Is Cat Palm Toxic to Cats? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
There are many common houseplants that people keep in their homes, but owners with pets need to be vigilant about the safety of various common houseplants. In general, pet owners will try to keep their new plant friends out of reach of their pets for fear of knocking them over, but what about if they eat them?
The cat palm plant is fortunately non-toxic to cats, and thus safe to have in a feline-friendly home. Continue reading to learn more about the cat palm plant.
What Is a Cat Palm?
Cat palm is the basic name for a common type of household plant with the scientific name of Chamaedorea cataractarum. It is within the palm plant family that can be identified by its thin, long leaves. They’re usually bunched together in different spouts from the main plant stem.
Is Cat Palm Toxic to Cats?
The cat palm is not toxic for cats or dogs if ingested. Cats are notorious for nibbling on any type of plant out of pure curiosity, and this doesn’t exclude houseplants. Cats will see a plant as something like grass and will have an instinct to taste it.
There is thankfully no serious health concern for your kitty friend if you wake up to a half-missing cat palm, but they may get some digestive irritation if they eat too much.
Are Other Palm Plants Toxic to Cats?
Yes, some varieties are. It is important to understand that palm plants look very similar to each other. There are other types of palm plants (for example, the sago palm plant) that is toxic to pets. If your cat ingests this type of plant, it’s important to look out for signs of poisoning and keep an eye out for any serious side effects.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice a change in your cat’s behavior such as eating less, drooling, or vomiting.
Do Cat Palms Have Any Benefits?
Cat palms are relatively easy to care for in comparison to other common house plants. They are also very pleasing from a design standpoint. They grow at a speedy pace and require mid-levels of light, watering, and repotting. It is also said that cat palms are great for keeping the air clean in your home!
Other Houseplants Safe for Cats
Several other houseplants are also non-toxic for cats and safe to be in your home. This includes several different species of succulents, like the popular Haworthia. Succulents are great options that are low maintenance and don’t need much special care.
It’s also important to consider safe options for treating plants for plant-killing pests like spider mites, scale, gnats, and more. Rather than buying a common spray, try using essential oils like neem oil or holistic, natural insect control sprays that are safe for your cat.
Final Thoughts
While cat palm is safe for cats and non-toxic, try placing them away from low shelves or on the floor where cats can easily gnaw away at them. Try putting plants up high on shelves, outdoors, or in other areas in the home where your cats don’t have easy access to them to avoid potential digestive issues (and damage to your precious houseplants!).
Sources
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, 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.
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