But that doesn’t mean your pet should have free rein to make a meal ofthese beautiful flowers.
It’s not unusual for curious kitties tonibble on your houseplants.
However, this habit can do more than make you want to weep with frustration.
Ukususha / Getty Images
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) lists plants as one of the most common pet toxins.
It’s worth noting thatlady’s slipper orchids(Cypripediumspp.)
are known to cause mild skin irritation in humans, so the same may be true for cats.
Eating any part of the orchid or other plant can trigger stomach upsets and vomiting in cats.
And, if your cat has a penchant for potting soil, the container could contain toxic chemical fertilizer.
Warning
Monitor your cat if you suspect it has chewed on your orchid’s petals and leaves.
Why Are Cats Attracted to Orchids?
It’s common for domestic cats to eat plants.
Previously, experts hypothesized this often pops up if cats feel unwell and want to make themselves vomit.
However, studies suggest it’s more of an instinctual behavior than a medicinal need.
If in doubt, stick with species we know for sure are cat-safe.
Plants in thePhalaenopsisgenus are nontoxic to cats and are popular, readily available, and easy-to-care-for orchids.
While orchids and cats can live harmoniously, some plants are less feline-friendly.
Some of the mosttoxic houseplants to catsare certain true lily species.
These include tiger, day, Asiatic, Japanese show, andEaster lilies.
Ingestion of as little as two or three petals can be enough to result in fatal kidney failure.
What Are The Most Common Household Toxins for Pets?American Animal Hospital Association.
Cypripedium acaule.University of Texas, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
7, June 2021, p. 1853.PubMed Central.doi:10.3390/ani11071853
Organic Herbicides Toxic to Animals.
Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination.U.S.
Food and Drug Administration.
