Cats are known for their curious and somewhat mischievous natures, so it is not altogether surprising that a common problem facing cat owners is how to protect their greenery from feline destruction. However, cats are obligate carnivores – they need a diet based upon animal products to gain all of their essential nutrients. Nibbling on your favourite houseplant seems like an odd behaviour for a carnivore!
Let’s take a look at why cats may be bothering your plants, which plants need to be kept well away from inquisitive kitties, and how to balance your love of greenery with your cat owner responsibilities.
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Why would a cat eat a plant?
There are a few plausible theories for why cats may eat plants, although no one proven reason. Here are some of the common thoughts on this common behaviour.
Digestive help
Grass is very fibrous, and can help tricky foods to pass smoothly through the digestive tract. Cats would naturally hunt small prey such as birds and mice, and then eat them whole. This includes parts which are difficult to digest, such as wings and bones. Eating grass can serve two purposes: it can make your cat be sick, which helps them get rid of particularly tricky parts of their food, or it can act as a natural laxative, wrapping around bundles of food material and helping them pass through the intestines. Even though most pet cats are now fed on highly digestible commercial cat food, some old habits die hard!
Personality
Your cat may just like a nibble on some greenery! Some cats seem to enjoy exploring with their mouths, enjoying different tastes and textures. Others are more conservative, refusing to try even their usual kibble bought in a different flavour. Plants have a texture and taste which is unlike either wet or dry cat food, and some cats may find this novelty fun to explore.
Nutrition
Although cats are obligate carnivores, it has been theorised that they may be able to obtain some vitamins and minerals through the ingestion of plant material. Grass, for example, contains folic acid, Vitamin A and Vitamin D. If your cat is on a complete and balanced diet for their age, supplementation shouldn’t be necessary, but some cats may be attracted to add plants to their nutritional repertoire.
Boredom/Frustration
Cats are active and intelligent creatures and require a certain amount of both physical and mental stimulation. Indoor cats, especially, may be more prone to boredom, which can lead to frustration and destructive behaviours. Cats who are on the lookout for some amusement may choose your houseplants as the target of their entertainment!
Is it safe for cats to eat plants?
There are some plants that are extremely toxic to cats, and some which are safer. If you have a cat who likes a nibble on your greenery, it is highly advised to make sure all accessible plants are non-toxic to cats.
Plants toxic to cats
There are quite a few potentially problematic plants to cats, but here are some of the common ones found in homes and gardens in the springtime.
- Lilies
Both traditional lilies and day lilies are extremely poisonous to cats. All parts of the plant are toxic, and even small amounts ingested can cause kidney failure.
- Spring bulbs
Bulbs often have a high concentration of substances which can be toxic to pets. Spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips may look fun to roll around and play with to cats, but can be extremely toxic if chewed on.
- Common garden and cut flowers
Flowers such as tulips, daffodils, azaleas, irises, hyacinths and crocuses can all cause illness in cats if eaten.
- Common houseplants
Some houseplants can cause illness in cats if chewed or ingested. Ones to avoid include peace lilies, aloe vera, English Ivy, hyacinths, oleander, yew, chrysanthemums and poinsettia.
Symptoms of toxicity in cats can vary depending on the specific plant eaten, but may include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea, twitching or tremors, drinking more, drooling, not eating, pale gums and collapse. If you’re concerned your cat has ingested plant material, seek advice from a veterinary surgeon.
Safer plants for cats
All plants can potentially cause digestive upsets if eaten, but some are safer than others. Roses (although beware of thorns!), gerbera daisies, asters, freesias and sunflowers are all cat-friendly flowers. Safe houseplants include bamboo plants, bromeliads, gloxinias, Boston fern, staghorn fern, zebra plant, parlour palm and spider plants. Cat grass, a pet safe option, can be purchased specifically for your cat to have some greenery to munch on.
Keeping cats – and plants! – safe
If you’re the owner of a cheeky feline, but you also like some greenery in your life, this is perfectly doable! Here are some top tips for cat-safe flower-power.
Although most plants can cause tummy upsets if eaten, there are definitely plants to completely avoid if you have a cat, such as lilies, and some to be very careful with storage and accessibility, such as spring bulbs. If you have a cat who is known for their inquisitive nature, it’s probably best to err on the side of caution when it comes to toxic plants! The Cats Protection have a fairly comprehensive guide to plant safety in cats.
If you have houseplants, keep them out of reach as much as possible. Ensure safety from mischievous cat paws by using large, solid pots or vases which can’t easily be tipped over. Pebbles on stones can help prevent cats from scratching at the earth in pots and also help prevent spillages. If you have plants that may not be safe for cats, consider a ‘plant room’ in which cats aren’t allowed for potentially problematic greenery, and then cat-safe alternatives elsewhere. Cat grass may be useful for cats who are determined to nibble on leaves.
It’s perfectly possible to be a green-fingered cat owner, but it’s sensible to do some research and take some precautions to keep both cats and plants safe!
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