Are Parlor Palms Toxic to Cats? What Do I Do if They Eat One?
You may have already had a run-in with a toxic plant and a hungry kitty, and now you’re worried after they’ve bitten your living room palm or two. we understand the fear, but take a breather pet parent, your rascal cat will be fine.
parlor palms are non-toxic and do not harm cats in the slightest. in fact, they’re a great choice if you’re looking for feline-friendly houseplants. Let’s learn more about why cats eat plants, other great non-toxic houseplants to add to your home, and some tips to prevent your kitty from eating them.
understanding why cats eat plants
There are many reasons why cats eat houseplants. young kittens are similar to human babies in that they explore with their mouths. if they found plants tasty or fun and attractive when they were young, they are more likely to continue that behavior as adults.
Another possible reason is that they are just messing with the plant. the long fronds of a parlor palm are very tempting to play with, especially the lower hanging ones. a bigger plant might even provide a nice hiding place!
One of the most common reasons your cat eats plants is boredom. if there are no other people or cats to interact with, they will find ways to entertain themselves. even having lots of toys for them may not be enough if they get bored with the same ones.
Whenever a cat eats a plant, it may not be able to digest all parts of the plant material and vomit up small fragments. this is not harmful and can help eliminate hairballs if your cat is prone to them.
other non-toxic houseplants (and how to check them)
Keeping plants indoors has health benefits. They can help purify the air naturally and increase oxygen levels. the benefits listed below are just a short list of available options.
palms:
- bamboo palm
- horsetail palm
- Palm of Majesty
- Chinese fan span
- rhapis palm
- Boston fern
- bird’s nest fern
- queen kimberly fern
- maidenhair fern
- sword fern
- Hibiscus
- bromeliad
- impatience
- roses
- sunflowers
- Think about placement: This may not work for large palms that need to be placed on the ground, but smaller plants can be placed higher up or in hanging baskets.
- Make the plants unattractive: If the leaves are the most interesting, you can try misting them with a citrus-water mixture. if they tend to dig into the ground, you can add decorative rocks or a cover.
- relieves boredom with intentional play: A wand or fishing pole-style cat toy is similar to hanging leaves from plants.
- Give them their own plant: Fresh catnip, wheatgrass, and catnip are the most common. if they don’t seem to like one type, try another until you find something that appeals to them.
ferns:
flowers:
There are plenty of other non-toxic plants, like most calatheas and some succulents, that you can easily add to your home without endangering your kitty. however, it is always best to confirm whether or not the plant is safe by consulting the aspca list of toxic and non-toxic plants. write the common or scientific name of the plant in question and find out in a few moments if it is safe.
how to prevent cats from biting
Just because these plants are safe for your cat doesn’t mean you want them to treat themselves to a treat. According to Chevy, there are a few things you can do to help prevent or stop the behavior if it becomes a problem.
conclusion
Hall palms and other non-toxic houseplants can help make your home brighter, greener, and healthier for you and your kitties. You can even take steps to prevent kitties from eating your plants by offering them their own. although non-toxic plants are not known to cause any reactions, you should always keep individual sensitivities in mind and contact your vet if you notice anything abnormal after eating a plant.
featured image credit: shutterstock