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Tips for Living with Cats and Houseplants

Colby Heiner • January 8, 2020
Pet Friendly Plants | Plants That Are Considered Pet-friendly

We talk to them. We feed them and make sure they are well taken care of. We make plans for them when we go out of town. After all, they make a house a home and they are great to come home to after a long day of work. 


They love to sunbathe and we love to post pictures of them on social media. We start with one, but love them so much, we often end up with more. 


Cats and houseplants have more in common than you might think, but that doesn’t mean they always go together. 


Some hungry cats may eat plants, which can make them sick, or swat at swinging leaves. Some may use them as a litter box, and the mischievous cats may just feel like knocking them over. 

Making sure your home is a happy and healthy environment for both plants and cats can take a bit of work, but here are some tips and strategies you can take into account when trying to find that perfect balance between feline and flower. 


Monitor Your Cat

There are countless tips for living with pets and plants, but nobody knows your cat better than you, and determining the right strategy requires an understanding of your cat’s habits and behavior. The first step in creating a healthy encampment is to watch how your cat interacts with the different houseplants. Observing your cat interact with your plants, determining if your cat likes to eat, dig, or ignore a type of plant will help identify what precautions to take and which plants are appropriate for your household. 

Avoid Poisonous Plants

Of course, watching your little furry friend 24/7 is an impossible task. No matter what they are going to find a way to get into trouble! Nobody wants a chewed up plant, but there’s much more cause for concern than just some missing leaves. Certain plants are poisonous to cats and cause digestive issues, difficulty breathing, swelling, kidney failure and more. 


Some common houseplants that ate poisonous to cats include:


 

  • Aglaonema
  • Aloe
  • Autumn Crocus
  • Devil’s Backbone
  • Dieffenbachia (also known as “Dumb Cane”)
  • English Ivy
  • Kalanchoe
  • Lily
  • Pencil Cactus
  • Silver Jade 

 


Reactions can range from mild or potentially fatal. If you suspect your cat has ingested a potentially poisonous plant, contact Chipman Road Animal Clinic or an emergency vet as soon as possible. 


Best Veterinarian in Lee's Summit, MO | Chipman Road Animal Clinic

Purchase Pet-Friendly Plants

While some plants are harmful to cats, alternatively, there are many plants that are considered pet-friendly:

 

  • Bamboo Palm
  • Baby's Breath
  • Baby's Tears
  • Christmas Cactus
  • Hibiscus
  • Parlor Palm 
  • Pteridophyta variety of Ferns
  • Spider Plant 
  • Sweet Potato Vine
  • Swedish Ivy

 

While these may not be harmful to curious kitties, that doesn’t mean you necessarily want your cat to munch on them or use them as a litter box! We recommend dedicating a plant (or two) to your furry friend; it may even distract them from the ones you don’t want them in. In addition to the above varieties, there are all kinds of plants and grasses that are specially made just for cats.

Hang Your Plants

Out of reach, out of mind...or at least mouth! In addition to adding a stylish look to your home, hanging plants from the ceiling, or using wall mounts, can make them harder (or impossible to get to) keeping them out of your cat’s reach. You’ll want to be careful if your cat is a climber, however! 

Protect Your Plant

Another prevention method that has a stylish look is to place your plants in a glass box or container; some plants can even thrive in a steamy, greenhouse-like box. Additionally, if your cat likes to use the plant as a litter box, try covering the base using cloth, plastic, rocks, or anything else that will block the dirt and add a unique look to your plant!

Cat-Repellent Spray

A spray a day will keep the cat away! If your cat just can’t stay away, no matter what you try, we recommend spraying the plant with a cat repellent that will make the plant unappealing to your furry friend. You can likely find a store-bought spray at your local pet store, or you can always make your own! Just make sure it’s safe for your kitty, your plant, and that you like the smell too!

Keep Your Cat Out

Your cat may rule the roost, but that doesn’t mean they have to have free reign. If you have space or room your cat is not allowed in, we suggest placing your valuable, delicate plants--or the ones that attract the most attention-- there. You’ll want to be careful because cats can be sneaky, but, at the very least, it’s another level of protection. 

It requires some work to find the perfect balance, but with the right arrangements and precautions, cats and plants can coexist peacefully, making for a harmonious and safe home for pets, plants and of course, yourself!

If you have any questions about your cats and plants we are happy to help you here at Chipman Road Animal Clinic! 

If you are looking for an expert veterinarian in Lee's Summit, MO, call Chipman Road Animal Clinic 816-524-1886

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