Are Polka Dot Plants Toxic to Cats? How To Protect Your Cat

You may wondering, “are polka dot plants toxic to cats?” if you have the beautiful polka dot plant at home as well as a cat. The great news is that the polka dot is not poisonous to cats.

But you are asking this question since you do not want to harm your cat or the plant.  Here is all you need to know about this unique plant.

Are Polka Dot Plants Toxic to Cats? How You Can Care For Your Cat

No, the polka dot plant is not poisonous to cats. However, if they eat a large portion of the plant some vomiting and diarhea may appear. Keep a close eye on them or rather contact your vet if you’re unsure what to do.

To care for your cat the first thing you can do is keep the plant out of reach anyway. Just in case. Making the plant unappealing also helps to deter them from eating it in the first place as does giving the cat a plant that is especially for it.

– Keep It Out of Reach

The quickest solution is to relocate the polka dot plant, like the hypoestes phyllostachya away from prying eyes. A viewing position from on high is excellent. Make floating shelves or suspend them from the ceiling to protect your plants from clawed paws.

Big, heavy plants may require their room, and homes with limited sunshine and wall space will likely require more creative solutions. A physical barrier is another simple method for keeping cats away from plants.

Covering the earth with stones frequently discourages cats from digging. Scratching and chewing cats may need extra coaxing.

– Make the Plant Unappealing

Some odors, textures, and sounds dissuade cats from investigating plants. Experts recommend covering the plant and dirt with aluminum foil to avoid burrowing cats. For cats who scratch at the pot, they recommend “covering it with double-sided sticky tape.” They loathe the sensation of these surfaces on their paws.

Cats will avoid plants with bad taste or odors. For example, you can cover the soil with citrus rinds. This is a common methods of keeping cats away from plants because cats dislike the smell of citrus; however, this may lure fruit flies and other garden pests. “Spray the leaves with apple cider vinegar.”

If you don’t want to leave fruit fragments in your plants, experts recommend them. Another option is to use a commercial bitter spray or a natural spray of cayenne pepper.

– Provide Your Pet With Its Own Plant

Offering your cats their plants may appear counterintuitive, but it will prevent them from consuming yours. Cats will occasionally eat grass as a source of fiber; according to experts, it can help them digest their food and bring up indigestible furballs.

Most pet stores sell pre-mixed seed packages labeled “cat grass” or “pet grass.” Keeping cat grass or catnip away from your houseplants gives your cat a healthier option.

What Are Some Other Toxic Plants for Cats?

Some other plants that are toxic to pets include lilies, sago palms, azaleas, rhododendrons, and Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) etc. These plants can cause anything from stomach upsets to renal failure. The way to prevent these problems it to either not have the plant or to keep it out of reach.

– Lilies

In cats, lily poisoning causes acute renal failure. The leaves, roots, petals, and pollen of lily plants are all toxic. Even the water in a lily vase can be hazardous. This is true of specific lilies, such as the well-known Tiger lily, Easter lily, Daylily, and Stargazer lily. Some species, such as Calla lily, Peace lily, and Peruvian lily, are far less poisonous, producing only minor discomfort in the mouth and stomach but nothing long-term.

– Sago Palms

Sago palms harm cats in all sections because they contain toxic cycasin. Cycasin poisoning can cause gastritis, followed by nervous system symptoms and serious liver damage. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, if a cat or dog consumes Sago palm, it requires immediate medical attention—and even pets treated swiftly and attentively have only a 50 percent chance of surviving the incident.

– Azaleas

When eaten by cats, all portions of these plants are hazardous. Grayanotoxins are to blame, causing tremors, convulsions, irregular heartbeat, and vomiting, among other symptoms. Most cats, thankfully, recover when they receive immediate veterinarian care.

– Rhododendrons

This plant is also poisonous in all its parts like the azalea. Again, grayanotoxins are the problem and may cause severe symptoms that may need a vet’s intervention. The chances of recovery are luckily on your side.

– Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

This typical leafy houseplant with two-tone leaves is found worldwide in hotel lobbies and sunny windows. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are released when a cat eats the plant. These small, needle-sharp crystals irritate the mouth and digestive tract mildly to moderately.

– Oleander

Oleander is a common garden plant that contains toxins called cardiac glycosides. Ingesting any part can lead to severe cardiac abnormalities, including irregular heart rhythm and can be life-threatening. It is essential that you take your pet to the doctor should they eat this plant.

What Are Some Safe Indoor Plants for Cats?

Some safe indoor plants for cats include calathea, money tree and peperomia amongst others. It’s important to note that individual sensitivities can vary. Monitor your cat’s behavior around any new plant and ask a veterinarian if you notice any signs of distress or if your cat ingests a lot.

– Calathea (Calathea Spp.)

Many species of Calathea, such as the Calathea medallion or Calathea rattlesnake, are safe for cats. These plants have beautiful patterns on their leaves and thrive in bright, indirect light.

– Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica)

Money trees are both safe for cats and are believed to bring good luck. They have a braided trunk and lush, green leaves.

– Peperomia (Peperomia sSp.)

Peperomias are a diverse group of plants with various leaf shapes and colors. Most species are non-toxic to cats and make great additions to your indoor collection.

– Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)

Parlor palms are easy to care for. They have delicate, feathery fronds and can tolerate low light conditions.

– Friendship Plant (Pilea Involucrata)

Friendship plants, also known as Pilea or Chinese Money Plants, are non-toxic to cats. They have unique, round leaves with a textured appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

– Are Polka Dot Begonias Toxic to Cats?

Yes, these plants, unfortunately, are harmful to pets, so keep them away from cats and dogs in your home. They may cause minor discomfort and vomiting. If you notice any pain in your pets, contact a veterinarian or go to a nearby hospital.

Although it is not dangerous, mild symptoms might be expected. Since ingestion will make your cat sick for some time.

– Are Nerve Plants Toxic to Cats?

No, in small quantities nerve plants are not toxic to cats. Therefore, cats should be discouraged from spending too much time near the plant anyway. If the cat seems to have ingested fittonia argyroneuraIf keep an eye on it for some time. If any symptoms appear than seek veterinary help.

Conclusion

The Polka Dot plant is a beautiful houseplant that can brighten any area. But in the case of you having a cat, you can keep this plant in your home by caring for a few things.

• The plant is not harmful to cats; chewing or eating the leaves will not harm them.
• The polka dot plant indoor care also does not require lots from you.
• Conversely, cats may develop stomach pain and disease if they consume significant amounts of the leaves. If your cat consumes this plant, watch for vomiting or diarrhea.

If your cat ingests the plant and the symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian.