Bonsai trees are a beautiful addition to any home, but some people may be wondering if they are poisonous to cats. In this blog post, we will explore whether or not bonsai trees are harmful to cats and provide some tips on how to keep your cat safe around these plants. We hope you find this information helpful!
Bonsai trees are not poisonous to cats in any way.
While bonsai plants do have some toxic effects, often causing severe irritation of the mouth and stomach, it is nearly impossible for a cat to come into contact with enough bonsai leaves or fruit to be affected by this toxicity.
However, even though your cat should be safe around bonsai trees, there are still a few things to know about keeping your cat safe around bonsai trees.
As we mentioned above, while bonsais themselves aren’t poisonous to cats, they do carry toxic compounds that can be very harmful if ingested. The liver and kidneys of your cat are the most likely organs to be affected by bonsai toxicity.
Cats who have ingested bonsais may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or even seizuring.
If you suspect your cat is suffering from ingestion of bonsai leaves or fruit like peaches, pears, and plums (which can all be purchased at a local plant nursery), you should call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline for treatment advice.
If you do have a bonsai tree in your home, there are a few things you can do to make sure your cat stays safe.
1. Place your bonsai tree out of reach
One way to keep your cat safe around bonsai trees is to find a good spot high up on a bookshelf or cabinet for your tree so that it’s too difficult for your cat to climb and reach. Another option is to hang the plant from the ceiling. Just make sure it isn’t near anything breakable or valuable.
2. Keep your cat’s nails trimmed
Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed is a good idea for everyone, but especially if you have a bonsai tree in the home. Cats who fall from high up may be able to get their claws stuck in between branches, which can cause injury and panic for both you and your cat.
3. Talk to your veterinarian about using deterrents
If you do have a hard time keeping your cat away from the bonsai tree, there are sprays and other deterrents that you can use on your tree to keep your cat at bay. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for their professional opinion before trying any of these out.
4. Keep the soil of your bonsai tree dry
Keeping the soil of your bonsai tree dry is an important part in keeping your cat safe around these pots, especially if you see your cat trying to dig or drink from them. This will help ensure that there are no harmful toxins seeping out where your cat can get to them.
5. Keep bonsai chemicals out of your cat’s reach
While it is unlikely that your cat would come into contact with any chemicals used on a bonsai tree, it’s still important to keep these things away from your cat in case they happen to be exposed to these harmful toxins.
Inddor cats can be protected by keeping your bonsai trees outdoors.
Keeping your bonsai tree in a taller pot.
This will ensure that your cat won’t be able to jump on top of the plant and reach it.
There are dozens of plants which can harm cats if ingested, including lilies, tulips, sago palm ferns , and azaleas.
Since azaleas can be crafted into a bonsai tree, keep azaleas away from your cat OR don’t have an azalea bonsai. Which do you love most? Your cat or bonsai?
If your cat ingests bonsai fruit or parts of the plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
So, are bonsai trees poisonous to cats? The answer is a little complicated.
Bonsai tree sap and leaves contain harmful toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death in cats.
However, if you take precautions when growing and caring for your bonsai tree, it’s possible to keep your cat safe from these dangers. With a little bit of knowledge and care, you can enjoy the beauty of this unique plant while keeping your feline friend healthy and happy.
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