Being a pet owner with a beautiful garden you must know are orchids toxic to cats!
Plants and flowers can bring a room to life, and that’s probably the main reason most people buy them. However, cat parents need to double-check whether the flower species is toxic or safe for their cats before introducing them into the home.
And if you are a cat parent thinking of rejuvenating your living room with a few orchid pots, this might get you wondering — are orchids toxic to cats? Or are orchids safe for kittens? The answer is straightforward.
Keep reading to find out the answer to your questions.
Are Orchids Poisonous to Cats?
The answer is no; orchids are not poisonous to cats. In fact, most orchids are considered non-toxic for cats. Some cats may be attracted to the orchids and try to chew them. However, it is never a good idea to let your cat eat orchids or leaves, although they are non-toxic to cats.
Which Orchids Are Safe and Unsafe for Cats?
Most of the orchids are not toxic to cats, and if you have them in your house, you should not worry about your cat going near them.
Some of the safe and popular types of orchid include:
- Cattleya orchids
- Cymbidium orchids
- Dendrobium orchids
- Miltonia orchids
- Odontoglossum orchids
- Oncidium orchids
- Paphiopedilum orchids
- Phragmipedium orchids
- Vanda orchids
- Phalaenopsis orchids
Apart from these species of orchids, there are some other types of wild orchids that can be toxic to felines.
There’s one species of orchid in particular, which contains poisonous characteristics to medium severity, — the Cypripedium species, also known by another name Lady Slipper Orchid. This type of orchid usually grows in the wild and can pose potential harm if ingested or sniffed by your cat.
Are Orchids Safe for Kittens?
The short answer is yes; most orchids are safe for your kittens. However, you should make sure your kittens don’t consume the orchids. Although orchids are non-toxic to kittens, it’s best that your kitten does not eat them. But if the flower contains fertilizers, it’s better that you keep your kitten away from it.
Why Are Cats Attracted to Orchids?
Not just orchids, cats might get curious about any plants and flowers. Our feline friends have a powerful sense of smell; in fact, they have about 14 times the smell receptors that humans do. Some cats are attracted to orchids and, it can be due to the smell and texture of the flower.
Likewise, some cats also consume grass, so flowers and plants having a related texture. So, it should not come as a surprise that your cat will want to have a few nibbles of your fancy orchid.
Are Orchid Fertilizers Safe for Cats?
Many people use fertilizers, which helps in the growth of the orchid, just like any other plant and flower. However, these fertilizers are not entirely safe for your cat. Fertilizers contain components, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — that can be poisonous to cats.
Accidental ingestion of fertilizers in cats can lead to symptoms that can range from no clinical signs to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. And if you feel like your cat is showing such symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately.
What Happens if a Cat Eats an Orchid?
Most of the orchids are considered non-toxic for cats. However, if there are any fertilizers in the plant, then it may be harmful to your cat. But at the very worst, should a cat were to eat an orchid, she might experience mild vomiting and diarrhea.
Considering there are more than 25,000 species of orchids, it’s best to check with your vet if your cat is experiencing any symptoms after ingesting an orchid.
How to Stop a Cat From Eating Orchids?
Cats love exploring; they are curious animals. Many cats are attracted by flowers and plants, tearing and nibbling on the leaves and petals. However, not every cat parent may like this.
And if you want to keep your kitty away from eating orchids, then you will need to take a multipronged approach.
One of the first things you can do is start by placing the orchid flower pots away from the reach of your pet. You should do this, especially if you are using fertilizers for your orchid. Or you can keep the pot in a separate room that’s off-limits to your kitty.
If this is not possible, then you may make use of cat deterrent sprays, which can prove to be effective in keeping your cat away from the orchids. You can check online for motion-activated cat repellents. They are perfectly safe for cats and would do a great job in keeping your feline pal away from the orchids.
Most of them rely on compressed air, which makes a loud hissing noise, perfect for keeping cats off-limits to places they shouldn’t go.
Some Plants That Are Toxic to Cats
While most orchids are not entirely toxic to your cats, some other plants can be poisonous, such as:
| Ago Palms | Daffodil | Hyacinth | Poinsettia |
| Amaryllis | Daisy | Kalanchoe | Pothos |
| Autumn crocus | Daylilies | Lily | Rhododendron |
| Azalea | Devil’s ivy | Lily of the valley | Rhubarb |
| Caladium | Dieffenbachia | Marijuana | Sago palm |
| Calla lily | Easter lily | Mum | Spanish thyme |
| Cape jasmine | English Ivy | Narcissus | Stargazer lily |
| Carnation | Foxglove | Oleander | Tulip |
| Chrysanthemum | Hosta | Peace lily | Wandering Jew |
| Cyclamen | Yew |
Other Safe Indoor Flowers & Plant Alternatives
Now we already know that orchids are safe for cats, here we have still included a list of safe house flowers alternatives. They are completely safe for your cats and would look fancy in your house.
| Aster | Cornflower | Hollyhock | Rose |
| Astilbe | Cosmos | Jasmine | Snapdragon |
| Bee Balm | Echinacea | Marigold | Sunflower |
| Celosia | Gerber Daisy | Nasturtium | Torch Lily |
| Coreopsis | Zinna |
You can rest assured knowing these flowers are safe for your cats and beautiful to have around in your house. However, if you are using fertilizers, then it’s better that your cat stays away from those plants and flowers since fertilizers can be harmful to cats.
Here are some plants variants that are not only beautiful but also safe for cats:
| African Violet | Boston Fern | Freckle Face | Royal Velvet Plant |
| Areca Palm | Calathea | Gloxinia | Spider Plant |
| Baby Tears | Christmas Cactus | Moth Orchid | Staghorn Fern |
| Bamboo Vine | Venus Fly Trap |
Bottom Line
So, are orchids toxic to cats? The answer is no, orchids are safe and won’t do any harm to your cat. Most of the orchids are non-toxic, and your cat can co-exist with them without any problem.
However, make sure that your cat does not eat the orchid, as some cats are attracted to it. It can be particularly dangerous if your orchid has fertilizers, which can be lethal to cats.
Therefore, you should keep the pots away from the reach of your cat.
References
- CATS AND POISONOUS ORCHIDS: A TOXIC COMBINATION? – Orchideria
- Fertilizers toxic to cats — Pet Poison Helpline
- 17 Plants Poisonous to Pets – ASPCA