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Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats?

Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats?

No, air plants are not poisonous to cats.

There are about 650 species of the beautiful Tillandsia. They earned the name air plants for their ability to grow without soil and thrive on any type of surface. These evergreens were originally found in deserts, forests, and mountains in the North American region.

Multiple sources reveal that air plants do not have toxic principles that are harmful for cats and dogs. These make them safe indoor plants for pet owners. Nevertheless, it’s best not to give your cat easy access to air plants as eating them may accidentally cause choking or internal blockage. Plus, if you fertilize or apply chemicals to your air plant, your cat may accidentally ingest it as she plays or chews on it.

What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats air plants: Your cat may not develop any health conditions after munching on with a small leaf or piece of a bare air plant. However, it’s best to monitor her closely and let your veterinarian know about the situation. 

Similarly, if the plant has potentially toxic chemicals, inform your vet about it immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Keep an eye on her for common poisoning symptoms. These may or may not include salivation, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, and shock or collapse. In addition, she may also display skin swelling or inflammation, depression or coma, and changes in her urinating, drinking, and eating habits.

In summary: Air plants are delicate houseplants that may be displayed in terrariums throughout a pet parent’s home. Keep them safe from your cats by getting tips from this blog post. Aside from air plants, discover which plants and flowers are pet-safe. Review the plant lists compiled by ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline

References:

Tillandsia – Wikipedia

31 Cat-Friendly Plants That Are Safe for Your Furry Friend

Air Plants + Pets: Are Air Plants Toxic?

Are Air Plants Toxic to Animals?



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