Cats and dogs may even chew on houseplants during play sessions, attacking waving fronds as they would a toy. ... love this article, recently got into searching for cat-safe plants for my north-facing bedroom and this has been super helpful. Here is why; First; between pets and children, pets are the ones that are less likely to be supervised at all times. Stay updated with the latest facts, tips, advice, and much more! Research shows that this plant conserves more water than it loses during photosynthesis or evaporation during hot weather. Chances are your cat will not turn to your cactus after eating a few greens now and then. Air purifying plants that are safe for cats and dogs. How Long Can A Cactus Survive Without Water? Plants to consider include jade, blue echeveria, hens and chicks, Christmas or Easter cactus, and string of pearls. Tiffany R. Jansen is a freelance writer who isn't really much of a cat person, but her dog definitely is. However, you have to get very careful with the amount of fiber your cat consumes as too much is not suitable for your cat. Cats are like children, and it's reasonable to be cautious about what you expose them to in terms of plants, Providing good growing conditions including essential nutrients, are critical elements you need to adhere to when growing cacti plants. After reading the great list of 30 Plants That Can Detox The Air In Your Home over at Sound Body Life, we started wondering which of these plants are safe for cats and dogs. Take steps now to prevent damage to the plant and harm to the cat. Ensure there’s no way your cat can use nearby furniture to scale and get to your succulent. Echeverias need particular light conditions to grow properly. This plant is quite hardy and can live up 20-30 years indoors. One whiff and your cat will avoid this plant like the plague. Experts also say that the scent of certain plants like peppermint and lemongrass can be enticing for cats to taste. If the plant does well on such schedule, keep going that way, otherwise, use your finger to test the soil. You love your plants. Fortunately, the Christmas Cactus (or its relative, the Easter Cactus) plant is not toxic to dogs in either its parts or flowers. Water this succulent generously in spring and summer only once the soil has dried out in between waterings. Opuntia species, also known as the cactus pear or the paddle cactus, have oval, flat leaves or "paddles" that are covered with small spines. Orange or lemon peels work wonders, and these are perfectly safe for your plant. Cactus can survive anywhere, they can grow in environments that are complete opposites of the desert. The trend of growing succulents is not going away, neither is the ownership of cats. Why not including children, dogs and other pets? Indoor plants safe for cats , We get lots and lots of mail asking us what indoor plants are poisonous to cats. Learn how to grow healthy Christmas cactus by choosing the perfect light, soil, fertilizer, humidity, and temperature. These plants are unique and good houseplants since they require little maintenance to survive. Keep in mind that while these plants are not poisonous if ingested, it is still highly recommended to not eat them!! Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) can be easily identified from other cacti species by its round, flattened joints called pads. Try putting your plant in a place where your cat can’t reach. Mistletoe, holly (berries) and poinsettia are also common during the winter holidays and do have some toxic components, but it is safe to have the Christmas cactus in your home. This type of succulent does best when is left alone and (almost) forgotten. ive never seen anything more horrible. Your cat may want to bite on the plant to experience how it feels. However, bear in mind that the plant has spines that may accidentally injure your cat. There are beautiful baskets available in home improvement stores, and these will not only keep your feline away but will also add beauty to your home. They are mainly available in two varieties; Both types can be grown outdoors and indoors, depending on where you live. Yes. Do not over water this plant! (With Burro’s Tail, you have better luck outdoors if you live in warmer climates). 