Is Calathea Toxic to Cats?

Calathea is popular among houseplant enthusiasts due to its unique foliage patterns and low maintenance requirements. However, pet owners should be aware that some plants may be toxic to their furry companions. In this article, we'll take a closer look at whether Calathea is toxic to cats and what precautions you can take to keep your pets safe.

What is calathea?

Calathea is a genus of plants belonging to the Marantaceae family. These tropical plants are native to South America and can be found in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. They are known for their large, colorful leaves that come in various patterns, such as spots, stripes, and swirls. Some of the popular Calathea species include Calathea orbifolia, Calathea zebrina, and Calathea makoyana.

Is calathea toxic to cats?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Calathea is not toxic to cats. This means that if your cat ingests a small amount of Calathea, it should not cause any harm.

However, this does not mean that Calathea is entirely safe for cats. The plant contains insoluble oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested in large quantities. These crystals can be found in the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant.

If your cat ingests a large amount of Calathea, it may experience symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are usually mild and can be treated with home remedies like giving your cat milk or water to drink. However, if your cat appears to be in severe discomfort or is having trouble breathing, you should seek veterinary care immediately.

Precautions to take

While Calathea is not toxic to cats, it is still a good idea to take precautions to keep your pets safe. Here are some tips to follow if you have Calathea plants in your home:

• Keep your plants out of reach: Place your Calathea plants in an area that is inaccessible to your cats, such as on a high shelf or in a room that your pets cannot access.
• Supervise your pets: If you notice your cats showing an interest in your plants, try to discourage them from touching or eating them.
• Watch for symptoms: If you suspect that your cat has ingested Calathea, watch for signs of gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea. If your cat displays symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Other cat-safe plants

If you're a pet owner and want to add some greenery to your home, you may want to consider some of the other cat-safe plants:

• Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
• Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
• African violet (Saintpaulia spp.)

These plants are safe for cats, meaning they are not toxic and also offer air purification benefits. Of course, it's still a good idea to keep an eye on your pets and ensure they do not chew or swallow any parts of the plant.

Conclusion

Calathea is not toxic to cats, but it does contain oxalate crystals that can cause discomfort and irritation if ingested in large quantities. If you have Calathea plants in your home, it's important to take precautions to keep your pets safe. Try to keep your plants out of reach and supervise your pets around them. If you notice any symptoms of illness in your pets, contact your veterinarian immediately.

As a pet owner, you can still enjoy the benefits of indoor plants by selecting cat-safe options. Some of the popular cat-safe plants include Boston fern, spider plant, bamboo palm, parlor palm, and African violet.