No, calathea plants are not toxic to cats.
Calathea is a genus of flowering plants with approximately 60 species to date. Similar to prayer plants, they belong to the family Marantaceae and are native to the tropical Americas. Many homeowners grow them because of their vibrant and striped leaves.
On ASPCA’s online list of toxic and non-toxic plants, it states that calathea is non-poisonous for cats, dogs, and horses. There are no harmful compounds that may be found on its leaves, stems, or roots. As a cat owner, you can safely bring home this potted plant and not worry about it poisoning your pet. However, certain precautions should be taken if you own a curious cat or one that’s fond of digging soil and knocking over stuff.
What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats calathea plants: Your cat should not manifest any adverse symptoms when interacting with the plant itself. On the other hand, if there are pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals applied on the plant and its soil, these solutions may harm your pet.
Observe her for any unusual changes and symptoms. Common poisoning signs include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, and shock or collapse. She may also have skin inflammation or swelling, depression or coma, and changes in her drinking, urinating, and appetite. Be sure to contact your veterinarian and inform him of your cat’s existing conditions.
In summary: Calathea plants are cat-safe plants that can help purify the air and liven up your indoor space. Just make sure you don’t spray anything that may poison your cat. If you own a curious kitty, you can cat-proof your calathea plants by reading this article.
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