People who live in big cities are constantly reminded of the problems that come with dirty air and noise pollution. For short, DEFRA stands for the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They say that air pollution can hurt your health in the short and long term. Because of this, it makes sense that a lot of people, especially those who live in cities, are worried about the pollutants in the air they and their pets breathe every day. Growing plants that are known to clean the air is one way to help with air quality problems in cities. But not all plants that clean the air are safe for pets. It’s not always easy to find plants that do both.
Noggins & Binkles have always been indoor cats. When their people lived in Mauritius (in the case of Mr. Noggins) and the Seychelles, That being said, while Noggins Our cat harnesses were made so that people can take their furry friends outside without worrying that they’ll get lost.
Every time Noggins As a rule, cats dont eat grass because they like the taste or because they are hungry. Because they don’t have the enzymes to break down more than a small amount of grass at a time, cats eat grass. As a result, eating grass can make them throw up. You shouldn’t worry about this because a cat’s throwing up is a way for it to get rid of fur, feathers, parasites, and other things it doesn’t want. This was very helpful for Noggins.
When Noggins & Binkles moved back to London, their humans moved into an apartment without a garden. Knowing that the cats had gotten better after eating grass and plants in the past, their owners wondered if it would be possible to grow plants indoors that would not only give Noggins
The areca palm also known as the butterfly palm, golden cane palm or yellow palm, is a popular houseplant known for its feathery and tropical look. With long arching fronds emerging from multiple slender trunks, it’s easy to see why many cat parents would want to incorporate this palm into their homes. But is the areca palm considered safe for cats? Let’s take an in-depth look at this palm’s toxicity, risks, and learn some tips for safely keeping areca palms around felines.
Is the Areca Palm Toxic to Cats?
The good news is that the areca palm is considered non-toxic for cats according to the ASPCA. All parts of the areca palm including its leaves stems, bark, and roots, are cat-safe and do not contain any identified toxins that are poisonous to cats if ingested or chewed on.
While not toxic, eating any non-food substance carries some risk of stomach upset or irritation Large ingestions of areca palm leaves or sap could potentially cause some mild vomiting or diarrhea Overall though, the areca palm is considered very low risk and safe to have in homes with cats.
Benefits of the Areca Palm for Cat Owners
Beyond being non-toxic, here are some other benefits that make the areca palm a great choice for cat friendly plant parents:
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Pet-safe – Both cats and dogs can safely coexist with areca palms with minimal risk if ingested.
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Air purifying – The areca palm helps filter indoor air and remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide.
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Easy care – It adapts well to indoor conditions and only needs occasional watering and misting.
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Visually appealing – The arched, feathery fronds add beautiful tropical flair. Cats may enjoy batting at the fronds.
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Pet-proof – The trunks are too slender for cats to climb and the plant is too heavy to be easily knocked over.
So if you want to add a touch of the tropics to your home, the cat-safe areca palm is a great option that is visually stunning without endangering your feline friends.
Risks of the Areca Palm for Cats
While toxicity is not a concern, there are a few possible risks to consider with areca palms around cats:
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Sharp frond tips could potentially scratch or poke curious cats who get too close. Monitor play and trim any sharp edges.
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Cats may try nibbling on the fronds out of curiosity. While not toxic, ingesting too much plant material could cause an upset stomach.
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Heavy pots could potentially fall on a cat and cause injury if they manage to knock the palm over. Secure pots and trunks firmly.
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Cats may try digging in the soil which could lead to ingestion. Use heavy stones or pebbles to cover exposed soil.
While not directly toxic, areca palms do come with some potential safety concerns to be aware of. Protect your cats by taking some simple precautions when bringing an areca palm into your home.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Cat Safe Areca Palms
To keep your areca palm healthy and thriving in your cat friendly home, provide these optimal growing conditions:
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Light: Bright indirect light is best, with some direct sun exposure. Avoid low light spots.
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Temperature: Average room temperatures between 65-80°F suit it well. Avoid drafty spots.
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Water: Allow soil to partly dry out between waterings. Maintain moderate humidity.
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Soil: Well-draining potting mix, amended with perlite for drainage.
By meeting its light, hydration, and soil preferences, your areca palm will remain lush and vibrant while staying safe for your precious cats!
Tips for Keeping Cats Safe Around Areca Palms
Here are some useful tips for safely incorporating areca palms into your home with cats:
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Place areca palms out of reach of cats on high shelves or plant stands. This prevents chewing, digging, and reducing injury risk if knocked over.
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Use decorative pebbles or stones to cover up exposed soil and deter digging or nibbling on dirt.
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Mist areca palm fronds frequently to deter curious cats from chewing on the leaves.
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Trim any dried, crispy frond tips that could poke or scratch if batted at or played with.
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Secure areca palm pots to plant stands using soft ties to prevent being tipped over.
