are chinese evergreen toxic to cats

Are Chinese Evergreen Plants Toxic to Cats?

Chinese evergreen plants are a popular choice for indoor houseplants Their lush green leaves and easy care make them an attractive addition to any home. However, cat owners may be wondering – are Chinese evergreens toxic to cats? Unfortunately, the answer is yes Chinese evergreens contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause toxicity if ingested by felines. While the good news is that Chinese evergreen poisoning usually results in only minor symptoms, it’s still important for cat owners to understand the risks and know how to keep their pets safe.

What Makes Chinese Evergreens Toxic?

All parts of the Chinese evergreen plant, including the leaves, stem, and roots contain raphides – tiny needle-like crystals made of calcium oxalate. If chewed or swallowed, these crystals can cause significant irritation and inflammation in the mouth, tongue, and throat. The level of toxicity depends on the size and age of the cat, as well as how much plant material is ingested. Kittens and smaller cats are at greater risk of toxicity than larger adult cats. Even small amounts can cause irritation, however, and chewing on the leaves repeatedly over time increases the risk and severity of symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Chinese Evergreen Poisoning in Cats?

The most common symptoms of Chinese evergreen poisoning in cats include:

• Excessive drooling and pawing at the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling or irritation of the tongue, lips, and mouth
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

In severe cases, the throat may become swollen making it difficult for the cat to breathe. However, serious reactions are rare as most cats ingest only a small amount while chewing on the leaves. The irritation usually subsides within a few hours, though symptoms could last for a day or two depending on the severity of exposure. It’s important to monitor the cat for improving symptoms over the 24 hours following ingestion.

How to Treat a Cat that Has Ingested Chinese Evergreen

If you see your cat chewing on or near the Chinese evergreen, redirect them to another area. Check their mouth for any remaining plant material and wipe it out if needed. Offer them water to drink and monitor them closely for symptoms. Drooling, pawing at the mouth, and swallowing difficulties are signs they may have eaten some of the plant.

Contact your veterinarian if you see any concerning symptoms. Treatment is mostly supportive care to manage pain, nausea, and inflammation until the irritation resolves. Your vet may recommend:

• Inducing vomiting if ingestion just occurred
• IV fluids
• Anti-nausea medication
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Food and water restriction for 6-12 hours
• Antibiotics if needed for secondary infections

Cats poisoned by Chinese evergreen typically recover fully with appropriate care. Call your vet immediately if breathing difficulties, severe swelling, or other serious symptoms develop.

Keeping Cats Safe Around Chinese Evergreens

While Chinese evergreen toxicity is rarely fatal in cats, it’s best to take precautions and keep your feline friends away from these plants. Here are some tips to keep your cat safe:

• Place Chinese evergreens out of reach of cats – up on high shelves or plant stands. Use hanging planters when possible.

• Keep Chinese evergreens in rooms your cat doesn’t access, such as a spare bedroom or home office. Close doors to limit access.

• Use pet deterrent sprays made with bitter citrus flavors on and around the plant. Reapply frequently.

• Consider cat-safe alternatives such as spider plants, prayer plants, Boston ferns, or orchids.

• Trim leaves and branches within a cat’s reach so they are less tempted to chew.

• Redirect chewing behavior with plenty of cat-safe plants like catgrass and catnip.

What to Do if Your Cat Eats a Chinese Evergreen

If, despite your best efforts, you catch your cat chewing on or ingesting any part of a Chinese evergreen, take action right away:

• Remove them from the area and check their mouth for remaining plant matter.

• Call your veterinarian, especially if you see them actively swallow any amount of the plant.

• Monitor for symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing over the next 24 hours.

• Do not induce vomiting at home – only under the advisement of your veterinarian.

• Withhold food and water initially, but not for more than 12 hours.

• Keep an eye on their breathing and take them to emergency vet care if they show signs of throat swelling or respiratory distress.

With prompt care, most cats recover fully and avoid any long term risks from the exposure. However, preventing access and ingestion remains key to protecting your curious felines from the hazards of Chinese evergreens.

Are Chinese Evergreens Worth the Risk for Cat Owners?

Given the potential toxicity, is it still safe to keep a Chinese evergreen plant in your home if you have cats? Many cat owners successfully keep these plants out of harm’s way. With proper precautions, it is possible to both enjoy the beauty of a Chinese evergreen and maintain a cat-safe environment. However, you have to commit to responsible ownership.

The risks are too great to allow your cat open access to these plants. You must be vigilant about restricting contact, monitoring for interest and chewing, and taking quick action if any ingestion occurs. For some cat owners, this level of effort is simply not realistic, and they opt to avoid Chinese evergreens entirely. There are many feline-friendly alternatives to choose from instead.

If you decide to add Chinese evergreens to your indoor garden, be sure you are able to place them securely out of your cat’s reach. Never assume your cat won’t get to it – their curiosity and athleticism can often defeat your best laid plans. Take all precautions seriously and be prepared to remove or rehome the plant if needed to keep your cats healthy and safe. By understanding the risks and making responsible choices for your home and pets, you can both enjoy the beauty of Chinese evergreen plants and maintain a safe environment for your feline companions.