Are Orchids Toxic To Cats?

When it comes to the springtime, you know there’s going to be a lot of new and fresh flowers, plants and trees blooming all around you – and whilst it’s a beautiful sight, it can be worrying if you have a furry friend in your home. 

Generally, you don’t have to worry about cats and toxic orchids, but with so many different varieties of orchids and cats having an independent mindset – you start to panic about the wellbeing of your cuddly companion. 

So, you need to know about orchids and their effects on cats. Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered here. 

We’re going to look at cats’ relationships with orchids and if they’re toxic to them or not. 

What Is An Orchid?

An orchid refers to a large group of flowering plants. They grow everywhere apart from in sub-zero temperatures like in Antarctica. 

Having said that, some orchids will grow in cold areas like on top of large mountains. Generally though, you can find the highest population of orchids in the rainforest and the likelihood of seeing an orchid in your country during spring is high. 

Because of their large presence around the world, it’s common that a cat will come into contact with an orchid at some point.

Are Orchids Toxic To Cats?

With such huge numbers of orchid species in the world, you’d think that they might be toxic to cats – but we’re glad to say that no orchid is toxic to cats if they ingest them!

However, if your feline friend has eaten an orchid or come into contact with one, they might get a little sick and vomit – but they should not be in any life threatening danger. 

But I’ve Heard Otherwise!

There’s a common misconception when a cat gets really sick from eating an orchid that people think it must be a toxic or poisonous orchid, but this isn’t the case. Although the moth orchid is toxic for example, it is NOT toxic to cats. 

The biggest problem you’ll need to panic about is whether or not the orchids have undergone a pesticide spray or whether there is a critter on the orchid that doesn’t agree with your cat’s tummy. 

These can be life threatening, but the orchid itself is not. 

But There Are Plants That Are Toxic To Cats, Right?

There certainly are plants growing around the place that your cat might consume and feel its toxic effects. They include, but are not limited to: 

• Foxglove 
• Azalea 
• Rhubarb 
• Daffodil 
• Daisies
• Hyacinth 
• Hosta 

There are so many more plants that cats will have horrible effects if they consume them, so always exercise caution when you’re buying a new plant for your garden. It’s a good idea to ask at the garden center or horticultural store at the counter. 

If you want the full list of plants that can be toxic to your cat, take a look at ASPCA’s guide

Why Does My Cat Eat Plants?

Cats primarily require meat as part of its diet, along of course with water and when they’re younger – their mother’s milk. But, have you ever heard the phrase “curiosity killed the cat”? 

This is because cats are very curious creatures and they love to find things out for themselves. As a result, they can sometimes get sick – but cats are very intelligent and often learn from their mistakes, unlike dogs who usually do not. 

Interestingly, a cat’s typical diet when they eat their prey – they often eat all of their kill, including the contents of the animal’s stomach. While this is horrid to think of, a lot of cat’s prey can be herbivores and therefore cats will be consuming their lunch too. 

This actually can help promote a health cat gut with good bacteria and intestinal flora, along with nutrients, water, vitamins and minerals. 

Can I Stop My Cat Eating Plants?

While your cat should be safe if they eat orchids, some plants can be deadly to them and even if they’re not – you don’t want your plants ruined! 

So, you might want to know how to stop your furry friend from eating your plants. Some cats will do this more than others, so it’ll be a subjective choice. But you can try these steps:

• Keep the plants out of your cat’s reach. This is very difficult because cats can usually get to most spots with their hunting talents! You can try wall mounting your plants or putting plants in areas that your cat is banned from going in.

• Place cinnamon or vinegar near the areas. Cats don’t like these and will avoid the area but you need to check if your plants will be affected by this first. 

• Visit a pet store for cat repellent. Some are chemical sprays (which again, you’d need to check if they’re deadly to your plants) whereas others are physical or moving objects that scare away your cat from the area. Be cautious of the cost though! 

Another idea is to give your cat an alternative to your plants. Cats love having their freedom and will often claim ownership of a specific area. Has your cat ever looked at you if you sat in their favorite seat? Same principle!

Some people create a little “cat cave” which allows their feline to take ownership of their own space. In this area, you can give them safe plants and toys or a scratching post. You could even grow safe grass for them to play on. 

The idea here is to distract the cat from areas that you don’t want them to frequent and to stop them eating your plants – keeping them safe and overall happy! 

The Bottom Line 

Orchids are not toxic to cats thankfully, but many plants are. You should be careful when placing new plants in your house or garden and always ask about your cat’s safety if you do buy a new plant. 

Happy gardening cat lovers!