Is Calathea Toxic to Cats? A Detailed Look at This Popular Houseplant’s Safety

Calathea plants are hugely popular these days for brightening up homes and offices with their uniquely patterned, vividly colored leaves. But for pet owners, an important question arises – could these trendy houseplants actually be toxic to cats and dogs?

As cat owners, we want to make sure any plants we bring into our homes are completely safe around our curious kitties. The last thing we want is for Fluffy to get sick from chewing on a toxic leaf!

The good news is that calathea species are considered non-toxic for feline companions But that doesn’t necessarily mean they are 100% safe There are still some precautions any cat parent should take when growing these statement-making plants,

In this article, we’ll dive into a complete guide on calathea safety for cats. We’ll cover:

• Are calatheas toxic to cats?
• What risks they may pose
• Tips for safely growing them around cats
• How to cat-proof your calathea
• Which varieties are safest
• What to do if your cat eats one

Let’s find out everything you need to know about successfully keeping gorgeous calatheas in your home while avoiding harm to your precious kitties!

Are Calatheas Toxic to Cats?

First and foremost, calatheas are considered non-toxic for cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Most common calathea varieties contain no toxic compounds that are poisonous to felines. This includes popular types like:

• Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia)
• Peacock plant (Calathea makoyana)
• Zebra plant (Calathea zebrina)
• Medallion plant (Calathea warscewiczii)
• Pinstripe plant (Calathea ornata)
• Freddie (Calathea fredie)

If chewed or ingested, these plants may cause minor stomach upset in some cats, including vomiting or diarrhea. But they do not appear to pose any serious toxic threat to cats that would be considered poisonous or life-threatening.

Overall, the ASPCA classifies calatheas as non-toxic or mildly toxic for cats and dogs. But it’s still smart to take some basic precautions when growing them around curious pets.

Potential Risks for Cats

While calatheas themselves are not poisonous, cats may still damage or chew the plants. Some potential risks include:

• Stomach upset if leaves are ingested
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Mouth pain from chewing stiff leaves
• Knocking over plants and soil mess
• Allergic reaction in sensitive cats

Clinical poisoning or death is very unlikely. But any effects from chewing or eating calatheas would be unpleasant for both your cat and your clean floors!

6 Tips for Safely Growing Calatheas with Cats

Here are some tips for safely keeping calatheas in a home with felines:

1. Place Out of Reach

Cats are naturally attracted to new objects in their environment. Position calatheas on high shelves, windowsills, cabinets, or plant stands far out of your cat’s reach.

2. Use Cat Deterrents

Deter curious cats from nibbling on calatheas by using repellents like citrus peels, double-sided tape, scat mats or a cayenne pepper spray. Reapply frequently.

3. Provide Alternative Plants

Give your cat their own approved, non-toxic houseplants like cat grass or catnip to chew on instead. This curbs temptation.

4. Limit Unsupervised Access

Keep cats separated from calatheas in a closed room when away from home. Supervise all initial interactions with new plants.

5. Keep Out of Reach from Floor

Never place calatheas on low shelves or tables within reach. Cats can easily jump or bat at dangling leaves and knock over pots.

6. Remove Dead Leaves & Flowers

Promptly clean up any dried leaves or spent flowers that may fall to the floor within pouncing distance of your cat.

With some smart precautions, calatheas can be safely kept in feline-occupied homes. But be sure to research any new plant before bringing it home by checking the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant list for pets. Prevention is the best medicine!

What to Do if Your Cat Eats a Calathea

Accidents happen, and you may find your cat has nibbled on or eaten parts of a calathea. Here’s what to do:

• Remove any remaining plant parts immediately out of reach to prevent further ingestion.

• Check your cat’s mouth for signs of irritation like redness, swelling or drooling.

• Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea or other signs of stomach upset over the next 24 hours.

• Call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center hotline at the first sign of concerning symptoms.

• Bring a sample of the chewed plant to the vet clinic if possible to identify.

• Your vet may recommend making your cat vomit if a large amount was consumed.

With prompt veterinary care, most cats recover fully. But any oral or stomach issues should be evaluated, especially if symptoms seem severe.

Safest Calathea Varieties for Cats

If you simply must have a calathea in your cat-filled home, look for varieties with thick, sturdy leaves that are less tempting for chewing. Some safest options include:

• Calathea warscewiczii (Jungle Velvet) – Has tough dark green, velvety leaves with deep reddish undersides.

• Calathea lutea (Cigar Calathea)- Has thick waxy leaves shaped like cigars in rich greens with purple undersides.

• Calathea Orbifolia – Large, paddle-shaped leaves have a glossy top and fuzzy purple bottom.

In general, calathea varieties with thicker more rigid leaves tend to be less appealing for cats to bite into than thin delicate varieties. Always research a specific calathea before buying to spot red flags like very limp foliage.

Enjoy Your Calatheas Safely!

With proper precautions, calatheas can add gorgeous greenery to your home even in the presence of curious kitties. Their incredible diversity of leaf patterns and colors makes them extremely popular statement houseplants.

We recommend selecting sturdier calathea varieties, using cat deterrents, and keeping them up high out of reach. This allows you to enjoy their beauty safely even with free-roaming furry friends.

Just be sure to properly research and identify any new houseplants before introducing them. With a little planning, both your stunning calatheas and precious cats can thrive in harmony together in your home!