Cats are cute and cuddly, but they can also be curious and destructive. If you’re a cat owner, you know you gotta keep ’em away from your greenery. They don’t know which plants are okay and as they may not know which plants are safe to eat and which ones could make them sick. So, are Monstera Toxic to Cats? Let’s find out!
Are Monstera Toxic to Cats?
The answer is yes, monstera plants are toxic to cats. If your kitty gets a piece of your Monstera, it might get a nasty surprise. It could end up with an irritated mouth, throat and stomach, maybe even start barfing or drooling. Worst case scenario, it could struggle to breathe or…well, you know.
It’s all ’cause of calcium oxalate crystals. These nasties are in every bit of the plant, from the roots to the leaves. Only the fruit of the Monstera deliciosa is safe, but unless your Monstera is popping out fruit, which doesn’t usually happen with indoor plants, that’s a moot point.
What Makes Monstera Dangerous to Cats?
These calcium oxalate crystals in Monstera can really mess with a cat’s mouth, throat and gut. The leaves, stem, and roots all have these crystals.
The crystals are generated when a cat nibbles or bites into a Monstera plant and can cause instant discomfort and irritation in the mouth and throat, maybe throwing up and difficulty swallowing. If the swelling gets really bad, your cat could struggle to breathe.
Now, don’t panic! While Monsteras can harm cats, they’re not usually deadly. But if you think your kitty’s had a nibble, get it to the vet pronto.
What Should You Do if Pet Ate My Monstera?
Despite your best efforts, cats have a habit of getting into mischief. If you reckon your pet’s had a chew on your Monstera, keep cool. First up, check your pet’s mouth for signs of redness, pain, or swelling. If all seems fine, your pet’s probably okay. But if they seem to be in discomfort, it’s time to step in.
You’ll know straight away if they’ve swallowed any of those nasty crystals. Your cat might start pawing at their mouth, drooling, or showing signs of a bad stomach, like barfing or diarrhea.
If you spot these signs, act fast. Try to get your pet to drink something to help wash out the crystals. Keep them away from your plants. You could also give them a bit of yogurt, tuna, or the juice from a can of wet cat food. If all else fails, gently rinse your pet’s mouth with water. Once you’ve done that, they should be fine, but keep an eye on them just in case.
A more serious reaction, which is rare, could cause swelling and make it hard for your pet to breathe. If you notice any of these signs, get on the phone to your vet ASAP.
Related: Are Monsteras Toxic to Dogs?
How to Stop Cats Eating Monsteras
One common struggle for plant owners is preventing their cats from eating their Monstera plants. It’s a real head-scratcher, but here are some tips to keep your cat from thinking your plant’s a snack.
Keep Plants Out of Reach
Simplest thing is to put your Monsteras where your cat can’t get to ’em. High shelves or hanging planters, or rooms you can keep pet-free work great.
Try a Natural Deterrent
Cats can’t stand citrus, so try sticking orange or lemon peels around your plant. You can also dust coffee grounds or pipe tobacco, ’cause cats hate those smells.
Use a Commercial Deterrent
If the natural stuff isn’t cutting it, you can find sprays and granules at the store that taste bad to cats, so they’ll leave your Monstera alone.
Provide a Diversion
Make sure your kitty has lots of toys and some other safe plants to chew on, like grasses or catnip. This can redirect their attention away from the Monstera and satisfy their urge to chew.
Seek Veterinary Assistance
In rare cases, some cats may have an underlying medical condition that causes them to chew on plants compulsively. If you’ve tried everything and nothing’s working, it’s time to chat with your vet about other options.
In the end, it might take some hit-and-miss to find what works for your kitty. With some patience, you can keep your furry friend away from your Monstera and have a lush indoor garden.
Is Monstera Toxic to Cats? Final Thoughts
If a cat eats any of the plant, it might barf, have diarrhea, and even have seizures. Better safe than sorry, and probably best not to have ’em around if you’ve got a cat. If you’re set on a Monstera, keep it out of reach and keep an eye out for any signs your pet isn’t doing so well after being around it. If you’ve got a Monstera in your house, make sure to keep it away from your cat and watch them closely if they munch on any leaves. Had any trouble with your cat getting into your plants? Tell FamiPlants about it in the comments.
