Introduction
Cats eating houseplants is a common yet puzzling behavior for many cat owners. You may have caught your cat chomping on your philodendron or spider plant and wondered why they are drawn to munching on greens. In the wild, felines don’t actually eat much plant matter. So why do our furry companions seem obsessed with snacking on houseplants? As it turns out, there are several theories as to why cats eat plants, and the behavior could point to an underlying illness.
It’s important for cat owners to understand which plants may be toxic for felines. While cats seem to have an iron-clad stomach, some houseplants can cause irritation, drooling, vomiting and even liver damage or neurological issues if ingested. Being aware of poisonous plants and preventing access can help keep your cat safe.
In this article, we’ll dive into reasons why cats eat plants, which plants are toxic, signs of illness related to plant-eating, and how to cat-proof your houseplants.
Why Cats Eat Plants
Cats will often eat plants for their nutritional benefits. Some plants contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support a cat’s health. For example, cat grass is a common houseplant for cats that provides fiber, aids digestion, and helps cats vomit hairballs. Other plants like catnip, valerian, and cat thyme contain nutrients and can have a calming effect on cats.
Cats are carnivores by nature but still need plant matter in their diet, so eating plants and grass helps supplement the nutrients they get from meat. According to PetMD, plant matter makes up 1-2% of a cat’s natural diet. The fiber helps regulate digestion and plant nutrients support organ function.
Specifically, some key nutritional benefits that plants provide cats include:
- Fiber for healthy digestion
- Chlorophyll for reducing inflammation
- Antioxidants to boost immunity
- Vitamins like A, C, and E
- Minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium
Overall, plants can be a healthy part of a cat’s diet when they are non-toxic species. Cat owners can provide cat grass or grow safe, pet-friendly plants to allow cats access to these nutritional benefits. Monitoring how much plant matter cats consume is still important.
Which Plants are Toxic
There are many common houseplants that are toxic to cats if ingested. Some of the most poisonous houseplants for cats include:
- Lilies – All parts of lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure 1
- Sago palm – Ingesting any part of a sago palm can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, and potentially death 2
- Philodendrons – Chewing or eating philodendron leaves can cause swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat 3
- Devil’s ivy – All parts are toxic and can irritate the mouth and stomach 1
- Dumb canes – Chewing the leaves can burn the mouth and swell the tongue
- Peace lilies – Ingestion can cause intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips
- Common ivy – Can cause vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity
It’s best to keep all lilies and sago palms out of homes with cats. Other toxic plants should be kept out of reach.
Signs of Illness
Cats can exhibit various signs indicating they may be unwell or sick. According to VCA Hospitals (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/recognizing-signs-of-illness-in-cats), some common symptoms include:
– Changes in appetite – Cats who stop eating or have a reduced appetite could be sick. An increased appetite can also indicate illness in some cases.
– Lethargy – If a normally active cat starts sleeping more or has less energy, it could be a sign of sickness. Illness often causes fatigue.
– Vomiting – Throwing up occasionally is normal for cats, but prolonged vomiting or vomiting along with other symptoms can indicate illness. Changes in vomit consistency can also be noteworthy.
– Weight loss or gain – Unexplained weight fluctuations often accompany sickness and disease in cats. Tracking your cat’s weight can help identify problems early.
– Poor grooming habits – If a cat stops grooming and looks unkempt, it may be feeling too ill to keep up its normal routine. Matted, unclean fur can point to health issues.
– Changes in litter box habits – Increased frequency, straining, bloody urine, and other elimination changes warrant medical attention, as they can result from infection or illness.
Noticing these signs of possible sickness and seeking veterinary care is important for getting your cat feeling well again.
Self-Medicating Behavior
It’s common for cats to exhibit self-medicating behavior when they are feeling unwell. According to research, many animals have an innate ability to self-medicate by seeking out plants, herbs, and other natural substances that make them feel better (Source 1). This ability is called zoopharmacognosy.
Cats have a strong natural instinct to self-medicate due to their evolutionary development as independent outdoor hunters and scavengers. Sick cats will often seek out specific plants with medicinal properties that can relieve their symptoms. For example, cats may eat grass to induce vomiting and eliminate toxins or hairballs. They may also chew on medicinal herbs that soothe stomach ailments or have analgesic effects. Self-medicating provides cats a sense of control and agency over their own health when ill (Source 2).
