Caring for Cats and Philodendrons: A Complete Guide
If you’re a cat lover with a green thumb, adding philodendrons to your home can be rewarding – but it does require some care and precautions. In this article, I’ll cover all the basics of keeping both cats and philodendrons happy and healthy.
Are Philodendrons Toxic to Cats?
The short answer is yes – many philodendron houseplants can be harmful if ingested by cats. Specifically, the toxic compound in philodendrons is calcium oxalate crystals. These sharp crystals can cause mouth pain or irritation if chewed or swallowed. More severe reactions are possible like vomiting, drooling, or potential kidney damage in serious cases. So it’s important to cat-proof your philodendron plants to avoid any accidental mishaps.
Cat-Proofing Philodendron Plants
- Place philodendron plants in high locations out of reach, like shelves or hanging baskets. Cats can jump, so aim at least 4-5 feet off the ground.
- Use top-heavy containers without drainage holes for hanging baskets. This makes the plants less likely to be tipped over.
- For tabletop plants, add cat grass or other non-toxic greenery at their level as a distraction. My cats prefer the blades to philodendron leaves!
- Cover soil surfaces with rocks or pebbles. This deters cats from digging or pawing at the dirt.
- Trim away any hanging or trailing vines that a curious cat could chew on. Keep plants maintained and leaves out of paw’s reach.
Cat-proofing with some combination of these strategies helps establish a safe coexistence. From my experience, most cats will eventually leave philodendrons alone once they understand they’re out of bounds.
Introducing Cats and Philodendrons Gradually
Even with protection measures, it’s best to slowly acclimate cats to new philodendron additions. Place the plant in its final spot, but give cats a few days to adjust from a distance first. Offer pets and praise for good behavior like ignoring the plant. This helps build positive associations. I’ve found redirecting with play works too – who can resist a dangling feather toy?
Monitor closely at first. Separate cats if signs of chewing arise. With time and consistency using these tactics, cats typically accept philodendrons as just another feature of the home. Patience and supervision are key, especially with very curious kittens.
Philodendron Care Tips Around Cats
Once established, here are some tips for caring for philodendrons when living with cats:
- Water from the bottom by setting the entire container in a basin of water. Cats are less likely to drink from runoff this creates versus top watering.
- Fertilize monthly in the growing season with a dilute, all-purpose plant food. Be wary of granular or powdered forms cats could ingest.
- Inspect plants weekly for signs of chewing or toppling containers. Make repairs promptly before bad habits form.
- Dust leaves occasionally with a pet-safe product to control pests. Natural sprays like neem or insecticidal soap pose minimal risks.
- Prune or repot cautiously away from curious onlookers. Focus on the task at hand without giving cats a chance to get too close.
With some careful management incorporated into your routine, your cats and philodendrons can peacefully co-exist indoors. I’ve found many feline friends who kind of like these leafy companions once accustomed!
Dealing with Accidents
Despite precautions, mishaps can still arise with curious cats. Here are steps to take if your cat does chew or ingest part of a philodendron:
- Remain calm and contact your vet right away. Poison control hotlines may also provide guidance.
- Based on symptoms, they can recommend watchful waiting versus inducing vomiting or other treatment.
- Be prepared to provide a plant sample for identification. Exact species affect toxicity levels.
- Expect monitoring for signs like drooling, vomiting, or lethargy over the next few days as a precaution. Most cases resolve without issue.
- Learn from the experience. Reevaluate protections or consider non-toxic plants if an especially determined chewer is involved.
With prompt intervention, the odds are heavily in your cat’s favor even after a ingested philodendron accident. Staying cool-headed serves your furry friend best in these stressful moments. You’ve got this!
Alternative Non-Toxic Houseplants
If cats continue to target philodendrons despite deterrents, here are some lovely low-risk options you can feel good about keeping them around:
- Pothos – Very pet-resistant vines that trails beautifully. Its toxic cousin is philodendron Micans.
- Peace lilies – Iconic white blooms on upright fronds. Deadly if ingested but peace lilies tend to be left alone.
- Snake plant – Sturdy upright spikes of blade-like leaves. Considered non-toxic even if tasted.
- ZZ plant – Easy to care for and tolerant of low-light. Thick stems are unappealing to nibble on.
- Spider plant – Airy grass-like strands dangling plantlets. Some chew-proof appeal to help satiate cats.
With so many beautiful pet-safe plants, don’t feel stuck only considering philodendrons. Mixing in alternatives expands your options while keeping furry friends safe and content. Finding balance is the goal here.
Final Thoughts
In summary, keeping cats and philodendrons together requires responsible precautions and supervision at first. With thoughtful protection measures, gradual introductions, and tender TLC for both parties, it’s perfectly possible for these species to cohabitate indoors in harmony. As with most aspects of indoor pet care and houseplant parenting, a little prevention goes a long way towards assuring lifetime enjoyment for all. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Caring for Your Cat and Philodendron Plant
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Cat Breed | consider temperament – some breeds may be more likely to nibble on plants |
| Philodendron Type | choose a variety that is non-toxic like heartleaf or brazil – poinsettia and dumbcane varieties can be dangerous for pets |
| Location | place plant out of reach of cats – hung from ceiling or high shelf works well |
| Training | teach cats that plants are not for chewing – use redirection, positive reinforcement for leaving plant alone |
| Monitoring | watch for signs of chewing or nibbling and remove cat – provide other stimulating toys for cats |
| Safety | consider a protective cage around plant if necessary – monitor plant and cat interactions closely at first |
FAQ
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Can cats eat philodendron plants?
Generally speaking, philodendron plants are not a good choice for cats. While they are not outright toxic, philodendron leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation if chewed or swallowed. It’s best to keep philodendron plants out of reach of cats to be safe.
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Are philodendron plants poisonous to cats?
Philodendron plants are not considered highly poisonous to cats, but they aren’t recommended for kitty either. The calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves and stems can irritate a cat’s mouth and possibly cause some stomach upset if eaten. So though a nibble likely won’t kill your cat, it’s better not to let them snack on philodendron.
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What parts of a philodendron plant should be kept away from cats?
Primarily the leaves and stems hold the toxic calcium oxalate crystals that can bother kitty’s mouth and tummy. The roots are possibly less of a risk, but why take a chance? Keep all parts of the philodendron plant out of fuzzy paws’ reach. That means displaying it somewhere up high, rather than on a low table that makes it a tempting toy or nibble for curious cats.
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Can a cat eat a small piece of philodendron?
While a very tiny taste might not cause big problems, it’s just not a good idea to let cats eat any part of a philodendron plant. Those calcium oxalate crystals can irritateoral tissue and slightly acidic stomachs. Even small amountscarry a risk, so the safe choice is to keep philodendrons 100% off limits to pets. It’s_kinda_ not worth the risk when there are plenty of pet-safe plants to choose from.
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Do the effects of philodendron depend on the size of the cat?
Generally speaking, the smaller the cat the greater the risk if they consume philodendron. Littler kittens could face graver issues from the same tinyamount that might merely annoy an adult cat’s mouth. However, our feline friends come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s difficult to say exactly how size might impacttolerance levels in each individual case. Better to simply avoid allowing any cat exposure to philodendron, regardless of their stature.
At the same time, it’s possible with a large houseful of active pets, a curious cat may accidentally nip a philodendron leaf despite one’s best efforts. In that case, keep an eye out for any drooling, reluctance to eat, or tummy troubles in following days. Such effects may warrant a vet visit. All the same, diligence remains the best recipe for keeping independent thinkers like kitties safe from potentially bothersome houseplants.