Introduction
Many common houseplants can be toxic to cats if parts of the plants are ingested. While cats don’t tend to nibble on plants as much as dogs do, it’s still important for cat owners to be aware of which houseplants are dangerous for their feline friends.
Palm plants are a very popular variety of houseplant due to their tropical look and relatively easy care requirements. However, not all palm plants are safe for cats. Some palm varieties contain toxins that can cause illness in cats if ingested.
This article will cover palm plants that are safe to have in a home with cats, as well as toxic palms to avoid. We’ll also discuss ways to prevent plant poisoning and what to do if you believe your cat has ingested part of a toxic plant.
Signs of Palm Plant Poisoning in Cats
If your cat has ingested parts of a toxic palm plant, watch for these common symptoms of poisoning:
- Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea – Cats may drool excessively or vomit repeatedly after eating toxic plants. Diarrhea containing blood or plant pieces may also occur.
- Lethargy, lack of appetite – Poisoned cats often become extremely lethargic and lose their appetite as the toxins take effect.
- Tremors, seizures – Ingestion of toxins like cycasin in sago palms can cause potentially fatal neurological issues like tremors and seizures in cats.
According to PetMD, sago palm poisoning causes liver failure in cats within days, so prompt veterinary treatment is critical.
If you notice any concerning symptoms after your cat has been around palm plants, take them to the vet right away. Catching poisoning early vastly improves the chances of recovery.
Palm Plants That Are Safe for Cats
There are a few types of palm plants that are considered safe and non-toxic for cats. According to sources, some palms that are not poisonous to cats and are good indoor plant options include:
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The parlor palm is a popular houseplant that originates from the rainforests of Southern Mexico and Guatemala. These small palms thrive in bright, indirect light indoors and their cascading fronds provide an elegant, tropical look. Parlor palms are non-toxic for cats.[1]
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Also known as the sentry palm, the Kentia palm features long, arching fronds and can grow quite large indoors. They prefer bright indirect light. The ASPCA lists Kentia palms as non-toxic for cats.[2]
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Lady palms are compact, slow growing palms that reach around 6 feet tall indoors. Their fan-shaped fronds add texture. Lady palms are considered non-toxic and pet friendly.[3]
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
For a classic palm with a tropical twist, the Bamboo palm is a safe choice. They feature long, slender stems and feathery fronds. Bamboo palms thrive in medium to bright, indirect light.[3]
These palms are considered non-toxic to cats and make good plant choices for cat-friendly homes when cared for properly. Be sure to keep them out of reach of curious cats who may nibble on the fronds and avoid fertilizers which could be harmful if ingested.
[1] https://bloomscape.com/green-living/15-pet-friendly-plants-safe-for-cats-and-dogs/
[2] https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/kentia-palm
[3] https://earthsally.com/houseplants/10-houseplants-that-are-safe-for-cats-and-dogs.html
Toxic Palm Plants to Avoid
There are a few palm plants that should be avoided if you have cats at home. These plants contain toxins that can cause various health issues in cats if ingested.
The most notorious toxic palm is the sago palm (Cycas revoluta). All parts of this plant, including the leaves, contain the toxin cycasin. Just a small amount can cause severe liver failure in cats. Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death can occur.[1]
Another palm to avoid is majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis). While not as toxic as sago palm, it can still cause vomiting and diarrhea. The leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalates that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.[2]
Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) also contain oxalates, especially in the leaves. Chewing and ingesting parts of this palm can lead to oral irritation, drooling, and stomach upset.[3]
Both yucca and ponytail palms are toxic to cats as well. These contain saponins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological issues if large amounts are consumed.[4]
Making Safe Palm Plants Safer
Even palm plants that are considered safe for cats can potentially pose a risk if ingested. There are some simple precautions cat owners can take to make their palm houseplants even safer:
Keep plants out of reach. Cats are natural climbers and will explore anywhere they can access. Placing palm plants on high shelves, windowsills or plant stands where cats can’t reach can prevent chewing or ingestion accidents.
Consider fake plants. For cat owners who want the look of palms without any risk, artificial palms are a great option. Well-made fake plants can fool even the most discerning eye.
Hang plants or use wall planters. Hanging palm plants from the ceiling or mounting them on the wall ensures they stay safely out of tempted paws. This is a great option for cat-friendly palms in rooms cats frequent.
Spritz leaves with citrus. Some cat owners find that misting palm leaves lightly with lemon or orange juice deters chewing. But this isn’t foolproof, so plant placement and supervision are still key.
