Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats? A Pet Owner’s Guide

Air plants, also known as tillandsia, have become a popular houseplant in recent years. With their minimal care needs and unusual shapes and textures, they make a great addition to many homes. But cat owners may wonder – are air plants toxic to cats?

The good news is that air plants are completely non-toxic to cats. So you can safely keep these interesting plants in your home even if you have curious kitties However, there are still reasons why you need to be cautious and keep your air plants out of reach of your feline friends

In this article, we will discuss whether air plants are poisonous to cats, look at the potential risks, and give tips on keeping your cats and air plants safe

Are Air Plants Poisonous to Cats?

Air plants contain no toxic compounds that are harmful to cats or dogs if ingested. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center classifies air plants as non-toxic for household pets.

So if your cat happens to nibble on an air plant leaf or two, there is no need for concern. Your cat may eat a few leaves without any ill effects. Air plants will not cause poisoning or serious medical issues in cats.

Why You Should Keep Air Plants Away From Cats

Just because air plants aren’t toxic doesn’t mean you should freely allow your cats access to them. There are a couple good reasons to keep air plants out of reach:

• Physical injury risk – Air plants have thin, spiky, pointed leaves. If cats bite or play with the plants, they risk getting scratched in the mouth or eyes. The sharp points could also get lodged in your cat’s throat.

• Choking hazard – While not poisonous, air plants do pose a choking risk to curious cats due to their shape and texture. Cats who chew on or try to ingest the fibrous leaves could end up with a blocked airway.

• Damage to the plant – Air plants are delicate. Cats who bat them around or chew the leaves can easily damage the plant. Nibbled leaves usually won’t kill the plant, but it will look unsightly until new growth comes in.

So while air plants aren’t toxic, it’s still best to keep them safely out of reach of cats to avoid harm to both the plants and your pets.

Signs Your Cat Ate an Air Plant

If you suspect your cat may have nibbled on or ingested part of an air plant, watch for these signs:

• Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Gagging, coughing, or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting or regurgitation of plant matter
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Hiding or lethargic behavior

If you see any of these symptoms, examine your cat’s mouth for any remaining plant pieces lodged inside. Check for signs of injury around their lips or gums too. Even if your cat seems fine, call your vet to be safe if you know they ate an air plant.

What to Do if Your Cat Eats an Air Plant

If your cat ingests part of an air plant, follow these steps:

• Remove any remaining plant pieces from their mouth if possible. Try to avoid getting scratched or bitten in the process.

• Contact your vet, especially if your cat seems to be choking or in distress. They can advise you on any next steps needed.

• Monitor your cat closely for the next 24 hours for any signs of choking, vomiting, or appetite issues.

• Keep the air plant out of reach to prevent repeat ingestion.

Your vet may recommend bringing your cat in for an exam to check for oral injuries or obstruction. But in most cases, your cat should pass any swallowed fibers without incident as air plants are non-toxic. Still, it’s smart to touch base with your vet when in doubt.

Tips to Keep Air Plants Away from Cats

Here are some tips to keep your prized air plants out of your cats’ reach:

• Display air plants in hanging glass terrariums. Hang them from the ceiling or place out of reach on high shelves. Open terrariums allow air circulation but prevent access.

• Keep air plants in a room your cat can’t access. A home office, bedroom, or spare room with the door closed works well. Just check regularly for watering.

• Mount air plants on walls or vertical displays. Position them at a height your cat can’t reach, even if jumping.

• Use bitter apple sprays. These harmless but distasteful sprays deter cats from nibbling on or touching treated objects. Apply to air plants or shelves around them.

• Use a Ssscat deterrent. The Ssscat automated air spray device detects motion and emits a quick harmless spray that startles animals away. Position near air plants.

• Provide alternative greens for your cat to nibble. Grow them safe, edible houseplants like wheatgrass for your cat to munch instead.

With some clever placement and deterrents, you can likely keep your cats away from your cherished air plant collection. It may take some trial and error to find the right solutions for your kitties.

Are Other Houseplants Toxic to Cats?

While air plants are non-toxic for cats, many other common houseplants can be poisonous. Some houseplants toxic to cats include:

• Lilies
• Poinsettias
• Philodendrons
• Chrysanthemums
• Sago palms
• Aloe vera
• English ivy
• Tulips/daffodils
• Azaleas

Be sure to thoroughly research any new houseplants you bring home to ensure they are feline-friendly. The ASPCA has an excellent guide on toxic and non-toxic plants for cats. When in doubt, choose air plants and other non-toxic varieties to grow around your home.

Keep Your Cat and Air Plants Safe

Air plants make great pet-friendly houseplants since they are completely non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other household pets. But you still need to take some common sense precautions to protect both your air plants and curious cats.

By keeping your air plants safely out of reach, picking safe display spots, and deterring nibbling, you can prevent possible harm to your plants and cats. With some simple solutions, your air plants and feline friends can live together in harmony.