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Redirect cats away from palms using toys when first introducing the plant into your home.
With some simple precautions, areca palms can safely be appreciated by both plant lovers and cat lovers alike!
Signs Your Cat May Have Eaten an Areca Palm
While the areca palm is non-toxic, cats still may sample small amounts out of curiosity. Watch for these signs of possible ingestion:
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Nibbled on or damaged fronds
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Digging/playing in the potting soil
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Drooling or lip licking
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Small pieces of leaf in vomit
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Lethargy or decreased appetite
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Increased vomiting or diarrhea
If you notice any of these signs, remove palm access until symptoms resolve. Contact your vet if symptoms are severe or persistent. While not toxic, the vet may recommend care to soothe any stomach upset.
What to Do if Your Cat Eats an Areca Palm
In the event your cat eats part of an areca palm, follow these steps:
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Gently wipe any plant residue from your cat’s mouth. Never force mouths open.
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Monitor your cat closely for the next 6-12 hours for any vomiting or appetite changes.
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Contact an emergency vet if you notice signs of distress like lethargy, excessive drooling/vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
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Take a photo of the areca palm or bring a sample frond to the vet visit.
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Follow any care recommendations from your vet, which may include a bland diet for a few days.
While areca palm ingestion does not typically require medical treatment, it’s wise to exercise caution and consult a vet at the first sign of distress.
Safe Palm Alternatives for Cat Owners
If you want to replicate the look of areca palms without any safety concerns, consider these non-toxic cat safe palms instead:
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Lady palm – An elegant indoor palm with glossy fronds.
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Bamboo palm – Adds a tropical look with sturdy stems.
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Ponytail palm – A succulent-like option with a curved trunk.
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Parlor palm – A small palm perfect for shelves and tabletops.
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Majesty palm – A striking plant with large fronds if you have the space.
Always double check any new plant for toxicity before bringing it into your cat friendly home. And place or mount it safely out of your curious cats’ reach!
The areca palm can be a beautiful addition to homes with cats thanks to its non-toxic properties. While palms always merit some safety precautions, the risks are quite low with the pet-safe areca palm variety. Taking some basic measures to position it securely out of reach and deter interest from your cats can allow everyone to safely enjoy its graceful presence. With its air purifying abilities and visually appealing fronds, the areca palm brings a tropical touch to your home without endangering your feline family members.
Norfolk Island Pine (araucaria heterophylia)
As well as the Norfolk Island Pine, this beautiful evergreen conifer is sometimes called the Australian Pine, the House Pine, or just the Norfolk Pine. It does well in pots indoors, where its size is limited by the pot itself, or it can grow naturally outside, where some trees can reach 50 feet tall. A potted Norfolk Island Pine is a great option to use as a sustanable and reusable Christmas Tree. More information on cats and Christmas Trees can be found in this post. The ASPCA says that both cats and dogs can safely eat Norfolk Island Pine needles. However, like most pines, some cats and dogs may feel a little uncomfortable if they eat them. In our experience, Noggins and Binkles stay away from the needles because the leaves are too tough. Instead, they like to eat the much softer cat grass (see below) or spider plant (see above).
Which Houseplants Are Safe For Cats?
It soon became clear that not all plants are suitable for pets and that some would be extremely toxic to Noggins & Binkles, if ingested. This post has been written to try to help humans to find suitable indoor plants that help to purify the air and that are not toxic to cats. Readers are encouraged to do their own research because different breeds of cats, dogs and other domestic animals react differently to different plants. If in doubt, or if your pet has an adverse reaction to eating plant parts, consult your veterinarian as quickly as possible. One of the most comprehensive and reliable websites for checking whether a plant is toxic to pets is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA for short.
28 Low Light Indoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs || Non-Toxic Plants
FAQ
Are Areca Palm plants poisonous to cats?
Are any palms toxic to cats?
Are areca palms safe?
Can Areca Palm take full sun?
Are areca palms poisonous to cats?
In extreme cases, they may cause death. Areca palms, known by other names, including yellow, butterfly, golden feather, or golden cane palms, are famous garden and house plants that are safe to your cats as well as dogs and horses.
Are areca & butterfly palms safe for cats?
For people with pets, it should gladden your hearts because areca or butterfly palms are safe for cats as well as other pets like dogs and horses. Why not create that perfect tropical themed home with this plant without worrying that your cat may nibble their leaves. They will be ideal tabletop or floor plants.
Can cats eat areca palm?
Areca Palm is not toxic for cats. Areca palm does not contain toxic components that can harm cats. It is also listed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA) as a non-toxic plant. What is Areca Palm?
Are butterfly palms poisonous to cats?
Are they safe? Butterfly palms, also known as areca, yellow palms, golden feather palm, or golden cane palms, are safe to cats, i.e., they are non-poisonous only to cats but also dogs and horses. This makes make one of the best choices of house and garden ornamentals.
