Many cat owners have opted in recent years to keep their cats indoors. This is understandable as the dangers of road traffic accidents are all too real in both rural and urban locations. But indoor living can be hazardous too. Weight gain due to inactivity or behavioural problems due to lack of stimulation are easily solved through feeding the right foods and providing toys and games that keep cats active and interested. But how else can you ensure that your indoor cat is kept safe and sound?
Safe Surroundings
Houseplants can present significant dangers to cats who are tempted to chew on leaves or flowers particularly. The part of the plant that is actually eaten can make a big difference to how a cat will be affected: daffodil bulbs for example are a common cause of poisoning in dogs but the leaves and flowers (which a cat is more likely to chew) are a much less common cause of poisoning. To be safe, daffodils and lilies are probably best avoided as they are one of the most common causes of plant poisonings in pets. It is also important to remember that fresh flower bouquets can also be eaten - Lily of the Valley for instance is toxic to cats.
Tasty Tips
The root of the problem
Your cat does not need to swallow a plant to be harmed, as some plants such as Joseph's Coat (Croton), have toxic sap that is released when the plant is chewed, causing blistering of the mouth. However, the risks do have to be kept in proportion. In some cases the toxic reaction to plants can be very mild and in others it is 'self limiting' meaning that the cat will recover on its own. It is also not uncommon to see huge lists of houseplants that can cause poisoning in cats. In reality, the majority of cats will find most of these plants unattractive or uninteresting. Cyclamen for instance is often included in these lists but it is only the root that is poisonous and few cats are likely to find them so attractive that they will dig down and eat sufficient quantities to trigger a reaction.
Hot Tips
Avoid buying houseplants that are known to cause toxic reactions in either children or pets - if they present a danger to children, they probably present a danger to cats
If your cat eats a significant quantity of any houseplant or a little of a known toxic plant, or shows salivating or distress after chewing a plant, contact your vet straight away
Consider placing silver foil or cling film around the base of your houseplants - this makes digging around the roots of the plant unattractive.
Ensure your cat always has plenty of fresh water available (to avoid the temptation to chew leaves for moisture)
Offer toys, timed meals from automatic dishes, or a wind chime outside the window, to keep your cat amused when you are out, because boredom can lead to plant chewing.
The Most Common House Plant Poisons
Azalea
Lillies including Easter Lily, Day lily (Hemerocallis), Tiger lily
Croton (Joseph's Coat)
Daffodils (Narciccus species)
Caladium
Dieffenbachia (Dumbcane)
Ficus (rubber plants, weeping and variegated fig plants)
Philodendron
Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Oleander
Poinsetta
Christmas Cherry
Holly berries
Related products
Hypoallergenic Dry Cat Food
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Adult cat food with egg & insect protein is a complete pet food for adult cat 1–6 years old. It's formulated for cats with delicate skin and stomach, with limited high quality novel protein sources & no grain.
Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan HAIRBALL & PERFECT COAT Adult cat food with Chicken is specially formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential Omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur keeping them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
Kitten Food
Tender chicken chunks in gravy for kittens, with omega-3s for healthy eye & brain development and high-quality protein to support muscle growth. With balanced minerals to promote strong bones & teeth.
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
Related articles
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
When learning how to train your cat, you'll start with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
How To Support Your Cat’s Digestion
Find out about how you can support your cat's digestion to boost overall health. Diet is key to a long and happy life for your cat, so discover what you can do.
Fun Games for Exercising Your Cat
Discover which cat toys games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
How To Feed a Cat With a Sensitive Stomach
Discover what you can do to spot and support a sensitive cat stomach. See what routines and food you can implement to help your cat be happy and healthy.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.