Deborah TorresIf you have a cat, chances are they’ve at least played with an air plant at some point. Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are often used in indoor gardening because of their ability to clean the air. But what do these plants do to cats?
What Do Air Plants Do to Cats?
While these air plants may look harmless to cats, their leaves and flowers can contain harmful toxins that can be harmful if ingested. To make sure your cat doesn’t accidentally consume any of the toxins in Tillandsia, always supervise them when they’re around the plant and keep an eye out for any signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. If you do notice any of these symptoms in your cat after playing with or caring for a Tillandsia plant, contact their veterinarian immediately.
What to Do if Your Pet Nibbles on Your Air Plants
If you have a cat, it’s likely that they love to eat or chew on plants. While this may seem like harmless fun at first, over time it can be quite destructive. Not only does chewing on plants damage the plant, but it can also lead to your cat getting sick. To help train your cat not to eat or chew on plants, follow these tips:
- Start by teaching them the “NO” word. If your cat knows the word “NO,” they will be more likely to listen when you tell them not to chew on plants. You could also try using a loud noise such as a bell or clap when you say “no” in order to ensure that they understand.
- Reward them when they stop chewing on plants. You can use treats or a favorite toy to encourage your cat to stop chewing on plants and instead play with the toys that you want them to play with. If you are worried about your cat chewing on plants, you can also spray plants with bitter apple sprays such as bitter apple spray.
- Place a barrier between your pet and the plants. This could be a piece of plywood, a wire mesh fence, or another sturdy object.
Why You Should Be Worry when Your Cat Started to Nibbles on Plants
There is a widespread belief among pet owners that cats will naturally eat plants if they become ill. The theory is based on a study that found that when cats are feeling unhealthy, they are more likely to explore their surroundings and consume novel items, such as plants. While this behavior may seem strange to some, it is typically seen as a sign of distress in cats.
Tips on How to Keep Your Air Plants out Of Your Cat’s Reach
If you have a cat, it’s important to keep them out of your air plants. Cats are natural climbers and will try to reach the plants if they’re given the chance. Here are some tips on how to keep your air plants safe from your cat:
- Keep your plants in an area where cats cannot reach them. This could be on a high shelf or behind a door that is always closed.
- If you do have to keep your plants in close proximity to a cat, make sure to keep feeders and water dishes away from the plants so the cats don’t get attracted to them.
- If possible, try to buy air plants that cannot be climbed on by cats. These types of plants typically have shorter stems and are less likely to be attractive to felines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to be aware that air plants are toxic to cats and should not be allowed in close proximity to them. If your cat is attracted to or eating an air plant, it is best to remove it from their vicinity and give them a safe place to play.
