A Bromeliad is a low-maintenance plant that provides a tropical ambiance, but my cats keep nibbling it, so I had to ensure that it was not toxic and would not harm my furry friend.
Bromeliads are non-toxic to pets, so you can add them to your sanctuary without concerns.
However, there are certain things you need to consider while taking care of a Bromeliad and your cat together indoors.
Continue reading to learn more about the toxicity of Bromeliads and how to protect them from your cat.
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Is Bromeliad Toxic to Cats?
Let me make it simple for you: No, Bromeliad is non-toxic to cats.
No part of Bromeliad is considered toxic to cats. It is a completely safe plant to add to your household decorative collection.
That being said, if your cat constantly nibbles on leaves, roots, flowers, or sap of Bromeliad, then some indigestion problems may occur.
Bromeliads may be non-toxic, but there is fiber in their leaves. Too much plant fiber ingestion may induce digestive issues in cats, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Be cautious, as there is a possibility your cat could be allergic to the Bromeliad plant you own, or it could choke on the leaves.
Also, if you have freshly fertilized your plant, it can pose a threat to your cat if it nibbles on the plant.
Some humans and animals may get irritation and rashes on the skin due to Bromeliad poisoning.
Symptoms of Bromeliad Poisoning
Bromeliad poisoning can occur to you or your pets, depending on how your body handles the allergies.
Cats are curious creatures that occasionally go overboard while nibbling on things they should not.
Your cat may vomit the part it ate as a result of its body not digesting it, but do not panic; it is not the poison that causes them to vomit.
However, this does not mean you can let your cat devour the whole plant. The sap of Bromeliads can still pose a grave threat to your cat’s digestive system.
If your cat consumed a large amount of Bromeliad, it might show you the following symptoms of distress.
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling and Drooling
- Constant meowing and pawing
- Feeling Lethargic
If you witness your cat showing any of the symptoms mentioned above, I suggest you take immediate action before it is too late.
Take your cat to the nearest vet ASAP! Or you can seek help from these helplines as well.
- Pet Poison Helpline, 855-764-7661
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 888-426-4435
How to Prevent Your Cat from Eating Bromeliad?
Felines are known for their playfulness and curiosity. They like to sniff, chew, toss, and turn everything that comes in contact with them.
So no one and nothing is safe from their curiosity which can be good or bad depending on the situation.
When it comes to indoor plants, cats occasionally have a tendency to bounce around and tip the pot over, creating a huge mess.
Actually, your cat poses a greater threat to your plant than your plant. Therefore, preventing and keeping your cat from eating Bromeliad is mainly for your plant’s good.
Constant nibbling of the leaves and stems and digging the pot may uproot the plant, which can hinder its growth and also cause them to die.
Therefore, it is always in plants’ best interest to keep your pets away.
Here are a few tips that you can do to keep your pets away from your plant.
- Place your plant out of the reach of your cat. You can place the plants in a hanging basket.
- Use pebbles on the pot, so your cat won’t be able to dig up the soil and create a mess around your House.
- There are a lot of cat repellents available now. You can use them so your cat won’t come near your plant.
- Keep an eye on your cat and use a spray bottle whenever they come near the plant. Doing this for a while will keep them away.
- You can mix orange juice in the water and spray it on the plant’s foliage.
By now, you must have had the idea that Bromeliad does not do any grave damage to the cats, but it still is better to keep them away from the Bromeliads.
From Editorial Team
Bromeliads are one of the best choices for House plants as they can be grown anywhere according to your preference and comfort.
Most importantly, they are safe for cats. If you have a cat, you can warmly welcome Bromeliad to the House.
