Bamboo symbolizes wealth, happiness, and longevity in ancient Chinese culture. That’s why people often have a “lucky bamboo” plant as a decoration in their home or office. But if your cat decides to nibble on that plant, they may not be so lucky. It could make them very sick.Article continues below advertisement
Is bamboo toxic to cats? The answer really depends on the type of bamboo — or bamboo-like plant. Let’s explore what bamboos may be OK, and which ones can be toxic for your feline friend.
Hey there fellow cat lovers! As someone who’s spent years writing about pet safety I wanted to tackle a question I get asked all the time – is lucky bamboo safe to have around our feline friends? Let me cut straight to the chase – lucky bamboo is NOT safe for cats. Despite its innocent name and popularity as a houseplant this plant can actually make our kitties quite sick.
The Truth About Lucky Bamboo
First off, here’s something that might surprise you – lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo at all! It’s a type of Dracaena (Dracaena sanderiana) that just looks like bamboo. Pretty sneaky, right?
Why Lucky Bamboo is Dangerous for Cats
When cats nibble on lucky bamboo they can experience several nasty symptoms
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate
- Weakness and lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Abdominal pain
- Incoordination
What Makes It Toxic?
The entire plant contains compounds that are harmful to cats, but the leaves are especially dangerous. Even a small amount can cause problems for our furry friends.
What To Do If Your Cat Eats Lucky Bamboo
If you catch your cat munching on lucky bamboo or notice any symptoms:
- Don’t panic! While serious, it’s typically not fatal
- Call your vet immediately
- Do NOT try to make your cat vomit unless specifically instructed by your vet
- Watch for signs of dehydration (especially important due to vomiting/diarrhea)
- Bring a sample of the plant to the vet if possible
Tips for Cat-Safe Homes
So what should we do if we love both plants AND cats? Here are some practical solutions:
Option 1: Remove the Plant
The safest option is to simply remove lucky bamboo from your home. I know it’s tough – they’re such pretty plants! But our fur babies’ safety comes first.
Option 2: Create Safe Spaces
If you absolutely must keep your lucky bamboo:
- Place it in rooms cats can’t access
- Use hanging planters well out of reach
- Consider enclosed terrariums
- Create alternative distractions for your cat
Option 3: Safe Alternatives
Try these cat-safe plants instead:
- Spider plants
- Boston ferns
- African violets
- Cat grass (yes, it’s actually good for them!)
Prevention is Better Than Treatment
Look, I get it – sometimes our cats are just too curious for their own good. But here’s what I’ve learned: it’s way easier to prevent problems than deal with vet bills and sick kitties.
The Bottom Line
While lucky bamboo might bring good fortune according to feng shui, it definitely doesn’t bring good luck to our cats. If you’re a cat parent, I strongly recommend choosing other plants for your home decor.
Remember, when in doubt, always check with your vet! They’re the real experts and can give you the most up-to-date advice for your specific situation.
Quick Reference Table: Lucky Bamboo and Cats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) |
| Toxicity Level | Mild to Moderate |
| Dangerous Parts | Entire plant (especially leaves) |
| Immediate Action | Contact veterinarian |
| Treatment | Usually supportive care & fluid therapy |
| Prevention | Keep plant out of reach/remove from home |
Stay safe, cat lovers! And remember – there are plenty of other beautiful, cat-friendly plants out there for us to enjoy. Let’s keep our furry friends healthy and happy!
Have you had any experiences with cats and lucky bamboo? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your stories!
What plants are toxic to cats? Stay away from lucky bamboo.
Lucky bamboo, known as Dracaena sanderiana, is actually more like a lily rather than true bamboo because it can grow in water versus soil, which is where true bamboo grows, per The Practical Planter. It isn’t even related to true bamboo.
Most of the bamboo sold as houseplants are lucky bamboo plants that are very toxic to cats and other pets. The plants may also be referred to as a money tree, ribbon plant, dragon tree, corn plant, or cornstalk plant, according to Backyard Garden Lover.Article continues below advertisement
While it is rare that a cat will die from eating a lucky bamboo plant, it could make them very sick, and you should get them to a vet as soon as possible. Some signs of poisoning from a lucky bamboo plant include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, seizures, excessive panting, weakness, respiratory distress, and loss of appetite.
The lucky bamboo is probably the most common bamboo lookalike that is toxic to cats, but there are others. For instance, heavenly bamboo, aka sacred bamboo or Nandina domestica, is poisonous to cats. According to Backyard Garden Lover, the shoots of a heavenly bamboo plant contain taxiphyllin, a substance that can cause cyanide poisoning in cats.Article continues below advertisement
Is bamboo toxic to cats?
True bamboo is not toxic to cats. According to The Practical Planter, there are over 1,000 species of true bamboo that range from dwarf size to 100 feet tall. Most of the true bamboo species are not toxic to cats.
A few of the bamboo species that are safe for cats include:
- Golden bamboo
- Fish pole bamboo
- Bamboo vine
- Good luck palm
- Reed palm
- Bamboo palm.
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However, that “lucky bamboo” houseplant you bought at the store or received as a gift isn’t really bamboo, and it can be very harmful to your cat if they ingest it.
Is Lucky Bamboo Poisonous To Cats? – The Plant Enthusiast
FAQ
Is a lucky bamboo plant safe for cats?
According to the ASPCA Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo or ribbon plant) can be harmful to cats. If ingested, it causes dilated pupils, abdominal pain, increased heart-rate and drooling. Cats who ingest lucky bamboo will show signs of depression, no appetite, drooling, vomiting, incoordination and weakness.Oct 9, 2009
Which bamboo plants are safe for cats?
Yes! All of our bamboo is safe for pets. This only applies to actual bamboo species, not the look-alikes like “Lucky Bamboo”, or “Heavenly Bamboo”.