Are Orchids Toxic to Cats? Tips For Cat Owners

Cats are very inquisitive, and you will often see them around your plants smelling, rubbing to leave their scent, or even biting them. Maybe you have Orchids at home, or you are planning on doing so, and you asked yourself: Are orchids safe to cats? Or Are orchids dangerous to cats? The simple answer is no.

Orchids do not present a danger to your cat. But there’s more to it. There are some things to consider before just letting your cat go in an orchid-eating frenzy.

Dr Felicity Morfatt, lead veterinarian at the members-only veterinary practice Dr. Treat, told The Dodo when asked the question: “Orchids are harmless options to have in the home, which is great news for you and your cat.”

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Orchids From Your cat’s Perspective

A cat can be fully invested in knowing more about an orchid, while others ignore them completely. A cat’s personality will determine the type of interaction they have with an orchid.

Cats have always eaten grass, as fiber helps them with digestion. If your cat is eating even only a nibble of a leaf, keep in mind that orchids are just another source of fiber for them. Usually, they will just try it and in most cases they won’t like it. Preventing that from happening again in the future.

A common misconception is that cats only eat plants or grass when sick. However this is part of their instinct, and in some parts of their evolution, animals that munched grass could easily eliminate intestinal parasites. This is most likely not the case anymore, as it is very hard for domestic cats to get parasites if they are given proper care.

Should you Keep your Cats Away From Orchids?

This will depend on many factors, such as if your cat likes to chew the leaves and you don’t want them to keep doing so, or because you suspect it could still be dangerous for them.

As Amanda Matthews from the Blog Orchideria says: “…there are some items in the orchid pot like chemical fertilizers and additional nutrients that may cause damage and severe gastrointestinal irritation if ingested…”

However, she has recently found one exception to the rule: the Blue Phalaenopsis orchid. This has become very common in grocery stores and big supermarkets. Amanda says: “The blue orchid dye does not irritate the skin, but can induce vomiting in felines.”

In short, if you want orchids, avoid the blue ones! Aside from that, orchids and cats can coexist peacefully.

Choosing The Right Soil

Even if orchids aren’t poisonous to cats, the problem is not the orchids themselves, but the soil. Often sprayed with strong chemicals, whether it is insecticides, fertilizers, or other substances such as dyes with colorants, the soil can become your cat’s danger.

Always be aware of symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, panting, or fever. If this happens, you should immediately take them to the vet.

When choosing a potting mix, be aware of houseplant potting soil, as it can contain fungi and bacteria that could be dangerous to cats, especially to the lungs.

As Jennifer Gaeng from A-Z-Animals says: “…look at your potting mix for materials like peat moss, vermiculite, fir bark, tree fern, and perlite (Styrofoam). These are usually the main ingredients and are generally safe for pets to be around.”

RELATED: Is Lipstick Plant Toxic to Cats?

Planning on Having Orchids?

Would you love to have orchids that they can coexist with your cat? Having in mind what we exposed above, here are a few key takeaways:

• Choosing the right soil. Read carefully for the ingredients that can make or break a good potting mix for both your cat and your new orchid
• Avoid Blue Orchids at ALL costs! These are the only ones that can do harm to your feline friend.
• Once at home, let your cat smell and get to know the plant. Although, he can even be uninterested very fast, depending on their personality. Better for you!
• Avoid applying chemicals to the soil if the plant is in contact or in spaces shared with your cat.
• Be aware of symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea in your cat. Although not toxic, if he munches more than a few orchid leaves it can be prejudicial.

Keep in mind that Many plants can be poisonous to your cat. Keep your kitty safe by avoiding them!

How to Keep my Cat Away from Orchids

Even if orchids are cat friendly, you’d probably like to put some distance between your feline friend and your beloved orchids, here are some ways to do it:

1. Training

The best prevention method will always be training distraction & redirection to your cat. We have explained how to do this with cats that like to open the refrigerator door.

Training a cat is not easy, it requires a LOT of repetition to reinforce what we are trying to teach them since they are hugely stubborn.

What we want to do in this case is whenever they are engaging with the orchid, redirect his or her attention to somewhere else with a toy they like. You can also give them a treat whenever they are not biting the plant or playing with the dirt.

2. Give them their own plant… or grass!

If your cat is one of the ones who love to munch on your orchids, the best thing you can do is give them a plant of their own, or even cat grass! Cat grass is an optimal solution, as it helps them with digestion and a more balanced diet on the plus side by adding necessary fiber to it. (See the image below for our recommended cat grass starting kit)

3. Changing the Orchids Location

If even by having their own plant or grass, they still want to get close to your orchid, it may be time to place them somewhere else.

Maybe a room that they can’t access or that you can leave them outside of. Hanging them from a high place can also be a solution. (Did you know that cats can jump up to 6-8 feet without a running start?) Consider 8 feet as the minimum height to be safe.

4. Use Cat Repellent

Whether you DIY or purchase it, try this only as your last resort. it’s not the most effective way to discourage a cat from doing something we don’t want them to, because they will just go find another thing to make a mess of.

If you go with repellent, try to do some training on the side (as we mentioned in point 1), so you can try to control where they go next.

FAQ’s

Are Cymbidium Orchids Poisonous to Cats?

No, Cymbidium orchids are considered non-toxic to cats. If your cat nibbles on one, it’s usually not dangerous, though some mild stomach upset could happen.

What Happens if a Cat Eats an Orchid?

Most orchid types aren’t toxic, so if your cat chews on a petal or two, they might just get a little tummy ache or throw up. Keep an eye on them, but it’s rarely serious.

What is The Most Toxic Flower to Cats?

Lilies are by far the most toxic to cats. Even a small bite, licking pollen, or drinking water from a vase can cause kidney failure and be life-threatening. NOT ALLOWED IF YOU HAVE CATS

Is Orchid Bark Safe for Cats?

Orchid bark itself isn’t considered toxic, but if your cat chews or swallows chunks, it could be a choking hazard or cause a blockage. If you are using orchid bark, try to keep it out of reach if your cat is curious.

Conclusion

The key takeaway is: your cats can live peacefully with your orchids! It can take some time to adjust some things or correct certain behaviors but it is certainly possible to achieve this.

Remember to stay away from blue orchids and to pay attention to the soil and any chemicals that you may apply to it.

Are you into succulents? Then you could have rainbow elephant bush as well!

Hope you can have thriving cats & orchids soon! 🙂