Are sunflowers dangerous to cats? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals deems sunflowers non-toxic to cats, so nibbling on the occasional sunflower should not cause any ill effects. If a sunflower and cats are in the same room, everything and everyone should be safe.
Keen to keep both your plant collection and your cat happy and thriving? It’s entirely possible.
We are well aware of how much our feline companions enjoy visiting the plant pots for a snack and how challenging it can be to prevent them from chowing down on anything that shouldn’t be allowed, including potentially harmful plants. On the plus side, there are plenty of cat-safe plants available that do not produce toxicity if your cat does manage to nibble on them. If your cat does manage to eat a plant you’re unsure about, make sure to contact your veterinarian right away! Here is a list of visually appealing, non-toxic plants for cats that pose less of a threat to your furry companion.
Note: Even though the plants on this list are non-toxic, which means that a cat eating them is not likely to choke on them, they can still upset your cat’s stomach and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a very sore stomach! For this reason, we always recommend keeping these plants out of your cat’s reach to try and stop them from sneaking a nibble!
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Our top 10 cat-safe plants
Although many orchids are safe for cats to handle, it’s still a good idea to identify the type of orchid before allowing your cat to touch these lovely plants. Phalaenopsis orchids, sometimes referred to as moth or moon orchids, are frequently found in stores and supermarkets and pose no risk to your cat if consumed by accident. On the other hand, while Phalaenopsis orchids might not be poisonous to your cat, they require more care because they require the ideal amount of sunlight and water to survive. However, if you give them the right care, you and your cat will both enjoy watching these exquisite flowers bloom in the winter, once a year.
If your cat is a sunflower enthusiast, you can bring these plants into your house because they won’t harm it if your cat inadvertently eats them. But just like with the other plants on the list, it’s advisable to try to keep your cat away from these plants whenever you can.
The bamboo plant is another eye-catching plant that both humans and cats find appealing. Fortunately, cats can safely handle this plant as well, though it’s best to keep it out of their reach as your cat could easily topple this tall, thin plant!
The bromeliad is a colorful addition to your living room if you enjoy bright house plants. These plants typically grow in rosettes and range in color from maroon to green and gold. In addition to being a popular option on any list of plants that are safe for cats to touch, bromeliads require little water in exchange for their stunning blooms, just some sunshine. That sounds like a great deal!.
The bird’s nest fern is a fantastic plant with large, frequently crinkled fronds that is perfect for any bathroom, even if you have cats. The bird’s nest fern thrives in environments with high humidity and little light. If your cat does manage to get their paws on the leaves of this plant, the substances within are safe for cats to consume, though they may still cause digestive distress! Just like the other non-poisonous plants on this list, owners should try to avoid letting their cats near this fern!
This gorgeous bloomer is non-toxic to cats and is quite easy to grow. African violets bloom all year long, so if you want a daily dose of purple, put a pot of them in your garden or on a bookshelf.
The gloxinia plant can grow beautiful flowers on a sunny windowsill; you would be hard-pressed to find flowers more beautiful than these. This Brazilian native’s red, blue, and purple tones will captivate both you and your cat. Plus, it’s non-toxic for moggies!.
Another popular option for cat owners is the polka dot plant, a cat-safe house plant with an unusual appearance that is sure to impress guests. Just watch out that this exotic beauty receives the proper quantity of water and sunlight.
Hanging baskets are a great way to keep peperomia plants happy and possibly out of your cat’s reach. Furthermore, these plants don’t need a lot of care and will flourish even if you occasionally forget to water them.
The Boston fern is another low-maintenance plant that is safe for cats. This is a great plant to add to your décor if you want to brighten up the bathroom, especially since it enjoys a little additional humidity. But even if your cat is enticing him with the glossy leaves, it’s best to keep this plant out of his reach.
Other cat-safe house plants that are non-toxic include:
- Friendship Plant
- Common Staghorn Fern
- Hibiscus
- Ponytail Palm
- Calathea
- Zebra Haworthia
- Roses
- King and Queen Fern
- Venus Flytrap
- Spider Plant
- Parlor Palm
- Money Tree
As you can see, there are a ton of intriguing and lovely plants that are safe for cats to be around. Whatever your favorite is, remember that one of the best things to do when your furry friend is around and curious is to select a sturdy pot. You can have the ideal environment for cats and plants to coexist under one roof if you always try to make it difficult for your cat to get to the plant and impossible for them to move it with their paws.
See our article for additional details on plants and other items that may be toxic or harmful to your cat.
Next, learn our best advice for cat-proofing your garden, including which outdoor plants to remove that are toxic and which fences work best to keep curious cats from getting over them.
FAQ
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