic materials and that don’t have long, stringy pieces that may be tempting for cats to chew. In addition to artificial plants, there are other ways to protect your cats from the dangers of real houseplants.
Move houseplants up high, away from cats’ reach. Put plants in a closed off area, and consider using barriers such as screens or fences.
Regularly check houseplants for signs of damage or wilting, and consider using pet-safe fertilizers and pest control products. Doing these things will help ensure your cats stay safe and healthy around houseplants.