No, prayer plants are not toxic to cats.
Prayer plants are non-poisonous for cats and dogs, so they can be safely grown indoors by pet parents. The plant got its name from their leaves that fold together in a prayer position at night. Belonging to the family Marantaceae, they’re found in lowland tropical forests predominantly in the Americas, followed by Asia and Africa.
According to the ASPCA, the prayer plant also goes by other monikers. Maranta, peacock plant, rattlesnake plant, red veined prayer, and zebra plant are some examples. Other sites state that the Maranta leuconeura can also be called cathedral windows, herringbone plant, and rabbit tracks.
What to do if your cat accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats prayer plants: The leaves, branches, and roots of prayer plants are not harmful for cats. Nevertheless, it’s best to keep it away from your feline as you may be applying chemicals on the leaves or soil that may poison her. If you notice that your cat has ingested a part of the plant, remove the remaining pieces from her mouth. Contact your veterinarian and keep a close eye on her for the next few hours.
Moreover, observe her for possible signs of poisoning. Salivation, diarrhea, vomiting, twitching and fitting, difficulty in breathing, and shock or collapse are common symptoms. Plus, she may also manifest skin inflammation or swelling, depression or coma, and changes in her drinking, urinating, and eating habits.
In summary: Prayer plants are a great addition to a cat parent’s indoor garden collection as they are safe for pets. If you decide on bringing home a potted prayer plant, read this article and discover more creative ways you can cat-proof your beloved plants.
Aside from prayer plants, discover which plants and flowers are cat-safe by visiting ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline.
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