Some Houseplants Harmful to Cats

If your cat likes to nibble on your houseplants, beware that some kinds will harm their health.
Some Houseplants Harmful to Cats
The African violet, bamboo palm, Boston fern, and Christmas cactus are houseplants that are safe around cats. VH-studio/Shutterstock
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Q: I want to brighten my home with some new houseplants, but they need to be safe for my cats, who explore everything. Are philodendron and spider plants harmless if cats eat them? If not, can you suggest some cat-safe houseplants?

A: Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals that burn a cat’s mouth and throat, cause drooling and swallowing difficulties, and can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. So don’t add them to your indoor garden.

Lee Pickett
Lee Pickett
Author
Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. Contact her at AskTheVet.pet. Copyright 2024 Lee Pickett, VMD. Distributed by Creators.com
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