Are Orchids Poisonous To Cats? Here's What The Experts Say

Orchids are stunning, with their petals beyond compare, but if you’re a pet mom or dad, should you beware? Just like with anything that you bring into your home; you want to ensure that the plants you pick out won’t cause harm to your fur babies. Cats especially, with their playful and curious nature, often find themselves intrigued by houseplants, which is why it’s important to select species that won’t pose a risk if you want to have flowers on display. After all, your pets are not just animals; they’re part of your family and you would never want to cause them any harm. So, even though orchids are beautiful, you might want to ask yourself if they are toxic to cats or not before you actually get one.

To find out the answer to that, we spoke to emergency veterinarian, Dr. Shelby Baden, and plant expert Samantha Hermann. Together, they not only explain if orchids can be hazardous to a cat’s wellbeing, but they disclose which one specific orchid you should avoid because it can potentially cause mild irritations to pets. They also provide details on how you can tell if your cat is affected by a plant in your home and talk about how certain plant fertilizers can be dangerous for animals, especially cats and dogs. They even give advice on how you can keep your four-legged housemates from wanting to eat your orchids and other plants you may have.

Thanks to our experts, all of your floral concerns will be whisked away after you read what they have to say. Their insightful tips and knowledge will not only ease your worries, but also enhance your understanding of the topic, which will make you an even better cat pawrent.

Are Orchids Poisonous to Cats?

If you’re a fan of orchids, but are scared that they may be dangerous for your cat to be around, our experts say you don’t have to worry because they are considered safe for your feline. “There are over 25,000 species in the Orchidaceae family and thankfully orchids are not toxic to pets, which makes them a great fit for animal lovers,” Hermann reveals. Baden agrees, adding, “While some plants can be poisonous for cats, orchids aren’t one of them. They can, however, cause GI upset if they are eaten by cats, but are generally considered non-toxic to cats.”

Baden also points out that since Lady Slipper’s Orchids can sometimes cause mild skin irritations for people, there is a small chance that a cat’s skin can be affected by them, too. “It's possible that a cat's skin can be irritated by Lady’s Slipper orchids,” she tells Parade.“While these orchids can cause mild skin irritations in some people, animals can have different sensitivities. If a cat comes into contact with one or ingests part of it, it might experience irritation or an allergic reaction. If you notice any signs of discomfort, such as itching, redness, or swelling on your cat’s skin, or if your cat seems unwell, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian.”

What This Means for Pet Owners

Although orchids themselves aren’t considered hazardous for pet owners to have, Baden warns that if you’re considering having one in your home, you need to be cautious about what plant fertilizer you use because that can be poisonous. “Herbicides and pesticides in fertilizer can be harmful to cats since they often contain chemicals that can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or if they come into contact with a cat’s skin,” she explains. “Cats are susceptible to these substances due to their grooming behavior, which can lead to ingesting residues on their fur. Ingesting or being exposed to toxic chemicals can lead to various health issues in cats, including gastrointestinal problems, neurological symptoms,and other severe conditions.”

To be safe, Hermann says you should prioritize buying organic fertilizers. “Instead, look for organic fertilizers that you can use that don’t contain harsh chemicals, such as those made from composted plant materials or natural minerals,” she suggests.

If you have an orchid or any other houseplants in your home and you’re not sure what type of fertilizer they are in, Baden tells Parade pet owners should be aware what some of the common signs are that your pet ingested something toxic. “These include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or loss of appetite, which can indicate poisoning,” she states. “Additionally, sudden changes in behavior, such as lethargy, restlessness, or agitation, can also be a sign of distress or poisoning. If you are concerned, reach out to a veterinarian right away.”

Why Are Cats Attracted to Orchids?

Just like people, Baden explains cats are inquisitive by nature, which is why objects, like plants attract them. “Cats are naturally curious. They often explore their environment by sniffing and touching, and sometimes, they might end up chewing on plants,” she reveals. “Certain textures or scents might appeal to cats, which is why orchids, with their unique shapes and sometimes fragrant flowers, could pique a cat’s interest.”

However, that’s not the only reason cats are drawn to these beautiful plants. “Additionally, they can be intriguing playthings for cats,” Baden states. “The movement of leaves and the texture of the plant might attract a cat’s attention and encourage them to bat at or chew on it. Some cats also have an instinct to nibble on plants. This behavior might be related to dietary needs, or they might be bored and nibbling on an orchid might simply be a way for them to fulfill their sensory stimulation needs.”

How To Prevent Your Cat from Eating Orchids

• Keep your cat entertained: Make sure you have enough enrichment toys and activities in your home so your cat won’t start biting on your orchids out of boredom. “Try adding other forms of enrichment into the house,” Baden suggests. Hermann agrees, explaining, “Making sure they have toys to play with is a good way to try to keep them uninterested in your houseplants.”
  
  
• Relocate your plants: “To keep your cat from eating your orchid, put it up high where your cat can no longer easily reach it,” Hermann advises.

• Keep your plants in a cat-free room: “To stop your cat from wanting to chew on your houseplants, try keeping your cat separated from them,” suggests Baden. She says you can do so by having spaces in your home that your cat isn’t allowed to enter, where you can then place your plants.
  
  
• Distract your cat: “You can also try redirecting your cat’s attention to cat grass,” Hermann shares. She says this method is effective because their plant obsession will at least be targeted toward appropriate vegetation they can safely graze on as opposed to your orchid’s petals.