Is Cat Palm Safe for Cats? 🌿🐱

Bringing the outdoors inside with a few houseplants is a simple way to make our homes feel cozier. The problem with being both a plant and a cat lover, though, is that you must be extremely careful about which plants you’re exposing your pets too.

Cat Palm, also called Chamaedorea cataractarum, is a palm plant with dark glossy leaves. Their tropical feel makes them a popular houseplant, but are they safe for those who own cats?

Luckily, Cat Palm is not toxic to cats, so you’ll be thrilled once you start bringing these beautiful plants indoors to liven up your space.

An Overview of Cat Palm 🌴

Chamaedorea cataractarum, most commonly referred to as Cat Palm, is a type of palm plant with dense, clumping growth and long, glossy leaves. They are widely grown outdoors in the USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10 and thrive in full sunlight.

These plants adapt to various soil types but can also tolerate temperatures below 30°F for short periods. In the right conditions, Cat Palms grow up to 8 feet tall.

Because these plants are fond of warmer weather, most people in other hardiness zones throughout the country tend to bring them indoors. Cat Palms are the perfect houseplant because they are non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

Common Houseplants to Avoid 🚫

While the Cat Palm might be non-toxic to felines, there are other popular houseplants that you will want to avoid. Many of them are beautiful and very popular but could put your pet in danger. Whenever you bring any live plants into your home, you must ensure they are safe for animals—you never know when your curious cat might find a way to climb up even the tallest shelves.

1. Peace Lilies: Peace Lilies might have gorgeous, dark-green leaves with stunning white blooms, but they don’t belong inside any home that has pet cats. Peace Lilies are not only toxic to cats, but they require a lot of attention to thrive. Technically, cats can rub up against the plants and touch them without being in danger; it’s when your cat decides to take a nibble that they could become sick and experience dehydration, diarrhea, and difficulties breathing and swallowing.

2. Jade Plants: Jade Plants, also called money plants, are supposed to bring you good luck. Many guests bring them as housewarming gifts, and people tend to hold on to them for a while because of how easy they are to grow. Unfortunately, this is a plant that won’t bring much luck to your cat. Exposure can cause listlessness, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Aloe Vera: Most people don’t expect Aloe Vera to be on the list of toxic plants for cats—there are even quite a few cat products sold with Aloe as one of the ingredients. The Aloe Vera plant contains anthraquinone glycosides that, when ingested, increase mucus production and can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

4. Snake Plants: You’ve probably seen a snake plant in at least one of your friend’s homes recently. Snake Plants are growing in popularity because they can be easily tucked into a corner and don’t require a ton of natural light. However, these are yet another type of houseplant that should be kept away from cats. Snake plants contain saponins that become dangerous if eaten.

5. Sago Palm: Just because the Cat Palm is safe for cats doesn’t mean that the rest of the plants in the palm family are welcome in your cat-friendly home. Sago Palms contain cycasin and can be dangerous enough to cause weakness, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

FAQ 🐾

What are some other safe plants for cats?

There are many plants that are safe for cats, including the Spider Plant, Boston Fern, and Areca Palm. These plants are non-toxic to cats and can be a great addition to your home. However, it’s always a good idea to do your research and check with your veterinarian before bringing any new plants into your home.

How can I keep my cat from chewing on my plants?

There are several ways to keep your cat from chewing on your plants. One way is to provide your cat with their own plants to chew on, such as cat grass or catnip. You can also try spraying your plants with a bitter-tasting spray or placing aluminum foil around the base of the plant. Another option is to place the plants in an area that is out of reach for your cat.

What should I do if my cat has ingested a toxic plant?

If your cat has ingested a toxic plant, it’s important to act quickly. First, remove any remaining plant material from your cat’s mouth and rinse their mouth out with water. Then, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital for further instructions. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to help absorb the toxins.

How can I tell if a plant is toxic to cats?

There are several resources available to help you determine if a plant is toxic to cats. The ASPCA has a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants on their website. You can also check with your veterinarian or a local nursery for more information. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and assume that a plant is toxic until you can confirm otherwise.

Can I have plants in my home if I have a cat?

Yes, you can have plants in your home if you have a cat. However, it’s important to choose plants that are safe for cats and to take precautions to prevent your cat from chewing on the plants. By providing your cat with their own plants to chew on and placing your other plants out of reach, you can enjoy the beauty of plants in your home without putting your cat at risk.

Final Thoughts 🐾

Owning a cat means taking some extra time to evaluate what is or isn’t safe to keep in your house. Cats aren’t similar to humans in every way and they can’t tolerate many of the plants, foods, and other substances that we can.

If you’re dying to warm up your home with some greenery, you’ll be happy the have learned that the Cat Palm is a good choice. However, always use caution and keep an eye on your kitties near any plants. You can keep them safer by training them to stay away from houseplants in general.

For more information on keeping your cat safe and healthy, check out our articles on why my cat has watery eyes and do I need to visit a vet, what shots are needed for cats, and how to check if your cat is dehydrated.