If you are a pet owner, it is important to ask are polka dot plants toxic to cats.
What are Polka Dot Plants
First things first, we need to see what this plant is. Polka dot plants are small indoor houseplants with variegated leaves in bright colors.
They are relatively easy to care for and only require the basic necessities like light, soil and water.
Are they Harmful or Toxic to Cats
There is no short answer to whether the polka dot plant is safe and non-toxic to cats as it is not backed up by science. We suggest to cat owners that it is better to be safe than sorry and keep your cats away from this plant.
However, its proven that other varieties of the genus it belongs to could show toxicity. Begonia for instance, has calcium oxalates which combines with calcium in your cat’s bloodstream. This leads to hypocalcemia or kidney failure in severe cases.
How to Keep Your Cat Away from Polka Dot Plants
To ensure coexistence between them, consider the following strategies:
By placing your houseplants in baskets suspended from the ceiling, you can create a lovely floating garden that’s out of your cat’s leap range. This adds a touch to your home decor.
If you can’t suspend it from the ceiling, use high shelves to display your plants. This will keep them out of the cat’s acrobatic reach.
If you have a room with a door, consider making it a plant sanctuary. Keeping this room off-limits to your cat can be the simplest solution to protect your leafy friends.
Cats dislike certain textures, so placing crinkled foil balls or smooth river rocks on top of the soil can discourage them.
It’s important to make sure you are not overwatering the plants. This not only harms the plant but the watery soil invites the cat.
Remember, prevention is key! It’s much easier to take steps to keep your cat away from your plants than it is to deal with the aftermath of a sick pet.
What Happens If a Cat Eats Polka Dot Plant Leaves?
Poisonous or not, the plant material is not digestive for your furry friends. It could be a problem if it is chewed, nibbled, or ingested.
It could cause vomiting and diarrhea. If you see symptoms like drooling and breathing difficulties, then take immediate action and contact your veterinarian.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives
Here is a short list of plants that ensure the safety of your feline friend and are not harmful:
Boston ferns
Spider plants
Gerbera daisies
Calathea Lancifolia
Baby’s tears
Conclusion
And that is a wrap! That’s all you need to know about the relationship between polka dot plants and cats.
Remember, it’s always best to check that any new plant you bring home is cat-friendly. If you have any doubts, never hesitate to contact your vet.
