Introduction
Palms are popular decorative plants that are commonly found in homes and gardens. But is one type of palm, called cat palm, safe for feline family members? Cat palm, also known by its scientific name Chamaedorea cataractarum, is a small bushy palm with long feather-shaped leaves. Its graceful appearance and ability to thrive indoors has made it a popular houseplant. However, some cat owners worry that it may be toxic to their pets.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at cat palm to determine if it poses a danger to cats. We’ll examine the plant’s chemistry, look at any documented cases of toxicity, and provide guidance on keeping curious cats safe.
Botanical Description
The cat palm, also known by the scientific name Chamaedorea cataractarum, is a small palm tree native to Southern Mexico and Central America.
Cat palms prefer a warm, shady, moist environment and are native to the tropical rainforests of Central America. This includes parts of Guatemala, Belize, and southeastern Mexico, especially in the states of Veracruz, Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, and the Yucatán Peninsula. Cat palms grow wild in the understory of these tropical rainforests and thrive in shaded areas near rivers and streams.
The cat palm is a relatively small palm, growing to around 6-8 feet tall with a slender trunk covered in closely spaced rings. The trunk is topped with a cluster of 8-15 arching green leaves that emerge from a central apex. The leaves are pinnate with narrow leaflets that droop downwards in a waterfall pattern, resembling a cat’s tail. This gives the palm its common name. Some varieties may have a little more arching or weeping in the leaves than others.
The cat palm produces small yellow or white flowers followed by tiny dark purple or black fruits. The fruits are edible but not very flavorful.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamaedorea_cataractarum
https://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Chamaedorea_cataractarum
Active Compounds in Cat Palm
Cat palm contains several compounds that can be toxic to cats if ingested in large quantities. The main compounds of concern are:
Saponins- These naturally occurring steroids can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Saponins taste bitter, which may deter cats from eating large amounts. However, some cats may still chew on the fronds. According to a Houseplant411 article (https://www.houseplant411.com/cat-palm/benefits-of-having-a-cat-palm-plant/), saponins have chemical compounds that act as sedatives and reduce anxiety in humans, but the effects on cats are unknown.
Alkaloids – Found in many parts of the plant, alkaloids can cause vomiting, tremors, and heart arrhythmias in high doses. The fronds and fruit contain the highest concentrations.
Tannins – These phenolic compounds are found in many plants. Large amounts can cause stomach upset, especially if the cat consumes them regularly. However, tannins are not highly toxic.
Calcium oxalate crystals – All parts of the cat palm contain these sharp crystals. They cause oral irritation and intense pain if consumed. The irritation can lead the cat to paw at its mouth.
Toxicity to Cats
Cat palm contains saponins and oxalate crystals, which can potentially cause toxicity if ingested in large quantities (https://www.planetnatural.com/cat-palm/). However, the ASPCA lists cat palm as non-toxic to cats (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/chamaedorea).
If a cat ingests a toxic dose of cat palm, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation. Lethal doses are very high and unlikely with normal exposure. Sublethal doses may cause temporary gastrointestinal upset.
While not highly toxic, cats should not be allowed to ingest large amounts of any plant. Keep cat palms out of reach to prevent excessive ingestion.
Toxicity to Other Animals
The Cat Palm contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause oral irritation and swelling if ingested by dogs, horses, and other animals ASPCA. The ingestion of large quantities of the plant can potentially lead to more severe signs of toxicity including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and respiratory distress.
For dogs, the lethal oral dose is estimated to be >5g/kg of body weight ASPCA. The lethal dose is likely higher for larger animals like horses and livestock. Cats are believed to be more sensitive, with a lower lethal oral dose of 1-1.3g/kg ASPCA. This highlights the relatively higher toxicity of Cat Palm to cats compared to dogs and other animals.
