For cat owners, ensuring plants are safe for feline companions is important. “Cat plants” generally refer to specific plants grown for cats’ enjoyment and well-being or other common houseplants that are non-toxic if a curious cat encounters them. Understanding these categories helps create a harmonious and secure space.
Understanding Cat Plants
“Cat plants” primarily describe greenery cultivated for felines. The two most recognized and beneficial options are catnip and cat grass, each offering unique interactions for cats.
Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family. This herb grows between 12 to 39 inches tall, featuring square stems and grayish-green leaves with serrated edges. The plant’s unique effect on cats stems from a chemical compound called nepetalactone, a volatile oil found in its leaves and stems. When cats smell nepetalactone, it stimulates sensory neurons, leading to playful, euphoric, or sometimes aggressive behaviors, usually lasting about 10 minutes. About two-thirds of cats respond to catnip.
Cat Grass
Cat grass is a general term for cereal grasses grown for feline consumption. This includes common grains such as wheat, oat, barley, and rye. Unlike catnip, cat grass does not contain nepetalactone and does not induce a euphoric response. It appears as soft, bright green blades, resembling lawn grass but cultivated indoors to avoid pesticides and contaminants. Cats often chew on these blades, a natural feline behavior.
Benefits of Cat-Friendly Plants
Providing cat-friendly plants offers advantages for feline health and behavior. These plants provide mental stimulation, enriching a cat’s indoor environment. Chewing on appropriate vegetation can satisfy a cat’s innate desire to gnaw, diverting them from potentially harmful household items or toxic plants.
Cat grass aids digestion, acting as a natural laxative and assisting in hairball expulsion. Its fiber content supports a healthy digestive system. Some cat-friendly plants, like catnip, can promote relaxation or stimulate play, contributing to a cat’s overall well-being and providing a safe outlet for energy.
Safe Houseplants for Cats
Many common houseplants are non-toxic and can safely coexist with cats. The African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is a popular flowering plant with fuzzy leaves and vibrant blooms, considered safe. Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) are another suitable option, known for their lush, arching fronds and air-purifying qualities.
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are hardy, easy to care for, and non-toxic, producing characteristic “spiderettes” that can be appealing to cats. The Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) and Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) are graceful, feathery palms that add a tropical feel and are safe for felines. The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) with its patterned foliage is a safe choice for pet owners. While these plants are non-toxic, it is generally best to discourage excessive consumption to avoid mild stomach upset.
Common Toxic Plants to Avoid
While many plants are safe, numerous common household and garden plants pose a significant risk if ingested. Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species), including Easter lilies, tiger lilies, and daylilies, are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure in cats, even from small exposures like licking pollen or drinking vase water. Sago palms (Cycas revoluta) are dangerous; all parts are toxic, with seeds particularly potent, potentially leading to liver damage, vomiting, and neurological signs.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Philodendron species contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Oleander (Nerium oleander), often found outdoors, contains cardiac glycosides that can severely affect the heart. Azaleas and rhododendrons also contain toxins that can cause gastrointestinal upset, cardiovascular issues, and central nervous system depression. Other plants like Aloe vera, Chrysanthemums, and Daffodils can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to more severe issues.
Creating a Cat-Safe Plant Environment
Integrating plants safely into a home with cats requires careful planning and management. One effective strategy is to provide designated “cat plants” like catnip and cat grass. These can be grown in accessible pots, encouraging cats to interact with safe greenery rather than other houseplants. Ensure these beneficial plants are fresh and appealing to maintain your cat’s interest.
To deter cats from toxic or off-limits plants, consider placing them out of reach on high shelves, in hanging planters, or within enclosed displays like terrariums. Physical barriers such as pet gates can restrict access to certain rooms or plant areas. Covering the soil with decorative stones, pebbles, or aluminum foil can discourage digging and prevent cats from using pots as litter boxes. Cats generally dislike citrus scents, so diluted lemon juice sprays on plant leaves or placing citrus peels around the base of plants can act as a deterrent. Supervision and awareness of your cat’s interactions with plants are important for their safety.