Is Bamboo Toxic to Cats? Vet-Verified Facts, Risks & FAQ
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True bamboo is a subfamily called Bambusoideae. This is considered a safe plant to keep or grow around pets, including cats and dogs.
However, several other plants and flowers contain the word bamboo but are not bamboo at all. Some, such as lucky bamboo and heavenly bamboo, can be dangerous for your cat.
While bamboo is safe for cats, there are steps that you can take to safely prevent your cat from eating the leaves and shoots and prevent the bamboo in your home from looking weathered and beaten.
Facts About Bamboo
Bamboo is an evergreen perennial plant. The plant usually has hollow stems and some species can grow up to 3 feet in just 24 hours. The giant bamboo is the largest member of the grass family.
The plant is popular as a food source, as well as a building material, especially across Asia. It grows quickly, is easy to harvest, and is very strong for its size. It is as strong as other forms of building timber.
As a culinary ingredient, bamboo shoots need to be properly prepared before being eaten. The raw, young shoots contain taxiphyllin, which produces cyanide once it’s in the gut 1. Some animals, such as the golden bamboo lemur, can eat raw bamboo shoots. It is also possible to buy tins or fresh shoots of bamboo to add to culinary dishes. These are used in multiple Asian cuisines, especially Nepalese and Indonesian cooking.
Bamboo can consist of as much as 22% protein, but that doesn’t mean it is suitable for cats to eat. It is safe to have around cats, and if they nibble at it, it won’t harm them. However, cats need animal protein to thrive, and bamboo is not digestible. The leaves and stem are quite firm and would be too hard for cats to chew on, while leaves may actually get stuck at the back of the throat.
Can Bamboo Make Cats Sick?
As well as being a popular addition to Asian cuisine, bamboo also makes a popular house and garden plant. It grows quickly, makes a satisfying sound when blown in the wind, and is easy to care for. Its popularity in the home and garden means that it is not uncommon for cats to chew on the leaves and eat the shoots.
Fortunately, true bamboo is safe for feline consumption. Bamboo is not toxic to cats so your pet can eat the plant.
Is Lucky Bamboo Toxic to Cats?
While true bamboo is safe for your cat to eat, confusion exists because many plants contain the word bamboo but are not bamboo. Two of the most common are heavenly bamboo, also called sacred bamboo, and lucky bamboo, which may also be known as corn plant, cornstalk plant, or money tree.
Lucky bamboo is toxic to cats, therefore, and should not be eaten by felines at all. For other plant species carrying the name bamboo, please consult the ASPCA list of toxic and safe plants for cats.
Is Golden Bamboo Toxic to Cats?
Golden bamboo is a type of bamboo. It is one of the most common varieties in the US and is available from garden centers and stores. It can be found indoors and outdoors. It is safe in case a cat tries to nibble at it, although care should be taken with young shoots.
How to Stop Your Cats from Eating Bamboo
Even if it is safe for cats to eat bamboo, you don’t necessarily want your houseplants or your garden shoots being eaten or chewed all the time. Cats can enjoy the taste of some plants, including bamboo, which means that they will return time and time again for more helpings.
Most cats dislike the flavor and smell of citrus, and it is actually toxic for them depending on the amount, so do your research first. Spray very watered down lemon juice on and around the plant. The smell should be enough to prevent your cat from chewing the plant. If they do take a bite, the taste of citrus will deter them even further.
Is Bamboo Toxic to Cats?
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant. It is popular as a building material and in Asian dishes. It is a perennial plant, and it makes an attractive sound when it rustles in the wind, too. Fortunately, it is considered safe for cats to eat, as long as it is true bamboo. Some plants that contain the word bamboo are not bamboo plants and can be quite poisonous to cats.
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Featured Image Credit: sirirak kaewgorn, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
