Having plants in your home add fresh oxygen, and a burst of of the outdoors that makes your living space feel more natural and relaxing. In this article we’ll reveal the top 8 house plants that you can add to your decor that won’t harm your kitty.
There are plenty of house plants that are safe for your Maine Coon cat. It’s important to choose non-toxic plants for your home because cats like to nibble, chew, and even eat the leaves of house plants.
A plant that is toxic can have effects like vomiting and diarrhea and can be as severe as death (as in the case with Lillies). It’s best to research house plants before brining them into your home and finding out the hard way that they’re not good for your kitty.
Here’s a simple list of house plants that are considered safe for your Maine Coon:
Also note that most of these plants require indirect light, humidity and watering when dry. So it seems that the best house plants are also low maintenance, which is good news for beginners.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a great choice as a house plant if you have cats. They’re beautiful to look at and grow cute little offspring that dangle from the basket. If you have a Maine Coon kitten, you can expect them to bat at the spiders and even rip them off when you’re not looking.
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Moderate humidity.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata )
This a lush and luxurious plant, displayin a busy green foilage. They look lovely in the home but they are quite the shedders.
- Keep in a cool, dry place with indirect sunlight
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not wet
- Occasionally mist for added humidity
3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
This plant is nice if you have an Asian or contemporary design in your home, while being safe for your Maine Coon.
- Bright, indirect light
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Maintain higher humidity levels by misting.
4. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Who says that money doesn’t grow on trees? If only that were true, we’d all have one of these house plants. This tree doesn’t grow actual money, though. It’s named after its coin shaped leaves, which are said ot bring good luck and fortune. How to Care for a Money Tree.
- Indirect light is best, but it can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Avoid waterlogging the soil.
5. Pepperomia
There are more than 1,500 species of pepperomia plants, with the most common types being grown as houseplants. They’re easy to care for, and have beautiful leafy patterns.
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering.
- Peperomias prefer moderate humidity.
6. African Violet
- Indirect light is best, but it can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Avoid waterlogging the soil.
7. RUbber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Bright, indirect light is best.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering.
- Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them clean.
8. Calathea
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Calatheas thrive in higher humidity levels.
Are Poinsettas Toxic to Cats?
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are a popular holiday plant, but there is a longstanding myth that they are toxic to humans and pets. However, this myth is not supported by scientific evidence. While poinsettias are not toxic, they can cause mild stomach upset if ingested, as the plant’s milky sap can irritate the digestive system.
The myth of poinsettia toxicity likely originated from a 1919 report of a child who allegedly died after consuming a poinsettia leaf. However, this report has never been substantiated and is not considered reliable.
In fact, a study conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that poinsettias are not toxic to pets.
It’s important to remember that all plants can be potentially harmful if ingested in large amounts, and it is always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of small children and pets. However, poinsettias are generally considered safe and can be enjoyed as a decorative element during the holiday season without concern.
How to Tell if your Maine Coon ate a Toxic Plant
The symptoms that are presented when your cat eats a toxic plant are similar to anything they consume that’s not good for them. First you may see gastrointestinal upset, like diarrhea and vomiting. You may also notice excessive drooling or pawing at their face.
Toxins can also affect the neurological system, causing dizziness, lethargy, and even seizures.
What to Do If your Cat Eats a Toxic Plant
Sometimes we forget to check whether a plant is toxic to our feline friends, and put it on a window sill or somewhere that we think our Maine Coon kittens can’t reach. Those sneaky little devils can find their way up the higest mountain and across a river of obstacles if something is intriguing them.
If you suspect that your cat has eaten part or all of a toxic plant, it’s best to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If the plant is extremely toxic, then you may find your cat in a life threatening situation.
Here is a very extensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats that you can bookmark! It is complete with images of each plant, as well as the side effects of the toxic plants.
Refer to this list when you’re choosing plants for your home. There are plenty to choose from that are cat friendl y and you wont have to worry about them being mischievous with the plants.
Keeping your Maine Coon Safe
Cats are mischievous, especially kittens. If you’re uncertain about the toxicity of a house plant, put it in a spot where your cat can’t get to it until you research it further. Happy home gardening!
There’s several other things you can do to kitten proof your home. It’s worth it to take a few minutes to walk through your home and remove anything potentially hazardous.