10 Easy Steps, The 10 Best Types Of Cactus To Grow Outdoors, How To Care For Your Christmas Cactus: Light, Soil, Watering And Bloom, Is Cactus Fruit Poisonous? As much as cactuses aren’t toxic to cats, the animals can chew on them, and you may end up with stubs in place of the gorgeous indoor or outdoor plant. Platycerium bifurcatum. Direct sunlight will burn the fleshy leaves. Why am I only focusing on succulents safe for cats? Christmas cactus is non-toxic to cats although the Pet Poison Helpline does say that mild nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can occur in some cats. Which Christmas plants are toxic and non-toxic to cats and what should you do if your cat ingests a toxic ... of us have our homes decorated with trees, wreaths and Christmas plants. Butterfly Iris (Iris spruria) *Note: Not all irises are safe for cats and dogs. If you’re worried that your cat keeps damaging your plants, you might be looking for safe ways to keep the cat away from the plant. Safe for children? Adult Cat. You love your cat. Naturally, it is safe for cats or would not be on this list. In its quest to try and reach the soil, your cat may end up biting on your plants, leaving them looking unsightly. All they need is a very bright, indirect light spot to be displayed and a nice planter with proper drainage. I water my plant a little bit of water once a week by slowly pouring water really close to the main stems so that the soil and plant really absorbs the water rather than draining it out right away leaving a pool of water at the bottom of the pot. Well, we have the answers to whether the plant is safe for cats. Play Video Pet Safe Succulents. The plants can cause inflammation of the mouth, skin, or stomach. Generally, the watering technique you choose to use will have a significant impact on the overall health of your plant, If you follow the steps in this article, your cactus should be in the proper environment for blooming. Plants poisonous to cats can cause anything from mild irritation to death. We are dedicated to finding forever homes for every kitten and cat that comes into our care. However, you'll still want to verify that each individual succulent that you bring home is entirely safe. Their geometry, colours and flowers are fascinating and hypnotic. Symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this succulent range from gastrointestinal upset to skin and eye irritation, says Dr. Goldstein. If the top soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water your Echeveria. The highly fibrous shells may be too hard for pets to digest, causing mild stomach upset, so it’s best to keep unshelled seeds of reach if your pet is prone to eating them. Haworthia’s are extremely easy to care for and extremely hard to kill. The Christmas cactus is considered non-toxic to cats. You can get kitty grass from the local pet store. There is nothing that gives me more satisfaction than seeing this plant blooming off-season! The habit will discourage the cat from quenching its thirst using your cactus. Your cat’s teeth might also be itch from infection resulting in gum disease or tooth decay. If you’re curious to know why your cat may be biting or hitting your plants, here are a few reasons why the cat won’t leave the plant alone. Are Succulents Poisonous to Cats? Therefore, as much as your cat might bite your cactus, they might not like the taste and might end up spitting it. Cats will try to turn anything into a litter box if there’s none in sight. This list of 12 cat-safe and 13 cat-toxic plants doesn’t cover the whole of the plant kingdom. Read on or watch the video for all the details. If they happen to swallow some of it, there’s no harm as that could offer a little fiber in their diet. Trading in plants known to be toxic for more feline-friendly ones is a huge step towards creating a safe environment for your cat. They can be decorative, fun to care for, and good for air quality. Alternatively, your veterinarian can give you supplements that have the minerals and vitamins present in the grass, which you can mix with cat food. The cat mostly eats meat, and the texture of your cactus may appear appealing. Are succulents bad for cats? It’s no wonder these plants always look turgid and succulent, the reason they could be attracting your cat. I’ve already written an “inclusive” article about the 10 Best Non-Toxic Houseplants That are Safe For Children, Cats & Dogs. Here are some pet-friendly plants that are safe for your cat or dog to cuddle up to (and how to care for them): 1. Echeverias are incredible succulents and they appeal to so many people not only for their ease of maintenance, but for their beauty. Another perfect way to keep the plants away from your cat’s reach is to hang them in baskets. It is important your Echeveria is planted in a draining pot with well draining cactus and succulent mix. On this page, I have listed Cat Safe Plants. How do you combine both in a way that's safe for both plant and kitty? Table of Contents hide. The trend of growing succulents is not going away, neither is the ownership of cats. Third; succulents