Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs? Can you peacefully grow them around your pets without worrying about them? Know everything and more!
Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs? If this is the question you’ve been asking yourself and others for a long time, then we have the answer for you in this detailed article!
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What Are Air Plants?
Air plants are epiphytes that usually grow on other plants, typically on tree branches. With leaves in the shape of a triangle or a strap that usually grow in a rosette pattern, most species also bear beautiful blooms in the form of a tube or funnel.
Have a look at the best types of air plants here
Are Air Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
All the more than 400 species of Air plants are harmless to cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, or any other pets you may have at home.
However, some gardeners place their Air plants on display using moss inside terrariums with companion plants such as bromeliads and ferns. When cats ingest these plants, it can cause them upset stomach and vomiting.
If your cat or dog munches on your Air plants on display along with moss, the pet may experience vomiting. It is mainly due to the toxic components present in trace amounts in the moss. However, the toxicity is typically sufficient only to upset the stomach and not severely harm the pet or humans.
If you are growing your Air plants with other companion plants and your cat accidentally feeds on them, you may also have to check their toxicity. Learn more at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). It has a compiled list of toxic plants for cats, dogs, and horses.
Why Should Your Cats and Dogs Be Away from Air Plants?
While Air plants are not toxic to animals, it will be a good idea to keep them away from cats, as they still have the potential to pose a significant choking hazard, particularly to younger pets.
With hard, sharp, and pointed leaves, air plants can get stuck inside your pets’ mouth and throat. The leaves can also injure your pet’s eyes, paws, and mouths if it ends up playing with the plant.
Additionally, the air plants may also enter into a stress mode and receive severe damage when cats play with them or nibble on them.
Treatment of Air Plant Poisoning in Cats and Dogs
According to the ASPCA list of toxic plants for cats and dogs, your pets are highly unlikely to fall seriously sick after nibbling on the leaves of an Air plant. If your cat or dog shows any symptoms of being hurt or vomits, then you can try the given solutions:
- Immediately speak with your regular vet and follow the doctor’s advice.
- Rinse the kitty’s mouth and throat thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Make your cat drink a good amount of water and let it rest.
Conclusion
You can also save your pets from any harm from Air plants by placing the specimens at a height or keep them hanging so they are entirely out of their reach. Place some citrus skins around the plant to deter them from munching on the plants.
Alternatively, you can also spread some cayenne pepper around the plants or spray water and cayenne flakes mix on your plants. Do not use any essential oils as they have certain chemicals that can be toxic to cats and dogs.
Another solution can be to grow your Air plants with other plants that pets do not like much, such as Rosemary, Lavender, and Lemon Thyme.
