Is Pilea Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

When you think you’ve seen everything as a pet owner, your furry friend does something new to throw you for a loop. That’s what happens to cat owners every year when they notice their feline friends eating different plants in their homes.

The good news is that if your cat did eat a pilea plant, it’s completely non-toxic to cats and is a great plant to keep in your home if you have pets!

Is Pilea Toxic to Cats?

Pilea microphylla is completely harmless to cats, and it’s perfectly fine to keep around the house even if you have multiple cats that like to munch on plants.

Even better, if your cat ate part of a pilea plant, you don’t need to rush them to the vet to treat them. In short, whether you’re worried that your cat will eat pilea or you notice that your cat did eat pilea, there’s not much you need to do.

What to Do If Your Cat Keeps Eating Pilea Plants

Just because the pilea isn’t toxic to cats doesn’t mean you want to have your cat chowing down on it. Although the plant won’t harm your cat, your cat can harm it! There are a few ways to keep your cats off your plants if you find that they’re eating them.

First, you can put something around the plant with a texture the cat doesn’t like. Tinfoil is an excellent example. The second option you have is to put a deterrent on the plant. There are specific sprays that you can use to deter cats, or you can add a vinegar-and-water solution.

Finally, you can move the plants to a place where the cat can’t reach them. One of the best ways to do this is by putting the plants in hanging pots.

Other Plants That Are Safe Around Cats

Several species of plants are toxic to cats, but here are a few cat-safe plants:

• Basil
• Candle plant
• Cilantro
• Easter lily cactus
• Hawthorn
• Hibiscus
• Petunia
• Rosemary
• Spider plant
• Thyme
• Wax plant

This isn’t a comprehensive list; other household plants are safe to keep around your cat, but ask your vet before you place them in your home!

For more information on houseplants and cats, we recommend you contact your vet.

Plants to Avoid Around Cats

If you have a cat that likes to munch on plants, the last thing you want to do is have toxic plants around. Here are a few plants to avoid having around your cat.

• Aloe vera
• Bird of paradise
• Chinese jade
• Easter lily
• Holly
• Hydrangea
• Lily of the Valley
• Morning glory
• Parsley
• Poinsettia

Before you bring any plant into your home, examine this comprehensive list from the ASPCA that highlights which plants are toxic and which ones are safe around cats.

Final Thoughts

Although the pilea is safe to have around pets, you don't want your cat eating it all the time. It's okay if they take a bite, but you should move the plant to an inaccessible location if they eat it frequently. Eating too much can give them an upset stomach and damage the plant, but you can provide fresh catnip as an alternative and keep your indoor plants in hanging pots.

Featured Image Credit: Galeri_Rindu, Shutterstock