Have you been thinking about bringing home a trendy ZZ plant to add an exotic vibe to your home? With their waxy, long-lasting leaves and air-purifying abilities, it’s no wonder the ZZ plant has become so popular.
But there’s just one problem. You’re worried that this Instagram-worthy plant may be harmful to your curious cat.
As cat parents, we know how tempting our leafy houseplants can look to our mischievous kitties. And we certainly don’t want to put their health at risk for the sake of home decor.
So are ZZ plants actually toxic to cats? Or are they safe to have around your feline friends?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about ZZ plant toxicity in cats. You’ll learn:
- Are ZZ plants poisonous to cats?
- What part of the ZZ plant is poisonous?
- What are the symptoms and effects of ZZ plant poisoning in cats?
- Are ZZ plants only mildly toxic or highly dangerous?
- How to cat-proof ZZ plants in your home
- The safest non-toxic houseplants for cats
Arm yourself with facts, tips, and advice so you can keep both your stylish plants and precious kitties safe and healthy.
Are ZZ Plants Toxic to Cats?
The short answer is yes, ZZ plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
The ZZ plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation, pain, and swelling if eaten. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the leaves and stems which contain the highest concentration of calcium oxalate.
So if you have a curious cat who likes to nibble on houseplants, ZZ plants pose a potential risk and are best kept out of paw’s reach.
However, the ASPCA classifies ZZ plants as having mild to moderate toxicity to cats and dogs. This means that while they can cause illness, ZZ plant ingestion is rarely fatal or life-threatening unless large quantities are consumed.
But even mild poisoning is unpleasant and should be avoided. Let’s look closer at how ZZ plants impact cats if ingested so you know what warning signs to look out for.
What Part of the ZZ Plant is Poisonous?
All parts of the ZZ plant are toxic to cats, including:
- Leaves – This is the most common part ingested by cats. The waxy, oval-shaped leaves contain high amounts of calcium oxalate crystals.
- Stems – The rigid, upright stems also contain the toxic compound. Chewing or biting the stems will expose cats to it.
- Roots – Even underground ZZ plant parts like bulbs and tubers contain oxalate crystals. Cats who dig up houseplants can accidentally ingest roots.
- Flowers – On the rare occasion that a ZZ plant blooms, the flower clusters also harbor the toxic oxalate compound.
So no matter which part your cat tries to sample, the entire ZZ plant can cause a toxic reaction if enough is consumed. The highest concentrations are in the leaves, so those pose the greatest risk.
What Are the Symptoms of ZZ Plant Poisoning in Cats?
If your cat ingests part of a ZZ plant, watch for these common symptoms of ZZ plant poisoning:
- Pain and swelling around the mouth, tongue, lips
- Drooling and pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
The calcium oxalate crystals irritate the tissues of the mouth and tongue, causing painful swelling, drooling, and trouble swallowing food. The gastrointestinal tract also becomes inflamed, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
In mild cases, symptoms may appear within a few minutes up to 12 hours after ingestion. Watch for any signs of distress or irritation after your cat is around a ZZ plant. The faster you can identify poisoning, the quicker you can get treatment.
If you notice any symptoms, contact your vet right away. Delaying treatment can allow more severe damage to develop in the mouth or digestive tract.
How Dangerous is ZZ Plant Poisoning in Cats?
The major health risk of ZZ plant toxicity comes from the pain and inflammation caused by the calcium oxalate crystals, rather than from the plant compounds themselves.
If enough irritation and swelling occurs in the mouth and throat, your cat may have trouble breathing or eating until the inflammation subsides. The intense burning sensation can also cause great discomfort.
The inflammatory effect on the stomach and intestines can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances if your cat suffers multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea.
So while ZZ plant poisoning is not usually fatal, it’s still an unpleasant experience you want to avoid. Even a small exposure can cause mouth soreness that deters your cat from eating normally for a few days.
How to Treat ZZ Plant Poisoning
If you catch ZZ plant poisoning quickly, removing any remaining plant pieces from your cat’s mouth and paws can help limit further ingestion and damage.
