Cats are carnivores by nature but they do love to nibble some plants now and then. They show this behavior due to various reasons. Some like the taste of leaves, some do that out of boredom whereas sometimes they are attracted to the fluttering of leaves and flowers of the plants.
We particularly do not know the reason behind the cat’s behavior but we should be careful regarding this matter. Not every plant is safe for your cats. Some can be toxic and even take the life of your cat. American Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a list of plants that are harmful to your feline friend and which are safe to consume. You can check them to be aware of different plants.
Are Orchids Poisonous for Cats?
Orchids are beautiful flowers that can add character and beauty to your surroundings with fresh scents. Many believe that orchids are poisonous whereas many don’t think the same. The answer to this question is, no, orchids are not toxic to your cat but also not appropriate food for your cat. It has been proven by ASPCA.
There are approximately 25,000 orchid species and 100,000 hybrids. Native orchids are safe for cats but modern hybrids can harm your cat.
If your cat consumes orchids in large amounts then it does affect your cat. This condition is given as cats are meat-eating animals and eating plants in large amounts leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach ache.
So, orchids are not harmful themselves but chemicals and additional nutrients in the plant make them. Some of the factors are mentioned.
What happens if a cat eats an orchid?
Orchids are safe for cats and the cat won’t be able to eat more than a palm-sized amount as it won’t suit the cat’s taste. If they do eat orchids in less amount, it won’t affect the health of the cat. But if they consume in large amount then the situation is different. Your cat will have an upset stomach resulting in diarrhea and vomiting.
How do you keep cats away from orchids?
Orchids are beautiful. They give your home a refreshed look and they smell great. The sad thing is, if you own a cat then they are bound to destroy your plant. They either nibble on the plants out of curiosity or trip them from their place. Although you might try to chase them away they come back again and again. This can be tiring.
There are different ways you can keep your cats away from beautiful orchids. You can place them in high places like a ceiling with the support of a sturdy hook. You can also dust cinnamon powder or cayenne pepper on the plant or spray vinegar and water solution. This will also drive away cats from the plants.