Cats are attracted to chewing plants, and the toxic snake grass plant is no exception. But now that we know it's not particularly smart to let them munch on this particular plant, let's explore some of the most common methods you can use to distract them from this behavior.
Snake plants, also called mother-in-law's tongue, are toxic to cats. All parts of the plant contain saponins, which are organic chemicals that protect plants from bugs, bacteria and fungi.
Why Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats? The snake plant is also known as Golden Bird's Nest, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, and the Good Luck Plant. All parts of the plant contain saponin, a toxin that is harmful to cats and can cause illness. Cats most frequently ingest this toxin by chewing on the leaves.
Cats who have ingested snake plant are expected to make a full recovery within a day or two. Poisoning from this plant is very unlikely to cause death. Be sure to move the plant to an area in your home that your cat cannot reach. Some people chose to remove the snake plant from their home as an extra precaution.
Cats dislike the smell of rue, lavender and pennyroyal, Coleus canina and lemon thyme. Plant a few of these throughout the garden. (Interplanting can attract pollinators and other beneficial insects too.) Cats steer clear of strong citrus scents.
The most effective cat repellents are plants with textured and aromatic leaves such as Lavender, Common Rue, Rosemary, Oregano, or Rose. If you prefer a more advanced method, installing motion-activated sprinklers will prevent cats from wandering in your yard.
Generally, cats will stay away from plants that will harm them, but sometimes curiosity and boredom get the better of them and they might nibble on your plants. Consumption of poisonous plants can cause a range of symptoms from vomiting to serious illness and even death in some cases.
If your cats' organs have been affected by ingesting a toxic plant, symptoms of poisoning may include: breathing difficulties, drooling, difficulties swallowing, excessive drinking, frequent urination, overall weakness, or irregular heartbeat. Gastrointestinal symptoms of poisoning may include: vomiting and diarrhea.
Felines enjoy attractive edible flowers such as zinnias, marigolds and Johnny-jump-ups, as well as catnip, cat thyme, oat grass, rosemary and bean sprouts. Although catnip has a reputation as a cat favorite, you might want to try some on your cat before you plant it, because not all cats like it.
Because of its striking appearance and the fact that it's very easy to care for, snake plants are incredibly popular indoor plants. Unfortunately, they are also poisonous plants for dogs and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if consumed, says the ASPCA.
It Even Produces Oxygen At Night
At night, on the other hand, these plants take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, a process called respiration. However, the Snake Plant is one of the lucky few that continues to produce oxygen at night, making it the ideal plant to place in your bedroom for better sleep.
Toxicity. Snake plants are considered mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. They contain saponins, which cause hypersalivation, dilated pupils and gastrointestinal distress. 3 It is found in the leaves of the snake plant, and it is most harmful when ingested in large quantities.
But, even non-toxic plants can cause an upset stomach or a gastrointestinal obstruction if your cat eats them. It's also common for cats to gag or vomit as the leaves or fronds get stuck in their throat. Play it safe and keep your plants out of your cat's reach, even if they're non-toxic.
Within minutes of ingesting any part of the plant, they might become lethargic or begin to vomit. As the substance begins to affect their body, these signs worsen. If you suspect lilies have poisoned your cat, speak to your vet immediately – emergency care increases the likelihood of your pet making a full recovery.
Cats are very territorial creatures that like to have a place to call their own; some cats may even scratch on the bark or stalks of plants as a way to mark their territory (the same reason they may scratch on your furniture).
Lilies are at the top of the list of poisonous plants for cats, which also includes Asiatic lilies, Easter lilies, Japanese show lilies, rubrum lilies, stargazer lilies, red lilies, tiger lilies, Western lilies, wood lilies, and daylilies.
Wild felines regularly ingest plants, and it seems to be a behavior that our domestic cats have inherited from their ancestors. Many cats eat plants because they enjoy the taste. Others consume plants because they are bored, stressed, or attracted by the movement of the plants.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Spray plant leaves with a homemade blend of water, a few drops of Tabasco sauce, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. 4. Cats don't like getting wet. Keep a loaded spray bottle close to your plants and give the cat a quick spritz if it approaches restricted areas.
Humane deterrents are the best approach.... Smells that repel cats: To keep cats out of yards or gardens, plant the herb rue or sprinkle dried rue. Citrus or lemon scents (orange peels, lemon peels), garlic, ammonia, vinegar, coffee grinds, pipe tobacco, mustard, citronella, or eucalyptus all deter cats as well.