Calatheas are pretty, big-leaf plants that can make a great addition to any home. But is calathea toxic to cats? That’s the question many pet owners ask when they’re thinking about whether or not to bring this plant into their home.
Today, we’ll take a detailed look at what science says about calathea toxicity and safety for cats – so you can ease your worries while enjoying your awesome new houseplant! Read on to learn more about why calatheas won’t harm your favorite furry buddy.
Is Calathea toxic to cats?
No, Calathea plants won’t be toxic to your cat buddies if the cat doesn’t chew on the leaves or stems. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) confirms this by not including Calathea in its list of toxic plants for cats.
Known for their stunning beauty and easy care, Calathea plants are a loved choice for indoor plant lovers. Calathea plants are famous for their wide range of colors and complex patterns. Their unique looks awesome makes them a cool decorative element that can boost the beauty of any indoor space.
Even though Calatheas aren’t harmful to cats, it’s crucial to remember that individual cats can show different reactions to the same plant. Most cats may not have any bad reactions after exposure to Calathea plants. However, some might display mild digestive upsets like nausea or vomiting, which is often a response to the ingestion of unfamiliar plant material rather than an indicator of toxicity.
This reaction may come from cats’ meat-eating nature, as their bodies aren’t built to process plant stuff well. The unfamiliar stuff can sometimes upset their stomach leading to these mild symptoms. So, while Calathea plants are basically safe for cats, it’s always a smart move to watch your cat’s interaction with them and other houseplants to ensure they’re doing well. This isn’t a sign of toxicity but more of a natural response to eating something weird.
So, while you can safely love your Calathea plants without harming your cat buddies, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on any interaction your cat has with your houseplants. If your cat eats any part of the Calathea plant and shows signs of discomfort, get in touch with your vet straight away to rule out any underlying issues. To wrap up, while Calatheas are cat-friendly, watching over your pet’s interaction with houseplants is always a smart move.
Is Calathea plant Cat-Friendly?
Yep, Calathea plants harm cats. If cats eat those hard-to-dissolve calcium oxalate crystals in Calathea plants, they might get a little tummy trouble, like throwing up or having poop issues. But most of the time, these problems will pass on their own, no treatment needed. If your kitty starts showing scary stuff, like having a hard time breathing or fits, you gotta rush them to the vet, stat.
These sharp crystals are in a bunch of different plants, like philodendrons, peace lilies, and dieffenbachias. They’re not really poisonous, but they can cause mouth discomfort if a cat eats them. In some situations, they can even cause big-time problems, like kidney issues.
If you reckon your cat’s eaten a Calathea plant, you’ve gotta keep a close eye on them for any sickly signs. If they show any sick signs, you’ve gotta get them to the vet ASAP.
When Are Calatheas Unsafe for Cat?
Calathea plants are generally safe for your cats, cause they hardly munch on leaves or stems.
Calatheas can be unsafe for cats if they are exposed to the plant’s toxic compounds. It is important to note that while calathea plants are not poisonous, the saponins present in them may cause gastrointestinal issues in cats if ingested a lot.
Additionally, when caring for a calathea plant it is important to avoid using certain fertilizers or insecticides as these may also be toxic to cats if consumed.
Remember, cats are good at getting into stuff they’re not supposed to, so you gotta keep the plant away from your furry buddy.
Use a safe feed for plants and bug spray when caring for a Calathea plant if you have cats. Doing these steps should help make sure that both you and your cat can keep loving the beauty of Calathea plants without any risk of harm.
What To Do About Calatheas and Your Cat?
To keep your cat away from Calatheas is by use deterrents like:
- Use a physical barrier: use wire around the base of the plant if you can’t keep your cat away from the Calathea.
- Place your plants on high shelves or in hanging baskets or stick double-sided sticky tape or plastic sheeting on furniture that the cat might wanna climb to get to your Calatheas.
- Use stuff cats hate: things like citrusy smells, cayenne pepper, and even mothballs are all effective at keeping cats away from the plant. Spraying these around the calathea can help keep cats at bay while also making the place smell good.
- Use constructive training techniques: Though it takes time, it can be fun for both you and your cat to teach them a new behavior so that you can use the word and movement you’ve taught to distract them when you see them heading for a plant.
- Use large stones: Fill the base of the pot with big stones or bricks to make it too heavy to move if your cat likes to dig up or knock over your plants. Your cat will give up on their mission if they can’t do it.
- Give your kitty plenty of other stuff to do, like toys or scratching posts, to stop them from getting bored and looking for new areas to check out.
With the proper precautions and some cat-proofing, you can enjoy your Calatheas without having to worry about any furry intruders!
FAQ about Calathea toxic to cats
Q: All Calathea plants are safe for cats?
A: Estimates suggest that there are currently more than 180 Calathea varieties. We were stoked to find out that all Calathea species are safe for cats.
Q: Which houseplants must cats stay away from?
A: Coleus, Aloe vera, Pointsettia, Begonia, Dumbcane, Lilies, Jade plant, Chrysanthemum, Pothos, English ivy, and Tomato are a few houseplants that cats should steer clear of.
Q: Is Calathea toxic to pets?
A: No cat or dog species gets poisoned by a Calathea. Pets are safe in this condition because Calathea doesn’t have any harmful stuff. But eating a lot of leaves could be unhealthy for their health.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Calatheas are great indoor plants for those who don’t want to give up the joy of greenery but also want to protect their cats or other four-legged housemates. Calathea is not toxic to cats and can help you spruce up a stunning living space with worry-free features, giving your home a welcoming vibe that all of your housemates can enjoy.
To make sure that your home stays safe and secure and also stays pretty, make sure to do your homework and pick top-notch greenies like Calatheas. Check out the cool stuff in the world of houseplants – safely – at FamiPlants today!