Always supervise playtime. Even when palm plants are made as safe as possible, cats should always be monitored when around plants to prevent accidents.
What to Do if Your Cat Ingests a Toxic Plant
If you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant, it’s crucial to act quickly. The first step should always be to contact your veterinarian immediately. Describe the plant and situation so they can advise you on the best course of action.
Your vet may recommend inducing vomiting. This should only be done if instructed by your vet, as some toxins can cause more damage coming back up. To induce vomiting, your vet will likely suggest giving your cat 3% hydrogen peroxide orally – 1 teaspoon for every 5 pounds of body weight. Consult your vet before administering.
Activated charcoal may also be recommended by your vet. It can help absorb toxins before they enter the bloodstream. Give the dosage recommended by your vet. Never try to induce vomiting or give activated charcoal without consulting your vet first.
Bring a sample of the plant with you to the vet, if possible, to aid in identification. Be prepared to provide details about when and how much of the plant was ingested. With quick veterinary care, many cats fully recover after eating toxic plants. Always keep an eye out for any concerning symptoms post-incident.
Sources: Poison Control, What to do if your cat eats a toxic plant?
Preventing Future Houseplant Poisoning
To keep your cat away from toxic houseplants in the future, there are a few strategies you can try. First, you should cat-proof your plants by placing them in hanging baskets or on high shelves that your cat cannot reach. According to this source, cats hate the smell of citrus, so you can try surrounding your toxic plants with lemon or orange peels.
Another tip is to provide your cat with cat-safe grass alternatives they are allowed to nibble on. Cat grass, rye, oat, and wheat grasses are all options. Having these designated “yes” plants for your cat can curb the desire to eat your regular houseplants. Cats instinctually crave greens, so providing cat-safe alternatives gives them an outlet for this natural behavior. Always supervise your cat around any plants initially to ensure they do not have a negative reaction. With proper cat-proofing strategies and approved alternatives, you can help prevent tragic houseplant poisoning in the future.
Caring for Safe Palm Plants
Safe palm plants generally prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive indoors. Place them near an east, west, or south facing window where they will receive plenty of light without being in direct sun which can scorch the leaves (source). Use sheer curtains to help filter the light if needed. To increase humidity, mist the leaves daily or place the palm on a pebble tray filled with water.
Most indoor palms should be watered when the top inch or so of soil feels dry to the touch. Take care not to overwater, as sitting in soggy soil can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, then dump out any excess water from the drainage tray. The amount you need to water can vary based on factors like sunlight, temperature, humidity, size of plant, and potting mix (source).
Feed palm houseplants monthly during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This provides the nutrients they need without causing burn. Stop fertilizing in winter when growth naturally slows down.
Choosing the Right Palm for Your Cat
When selecting a palm plant for your home with cats, it’s important to consider your cat’s personality and behavior. More active and curious cats may be drawn to nibble on or play with dangling fronds. Shy or timid cats may prefer plants with a more upright structure. Observing your cat’s habits can help determine the best type of palm plant.
Additionally, pay attention to the light and humidity in your home when choosing a palm. Bright light-loving palms like parlor palms do best in sunny rooms, while shade-loving palms like majesty palms thrive in lower light. Check the specific watering needs as well, since moisture-loving palms require more frequent watering than drought-resistant varieties. Selecting the right palm suited to your home environment will help it grow well.
The cat-safe majesty, parlor, bamboo and areca palms mentioned in this article are good varieties to consider. Research each to find one fitting for both your cat’s personality and your home’s conditions. With a little forethought, you can find the ideal palm plant to enhance your home without endangering your curious feline.
Conclusion
Cats can live harmoniously with certain types of palm plants while avoiding potential toxicity from others. This article provided an overview of palm plants that are safe and not safe for cats.
Some palms like the majesty palm, parlor palm, and areca palm are pet friendly. On the other hand, sago palms, kentia palms, and cycas revoluta palms can cause vomiting, lethargy, liver damage and even death in cats. Every cat owner should educate themselves on poisonous houseplants to keep their pet safe.
By choosing cat-friendly palms, providing proper supervision, and keeping toxic plants out of reach, cat owners can enjoy the beauty of palms in their home without endangering their pet. With some simple precautions, cats can safely reap the benefits of being around plants while avoiding the risks.
The main takeaway is that not all palms are created equal when it comes to pet safety. But with diligent plant selection and care, cats can enjoy being around the right palm plants.