Should I be worried?
Is my cat “hunting” my houseplants?
In the wild, your cat’s ancestors were fearless hunters, stalking their prey for miles before choosing just the right moment to pounce!
However, there isn’t exactly much to pounce on around your home these days. So, it isn’t unusual to see a housecat honing their hunting skills on a bouquet, aloe vera, or Christmas tree that’s fluttering or flapping tantalisingly in a draft.
If the plant happens to taste good, that’s a bonus to your cat! Cats in the wild are known to nibble on plants too.
Does my cat have a nutritional deficiency?
Many cats bat at houseplants out of boredom or because they like the taste. But what if your cat appears to be eating a particular plant bare? Could your cat have a nutritional deficiency?
Lots of plants have benefits for cats, after all. A cat who gnaws on birch leaves and twigs, for example, may have a kidney problem. Or a cat that digs at your houseplants’ roots may have diarrhea and could need extra fibre in their diet.
You probably don’t want your cat to eat your entire range of houseplants! So, if your cat is eating your houseplants and displaying symptoms like these, why not treat their health complaints and keep them away from your plants with a natural supplement instead?
These days, modern cat foods generally give your kitty just about everything they need, in the perfect quantities. But minor deficiencies can still arise.
Which plants are dangerous for my cat?
As we touched upon, many plants are surprisingly beneficial for your so-called obligate carnivore. However, just as how chocolate is toxic to dogs, some common houseplants can be deadly for your puss.
Lily is probably the most dangerous houseplant there is to your kitty. A cat that interacts with a lily or even spends time in the same room as a lily may develop rapid-onset kidney failure.
A surprising leafy danger is the marijuana plant. Though CBD oil and CBD cat treats are acceptable for your feline, ingestion or inhalation of the marijuana plant itself can cause THC toxicity, potentially producing dangerous symptoms like vomiting, heart rate changes, or even coma.
Another surprisingly toxic typical festive decoration is mistletoe. If eaten, this cheery, spiky seasonal house plant can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, and seizures, among other negative symptoms.
If your cat begins to behave strangely after interacting with house plants, get in touch with your vet for further advice. You can also dissuade your kitty from eating plants by placing lemon or orange peels in the pots or spraying the leaves with a diluted vinegar mixture or bitter pet aversive spray. You can find non-toxic anti-pet sprays in most pet supply shops. Alternatively, choose spiky plants, or keep your plants somewhere your cat can’t gain access.
Which plants are okay for my cat?
However, many plants are excellent for your cat. Lemongrass, for example, is a beautiful houseplant that smells amazing before your kitty even nibbles on it! This aromatic herb is brilliant for relieving stomach aches, healing infections, and lots more.
Valerian is another feline-friendly, eye-catching houseplant. Valerian can help your puss chill out and relax. Chamomile has similar properties when eaten and may help with any skin issues your kitty has, too.
Then there’s liquorice root, a stunning panacea of a houseplant. Liquorice helps relieve your cat’s allergies, promotes digestion, and works as an anti-inflammatory – great for cats with arthritis to nibble on.
Cats love all plants in the mint family, and with good reason, because of their digestion-boosting properties. But did you know peppermint can keep mice out of your house too?
Then there’s cat grass and catnip, plants that are so popular among kitties, you can pick them up in garden centres and pet shops alike. Cat grass promotes digestion and prevents your puss from having hairballs sticking in their stomach. Catnip reduces inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, and gas, and makes your cat very happy if they have the gene for this response!