Orchids are beautiful and exotic flowers that can brighten up any home. They come in many varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes, and they can last for a long time with proper care. However, if you have a cat at home, you may wonder if orchids are safe for cats or if they are toxic plants that can harm your furry friend.
The good news is that most orchids that are grown as houseplants are not toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA 1. This means that your cat can coexist with your orchids without any serious health risks. However, this does not mean that your cat should eat your orchids or that you should not take any precautions to protect both your cat and your orchids.
In this article, we will explain why some cats may be attracted to orchids, what to do if your cat eats an orchid, how to prevent your cat from eating your orchids, and what other factors to consider when keeping orchids and cats in the same home.
Why Do Cats Eat Orchids?
Cats are curious and playful animals that like to explore their environment and try new things. Sometimes, this may include nibbling on your houseplants, including your orchids. There are several reasons why cats may eat orchids or other plants, such as:
- Instinct: Cats are natural carnivores, but they may occasionally eat some greens to aid their digestion or supplement their diet with some vitamins or minerals. In the wild, cats may eat the grass-filled intestines of their prey or some fresh grass to help them vomit hairballs or indigestible parts. In the home, cats may look for the closest thing to grass, which could be your orchids or other plants 2.
- Taste: Some cats may simply enjoy the taste or texture of your orchids or other plants. They may be attracted by the fragrance, color, or shape of the flowers or leaves. They may also like the crunchy or chewy sensation of biting into them.
- Boredom: Some cats may eat your orchids or other plants out of boredom or stress. If they do not have enough stimulation, enrichment, or attention from you, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing on your plants. This can also be a way for them to get your attention or express their frustration.
- Curiosity: Some cats may eat your orchids or other plants out of curiosity or fun. They may be intrigued by the movement of the petals or leaves when there is a breeze or when you water them. They may also enjoy playing with them as toys or hiding behind them as part of their hunting games.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats an Orchid?
If you catch your cat eating an orchid or suspect that it has eaten one, you should not panic. Most orchids are not toxic to cats and will not cause any serious harm if ingested in small amounts. However, you should still monitor your cat for any signs of discomfort or illness, such as:
- Oral irritation: Your cat may experience some irritation or inflammation in its mouth, lips, tongue, or gums after eating an orchid. This could be due to the physical damage caused by the plant’s fibers or spines, or due to an allergic reaction to the plant’s sap or pollen. You may notice your cat pawing at its mouth, drooling excessively, or having difficulty swallowing.
- Gastrointestinal upset: Your cat may experience some upset in its stomach or intestines after eating an orchid. This could be due to the indigestibility of the plant material or due to an allergic reaction to the plant’s sap or pollen. You may notice your cat vomiting, having diarrhea, losing appetite, or showing signs of abdominal pain.
- Respiratory distress: Your cat may experience some distress in its respiratory system after eating an orchid. This could be due to an allergic reaction to the plant’s sap or pollen that causes swelling of the throat or airways. You may notice your cat coughing, wheezing, sneezing, or having difficulty breathing.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can examine your cat and provide the appropriate treatment, which may include:
- Inducing vomiting: Your veterinarian may induce vomiting in your cat if it has eaten a large amount of orchid or if it is showing signs of severe distress. This can help expel some of the plant material from your cat’s stomach and prevent further absorption.
- Activated charcoal: Your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal to your cat if it has eaten a large amount of orchid or if it is showing signs of severe distress. Activated charcoal can bind to some of the toxins in your cat’s system and prevent them from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to your cat to reduce the swelling and pain caused by the plant’s fibers, spines, sap, or pollen.
- Antihistamines: Your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines to your cat to reduce the allergic reaction caused by the plant’s sap or pollen.
- Antibiotics: Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to your cat to prevent or treat any bacterial infections that may result from the damage to the tissues.
- Oxygen therapy: Your veterinarian may provide oxygen therapy to your cat if it has trouble breathing due to swelling of the throat or airways.
The recovery time for orchid poisoning in cats will depend on the amount of orchid ingested, the type of orchid, and the condition of your cat. Some cats may recover within a few hours, while others may need days or weeks of treatment and care. The prognosis for orchid poisoning in cats is generally good if the diagnosis is made early and the treatment is appropriate.
How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Orchids?
The best way to prevent orchid poisoning in cats is to keep your cat away from your orchids. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Avoid growing orchids in your home or garden if you have a cat. There are many other cat-friendly plants that you can choose from, such as spider plants, African violets, or bromeliads.
- If you do have orchids in your home or garden, make sure they are out of your cat’s reach. You can hang them from the ceiling, place them on a high shelf, or put them behind a barrier.
- Label your orchids with a warning sign or sticker that says “toxic to cats” or “keep away from pets”. This can help remind you and others not to let your cat near them.
- Educate yourself and others about the dangers of orchids for cats. Share this article with your friends and family who have cats or orchids. If you see someone giving orchids as a gift to a cat owner, politely inform them that it is not a good idea.
- Provide your cat with alternative plants to chew on, such as cat grass, catnip, or mint. These plants are safe and beneficial for cats and can satisfy their natural urge to eat greens.
- Monitor your cat’s behavior and health regularly. If you notice any signs of orchid poisoning in your cat, take it to the vet immediately.
What About Orchid Fertilizers and Pesticides?
Another factor to consider when keeping orchids and cats in the same home is the use of fertilizers and pesticides on your orchids. These products can be toxic to cats if they come into contact with them or ingest them.
You should always follow the instructions on the label of any fertilizer or pesticide that you use on your orchids. You should also apply them only to the roots of your orchids, rather than spraying them over the leaves and flowers. You should also avoid using any fertilizer or pesticide that contains ingredients that are known to be toxic to cats, such as iron, zinc, copper, or pyrethrins.
You should also keep your cat away from your orchids when you apply any fertilizer or pesticide. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after handling these products and before touching your cat. You should also store these products in a secure place where your cat cannot access them.
If you think that your cat has come into contact with any fertilizer or pesticide that you use on your orchids, you should seek immediate veterinary help. They can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, or coma in cats.
Summary
Orchids are not toxic to cats, but they can still cause some problems if they are eaten by cats. They can cause oral irritation, gastrointestinal upset, respiratory distress, or allergic reactions in cats. They can also be contaminated with fertilizers or pesticides that are toxic to cats.
If your cat eats an orchid
, you should monitor it for any signs of discomfort or illness and contact your veterinarian if needed. They can provide the appropriate treatment and care for your cat.
The best way to prevent orchid poisoning in cats is to keep your cat away from your orchids. You can also provide your cat with alternative plants to chew on, such as cat grass, catnip, or mint. You should also be careful with the use of fertilizers and pesticides on your orchids and keep them out of your cat’s reach.
Orchids are beautiful and exotic flowers that can brighten up any home. However, if you have a cat at home, you should be aware of the potential risks and take some precautions to protect both your cat and your orchids. With these simple tips, you can enjoy a happy and healthy coexistence between your cat and your orchids.
