The swiss cheese plant, also known by its scientific name Monstera deliciosa, is a popular houseplant known for its large, unique leaves with holes that resemble slices of swiss cheese. This plant has become increasingly trendy in recent years for its aesthetic appeal and ability to thrive indoors. But is the swiss cheese plant actually safe to have around cats? As a cat owner myself, I completely understand the concern. After all, our feline friends are infamous for chewing on houseplants, so we need to be sure any greenery we bring home won’t harm them if ingested.
This article will go into great detail about why cats shouldn’t eat the Swiss cheese plant. This article will talk about what veterinarians and pet safety experts say, as well as cat owners’ trends and safe ways to enjoy this plant with your cat at home. Let’s get into it!.
Is the Swiss Cheese Plant Toxic to Cats?
The short answer is no, the swiss cheese plant is generally not toxic to cats according to leading pet health organizations Both the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline state that this plant is non-toxic to cats. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no risk at all if your cat ingests parts of the swiss cheese plant.
The plant has calcium oxalate crystals that don’t dissolve in water. If these crystals are chewed and eaten, they can irritate the mouth, make you drool, make you throw up, and make it hard to swallow. Crystals in the plant poke through the mouth tissues and irritate them. The swiss cheese plant probably won’t hurt your cat permanently, but it can be very uncomfortable for them.
It’s also worth noting that most cats are deterred from munching on swiss cheese plants due to their unpleasant taste. But of course, every cat has their own personality – so monitoring your cat’s behavior around any new plant is wise.
Trends Among Cat Owners
On Instagram especially, I’ve noticed swiss cheese plants becoming increasingly popular backdrops for famous cat influencers. Cat owners seem drawn to the plant’s unique aesthetic and pet-friendly reputation.
Many pet stores and plant nurseries now label swiss cheese plants as cat-safe I’ve also seen more cat owners opting for pet-friendly planters or hanging swiss cheese plants up high to keep their cats away.
Veterinarians often tell cat owners that the swiss cheese plant is a safe houseplant for their cats. Mail-order pet-safe plants will send you swiss cheese plants and other plants that cats can handle.
Clearly, cat owners who want to liven up their homes without putting their cats in danger are becoming more interested in this plant. I think that swiss cheese plants will continue to be popular among cat owners as more people learn that they are safe for cats.
Tips for Safely Keeping Swiss Cheese Plants With Cats
Here are my top 5 tips for avoiding issues if you want to add a swiss cheese plant to your cat-friendly home:
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Pick a strategic location. Place the plant somewhere your cat can’t access it – like on a high shelf or plant stand. This prevents chewing and ingestion.
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Consider a hanging planter. Hanging the swiss cheese plant from the ceiling keeps it safely out of paw’s reach. Just be sure to hang it securely.
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Use pet-friendly barriers. Items like Scat Mats placed around the plant’s pot can deter curious cats from getting too close.
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Redirect chewing behavior. Provide plenty of cat-safe alternatives like treats and chew toys to redirect your cat from nibbling on plants.
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Monitor closely. Check frequently that your cat is not interacting with or trying to eat the plant. Remove it right away if they seem focused on it.
As long as you take smart precautions like these, your cat can safely coexist with a swiss cheese plant in your home. It’s all about being vigilant and preventing access to the plant. After all, we know how mischievous our feline friends can be!
What If Your Cat Ingests Swiss Cheese Plant?
Accidents happen, and your cat may occasionally nibble on a leaf or two before you can intervene. In most cases, a small ingestion of swiss cheese plant is only cause for concern if symptoms develop.
According to the ASPCA, symptoms typically show up immediately and include:
- Drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
If you see any of these issues, or notice your cat is unwell after exposure to swiss cheese plant, call your vet right away. They can advise you on next steps and any necessary treatment based on your cat’s symptoms.
With quick veterinary care, most cats fully recover after minor ingestion incidents with only temporary effects. But do keep a close eye on your cat in the hours following to be safe. Try to identify what parts of the plant were eaten so you can tell your vet.
The Verdict: A Pet-Safe Houseplant With Precautions
To summarize – the swiss cheese plant is non-toxic and pet-safe for cats in general when proper precautions are followed. While it may cause oral irritation if ingested, most effects are mild and temporary. By placing your swiss cheese plant strategically out of kitty’s reach and monitoring any interactions, you can safely add this trendy, cat-safe plant to your home decor.
As a fellow cat lover and plant enthusiast, I personally think the swiss cheese plant deserves its growing popularity among feline parents. With its visually pleasing leaves and pet-friendly reputation, it’s a great way to liven up our homes without putting our cats in harm’s way. But as always, attentive supervision and common sense go a long way in preventing plant-related problems with our curious kitties.
List of Plants That Are Toxic to Cats:
The plant contains needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and burning of the mouth and tongue, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if ingested.
Like Dieffenbachia, the leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and burning in the mouth, tongue, and lips, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and vomiting. In some cases, ingestion can cause difficulty breathing and even lead to death.
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We all love to add a touch of greenery to our homes, but did you know that some common houseplants can be toxic to our cats? That’s right, some plants can cause mouth irritation, difficulty swallowing, and even death if ingested by cats.
But don’t worry—you can still have plants in your home even if you want to keep your cats safe. By choosing the right plants and keeping them out of reach of your cats, you can have the best of both worlds.
Monstera and cats
FAQ
Is swiss cheese plant safe for cats?
- Oral irritation, including burning and stinging
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the mouth and tongue
What happens if my cat eats Monstera?
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Calcium Oxalate Crystals:Monsteras contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are insoluble and can cause irritation when ingested.
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Symptoms:Ingestion can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and oral swelling.
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Severity:The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of plant ingested. Small amounts may cause mild symptoms, while larger amounts could lead to more severe reactions.
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Action:Rinse the cat’s mouth with water, encourage them to drink, and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your cat has ingested a Monstera plant.
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Prevention:Keep Monstera plants out of reach of cats and consider using cat-friendly alternatives.
Is Swiss cheese safe for cats?
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Lactose Intolerance:Cats, like humans, can be lactose intolerant. Their digestive system doesn’t produce enough enzymes to break down lactose, the sugar in dairy products.
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Moderation is Key:If you decide to offer Swiss cheese to your cat, do so in very small quantities and only as an occasional treat.
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Potential Issues:Excessive dairy can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive upset in lactose-intolerant cats.
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Hard Cheeses are Generally Safer:Swiss cheese is generally considered a safer option than softer cheeses because it’s lower in lactose.
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Other Considerations:Avoid giving your cat cheese with additives like herbs, spices, or mold, which can be harmful.
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Not a Nutritional Source:Cheese doesn’t provide any essential nutrients for cats, so it’s best to use it sparingly.
How do I keep my cat away from my monstera plant?
Deterrents like citrus peels or a spritz of vinegar around your plant can act as a feline repellant. Dec 16, 2023.