Are Monstera Plants Safe for Cats?
If you have cats and are considering adding a Monstera plant to your home, you may be wondering whether these popular houseplants are safe for feline friends. As the owner of two mischievous cats myself, I’ve looked deeply into this question. In this article, I’ll explore the potential risks Monstera poses to cats and provide tips to help keep your plants and pets safe.
Toxicity Risks
While Monstera deliciosa, the most common species of Monster plant, is not highly toxic to cats, it does pose some risks. All parts of the plant – including the leaves, stems, fruits, and sap – contain calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested by cats, these crystals can irritate the mouth and cause drooling, as well as abdominal pain if eaten in larger quantities.
The sap and fruits also contain tiny needle-like raphides – bundles of calcium oxalate crystals that act like tiny needles when they come in contact with mucous membranes. If your cat chews on Monstera leaves or fruits, these raphides could possibly cause soft tissue irritation or even damage to the gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.
However, in most cases, any issues from a Monstera exposures are reportedly mild. Severe reactions are uncommon, and there are no reported fatalities from cats eating Monsteras. So while it’s not as dangerous as highly toxic plants like lilies or dieffenbachia, Monsteras are best kept out of reach as a precaution.
Cat-Proofing Tips
Rather than banning Monsteras altogether if you have cats, there are some practical steps you can take to help prevent problems:
- Place plants high up, like on a tall shelf or hanging basket well above ground level.
- Use weighted bases or sturdy brackets to prevent climbing or knocking over.
- Cover the soil with pebbles to discourage cats from digging or tracking in litter.
- Trim sharp or prickly leaves that could scratch furry feline faces.
- Keep an eye on curious cats and move plants if they show interest.
Some cat owners also consider sprinkling hot pepper flakes around plant bases as a deterrent. Personally, I try to focus on positive association through play and treats instead of aversive techniques. But cinnamon or citrus scents near plants have also helped divert my kitties at times, without harshness.
Monitoring for Problems
Even with precautions, it’s possible a determined cat may get to your Monstera from time to time. Stay vigilant for any signs of issues like drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy after potential exposures. If symptoms occur, call your vet right away. But in most cases, minor interested sniffs or nibbles are unlikely to cause harm.
It can be kind of a drag having to shuffle plants around all the time. But I find it’s worth it seeing my pets and plants coexist peacefully. Just like training a curious kitty with anything potentially hazardous, consistency and supervision are key. With some common-sense care, you can hopefully enjoy your Monstera without stress!
Alternative Plant Options
If the risk is more than you’re willing to take on, no worries – there are lots of other great tropical and foliage plants that are low-toxicity. Some top cat-safe picks I’d recommend trying instead include peace lilies, Chinese evergreens, pothos, snake plants, bamboo palm, and fiddleleaf fig.
Personally, my cats leave my peace lilies and spider plants alone but seem oddly fixated on munching dracaenas – go figure! From my experience, giving cats enriched environmental stimulation through toys and scratching posts also helps redirect plant-pestering behaviors. You just gotta know your own crew and pick your plant battles wisely, right?
Final Thoughts
In the end, whether Monsteras are a good fit depends on your particular cat situation. With common-sense precautions and an eye on kitty behavior, they can potentially coexist. But it may not be worth the hassle or risk for all owners. Consult with your vet if ever in doubt about toxicity concerns over specific pets. Hopefully this gives you a clearer idea on if these lovely leafy leviathans are compatible with your floofy friends!
Thanks so much for reading – I hope this cat parental perspective on Monsteras vs moggies has helped shed some light. Let me know if you have any other plant+pet questions! Wishing you all cute critters and thriving greenery. Cheers!
Monstera Cat Friendly Guide
| Name | Size | Toxicity Level | Care Level | Cat Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monstera deliciosa | Large | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Monstera adansonii | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Monstera standleyana | Small | Low | Low | Low |
| Monstera peru | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
| Monstera obliqua | Small | Low | High | Low |
FAQ
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Is a monstera plant harmful to cats?
Mostly no, a monstera plant is not really dangerous for cats. However, some parts could cause mild stomach upset if eaten.
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Can cats eat monstera leaves?
While monstera leaves are not very harmful, it’s best not to let cats nibble on them. The leaves contain tiny calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate a cat’s mouth. It’s safer to keep plant leaves out of reach.
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Will a monstera hurt my cat?
A monstera won’t seriously injure cats, but it’s not recommended to let them taste the foliage. The plant contains mild irritants that could bother a cat’s tummy. So keep monstera up high or behind closed doors to stop cats from possibly sampling leaves.
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Are monstera toxic to cats?
Technically monstera is not extremely toxic like some houseplants. However, it does contain tiny calcium crystals that can cause some discomfort if eaten. Most cats won’t bother monstera plants, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep cats and monsteras separated if possible.
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Can cats be around monsteras?
For the most part yes, cats can hang out near monsteras. The plant is not typically dangerous to have in the same room as cats. But cats may see plant leaves or stems as toys to bat around. So monsteras need to be located up high or securely tied to prevent cats from playing with or munching foliage.
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Will a cat get sick from a monstera?
It’s not super likely, but there is a chance a cat could feel ill after nibbling monstera foliage. The tiny calcium crystals in the leaves could potentially cause mild stomach upset. To be on the safe side, keep cats and monsteras separated whenever possible so there’s no reason for cats to sample the plant.
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Should I get a monstera if I have a cat?
You can still have a monstera alongside your feline friend. As long as you place the plant in an area out of reach, like atop a tall bookshelf or hanging planter, cats will be fine. Of course, every cat has its own personality. If yours is a determined plant chewer, you may want to find an alternative non-toxic houseplant instead of monstera. But generally monsteras and cats can coexist peacefully.
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How do I cat-proof my monstera?
To stop curious cats from potentially nibbling or batting at your monstera leaves, here are some tips: hang the plant above eye level, place it on a high shelf, use hooks or wall planters, tie leaves together securely, or grow it in an enclosed area like a room the cat doesn’t access often. This allows you to enjoy the plant safely without worrying about kitty interference.