Although gardening is a fun and soothing hobby, if you have cats in your house you should be careful with the plants you choose. While some plants are absolutely safe, others are toxic to cats and cause everything from minor stomach trouble to major health problems. Knowing which plants are poisonous and non-toxic for your cat will help you to keep your feline buddy safe even when you have a lovely garden. When decorating with greenery, opt for cat safe plants like baby rubber plants or ponytail palms to protect your pets.
The Dangers to Cats from Toxic Plants
Naturally inquisitive animals, cats will smell, paw, or even nibble on plants to explore their surroundings. Many common garden plants, meanwhile, include toxins for cats. From vomiting and diarrhea to more severe conditions including kidney failure or neurological damage, these plants can lead a variety of health problems. For instance, lilies are quite poisonous to cats and can lead to renal failure even with modest exposure. Should you find any of these in your garden, you should either remove them or arrange them in areas your cat cannot access.
Identifying Safe non-toxic plants for cats
Fortunately, your cat friend can safely enjoy many lovely, non-toxic plants you could have in your garden. One of the most often used choices is catnip, which offers your cat a safe plant to enjoy as well as a pleasant pastime. Perfect for kitties that love munching on vegetation, other safe plants include cat grass—oat, wheat, or barley grass. Additional excellent non-toxic choices that accentuate your yard without endangering your pet are lavender, marigolds, and snapdragons.
Creating a Cat-Safe Garden
Making a cat-friendly garden means choosing non-toxic plants and designing your space such that your cat may explore securely. Raised beds, planters, or fences will help keep possibly harmful plants out of your cat’s path. Including various textures and heights will provide the garden for your pet interest and also guarantee their protection. Your cat can roam freely in areas set aside with non-toxic plants like cat grass or cat nip.
Action to Take Should Your Cat Eat a Toxic Plant
Should you believe your cat has consumed a poisonous plant, you must act fast. Plant poisoning commonly causes vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and dyspnea. See your veterinarian right away to try to pinpoint the plant your cat might have consumed to guide treatment. Watch your cat outdoors and routinely examine your garden to be sure no dangerous plants are there.
The cat safe plants are essential for pet owners who want to create a beautiful, toxin-free environment for their feline companions.
