Are you a cat lover or a gardener? Who loves houseplants? Well, I am a cat lover and a gardener as well. But there is a slight worry about cats if you have houseplants.
Several plants are poisonous to cats, which could be in your indoor garden. Do not worry. With my cats and garden, I closely observe and devise solutions for swapping plants to keep your cats safe.
I know plants and cats are precious to those who love being at home or want a happy home.
After spending several years with cats and plants, I’ve listed 7 plants that should not be in your house garden if you have cats.
Let’s check those plants and swap them as a bonus.
Sago Palm:
Sago palm comes first because the entire plant is toxic to cats. Even its seeds and fronds are harmful to pets. Sago palm poisoning occurs when cats ingest or chew on the plant. Symptoms can include vomiting, blood clotting, liver damage, and even death. It’s best not to keep this plant around pets if possible.
Swapping: You may swap it with European Fan Palms. It’s similar to Sago palm but non-toxic to cats.
Pothos:
Most indoor or house gardens have pothos. Even the heart-shaped pothos harms your cat friends due to the calcium oxalate crystals found throughout the whole plant that can damage their soft tissues.
You may see symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, and abnormal drooling if your cats bite, chew on, or ingest the pothos plant.
Swapping: Pothos has a special place in the gardener’s heart, but if you have cats, you may swap it for Boston Ferns. It’s not like pothos, but it’s safe for cats.
English Ivy:
The lovely shape of English Ivy leaves makes the home more beautiful. Sometimes, beautiful plants can be toxic to your kitty friends. Yes, English Ivy is poisonous to cats, causing skin irritation, allergies, diarrhoea, and more.
Swapping: Peperomia obtusifolia is suggested as an alternative. Its leaves are lovely, smooth, and non-toxic for your fairy friends.
Peace Lily:
The Peace Lily is lovely, but not for your cats. While it won’t kill your cat, chewing it could cause drooling, swelling, and irritation, and ingestion might cause vomiting and diarrhoea due to its tiny calcium oxalate crystals.
Swapping: If you need to swap, consider cast iron. It may not look as beautiful as a peace lily, but it ensures safety and beauty in your garden.
Aloe Vera:
Are you shocked to hear Aloe vera’s name like me? Although Aloe vera is perfect for skin, hair, and health, it’s not for your fairy friend. Playing with aloe vera won’t kill your cats, but it can cause severe dehydration due to its toxic components.
Swapping: Keep aloe out of reach of your cats, or consider swapping to Zebra Garden, a similar plant.
Many plants are toxic to our pets. I’ve listed 5 common ones that are easy to get and are found in most house gardens.
In my experience, I share the most common names and give you swap options as a bonus. But if you are both a pet parent and a gardener, choose wisely when setting up your indoor garden.
Most pet owners have little gardens for their friends inside their living room or bedroom. If you want to keep plants with your cats, pay attention to where you place them, as cats move around a lot.
That’s all I can share. Happy planting!