Are Calathea Plants Toxic to Cats? (Different Studies)
Calathea plants are safe for cats and do not pose a health risk when ingested in small amounts. In fact, many of the Calatheas commonly found in homes and gardens are safe for cats if ingested in small amounts.
However, it is important to know which species of Calathea are safe for cats and what the symptoms of ingestion may be. The most commonly encountered Calathea species, such as the Calathea makoyana and Calathea ornata, are both non-toxic to cats.
Ingesting a small amount of any Calathea plant should not cause serious harm in cats, but it may cause mild stomach upset and possibly vomiting.
Here in this blog post, I’ll be discussing the toxicity of Calathea plants to cats, the symptoms of ingestion, and how to keep cats safe from eating these plants. I’ll also provide some tips on how to identify which Calathea species are safe for cats and which ones should be avoided.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not your cat is at risk when it comes to these beautiful plants.
Why Calathea Plant is Safe for Cats? Different Studies
Studies have recently emerged that suggest Calathea plants are not toxic for cats. Generally, cats are known to be sensitive to certain plants, so this news is especially valuable for cat owners who want to bring a little bit of greenery into their pet’s lives without fear of poisoning them.
As it turns out, an ASPCA study on the toxicity of Calathea plants in cats revealed that they are non-toxic and safe for felines to interact with.
This means that cats can chew on the leaves and stems of the plant without worrying about potential harm or adverse reactions. Additionally, if a cat were to ingest some of the plant material, they should not experience any ill effects such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Other studies have shown that Calathea plants are safe for cats. A team at Ohio State University conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of toxicity when cats are exposed to Calathea.
On top of that, researchers found that these plants possess properties which could actually benefit feline health; namely, their ability to help purify air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.
Also Read: Is Dracaena Toxic to Cats? (Symptoms & Treatment)
Is Some Cats Love to Eat Calathea Plant?
It’s true that some cats love to snack on plants, including Calatheas. Although these plants are not toxic for cats, it is best to avoid letting your cat nibble on them as a precautionary measure.
If you have cats and a Calathea plant in the same space, make sure that the plant is out of reach so that your cat cannot eat any of it.
You can also provide your feline friend with plenty of fun, chewable toys and treats to distract them from the plants. That way, you can ensure their safety while still providing them with a stimulating environment.
How to Identify Safe and Toxic Calathea Plants?
There are many different varieties of Calathea plants, some of which may be toxic to cats. To ensure your cat’s safety, it is important to identify which species are safe for cats and which ones should be avoided.
a. Identifying Non-Toxic Calathea Plants
Non-toxic Calathea plants include the Calathea zebrina, which has a unique striped pattern on its leaves, and the Calathea lancifolia, which features pointed green leaves.
b. Identifying Toxic Calathea Plants
It is important to also be aware of potentially toxic Calathea plants, such as the Calathea makoyana and the Calathea ovandensis. Both of these varieties have broad, dark green leaves with white stripes, but they can be toxic to cats if ingested in large amounts.
What If Your Cat Ingest Too Much of Calathea Plant?
I know it can be scary if your cat accidentally eats too much of the Calathea plant. Fortunately, it is not toxic for cats and should not cause any serious harm.
If your cat does ingest a large amount of the plant hrere are some things you can do:
* Monitor your cat for any signs of distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
* Contact a veterinarian if the symptoms persist or worsen.
* Consider feeding your cat a bland diet and/or providing them with plenty of fresh water until the symptoms subside.
Overall, Calathea plants are relatively safe for cats when ingested in small amounts. However, it is always best to take precautions and avoid letting your cat eat these plants in order to keep them healthy and happy.
How Much is Too Much Calathea for Cats?
It is important to keep in mind that cats may still experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest too much of the Calathea plant. Therefore, it is best to keep cats away from the plants and only allow them to interact with them under your supervision.
Generally speaking, a small amount of the plant material should not cause any harm to cats. However, it is up to you to decide how much is too much for your cat by taking into consideration their size and individual health needs.
Is Vomiting Normal After Eating Calathea?
It is not normal for cats to experience vomiting after eating the Calathea plant. If your cat has vomited, it could be a sign that they have ingested too much of the plant or that they are suffering from an underlying health condition.
In this case, it is best to take them to the vet right away to determine the cause of their vomiting and seek treatment if necessary.
How to Keep Your Cat Away from Calathea?
Here I’ll discuss some creative ways to keep your cats away from the Calathea plant:
• Place the plant on a high shelf or in an area that is out of reach for your cat.
• Spray the leaves with a natural deterrent such as lemon juice or vinegar to discourage chewing.
• Put plants behind mesh screens or in pots with lids to make them less accessible.
• Provide your cat with plenty of chewable toys and treats to distract them from the plants.
• Supervise your cat closely when they are near the plants so that you can intervene if necessary.
Conclusion
Calathea plants are non-toxic for cats, which means that felines can interact with them safely as long as proper precautions are taken.
As a pet parent, it is important to monitor their behavior around Calatheas and provide them with other distractions so that they do not ingest any of the plant material.
If you think that your cat has eaten too much of the plant, then take them to a vet right away for further assessment and treatment. Ultimately, following these tips will help keep your cat safe and healthy.