Common Exposure Risks
Cats are natural explorers and may be drawn to chew on a cat palm plant due to curiosity. Some common exposure risks include:
Chewing on leaves or stalks: Cats like to nibble on leafy greens, and may take an interest in chewing the long, straight leaves of a cat palm. While not toxic, ingesting too much plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Eating fallen fronds: Fronds that have fallen or been pruned from the cat palm may attract cats to eat them. Eating too many fronds could again cause digestive issues.
Getting sap on fur and ingesting from grooming: Cat palms produce a sticky sap or resin on the stalks and leaves. If cats get this sap on their fur, they will ingest it when grooming themselves. Large amounts of plant sap can lead to upset stomachs.
To reduce risks, cat owners should place cat palms out of reach of cats. Pruned fronds and debris should be promptly cleaned up and any sticky sap wiped off leaves and stalks. Supervise cats around the plants and train them to avoid chewing or eating the palm.
[Cite DailyPaws article: https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/health-care/cat-poisoning-toxins/is-cat-palm-safe-for-cats]
Safer Alternatives
There are many cat-safe ornamental plants that can be grown indoors as alternatives to cat palm. According to Preventive Vet, some of the best cat-safe indoor plants include:
- African violet
- Orchids
- Prayer plant
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
These plants are non-toxic for cats and can provide greenery in the home without posing a risk. Many cat owners also have success growing cat-safe palms like parlor palm and areca palm. While cat palm contains saponins that are toxic, other varieties of palm lack these compounds and can be safely kept around cats.
When selecting alternative plants, it’s important to research toxicity specifically for cats. Some plants may be safe for humans or dogs but still pose a risk to cats if ingested. Resources like the ASPCA poison control list can help verify cat-safe options.
Preventing Exposure
The best way to prevent cats from being exposed to cat palm toxicity is by keeping the plant completely out of reach. Cat palms should be positioned in hanging baskets or on high shelves that curious cats cannot access. Any fallen leaves, fronds or berries should also be promptly removed and discarded. Cat parents can further protect their cats by redirecting any interest in chewing on houseplants. Provide plenty of appropriate outlets for chewing like cat grass, catnip toys and scratching posts.
According to one source, “Preventive action. Remove all potentially hazardous household plants to prevent unnecessary exposure. This is especially important for kittens who tend to chew on green plants.” https://icatcare.org/advice/cats-and-poisonous-plants/
First Aid if Ingested
If you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a cat palm plant, take action quickly as time is critical. The first step is to induce vomiting if the ingestion was recent, within the past couple hours. To do this, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline immediately for dosage instructions on giving your cat hydrogen peroxide to trigger vomiting. This will help purge some of the toxins before they are fully absorbed.
The next step is to administer activated charcoal, which can also be recommended by your vet or animal poison control. Activated charcoal binds to the toxins and helps prevent further absorption and distribution in the body. This needs to be given within at least 2 hours of ingestion to be maximally effective.
No matter what, it is very important to contact animal poison control as soon as possible after a potential cat palm poisoning. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for 24/7 assistance. They will be able to provide expert guidance tailored to your specific situation, including inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and any follow-up care needed based on the details of exposure.
With prompt action and consultation with poison experts, the chances for a full recovery are good. However, delayed treatment can allow toxins to be absorbed, potentially leading to liver failure and death. Take action right away if you believe your cat has ingested any part of a cat palm plant and follow the guidance provided by animal poison control.
Conclusion
Cat palm contains saponins and other compounds that can cause irritation and toxicity if ingested by cats. While it’s not highly toxic in small amounts, cat palm can cause gastrointestinal upset, oral irritation, salivation, and vomiting.
The biggest risk is with young kittens who may chew on the plant. Cats that ingest larger amounts may show more severe symptoms. The plant’s sap and roots contain the highest concentration of toxins.
To keep your cat safe, avoid having cat palm in your home or yard. Opt for non-toxic alternatives if you want an indoor plant. Keep fresh plants and cuttings out of paws’ reach. Remove chewing leaves promptly. Seek vet care if you suspect your cat has eaten cat palm.