Is Velvet Plant Toxic to Cats?

As cat owners, we all want to keep our furry friends safe from harm. One way to do this is by ensuring that the plants we have in our homes are non-toxic to cats. Velvet plant, also known as velvet leaf or velvet leaf philodendron, is a popular houseplant that many cat owners have, but is it safe for our feline friends? In this article, we will explore the potential toxicity of velvet plant to cats and what you can do to keep your cat safe.

What is Velvet Plant?

Velvet plant (scientific name: Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum) is a tropical plant that is native to Central and South America. It is a member of the Araceae family, which includes other common houseplants such as pothos, peace lily, and ZZ plant. Velvet plant is often grown for its attractive, heart-shaped leaves that have a velvety texture and come in a variety of colors, including green, bronze, burgundy, and gray.

Potential Toxicity of Velvet Plant to Cats

While velvet plant may be an attractive addition to your home decor, it is important to note that it can be toxic to cats. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested by cats.

Symptoms of velvet plant toxicity in cats can include drooling, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your cat has ingested velvet plant or is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

It is worth noting that velvet plant is not highly toxic to cats compared to other common houseplants, such as lilies, which can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. However, any plant that can cause harm to your cat should be avoided if possible.

Preventing Velvet Plant Toxicity in Cats

The best way to prevent velvet plant toxicity in cats is to avoid having the plant in your home. If you already have velvet plant, it is recommended to keep it out of reach of your cat or consider getting rid of it altogether. If you cannot bear to part with your velvet plant, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of harm to your cat.

1. Keep Velvet Plant Out of Reach

Cats are curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings. To prevent your cat from being exposed to velvet plant, keep it out of reach. This can mean placing it in a room that your cat does not have access to or on a high shelf where your cat cannot jump up and reach it.

2. Use Deterrents

Another way to prevent your cat from ingesting velvet plant is to use deterrents. These can include sprays that make the plant taste bad, such as bitter apple or citrus, or physical barriers such as netting or chicken wire.

3. Train Your Cat

While it may not be possible to completely train your cat to stay away from velvet plant, you can use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. This can include rewarding your cat when they ignore the plant or redirecting their attention to a toy or activity when they approach it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while velvet plant may be an attractive houseplant, it can be toxic to cats due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Symptoms of velvet plant toxicity in cats can include drooling, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. To keep your cat safe, it is recommended to avoid having velvet plant in your home or to keep it out of reach of your cat. If you suspect your cat has ingested velvet plant or is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Remember, as cat owners, it is our responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for our feline friends. By being aware of the potential toxicity of plants like velvet plant, we can take steps to prevent harm and keep our cats happy and healthy.