Many indoor plants can be harmful to our four-legged friends. Keep this in mind if your pet likes to play with or eat plants. So, here is a list of ten houseplants that will keep your pets safe in a green-filled home!.
Pilea plants have become increasingly popular houseplants in recent years. Their cute rounded leaves and easy care make them ideal for busy plant parents. However, if you have curious kitties at home, you may be wondering: are pileas toxic to cats?
The good news is that all species in the Pilea genus are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs This makes them a great choice for pet-friendly homes Let’s take a closer look at pilea plant toxicity and safety for feline friends.
An Overview of the Pilea Genus
The Pilea genus contains over 100 species of tropical plants native to Central and South America. These herbaceous perennials are part of the nettle family, Urticaceae.
Several popular houseplants belong to this genus. including
- Pilea peperomioides, also known as Chinese money plant or pancake plant
- Pilea mollis, known as friendship plant
- Pilea involucrata, called friendship plant or panamiga
- Pilea nummulariifolia, or creeping Charlie
- Pilea cadieri, known as aluminum plant
The ASPCA lists all Pilea species as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses This makes them a safe choice for households with pets
Why Are Pileas Non-Toxic?
Many common houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs. This includes favorites like philodendrons, monsteras, and diffenbachias. So why are pileas different?
Pileas simply do not produce or contain any compounds toxic to pets in significant amounts. Unlike plants in the Araceae family, they do not contain insoluble calcium oxalates. And they lack toxins found in lilies, azaleas, and other poisonous ornamentals.
Of course, cats may experience stomach upset if they ingest large amounts of any plant matter. But pileas will not cause serious poisoning when eaten. The main risk is gastrointestinal irritation if a curious cat takes a bite.
Signs of a Pilea Plant Poisoning in Cats
In the rare event a cat ingests enough pilea to cause issues, symptoms may include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
These effects are not specific to pileas, however. They can also occur if a cat eats grass, houseplant soil, or other foreign material.
If your cat experiences vomiting or diarrhea after contact with any houseplant, call your veterinarian as a precaution. But there is no need to panic about pilea toxicity. Your vet can advise you on managing any mild stomach upset.
Keeping Cats Safe Around Pileas
While pileas are non-toxic for cats, you still need to take some basic precautions. Here are some tips for safely keeping these plants in a cat-friendly home:
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Choose a sturdy pot. Use heavy containers that are difficult to tip over. This prevents spills.
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Keep plants out of reach. Cats are less likely to nibble if plants are hung or placed on high shelves.
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Use cat deterrents. Try plant misters, foil, or scat mats to discourage curious cats.
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Remove and replace damaged plants. If your cat snacks on a pilea’s leaves, move the plant somewhere inaccessible and replace it with a new, undamaged specimen. This prevents any stomach upset.
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Redirect interest. Keep cat grass or other approved plants around to distract cats from your houseplants.
By taking some simple precautions, you can safely enjoy pileas with cats. These pet-safe plants add lively greenery to any home.
5 Popular Pilea Species Safe for Cats
Looking to add a pilea to your cat-friendly home? Here are 5 great options to consider:
1. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
With its round, flat leaves, this Pilea is nicknamed the pancake plant. It’s easy to grow and propagate by taking stem cuttings. Bright, indirect light keeps it thriving. The ASPCA lists this species as non-toxic.
2. Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata)
Known for its olive green leaves with a faint silver pattern, the friendship plant is perfect for beginners. It tolerates lower light. Watch for leggy growth and prune as needed. Friendship plants are non-toxic for cats.
3. Creeping Charlie (Pilea nummulariifolia)
An eye-catching trailer suitable for hanging baskets, Creeping Charlie has trailing stems studded with coin-shaped leaves. It enjoys medium to bright indirect light. The ASPCA classifies Creeping Charlie as non-toxic.
4. Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadieri)
With splashes of gray-green on the leaves, this plant earned its name from its metallic sheen. It appreciates high humidity and thrives in a bright bathroom. Aluminum plants are considered safe for cats.
5. Artillery Plant (Pilea microphylla)
A compact plant that produces tiny flowers, the artillery plant has elongated oval leaves. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Although in the nettle family, this Pilea is non-toxic.
The Bottom Line
So can cats safely snack on pileas? While it’s best to keep all houseplants out of reach, Pilea plants will not harm pets. Their lack of toxins makes them a smart choice in homes shared with curious cats.
With proper placement and precautions, pileas and felines can happily coexist. When in doubt, consult the ASPCA’s listings of toxic and non-toxic plants. But you can comfortably add these trendy, cat-safe plants to your indoor jungle.
Haworthia Attenuata (Zebra Cactus)
Most cacti and succulents are toxic to pets. The zebra cactus, however, is safe.
White stripes cover the back of the leaves, resembling a Zebra stripe pattern.
This plant is almost always small, growing less than 6 inches tall. It needs little water and almost no maintenance.
Ceropegia Woodii (String Of Hearts)
It has pretty heart-shaped leaves and can grow up to four feet long. This plant is also called Rosary Vine. String Of Hearts loves the heat but not direct sun.
Plants That Are Toxic to Cats!!
FAQ
Is a Pilea plant toxic to cats?
Is Pilea baby tears safe for cats?
Is string of hearts toxic to cats?
Are Pilea plants toxic to cats?
That’s what happens to cat owners every year when they notice their feline friends eating different plants in their homes. The good news is that if your cat did eat a pilea plant, it’s completely non-toxic to cats and is a great plant to keep in your home if you have pets! Is Pilea Toxic to Cats?
Is piles dangerous?
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are not usually dangerous. They are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. They can be internal, which means they are inside the rectum, or external, which means they are under the skin around the anus.
Is Pilea poisonous to dogs?
According to ASPCA, Pilea does not contain harmful chemicals like saponin and calcium oxalate, making them safe from irritation and extreme risks even when swallowed. However, it is crucial to note that intake of any plant might induce gastrointestinal distress in pets.
Can cats eat Pilea?
Although the pilea is safe to have around pets, you don’t want your cat eating it all the time. It’s okay if they take a bite, but you should move the plant to an inaccessible location if they eat it frequently.
