You’ll want to know are impatiens poisonous to cats if you’re looking for an eye-catching plant to grow in your shady backyard or to use as a houseplant. It can contribute significantly to the aesthetics of your indoor and outdoor areas, thanks to its glossy and attractive leaves. There are many varieties of impatiens, with the majority used for medicinal purposes. One of its chief medical uses is reducing inflammation when rubbed on the skin. Some people use its leaves as an ingredient or garnish in their dishes. Others drink it as tea.
Are Impatiens poisonous to cats?
While cats are lovable pets, they can chew on just about anything they come across, including plants. That’s why you have to select the kind of plants to keep in your house carefully.
Why do cats chew on plants?
Most experts agree that the main reason cats chew on plants is to supplement their protein and fiber intake. That’s because most cat owners like to feed their pets with foods rich in protein and fiber. They also chew on plants to get hairballs (a common cat condition) out of their bodies. But one plant that has divided opinion as to whether it’s poisonous to cats or not is Impatiens.
According to research, most species of impatiens are not poisonous to cats. No wonder that they are used by many homeowners as house plants, window boxes, and flower beds.
Cat-Friendly Plant Rules
Avoid fresh bouquet or fresh cut flowers in your indoor spaces if you have no idea which plants are safe and unsafe to cats.
It can be difficult to identify plants that are poisonous to cats. If that’s the case with you, Google the plant’s name and search out whether it’s toxic or not. Alternatively, you can take pictures of the plant, find out its genus name, and then call an animal poison control agent to confirm for you.
Many houseplants are safe to cats, but when ingested in large amounts, they can cause stomach issues, diarrhea, or vomiting.
If you find your cat chewing on a plant and you’re not sure whether it’s safe or not, call an animal poison control agent or vet.
Other plants that cats love to chew on but are safe include:
Christmas Cactus
Although Christmas Cactus has a scary name, it’s a safe houseplant for cats. Homeowners love it because it can dramatically increase the aesthetics of any home during winter. And because they are shade-tolerant, they can be moved to areas in your backyard where sunlight never reaches during summer. So when you see your cat chewing on this plant, don’t even bother.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns might not be the most beautiful plants out there, but they can be a great addition to your indoor spaces because they are safe for pets. While many people complain about the difficulty of growing them, those that have say it requires low maintenance. And the fact that it thrives in humid and low-sunlight conditions, you won’t have to go through the trouble of moving it around your house.
Keep Your Cats Safe
While cats don’t have any real job, they make your home feel homely. So, you would not want any houseplant or outdoor plant to poison it. But that doesn’t mean staying away from houseplants completely. However, awareness is too essential so that you don’t get toxic plants into your house that could kill your curious cat. Also, remember that you will receive flowers as gifts in your lifetime. Therefore, knowledge of the toxic ones will save you and your pets from unnecessary treatment expenses.