For mild symptoms, your vet may recommend:
- Rinsing out the mouth to flush out irritants
- Applying an analgesic gel directly in the mouth and on swollen tissues
- Giving anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain
- Providing supportive care with fluids and nutrition
If symptoms are more severe, hospitalization for close monitoring and aggressive treatment may be required. Treatment can include:
- Sedation to examine the mouth
- Endoscopy to view internal damage
- Surgically removing swollen tissue
- Feeding tubes for nutrition if swallowing is impaired
- Powerful pain medication
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Antibiotics
With swift veterinary treatment, most cats make a full recovery within a few days up to a week after ZZ plant poisoning. But in rare cases with large ingestion amounts, effects may last for months if ulcers or scar tissue develops in the mouth or gastrointestinal tract.
How to Keep Cats Safe From ZZ Plants
Now that you know ZZ plants and cats are a risky combination, here are some tips to cat-proof your ZZ plant and keep it safely out of kitty’s reach:
Place ZZ plants out of reach
Cats can’t nibble what they can’t physically access.
- Elevate ZZ plants on high shelves, windowsills, fireplace mantels, or plant stands far beyond where your cat can jump.
- Use hanging ZZ plants suspended from ceilings or high wall hooks.
- Put ZZ plants in a separate cat-free room and keep the door firmly shut.
Use deterrents
Make ZZ plants less appealing with unpleasant textures:
- Cover the soil surface with pine cones, pebbles, or foil to deter digging.
- Lay double-sided tape on surfaces around the ZZ plant that cats dislike sticking to.
- Surround ZZ plants with plastic carpet runners turned spike-side up.
Provide distraction
Give your cat approved plants to chew and distract from toxic ones:
- Offer cat grass and catnip in their own designated pots.
- Provide cat-safe houseplants like spider plants and parlor palms for them to munch.
- Set out treat toys stuffed with cat grass or silver vine to occupy their chewing urge.
Use physical barriers
Restrict physical access to ZZ plants:
- Put ZZ plants behind pet gates or in hanging macramé plant holders out of reach.
- Cover ZZ plant dirt with garden fencing secured tightly.
- Place thorny rose bush cuttings around ZZ plant pots to deter contact.
With some clever planning and cat-proofing, you can keep your trendy ZZ plant without putting your precious kitty at risk. It just takes a little effort to protect both your decor and your family member’s health.
The 5 Safest Houseplants for Cats
If you want to avoid the risks of ZZ plant toxicity altogether, these 5 houseplants are non-toxic alternatives safe for cats:
1. Spider Plant
With dangling baby spiderettes and arching leaves, this is one of the most cat-friendly plants that is non-toxic and enticing for cats to play with.
2. Prayer Plant
The patterned foliage is beautiful without being poisonous. It also folds up at night in a way kitties find intriguing.
3. Boston Fern
The long fronds of this graceful fern are totally safe for cats. It’s an elegant plant cats often brush up against without issue.
4. Parlor Palm
This small palm thrives in low light and its stiff fronds resist heavy chewing or swatting by rambunctious cats.
5. Cat Grass
Give your cat their own tray of tender, delicious cat grass. This nutritious snack satisfies their craving to chew greens.
Check out ASPCA’s full list of non-toxic and toxic plants for more kid and cat-friendly options, or consult your vet.
Opt for safer greenery and your cats can enjoy the benefits of plants without the poisoning risks. Cats just need smart plant selection and some boundaries to coexist happily and healthily with your indoor garden.
5 Key Takeaways to Prevent ZZ Plant Poisoning
Caring for both your cats and your ZZ plants boils down to these essential tips:
>> All parts of ZZ plants are mildly toxic to cats when ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals that cause painful irritation and inflammation.
>> Ingestion can cause mouth pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, and trouble swallowing. Watch for signs of distress after exposure.
>> While ZZ plant poisoning is rarely fatal, it’s very uncomfortable for cats and should be avoided.
>> Cat-proof ZZ plants by placing them out of reach or using deterrents to make them unappealing.
>> Provide safer non-toxic plants like spider plants and cat grass for cats to chew instead.
Keep your curious cats away from ZZ plants and everyone can breathe easy. A few simple precautions goes a long way to preventing plant poisoning risks.
Now you can make an informed choice about whether to bring a stylish ZZ plant into your cat-friendly home. Arm yourself with vigilance, cat-proof your ZZ plant, and stay aware of signs of plant poisoning in cats.
With smart precautions, it’s possible for ZZ plants and felines to safely coexist in harmony. Here’s to keeping both your beloved cats AND your interior decor happy and healthy!
