Are Majesty Palms Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined
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If you're both a houseplant and pet lover, you probably Google every plant you bring into your home to see if it's safe. We have good news if you have your eye on the beautiful majesty palm: All parts of the majesty palm are non-toxic to cats!
We’ll gladly explain a little more about the subject and give you some general care guidelines if you’re curious.
What Is a Majesty Palm?
| Scientific Name: | Ravenea rivularis |
| Size: | 15 - 20 feet tall |
| Uses: | Ornamental |
| Color: | Green |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
Majesty palm plants are sizable tropical indoor trees that can grow up to 12 feet, and up to 20 outside! They provide exciting aesthetics to any home. If you live in a suitable climate, you can even move your majesty palm outside if it gets too big.
Majesty Palm Is Non-Toxic to Cats
According to the ASPCA, majesty palms are totally safe for pets. No part of this palm is toxic to cats, so you can enjoy one in your home safely! But your cat shouldn't because it can severely damage your plant.
Keeping your plant protected is essential as well. Even though majesty palms continue to grow even in adversity at times, having your cat gnaw away at its leaves is not going to make it thrive.
Why Majesty Palms Are Attractive to Cats
If you're asking yourself why a majesty palm is attractive to cats, you probably don't have to think too hard about it. With any slight movement, the large leaves of your majesty palm will be waving around, getting all sorts of curious eyes upon it.
Once your cat thinks that the plant is ready to play, they're likely to pounce, attack, bite, claw, and otherwise eat your plant. Cats love majesty palm so much that they can eat them down to bare nubs.
So, while it’s good news that these plants are non-toxic to cats, cats are pretty detrimental to the plant.
Keeping Your Plants Safe From Cats
Even though majesty palms won’t hurt your cat, the plant might not fare so well in the same situation.
To divert your cat’s attention, geniuses have come up with the idea of having cat grass around. You simply plant some basic seeds that come in a package and a little tray of soil and let the sprouts begin. Your cat can sit there in a window and munch on the cat grass all day long, leaving your majesty palm alone, hopefully.
Placement can be difficult with majesty palms because they get so large. They don't always fit in nice, cozy spaces. If it comes down to it and your cat is unrelenting, try to put the plant in a different room.
Basic Care for Majesty Palm Trees
Care
Native to Africa, this fanning palm tree is gorgeously feathered and upright. Permitting you to have the right light requirements and don't over or underwater, majesty palm is relatively easy to keep for experienced plant keepers.
Lighting
The majesty palm enjoys spending all of its time next to a very bright window where it can soak up the sun's rays. Even though they prefer bright, indirect sunlight, they can tolerate moderate light, too—but try to move them around to give all the leaves attention.
Potting
Majesty palm likes moist, well-drained soil with an acidic pH. These plants require regular fertilization in the right amount, making them a little bit complicated for beginners to maintain.
Water
The majesty palm is a real palm tree, so it loves tropical temperatures and lots of water! Be careful not to overwater the soil as too much saturation can cause root rot.
Fertilizer
Unlike some other house plants, these trees do require regular soil boosts. You can give them a watered-down mild fertilizer once a week.
If you add Epsom salts, this can also create a rich growth.
Final Thoughts
So, now you know that you can comfortably own both your feline and your majesty palm tree with no toxicity whatsoever. On the downside, your cat might not stop trying to munch on the leaves, creating a real battle for you.
If cat grass doesn't work, you might have to separate the two, so your plant can regenerate. Since the majesty palm is finicky, you don't want the tree to undergo regular or extensive damage.
Now that you know it won’t poison your cat, maybe you can try to get the two of them to get along.
Featured Image Credit: Jana Milin, Shutterstock
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As a freelance dog writer and passionate pet enthusiast, Ashley Bates is pursuing studies in animal therapy. A mother to four human children and 23 animal companions, Ashley is dedicated to volunteering at shelters, advocating for animal rights, and rescuing animals in need. Her goal is to spread awareness, provide education, and offer entertainment about pets to reduce homelessness. Ashley's specialties include dogs and cats.
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