have become extremely popular in the last few years due to their beauty and ease of maintenance. There are plenty of options non-toxic succulents that are safe for cats. Take your cat to the dentist for evaluation, and the vet will advise you on how best to take care of your pet’s teeth. A quick overview of succulents poisonous to cats, and a list of cat safe succulents with brief info on how to grow, care for them, and where to buy them. Mistletoe, holly (berries) and poinsettia are also common during the winter holidays and do have some toxic components, but it is safe to have the Christmas cactus in your home. According to the ASPCA plant database, Christmas cactus is not toxic or poisonous to cats, but insecticides and other chemicals used on the plant may be toxic. More: These 13 Cat Breeds Actually Behave Like Dogs 4. This rattlesnake is not venomous to cats, dogs or humans!The Calathea is safe for pets and likes indirect bright sunshine and to be kept moist in spring and summer but not watered to soggy. (Full Instructions to do it right). 3 Ivy. Before you buy your plant, buy a litter box and train your cat to go there otherwise they’ll turn your favorite house plant into the litter. There’s a common misconception that cacti can only survive in the hot and desert climate. You might need to fix root rot, monitor watering, temperature, and light, repot the cactus and change the soil, use a fertilizer, or just give the plant some time to revive on its own, The cactus spines resemble needles and are an absolute necessity for the plant’s survival, but what to do after an injury? Joined Nov 1, 2005 Messages 212 Reaction score 1. There are some smells that cats don’t like, such as citrus or cayenne pepper. Many people enjoy keeping plants in their homes. They can do well indoors and are safe to have around your cats, dogs or pets. This plant is a succulent so it needs little water, like every 2-3 weeks and thrives in bright, indirect sun. Your cat will try to punch and pull at the plant at any given chance, and this might cause a lot of breakages. While Christmas cactus is non-toxic to cats, fertilisers and pest control used on or around the plant may be potentially toxic. Due to the taste, your pet will not ingest it to the lethal level, but it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal beating of the heart. The Thanksgiving cactus has 2-4 saw-toothed serrations (claws) along the margins and the Christmas cactus has rounded serrations (scallops). Here is all you need to know, Although cacti plants are hardy, they still require proper watering to thrive. The doctor will also advise you on the best sources of the minerals, and may also give you some supplements to take home. For instance, you can build a small shelf a few meters above the ground. Succulents toxic to cats : Aloe vera; Coral cactus (Euphorbia) Jade plant; Kalanchoes Snake plant or Mother-in-law’s tongue String of pearls; Cat safe succulents: (warning, graphic story below) i was watching Animal Cops the other day, and this cat had wandered into cactus and gotten stuck, and was literally COVERED with cactus spines. Likes some humidity and grows large leaves up to 30 inches … Examples of plants that won’t harm your feline are; burros train, Christmas cactus, zebra Haworthia, Opuntia species, and echeveria. Cats tend to be attracted to the leaves rather than flowers or seeds. Let’s now take a closer look at these succulents safe for cats. Poisonous succulents for cats can cause toxicity and even death to your beloved feline friends. Many succulents in the euphorbia genus, such as the pencil cactus and crown of thorns, are known to be poisonous to both cats and dogs, says Dr. Marty Goldstein, an integrative veterinarian and best-selling author. Some of the most poisonous plants for cats include the lilies, figs, bulb plants, azalea or the creeping Charlie. the round pearls, (which have round leaves). As for cayenne pepper, sprinkle a little bit around your plant. These 5 succulents safe for cats are beautiful, relatively easy to care for, they do not require humidity to thrive, and, (in case you also have a dog and young children), safe for everyone in the family. It adapts readily to room conditions and load light. the grains of rice, (which have pointy leaves) and. This is where you can get creative and find a great container to hang from a wall or ceiling. My gorgeous Echeveria Elegans (Mexican Snowball). The best part about the Christmas cactus is that it is completely safe for cats. it received very little care and water during the crazy busy years of having babies and working full time! 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