However, owners should still monitor their cats closely when sick and follow up with a veterinarian, as self-medicating does not replace proper medical treatment. But allowing opportunities for zoopharmacognosy can supplement conventional care (Source 3).
Safe Plants
There are many plants that are safe for cats and will not poison them if ingested. According to The Spruce, some good cat-safe plants include spider plants, Boston ferns, prayer plants, peperomias, orchids, African violets, roses, and hibiscus.1 House Beautiful also recommends cat-safe plants like hoyas, pileas, cast iron plants, ponytail palms, and parlour palms.2
Some specific cat-friendly plants to consider are:
- Spider plants – Non-toxic and pet-safe.
- Boston ferns – Pet-safe fern variety.
- Prayer plants – Low light and non-toxic.
- Peperomias – Diverse options, all cat-safe.
- Orchids – Beautiful and non-toxic flowers.
Be sure to properly research any plants before bringing them into a home with cats. Always opt for non-toxic varieties marketed as cat-safe.
Preventing Plant-Eating
Keeping cats away from household plants can be a challenge, as cats are naturally curious creatures. Here are some strategies to deter them:
- Use citrus scents – Cats dislike the smell of citrus. Try placing orange or lemon peels around plants.
- Use cat deterrent sprays – Sprays made with citrus, menthol, or eucalyptus can help repel curious cats.
- Place foil or plastic wrap around soil – Cats dislike walking on these surfaces.
- Use a Scat Mat – These mats give a mild static shock when stepped on.
- Hang plants up high – Place plants on high shelves or hang them from the ceiling.
- Keep plants in locked rooms – Keep vulnerable plants in rooms with a closed door.
- Grow cat-friendly plants – Some plants like catnip and catgrass are safer.
With persistence and creativity, you can find ways to keep your plants and cats safely apart.
When to See a Vet
There are certain symptoms that indicate your cat may be sick and in need of veterinary attention. According to the veterinarians at Hillcrest Animal Hospital in Bartlett, TN, you should consider taking your cat to the vet if they exhibit any of the following signs:
Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours (https://www.hillcrestanimals.com/site/blog-memphis-vet/2023/09/15/cat-checkups)
Loss of appetite or not eating for more than 24-48 hours (https://www.parkanimalhospitalsimi.com/site/blog/2023/03/15/when-take-cat-vet)
Significant weight loss or gain (https://www.wcrah.com/site/blog-flat-rock-vet/2022/03/15/how-often-cat-vet)
Excessive thirst or urination
Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
Discharge from the eyes or nose
Skin problems like sores, hair loss, or itching
Lethargy, weakness, or lack of coordination
Any abnormal swelling or lumps on the body
If your cat shows concerning symptoms like these, it’s best to have them examined by a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and get proper treatment.
Treatment
If a cat has ingested a toxic plant, the vet will first try to identify the plant if possible based on symptoms or an eyewitness account. According to Some Plants Can Make Your Cat Sick, the vet may induce vomiting to eliminate any remaining toxins in the stomach. Activated charcoal may also be given to absorb toxins in the digestive tract.
The vet will provide supportive care like IV fluids to prevent dehydration and medication to control vomiting. Oxygen therapy may be necessary if the toxins have impacted the cat’s breathing. If the cat is agitated or in pain, the vet may administer sedatives. For certain plant toxins that can cause liver damage like lilies, the vet may give medication to help protect the liver.
In the most severe cases, toxins from plants like oleander are highly fatal and the vet may not be able to save the cat. However, early treatment improves the chances of recovery. According to WagWalking, most cats fully recover within 24-48 hours with prompt veterinary care.
Conclusion
In summary, cats may eat plants when they are feeling ill as a way to self-medicate. Certain plants can be toxic to cats and cause further health issues, so it’s important to keep harmful plants out of reach. Look for signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy combined with plant-eating to determine if your cat needs medical attention. With vigilance, you can help prevent your cat from ingesting poisonous plants. Safe alternatives like catgrass can satisfy your cat’s urge to nibble greens without endangering its health. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian to get to the bottom of any unusual behavior.