If you love to grow an orchid as an indoor plant due to its colourful and stunning petals, but have a cat at home, it’s vital to gather information on whether orchids are safe for cats or toxic to them. Not all orchid varieties are poisonous for cats, but there are some species which you should avoid planting as a pet owner. This blog mainly analyses whether orchids are toxic and lists the species which may be problematic for cats.
What Draws Cats to Orchids?
Most of the pets have a usual habit of nibbling plants grown indoors, and cats are no different. Unlike the hypothesis given by a few experts in the past that cats eat orchids if they want to vomit, the real reason is slightly different. Cats nibble on the plant as part of their fun activity or to relieve stress and boredom.
Are All Orchid Species Toxic to Cats?
No, not all species of orchids are toxic. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has listed the Phalaenopsis orchid genus as non-toxic to pets. Out of 25000 species of the Orchidaceae family, there’s no proven fact regarding the toxic genus and non-toxic ones. However, “lady slipper orchids” are known to cause irritation to humans, so pet owners presume the same for their pets. It’s essential to know the non-toxic varieties to plant them fearlessly.
List of Non-Toxic Orchids for Cats
Here is the list of the non-toxic orchid species you can grow indoors without fear, even with pets around. Also, know their characteristics for easy identification.
Ludisia Discolour (Jewel Orchid)- It’s a terrestrial orchid grown for its smooth and dark green leaves with beautiful red or gold veins. Homeowners prefer to grow them for their foliage rather than their flowers.
Encyclia Tampensis (Butterfly Orchid)- It has pseudobulbs with very thin leaves. During summer, it produces fragrant greenish-yellow flowers with a unique purple lip.
Cattleya (Corsage Orchids)- It is known as the queen of orchids, known for its large and vibrant colours (pink, purple, yellow and white) and fragrant blooms. These orchids are mostly used in floral arrangements.
Reed-Stem Epidendrum (Reed Orchids)- Reed orchids can be grown even if you are a beginner because of their easy cultivation. It is preferred owing to its bright and long-lasting flowers.
Masdevellia (Flag Orchids)- It is native to Mexico, Central and South America and can be seen growing at high altitude in cloud forest. It is prized for its compact growth habit and beautiful blooms.
Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchids)- it is one of the popular choices of orchid enthusiasts due to the vibrant colours of flowers and their patterns and sizes. It can be grown indoors as well as outdoors with minimal upkeep.
Odontoglossum (Butterfly Orchids)- It is native to Western South America and grows at a high altitude, as it prefers to grow in cool temperatures. The unique, large flower petals last for weeks.
Dendrobium (Orchids)- It is known for its bright and long-lasting flowers in different colours like white, purple and yellow. These orchids adapt to various growing conditions.
Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids)- It’s a low-maintenance houseplant with wide and feathery leaves. The flowers have a butterfly shape and are white, pink and purple. It has long, arching stems.
Problems Arising From Orchids, Despite Being Non-Toxic
Even if orchids are non-toxic, there are potential issues that may crop up if cats ingest the plant. Here are the problems:
Gastrointestinal Problems
Cats are unable to digest plant materials, so when cats ingest orchids, it may cause gastrointestinal irritation in cats. The issue can be identified with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Irritation
Some parts of orchids can cause irritation to cats. Some orchid leaves have a fibrous nature, and the flower parts have sharp edges that can potentially cause minor injury or irritation to cats.
A Layer of Fertiliser or Pesticides on Orchids
Orchids are at times treated with fertilisers and pesticides, and the residue on the orchids can pose health risks to cats if they lick or chew the plant. The symptoms could be tremors or mild pawing at the mouth.
Allergy
There are two reasons for an allergy. One is direct contact with orchids, and the second is the sensitivity of cats to pollen.
Tricks to Keep Cats Away From Orchids
“Prevention is better than cure” always works irrespective of the situation. Here are some common ways to keep cats away.
-
Keep orchid plants at a height that should be inaccessible to cats. You can grow orchids in baskets that can be hung.
-
Apply natural deterrent methods like sprinkling cinnamon or cayenne pepper on the leaves of orchid plants because cats highly dislike the smell and taste.
-
Use aluminium to line the area around the orchid because cats get scared by the noise of aluminium and its texture.
Conclusion
Not all orchids are toxic, and the list of non-toxic species is mentioned in this blog. It can help you opt for the non-toxic variety to ensure the safety of cats. You should also consider some tricks to deter cats from the area where orchids are grown.
