Most Bonsai Trees are Poisonous To Cats and while Cats chew on anything plants, wires and even furniture Bonsai Trees are especially very attractive to cats. You should be aware as a pet parent that if a cat eats the stem, seeds, or leaves of bonsai it can go into shock and even die but not all bonsai trees are toxic to cats so prepare yourself to find out which bonsai trees are safe and what to do if a cat eats bonsai tree and what measures you can take to prevent cat poisoning.
Are Bonsai Trees Poisonous To Cats
Yes some Bonsai Trees are poisonous to cats like Sago Palm , Fig Bonsai ,Azalea Bonsai ,Sweet Plum, Norfolk Island Pine, Baby Jade Bonsai and Cherry Trees while other bonsai trees like juniper , maple and bamboo palm bonsai are safe for cats
Why are Bonsai Trees Toxic To Cats
Bonsai trees have cycasin which is a toxin that is a natural inbuilt defense mechanism that Bonsai trees to have to protect themselves against bugs and insects. Cycasin is harmless to humans but can be poisonous to cats and seriously damage the liver of cats, especially from Sago Palm Bonsai trees.
Most Poisonous Bonsai Trees For Cats
The most poisonous trees for cats are listed below
1. Sago Palm Bonsai Trees
This is the most toxic tree to cats and while every part of the sago palm bonsai tree is poisonous but the seeds are especially bad. The seeds of the sago palm bonsai tree contain cycasin which is harmful to the cat’s livers. It’s recommended not to have this tree in your house if you have pets. The best way to protect your pet from this tree is to either grow this plant outdoors or keep this tree in some sort of elevated planter so that it is outside of your cat’s reach. This tree has a nice palm shape look and is a favorite for those looking for low-maintenance plants but is not for cat owners.
2. Fig Bonsai Trees
Fig Bonsai tree is popular for having distinct leaves with five fingers. It is okay if a human ingests anything from this tree including its fruit but it is toxic for cats. For Cats, all part of this tree is poisonous including the seed, stem, fruit, and leaves. If you find that your cat has eaten anything from this tree you have to immediately call a vet.
3. Azalea Bonsai Plant
Azalea (Rhododendron) is one the most beautiful and popular varieties of bonsai but it is poisonous to cats and also to humans. Compared to other varieties Azalea is moderately toxic to cats and will not cause severe issues but will still cause sickness in cats like diarrhea, vomiting, or even coma. Cats love nibbling on this plant so you have to be extra careful as all parts of this plant can be poisonous to cats
4. Sweet Plum
Sweet Plum contains cyanide in some parts which can be fatal for cats. While they are considered only moderately toxic and if a cat has only eaten a small amount then it should be fine but they should still be treated. All Parts of this plant’s fruit, seeds, stem, and leaves are poisonous to cats. Fruits of Sweet Plum are more poisonous once they wilt as the cyanide concentration of the fruit increases as the moisture decreases.
5. Norfolk Island Pine
Norfolk island pine also known as Australian Pine is a popular bonsai tree sold at Christmas time and is poisonous to cats. Most cats have either drunk water or have ingested the pine needles from the plant which have proven to be poisonous to them. If a cat ingests the plant it may lead to gastrointestinal problems and dermatitis and they should be shown to the vet.
6. Baby Jade Bonsai Plant (Chinese Rubber Plant)
Baby Jade Bonsai Plant also known as the Chinese rubber plant is great for indoor decor of the house however all parts of the Baby Jade Bonsai Plants seeds, leaves, and stems are poisonous to cats. If your cat eats any part of this plant especially leaves it can lead to vomiting, slowing down of heart rate, or even loss of muscle function. Other symptoms can include, depression, being overly sleepy, or getting over-angry.
7. Cherry Trees
The beautiful-looking cherry trees can cause problems for your cats as parts of the plant contain cyanide just like the plum tree. The cherry fruit is fine but the rest of the plant is toxic to cats. Compared to other varieties of bonsai trees Cherry tree is comparatively less poisonous but is still harmful. If cats eat small amounts of the plant it would be fine but if they eat larger amounts there will be trouble. After eating this the symptoms shown by the cat would be difficulty in breathing, red gums, pupils being dilated, and sometimes if eaten too much can lead to shock and death
Safest Bonsai Trees For Cats
However, there are some bonsai trees that are safe for cats you can see from the list below
Juniper Bonsai Trees
This is one of the best bonsai trees, especially the Japanese juniper variety it is a short and adorable plant that is low to the ground. The Stem of this tree has a mildly poisonous element to dogs but is safe for cats. Everything depends on the variety that you use there is a variety called Juniperus Sabrina which has berries that are actually poisonous to humans.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo Palm is a great choice to grow inside your house as it is not poisonous to either cats or dogs. It is a low-maintenance plant and is also very hardy with the plus point being that it has beautiful green leaves which if your cats want they can easily nibble on without any harm. It has a high tolerance for shades and can be put on the window sill so that your cat can enjoy the sun with it
Maple Bonsai Trees
Maple Bonsai trees are a very good bonsai option for growing in the house as they are not poisonous to cats or dogs though they can be toxic to horses. Choose any of the varieties to use in the house as most of them are colorful and showy varieties that most people enjoy
Keeping Cats Safe From Bonsai Trees
There are multiple ways to grow a bonsai tree and keep cats also here are some ideas
- If you have an indoor cat you choose to grow the bonsai tree outdoors and if you have an outdoor cat you can grow your bonsai tree indoors
- Try Growing your bonsai trees at a height using elevated planters or high shelves also take care that there is no furniture nearby that may allow your cat to reach those Bonsai trees
- You can create a dedicated space for your plants by creating a greenhouse or part of the house where pets are not allowed, it might not be possible for everyone but for those who can do it, they will find it meditative and relaxing.
- Find plants that the cats can nibble on like cat thyme or silvervine or catnip which are healthier and safer options
- Spread some animal-repelling sprays or citrus on your bonsai trees that will make sure cats stay away from those trees as cats hate citrus.
Symptoms of Cat Poisoning
If your cat is poisoned then it will show some of these general symptoms but do note that symptoms vary depending on the type of bonsai trees being ingested
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Over Sleeping
- Feeling lethargic
- Feeling not interested in grooming itself
- Having difficulty in breathing
- Slowing heart rate
- Other Gastro issues
- Coma
A lot of these symptoms appear late so it’s better that you always keep a watch on your cat around bonsai trees and if you think that your cat has nibbled on something call a vet.
What to do if you feel your Cat has been poisoned by Bonsai Tree
you have to practively see if you have seen any part of the Bonsai tree has been chewed or nibbled on by your cat take the following action
- Look Into your cat’s mouth and try to take the remaining part out of its mouth
- Call the Vet or the pet poison helpline
- Try the wash your cat’s mouth if you feel confident about doing so but don’t try to induce vomiting in the cat unless instructed so by the vet
- While taking your cat to the vet try taking the sample of the bonsai tree which has been chewed on as different bonsai trees have different chemicals and will have different treatment
Conclusion
A Bonsai Tree is always a great choice for improving the decor of your house but if you have a cat then you have to be safe you can choose the right safe bonsai tree option from our choices above so that you can enjoy both cats and bonsai tree in the house.
Trusted Citations & Sources Used
Articles on Itishomegarden are thoroughly researched and fact-checked using trusted resources to ensure that they are relevant and accurate Here is a list of references for this article
- ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
- APSCA Jade https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/jade-plant
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