No, friendship plants are not toxic to cats.
Pilea involucrata, or friendship plant, is native to South and Central America. It got its name from being easily propagated using stem cuttings, making it a plant commonly shared and grown with friends. A low maintenance plant, the friendship plant is known for its heavily veined, quilted leaves—often in a lovely shade of apple green.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that the friendship plant is non-toxic to cats. Similarly, PetMD includes the air-purifying plant on its list of safe plants for cats. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the plant does not contain any toxins that may affect your pet.
What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats friendship plants: From the roots and stems to the flowers and leaves, the friendship plant does not have poisonous principles. As such, your cat should be able to freely roam around, brush against, or even bite into the friendship plant without experiencing any alarming symptoms.
However, remember that there are always risks related to plant matter consumption. As an obligate carnivore, your cat cannot properly digest large amounts of plants. If she eats a considerable portion in one go, it may cause gastrointestinal problems, accidental choking, or even intestinal blockage. If this happens, contact your veterinarian immediately. Take the plant away and observe your pet in a confined space.
In summary: Cats can be around friendship plants as long as they don’t make a habit out of eating them. Discover ways on how you can cat-proof your friendship plants by reading this blog post.
Before you consider buying a new houseplant or bringing home a bouquet of flowers, check out the lists compiled by PetMD, ASPCA, and Pet Poison Helpline. They’ll help you determine which ones are toxic or safe for cats.
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