We all love to add a touch of greenery to our homes, but did you know that some common houseplants can be toxic to our cats? That’s right, some plants can cause mouth irritation, difficulty swallowing, and even death if ingested by cats.
But don’t worry, keeping your cats safe doesn’t mean you have to give up on having plants in your home. By choosing the right plants and keeping them out of reach of your cats, you can have the best of both worlds.
The swiss cheese plant, also known by its scientific name Monstera deliciosa, is a popular houseplant known for its large, unique leaves with holes that resemble slices of swiss cheese. This plant has become increasingly trendy in recent years for its aesthetic appeal and ability to thrive indoors. But is the swiss cheese plant actually safe to have around cats? As a cat owner myself, I completely understand the concern. After all, our feline friends are infamous for chewing on houseplants, so we need to be sure any greenery we bring home won’t harm them if ingested.
In this article, I’ll provide a thorough explainer on the swiss cheese plant’s toxicity to cats. We’ll look at insights from veterinary and pet safety resources, trends among cat owners, and tips for safely enjoying this plant at home with your cat. Let’s get into it!
Is the Swiss Cheese Plant Toxic to Cats?
The short answer is no, the swiss cheese plant is generally not toxic to cats according to leading pet health organizations Both the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline state that this plant is non-toxic to cats. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no risk at all if your cat ingests parts of the swiss cheese plant.
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals If chewed and eaten, these crystals can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The irritation is from the crystals puncturing the tissues in the mouth So while the swiss cheese plant likely won’t cause lasting harm to your cat, it can definitely make them quite uncomfortable.
It’s also worth noting that most cats are deterred from munching on swiss cheese plants due to their unpleasant taste. But of course, every cat has their own personality – so monitoring your cat’s behavior around any new plant is wise.
Trends Among Cat Owners
On Instagram especially, I’ve noticed swiss cheese plants becoming increasingly popular backdrops for famous cat influencers. Cat owners seem drawn to the plant’s unique aesthetic and pet-friendly reputation.
Many pet stores and plant nurseries now label swiss cheese plants as cat-safe I’ve also seen more cat owners opting for pet-friendly planters or hanging swiss cheese plants up high to keep their cats away.
Vets often recommend the swiss cheese plant as a non-toxic houseplant option for cat owners. Pet-safe plant subscription boxes will mail swiss cheese plants and other cat-friendly greenery to your door.
Clearly this plant is rising in popularity among cat parents aiming to liven up their homes without endangering their pets. As more cat owners become informed that swiss cheese plants are a smart non-toxic choice, I expect to see them continue trending in feline households.
Tips for Safely Keeping Swiss Cheese Plants With Cats
Here are my top 5 tips for avoiding issues if you want to add a swiss cheese plant to your cat-friendly home:
-
Pick a strategic location. Place the plant somewhere your cat can’t access it – like on a high shelf or plant stand. This prevents chewing and ingestion.
-
Consider a hanging planter. Hanging the swiss cheese plant from the ceiling keeps it safely out of paw’s reach. Just be sure to hang it securely.
-
Use pet-friendly barriers. Items like Scat Mats placed around the plant’s pot can deter curious cats from getting too close.
-
Redirect chewing behavior. Provide plenty of cat-safe alternatives like treats and chew toys to redirect your cat from nibbling on plants.
-
Monitor closely. Check frequently that your cat is not interacting with or trying to eat the plant. Remove it right away if they seem focused on it.
As long as you take smart precautions like these, your cat can safely coexist with a swiss cheese plant in your home. It’s all about being vigilant and preventing access to the plant. After all, we know how mischievous our feline friends can be!
What If Your Cat Ingests Swiss Cheese Plant?
Accidents happen, and your cat may occasionally nibble on a leaf or two before you can intervene. In most cases, a small ingestion of swiss cheese plant is only cause for concern if symptoms develop.
According to the ASPCA, symptoms typically show up immediately and include:
- Drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
If you see any of these issues, or notice your cat is unwell after exposure to swiss cheese plant, call your vet right away. They can advise you on next steps and any necessary treatment based on your cat’s symptoms.
With quick veterinary care, most cats fully recover after minor ingestion incidents with only temporary effects. But do keep a close eye on your cat in the hours following to be safe. Try to identify what parts of the plant were eaten so you can tell your vet.
The Verdict: A Pet-Safe Houseplant With Precautions
To summarize – the swiss cheese plant is non-toxic and pet-safe for cats in general when proper precautions are followed. While it may cause oral irritation if ingested, most effects are mild and temporary. By placing your swiss cheese plant strategically out of kitty’s reach and monitoring any interactions, you can safely add this trendy, cat-safe plant to your home decor.
As a fellow cat lover and plant enthusiast, I personally think the swiss cheese plant deserves its growing popularity among feline parents. With its visually pleasing leaves and pet-friendly reputation, it’s a great way to liven up our homes without putting our cats in harm’s way. But as always, attentive supervision and common sense go a long way in preventing plant-related problems with our curious kitties.
List of Plants That Are Toxic to Cats:
The plant contains needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and burning of the mouth and tongue, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if ingested.
Like Dieffenbachia, the leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and burning in the mouth, tongue, and lips, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and vomiting. In some cases, ingestion can cause difficulty breathing and even lead to death.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up now to be the first to know about our new products, contests, giveaways and blogs!
- I am a proud parent of a*
- Dog
- Cat
- Both
- First Name*
- Last Name*
- E-mail address*
- Subscribe* By clicking subscribe, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.*
- CAPTCHA
We all love to add a touch of greenery to our homes, but did you know that some common houseplants can be toxic to our cats? That’s right, some plants can cause mouth irritation, difficulty swallowing, and even death if ingested by cats.
But don’t worry, keeping your cats safe doesn’t mean you have to give up on having plants in your home. By choosing the right plants and keeping them out of reach of your cats, you can have the best of both worlds.
Monstera and cats
FAQ
Is swiss cheese plant safe for cats?
- Oral irritation, including burning and stinging
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the mouth and tongue
What happens if my cat eats Monstera?
-
Calcium Oxalate Crystals:Monsteras contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are insoluble and can cause irritation when ingested.
-
Symptoms:Ingestion can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and oral swelling.
-
Severity:The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of plant ingested. Small amounts may cause mild symptoms, while larger amounts could lead to more severe reactions.
-
Action:Rinse the cat’s mouth with water, encourage them to drink, and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested a Monstera plant.
-
Prevention:Keep Monstera plants out of reach of cats and consider using cat-friendly alternatives.
Is Swiss cheese safe for cats?
-
Lactose Intolerance:Cats, like humans, can be lactose intolerant. Their digestive system doesn’t produce enough enzymes to break down lactose, the sugar in dairy products.
-
Moderation is Key:If you decide to offer Swiss cheese to your cat, do so in very small quantities and only as an occasional treat.
-
Potential Issues:Excessive dairy can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive upset in lactose-intolerant cats.
-
Hard Cheeses are Generally Safer:Swiss cheese is generally considered a safer option than softer cheeses because it’s lower in lactose.
-
Other Considerations:Avoid giving your cat cheese with additives like herbs, spices, or mold, which can be harmful.
-
Not a Nutritional Source:Cheese doesn’t provide any essential nutrients for cats, so it’s best to use it sparingly.
How do I keep my cat away from my monstera plant?
Deterrents like citrus peels or a spritz of vinegar around your plant can act as a feline repellant.Dec 16, 2023