Pothos and Cats: A Toxicity Investigation

Date:

Share post:

Pothos is one of the most popular and widely-used houseplants. Pothos are easy to grow, are fast-growing and come in many varieties. They are popular for their trailing growth and lush foliage. They are tolerant of a variety of lighting conditions, and they also tolerate drought.

Pothos plants are a popular choice for many novices and plant enthusiasts alike. If you own a cat, you should know that pothos plants are toxic for cats.

Pothos is toxic to cats
Pothos toxicity can be detected by oral irritation (intense burning of the lips, tongue, and mouth), excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Pothos toxicity can be detected by oral irritation, which is a burning sensation in the mouth, lips, and tongue. Other symptoms include excessive drooling and vomiting. If you suspect your cat has ingested a part of the pothos plant, you should immediately call your veterinarian to have them examined.

Why do cats eat pothos?
Cats can be mischievous and curious animals. They have a tendency to get into things they shouldn’t. Creating a cat-friendly home can feel a bit like baby-proofing–except cats can climb, meaning virtually nothing is truly out of their reach. Cats are naturally carnivores but they will occasionally eat greens such as grass to help with digestion or to supplement vitamins and minerals that they may be lacking in their diet. Cat owners often find that their feline friends are attracted to plants with a grassy or trailing appearance. Pothos is one of the many houseplants that are toxic for cats.

How to help your cat and pothos coexist
Pothos plants are out of the question when you own a cat. Pothos is not a good choice for cats that are prone to eating plants. If your cat doesn’t seem to be interested in houseplants, you can keep pothos in your home with some precautions.

Hanging planters are the easiest way to keep cats away from pothos. Pothos are beautiful in hanging planters, thanks to their vine-like growth habit. This is why many people choose this option. Make sure your hanging planter doesn’t sit too close to furniture or shelves so that your cat can’t reach it. You should also trim the vines to prevent them from trailing too close (and you can propagate the cuttings). They are easily mistaken by cats as toys, and they may even nibble on one.

If your cat is an indoor cat, you can also keep them occupied by providing plenty of stimulation. Add some scratching post, cat trees and dangling toy to certain areas in your home to keep the cats occupied. Some cats like to climb on shelves and hang out high.

If your cat insists on munching some greens, you can grow some plants that are safe for cats. Cat grass is a great example, as it grows fast and is very easy to maintain. Try growing catnip inside to distract your cat from other plants. Catnip may cause hyperactivity in some cats. Limit their exposure as necessary.

spot_img

Related articles

10 DIY Landscaping Tips for Your Outdoor Space

What is the best method to beautify my yard? This is a difficult question to answer. Do-it-yourself landscapes...

Snake Plants and Dogs: A Toxicity Inquiry

Snake plants are popular indoor houseplants. They have a tough, succulent, long foliage that looks like grass. They...

14 Cat-Safe Low-Light Plants for Your Home

If you share your home with cats and plants, then it's important to only choose cat-safe houseplants for...

Orchids and Cats: A Toxicity Inquiry

Kitties are known to nibble at your houseplants. This habit can cause more than frustration. According to the...